Kelsey K.
5.0
Studied at Columbia University
Worked at Columbia Business School
Available Sunday at 6:00 PM UTC
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About Kelsey
✔ Former M7 adcom — I know how decisions are made ✔ 93% admit rate, $180K avg. scholarships ✔ Proven success: Helped clients go from rejection to admits at HBS & GSB ✔ Friendly but direct: I give honest, clear feedback to help you grow ✔ You’ll walk away with confidence and a clear strategy I’m a former Columbia Business School admissions officer turned MBA coach — and the founder of Embark MBA. I’ve helped hundreds of clients gain admission to top programs including HBS, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, and LBS, CBS, Booth, Kellogg, and more! At Columbia, I reviewed thousands of applications, managed the global interview program, and oversaw the dual-degree admissions with the Law, Medical, and Journalism schools. I now bring that insider perspective to help you stand out. Whether you’re early in the process or polishing final drafts, I offer sharp strategic guidance, no-fluff feedback, and full support across resume, essays, school strategy, interviews, and more. Let’s craft a story and application that feels authentic — and gets results.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I know how isolating the MBA application process can feel and how transformative the right guidance can be. As the first in my family to attend college, I’ve seen the power of education firsthand. Later, as an admissions officer at Columbia Business School, I saw how often strong candidates struggled to tell their stories in a way that resonated. Coaching lets me change that. I partner with applicants to help them clarify who they are, what they want, and why they belong at the world’s best business schools.
Work Experience
Founder
Embark
October 2020 - Present
EmbarkMBA is a boutique MBA Admissions consulting firm founded by former M7 Adcom. My superpower is helping applicants craft materials that sound and feel like them. I’ve helped hundreds of MBA-hopefuls - 93% have succeeded, with 59% receiving scholarships (an average of $180k). I achieve this by simplifying the application process, providing individualized and tailored advice, and spending time to deeply understand my clients.
Assistant Director of Admissions
Columbia Business School
2014 - 2017
Admissions Committee Experience
I served on Columbia Business School’s admission committee, where I reviewed countless applications, interviewed candidates, managed the world-wide interview program, served as a waitlist manager, and managed the dual degree programs for the Law, Medical, and Journalism schools.
Education
Columbia University
Evolutionary Biology
55 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Kelsey has helped clients get into these schools: