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Earning a spot at Harvard Business School is no small feat. Every detail of your application matters, and experienced guidance can turn your story into your greatest asset. The following experts are more than just coaches; they’re trusted strategists, accomplished professionals, and former insiders, each with a proven record of helping applicants break through at HBS. Their perspectives are varied – former AdComs, recent MBAs, industry leaders, and master storytellers – but their results are united by one metric: success at Harvard. Whether you’re looking for a coach who helps nontraditional candidates or one who specializes in the HBS interview, you’ll find your match on this list. See all MBA admissions coaches here.
Geri T.
Former HBS AdCom | 100+ M7 Admits | Top 50 Leland Coach ’23 & ’24
Experience: Eight years on the HBS MBA Admissions Board: reviewed thousands of applications, conducted hundreds of interviews, launched and managed the HBS 2+2 Program. Advises candidates on every aspect of the MBA application.
Specialties:
- Application strategy and branding
- Essay and resume writing
- Interview preparation (incl. HBS)
- Recommender selection
- Deferred admissions
- International applicants
Geri brings a rare level of warmth and candor to coaching, paired with the insight only a former AdCom can offer. Her deep, first-person understanding of how files are read at HBS ensures you’ll avoid pitfalls and maximize your strengths. Clients routinely note her ability to demystify a high-pressure process and her practical tips for both traditional and nontraditional backgrounds. If you want to understand what “standing out” means to Harvard, Geri can break it down for you.
"I could not recommend Geri more highly for anyone going through their MBA admissions process! She is so incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. Of course she is an expert in HBS, and the perspectives that she brings are very unique and valuable. She really helps you understand what the Adcom is looking for and it is such an advantage knowing what to avoid and what to prioritize. So many of the interview prep questions she had prepared specifically for me were extremely similar to the real deal! Any serious applicant to HBS would greatly regret not working with Geri!!!"
Coached by Geri | Accepted to HBS
Betsy M.
HBS MBA | 175+ HSW Admits, 1000+ M7 Admits | Ex-GSB Staff
Experience: Harvard MBA and early alumna; founder of Master Admissions; career coach/communications leader at Stanford GSB; past investment banker (Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, etc.); 10 years experience in Asia, longtime AIGAC member.
Specialties:
- HBS, GSB, and Wharton strategy
- Essays and personal stories
- Resume and interview preparation
- Kennedy School joint program applicants
- Veteran and international candidates
Betsy brings gravitas, humor, and sharp editorial instincts honed from decades of experience on both sides of the admissions process and around the globe. Her record is unmatched – over 175 successful Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton admits – and her approach is tailored, strategic, and deeply attentive. For those aiming for the most competitive schools, Betsy is the north star for polished, high-impact applications.
"Betsy invested the time and energy upfront to truly understand who I was as a person and what my goals in life are, going deeper than most relationships I maintain. In doing so, Betsy was able to help me craft a narrative that truly broke the mold and was differentiated (which is important when at face value you fit simply into the tired white male in finance archetype). Not only did Betsy’s counsel help me tell a compelling story for business school admissions offices, but it also helped me sharpen my own understanding of who I am, my values, and how I will leave a mark on this world. That alone is invaluable! Without Betsy’s guidance, I would not have been able to achieve the business school outcomes I had — getting into three of the four schools I applied to, including a H/S/W, and exceeding my own expectations."
Coached by Betsy | Accepted to HBS, Stanford, and Wharton
Alyssa T.
Wharton MBA & Ex-Bain Manager | Expert in Crafting Winning Apps
Experience: Former Manager at Bain & Company New York; MBA/MA from The Wharton School with Lauder dual degree; magna cum laude from Brown in History and Economics; Phi Beta Kappa. Years of strategic consulting and coaching experience for applicants aiming for top-tier business schools.
Specialties:
- Consulting recruiting and application strategy
- Essay and story development
- Interview prep (case and fit)
- International students targeting US programs
- Top school (M7) applicants
- Low-income/first-generation backgrounds
Alyssa stands out for her precision and honesty: you’ll get actionable feedback that cuts through the noise and helps you build the skills and application that HBS looks for. Her blend of analytical rigor and creative storytelling means every candidate, no matter their background, is equipped to shine. If you’re angling for a consulting role post-HBS, or navigating the US admissions landscape as an international student, Alyssa’s firsthand insight is invaluable. Expect both candor and encouragement at every step.
"Alyssa helped me nail the interview that I did in order to get into the graduate program of my dreams. Her approach was very organized and showed thoughtfulness toward my specific situation. As a mentor myself now I keep the lessons I learned from her in mind."
Coached by Alyssa
Tanner C.
Harvard MBA | Great for Applicants with Non-Traditional Backgrounds
Experience: Harvard Business School grad; Vice President and Chief of Staff at Fenway Sports Group, advisor to John W. Henry; former ZS Associates consultant, with stints at the Boston Red Sox and New York Jets. Helped students with a range of profiles win admits to HBS, Wharton, Booth, Columbia, Kellogg, GSB.
Specialties:
- Storytelling for non-traditional candidates
- Overcoming low GMATs or unusual backgrounds
- HBS interview and resume prep
- School selection strategy
- Recommender guides and prep
- First-generation/international applicants
Tanner is a steady hand for those who don’t fit the “typical” mold. He understands how to turn uncertainty into strength, particularly for those coming from unconventional industries or academic paths. Having successfully navigated the HBS process himself – despite a 720 GMAT and coming from an overrepresented demographic – he brings compassion, creativity, and practical wisdom. If your application story is complex or unconventional, Tanner will help you own it and translate it into impact.
"As a nontraditional applicant, I could not have asked for a better coach during the interview process. Tanner helped me craft my story and build the right narrative to help me present myself in the right way during the interviews. He was always so approachable and there to support you when you needed help. I was in a timezone 8 hours ahead, and he was always flexible and willing to accommodate (which was a game changer for me). He walked me through his entire experience and gave me the confidence I needed walking in. His insights were key in helping me get in. I can't recommend Tanner enough!"
Coached by Tanner | Accepted to HBS
Caleb O.
HBS & Stanford GSB Admit | Specializing in Crafting Your Narrative
Experience: Current HBS MBA; admits to Stanford GSB, Columbia, NYU, MIT, Kellogg (with scholarships). Past strategy roles at DoorDash, Activate Consulting, A24, EY-Parthenon. Peer writing coach at Brown.
Specialties:
- Narrative development and essay crafting
- Resume transformation
- Interview coaching
- Candidates with diverse/creative backgrounds
- Applying to multiple top programs
Caleb’s gift is helping you put your true self at the center of your application. He believes every story is unique and puts in the time to help you uncover and articulate yours. With both peer and professional coaching experience and a knack for storytelling honed across consulting, tech, and media, Caleb is especially impactful for applicants eager to stand out through the power of their narrative.
"Caleb has done a terrific job helping me prepare for my MBA applications. He has coached me on essay writing, has pointed towards the most helpful material to study for the GRE, and even helped me break down a study plan to keep my application on track. Caleb also has tremendous social skills and a high EQ. He has been the sounding board and gentle guide throughout this process. I cannot endorse him as a coach enough."
Coached by Caleb
Kerry P.
Former HBS AdCom and Kellogg MBA | 100+ M7 Admits | Top Leland Coach
Experience: Six years on the HBS admissions board leading outreach, launching the 2+2 Program, and evaluating global applicant pools. MBA from Kellogg, eight years in brand marketing at Nestlé, Stacy Blackman Consulting experience.
Specialties:
- School fit and selection
- Crafting and refining career goals
- Story/narrative development
- Essay and resume editing
- Recommendations/interview prep
- Deferred and first-gen applicants
Kerry navigates applicants through HBS admissions with clarity and partnership, drawing equally on her AdCom expertise and her eye for storytelling from a marketing career. She’s particularly attuned to candidates from diverse industries and those pursuing deferred admission. Kerry is known for her supportive, demystifying approach, making even high-achievers feel at ease and helping emerging leaders discover their strongest, most authentic pitch.
"Kerry does a phenomenal job learning everything about your story then helps you synthesize and highlight key elements that resonate with what each program is looking for. She will be an honest thought partner, pushing you to refine when she thinks you can do better while keeping you motivated and enthusiastic throughout the process. She draws on her vast knowledge and coveted expertise from being on admissions to give you insights you cannot find elsewhere. Absolutely worth it working with her!"
Coached by Kerry, accepted to HBS
Regan R.
Harvard MBA Grad, Admissions Rep & Panelist, Here for the "Nontraditionals"
Experience: Harvard Business School grad; former HBS admissions representative and panelist; Google and Verily strategy/operations leader. Background in engineering and startups.
Specialties:
- Storytelling for nontraditional candidates
- Essays and interview coaching
- Translating technical/engineering backgrounds for business schools
- Application positioning for top programs
- International applicants
For the applicant whose resume doesn’t fit the usual mold, Regan is an empathetic guide and tireless advocate. Her firsthand knowledge as an HBS grad and admissions volunteer gives her perspective on what resonates with the committee for all backgrounds, especially those often overlooked. Regan’s approach is personal and grounded in the belief that anyone, regardless of where they come from, can carve out their place at Harvard and in business.
"I had a wonderful HBS mock interview experience with Regan. Some of the questions we practiced showed up in the real interview! Regan also gave thoughtful, in-depth feedback I could implement before my interview. Overall, Regan was deeply supportive and I'm glad I was able to work with her."
Coached by Regan | Accepted to HBS
Rachel P.
Harvard MBA with a 690 GMAT | Expert in HBS & GSB Strategy
Experience: HBS MBA; accepted to both HBS and Stanford GSB with a 690 GMAT; career in finance/venture capital. Admitted after overcoming multiple rejections, eight GMAT retakes, and personal hurdles.
Specialties:
- Application strategy for HBS/GSB admits
- Strategic positioning and storytelling
- Interview preparation
- Essays for candidates with test or resume concerns
- First-gen and low-income applicants
Rachel doesn’t just talk about defying the odds, she’s done it. Her approach is direct, honest, and effective, perfect for applicants who want candid feedback and an edge in the most competitive applicant pools. If you’ve felt like an outsider or have been told you’re not the “typical” admit, Rachel will help you weaponize your differences and channel them into a compelling narrative admissions committees won’t be able to ignore.
"I was totally overwhelmed with the business school application process and Rachel was instrumental in helping me craft my business school essays and ensuring the application reflected the best version of myself. Specifically, she helped me hone in on the right messaging for the “Tell me about yourself” HBS essay question. I would 100% recommend her to anyone starting the application process - for essays and interview prep."
Coached by Rachel | Accepted to HBS
Bill C.
Top 20 MBA Expert | Low Quant / Non-Traditional Candidate Specialist
Experience: MBA from the Paul Merage School of Management; 15+ years as an MBA admissions coach with hundreds of clients into top US and global programs, including M7. Background in engineering, business, and entrepreneurship.
Specialties:
- Low-quant and nontraditional applicant focus
- Resume and recommender strategy
- Essay development and editing
- Project-managed deadlines and planning
- School selection for diverse career paths
Bill is the ultimate strategist for candidates who worry their stats or atypical background might hold them back. He combines a meticulous project-managed approach with a knack for helping you find and communicate your unique value proposition to HBS. For detail-oriented support and a proven system that leads to real, measurable results, Bill’s coaching is hard to beat.
"I had a great time working with Bill through the entire application process for HBS (admitted) and Stanford (waitlisted). As an older candidate with a decade of experience, the first thing that stood out when I spoke to Bill was how well he was able to articulate the potential weaknesses in my application and how I could work through them. That contrasted pretty heavily with other consultants who I had spoken to, who were generally impressed by my resume and story and didn’t provide enough constructive feedback in our initial consultations. Bill walked me through the nuances of the different schools and we collaboratively brainstormed about different ways in which I could present my story. He was always available and provided quality and prompt feedback, and ultimately that resulted in a solid application. I highly recommend working with Bill!"
Coached by Bill | Accepted to HBS
Kieran C.
Stanford & HBS Admit | 100+ MBA Successes | Ex-Credit Suisse
Experience: Admitted to both Stanford GSB and HBS; former banker/impact investor with Credit Suisse, Blue Ridge Labs, and Soros Fund. Author of “Mastering B-School Apps.” Has advised over 100 successful admits to GSB/HBS, especially for nontraditional pathways.
Specialties:
- First-gen, low-income, and international candidates
- Personal statement and essay coaching
- Scholarship and test prep support
- Interview prep
- Candid, step-by-step guidance
Kieran’s brand of coaching shatters the idea that only a certain “type” gets into HBS. He’s been there – no Ivy, no coach, no 99th-percentile GMAT – and has since empowered many others to break in as well. His direct, practical, and empathetic process is a beacon for applicants who want to lead with their authentic story and leverage their whole life journey in applications.
"I had extremely helpful conversations with Kieran about the MBA application process and the benefits of undertaking an MBA. He is a great listener, very thoughtful and thorough in his assessments of what I could do to bolster my application and prepare for tests. Kieran shared useful follow ups with additional resources, tips and offers to connect me to more MBA students in his personal network. Working with Kieran would definitely give you an advantage!"
Coached by Kieran
Get Into HBS With the Help of an Expert
Working with an experienced MBA admissions coach doesn’t just help you avoid pitfalls: it gives you a powerful advantage in the race for Harvard. Explore each coach’s full profile to see who feels right for your journey. Every coach offers a free 15-minute intro call so you can ask questions, get a sense of their approach, and ensure it’s a fit before you commit. Still unsure where to start? Book a free strategy and coach matching call with a member of the Leland team, and let us help pair you with the best partner for your Harvard Business School goals.
Read more:
- How to Write the HBS Essays: Prompts, Tips, and Examples from Admits
- MBA Application Timeline: What to Do and When to Apply (Month-by-Month Guide)
- MBA Interviews: What to Expect, How to Prepare, and How to Stand Out
- Giving Reflection the Time It Deserves in MBA Applications
- MBA Requirements: What You Need to Apply (and What Top Programs Really Look For)
Harvard Business School Application – FAQs
What GPA do you need for Harvard Business School?
- While there is no minimum GPA requirement for the Harvard Business School application, successful applicants typically have strong academic records. The average GPA for the HBS MBA class in recent years has hovered around 3.7 to 3.8. However, prospective applicants with slightly lower GPAs can still be competitive if they excel in other areas of the MBA application process, such as test scores, leadership roles, impactful career choices, and compelling HBS essays.
Is 740 a good GMAT score for Harvard?
- Yes, a 740 is an excellent GMAT score for Harvard Business School. It is above the average GMAT of most admitted students in the HBS MBA program, typically around 730. However, admissions decisions are holistic, so strong application materials, demonstrated curiosity, and clear future goals are equally important. Admissions consultants often stress that a high score can help but won’t guarantee admission – it’s about how your story aligns with the HBS program’s values and the case method learning model.
Can I get into Harvard MBA with a 3.4 GPA?
- Yes, it’s possible to gain admission to Harvard Business School with a 3.4 GPA, especially if you bring a unique background, strong leadership, or entrepreneurial achievements to your MBA application journey. HBS looks for students interested in creating impact in the world, so if your career showcases growth, business-minded initiatives, or significant responsibility, that can help offset a lower GPA. Highlighting self-awareness and learning through the HBS essays and post-interview reflection can make a meaningful difference.
Can I get a full ride to Harvard MBA?
- While Harvard Business School does not offer merit-based scholarships, it does provide need-based fellowships to help cover the cost of the MBA program. Nearly 50% of students receive aid, and amounts can reach up to full tuition depending on financial need. Applicants should complete the online application and financial aid forms to be considered. If scholarships are a priority, MBA admissions consulting can help you explore external funding sources and develop a financial aid strategy during your application process.
How hard is it to get into Harvard Business School?
- Harvard Business School is one of the most competitive business schools in the world, with acceptance rates typically under 12%. The HBS application evaluates academic excellence, leadership roles, professional impact, and fit with the case study method. To stand out, applicants need a well-rounded application that reflects clarity of purpose, career ambition, and personal growth. Many candidates work with admissions consultants to avoid common mistakes and present a compelling narrative throughout their interview experience, essays, and other application materials.
What GPA do I need for Harvard Business School?
There is no strict cutoff, but the average GPA of admitted students is around 3.7. However, Harvard Business evaluates GPA in the context of your college rigor, coursework, and trends. If your GPA is lower, it’s essential to demonstrate intellectual horsepower through your GRE score or GMAT, strong recommendations, and depth in your essay responses. The application process rewards those who reflect on their growth, show knowledge of the HBS program, and articulate how they’ll contribute to the MBA class and the broader HBS community.
