Erika (SBC) Reviews

I was skeptical at first about using a consulting service to help me with my MBA applications, but I’m a believer now. From the initial strategy call, to the edits and re-edits of essays, all the way to the interview-prep help, Erika was my cheerleader, trusted advisor and go-to person whenever I had questions (and trust me, I had a lot). When it comes to MBA applications, candor is king, and Erika did an amazing job at keeping me on the path that we had outlined.

Initially, Erika told me that my four top-choice schools—Stanford, Harvard, Berkeley and MIT—were the four toughest schools to get into (by acceptance rate, respectively). Even knowing this, Erika and SBC took the risk and worked with me, knowing that it could hurt their own client acceptance rate numbers. My GMAT/GPA stats were very average at the schools I was applying to (below average at my top choices), and I knew that I would need a compelling story. I had the work background and personal initiatives on my resume to tell that story, and Erika challenged me to be authentic, to show and not tell, and to craft my story until it was perfect.

I ended up applying to six schools in round one (all top-ten), and with the help of Erika and SBC, I was able to land four interviews, eventually getting admitted to one of my top choices—Berkeley!

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Choosing to hire SBC made all the difference for me. Either way there would have been 20 rewrites of each application and 200 tears and roller coasters of hope and doubt, but with SBC I got admitted into my top dream school. Practically, it’s a relief to have someone tell you “Yes, that sentence sucks, write a new one” or “No, it’s great, don’t touch it anymore”. Saves you time and anxiety, and gives you confidence that you are submitting the best told version of your story. Getting into Tuck is the most incredible opportunity I’ve ever been given and I’m convinced that without Erika Olson and the Blackman team I would not be heading to Dartmouth this fall. With everything you’re about to invest in an MBA, there is no reason not to hire SBC to get into the best program you can. My ego may have gotten knocked around as I grinded through applications, but there is nothing like the feeling I’ve had since I got my admissions call. I’ll be reaching my top potential in life because of SBC.

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I had a great experience with Stacy Blackman Consulting (SBC). Erika was my consultant and was exactly what I needed. I talked to 3-4 different firms before going with SBC. Something I really appreciated about Erika was that she wasn’t afraid to tell me when she disagreed. She always gave me VERY candid feedback, which was awesome. I always knew that she would tell me exactly what she was thinking rather than letting waste time or take the wrong approach. I also loved how responsive Erika and SBC in general were. Every time I reached out or had questions, they got back to me within a day. I always felt like my application was a priority. They also had tons of helpful resources that I looked at all the time (blog, guides, wiki, etc.).

The best feeling for me out of the entire experience was that when I hit submit on my applications, I knew that I had put my very best foot forward because of the help I received from Erika and SBC. I’m headed to Wharton this summer.

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Despite starting the application process over a year ago, delaying a year due to a promotion, and then restarting, Erika remained patient and thoughtful while helping refine my applications. One of my constant worries throughout the process was making sure that my application stood out. Erika's candid advice was invaluable when it came to determining which experiences to focus on to ensure that my true personality and character were on display. No detail was left unchecked or unexplored, and I believe that gave me the edge I needed. Particularly in hindsight, I realize how important it was to have such an honest, experienced application mentor. If I ever had to go through the application process again, I would ask Erika to help in a heartbeat, and I would absolutely recommend her and SBC to my friends and family.

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I can 100% confidently say that hiring a consultant was the best decision I made throughout the entire MBA Admissions process. I worked with Erika through Stacy Blackman Consulting and I could not have achieved my goals without her. I was admitted to 2 of the 5 schools I applied (admitted at Wharton and Stern; also applied to HBS, Kellogg and CBS) and even received a very sizeable scholarship/fellowship to Wharton!


While my application and essays were fully written and completed by me, Erika was extremely helpful in helping me create and craft my story to tell it in the most succinct, effective and creative way possible! Looking back on my finished product, I am so proud of what I submitted and I know without her I would have submitted very different applications and essays that would have paled in comparison.


Not only was Erika a huge asset in helping me craft my story, but she also was invaluable helping me prepare for interviews. Her insight and advice during this process put me at ease and helped me focus. In fact, she was one of the first people I told when I received good news!

Erika was an absolute pleasure to work with! She motivated and encouraged me when I needed it but also knew when to push me for more. She knew when to tell me to slow down and relax...in the best way possible. She brought the best out of me in this process and I can honestly say that I think we made an incredible team!

Additionally, Stacy Blackman also offers comprehensive support services such as a client liaison, flight tests and group interview prep that I didn't really find anywhere else. I used each of these resources and I am certain that they helped me create a better package.


While the investment is not cheap (SBC does offer payment plans), at the end of the day I viewed it as an investment in myself and my future. I look back at the entire process knowing that I did everything I could possibly do to put myself in the best position to get into a top program, and the #1 thing on that list was partnering with Erika at Stacy Blackman Consulting.

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