Top 10 MBA Consultants for Veterans & Active Military (2025-2026)
Discover the top 10 MBA consultants for veterans and active military in 2025–2026. Expert guidance to translate your service into a standout MBA application and win admission to top business schools.
Posted August 27, 2025
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Veterans and active-duty applicants bring leadership, grit, and mission focus – qualities top MBA programs prize – but translating those experiences into admissions language takes precision. This carefully curated list spotlights elite coaches with proven success guiding military applicants into the nation’s top business schools. From former Special Forces officers to M7 graduates and seasoned admissions insiders, you’ll find a range of styles – data-driven strategy, story-centered coaching, interview mastery – so you can choose the partner who best fits your goals and voice.
Alex C.
Experience: Stanford GSB MBA, former U.S. Army Infantry Officer, and ex-BCG strategy consultant with admits to GSB, HBS, MIT Sloan, Kellogg, and Haas. Former TALK Coach at Stanford who has guided numerous candidates on essays, interviews, and strategy.
Specialties:
- Military-to-MBA program storytelling
- Essay strategy and development
- Interview preparation
- Non-traditional and first-gen/low-income applicants
- School-specific positioning for GSB, HBS, Sloan, Kellogg, Haas
Alex has lived the military-to-GSB transition and knows how to translate field-tested leadership into a compelling business narrative. If you want to frame deployments, command, and problem-solving in the language admissions committees prize, Alex is a sharp, empathetic partner. Veterans and first-gen applicants who need to stand out at ultra-selective programs will appreciate his school-specific insight and disciplined, narrative-first approach.
"Alex supported me through every stage of the MBA journey, from GMAT prep to application strategy, essays, and mock interviews. What I love most about working with him is his honesty and how present he always is. He never made me feel like he was too busy and always found time to help for as long as I needed. His feedback was thoughtful, personalized, and actually actionable. I also turned to him again when preparing for consulting interviews, and his support was just as valuable the second time around."
Coached by Alex, accepted to Stanford GSB and Columbia Business School
Alex H.
Experience: University of Pennsylvania alum with master’s-level economics training (LMU/USC) and a decade of elite test-prep expertise across ACT, SAT, GRE, and LSAT. Has coached MBA admits to Georgetown, Columbia Business School, and Harvard Business School.
Specialties:
- GRE strategy and score lift
- Clarity and confidence in written voice
- Essay structure and narrative polish
- Study plans for active military candidates
- Motivation and mindset coaching
For service members who need a score jump and a steady hand on essays, Alex blends rigorous test tactics with genuine mentorship. He’s helped a Marine and other candidates push past plateaus, reclaim confidence, and craft persuasive stories. If testing or self-belief is the bottleneck between you and a top-tier admit, his blend of data-driven prep and high-touch coaching can unlock momentum.
"Responsive and flexible. Will go above and beyond, highly recommend"
Coached by Alex
Alex S.
Experience: U.S. Army officer turned Accenture/McKinsey consultant and trained McKinsey interviewer; Ross MBA now building national security tech products. Alumni interviewer for Ross and former VP of Prospective Students for the Armed Forces Association; coached 100+ applicants.
Specialties:
- Veteran transitions and non-traditional profiles
- Essays, resumes, and interview prep
- Consulting/product management pivots
- Ross and M7 targeting
- Service2School-informed mentorship
Alex understands both sides of the equation: military leadership, and how admissions committees evaluate it. If you’re eyeing consulting or tech after service, he’s a pragmatic guide who can translate mission outcomes into business impact and coach you through high-stakes interviews. Military applicants targeting Ross and other top programs benefit from his insider lens and structured, career-oriented coaching.
"Alex has been the most helpful and sincere mentor I could ask for during my MBA applications process. He goes above and beyond to make sure your application is top-tier and is always responsive to any questions you have. He's knowledgeable in the process with results to show, and I could not recommend him enough!"
Coached by Alex, accepted to Ross
Cole G.
Experience: Wharton MBA and Harvard College grad with elite testing credentials (ACT 35, GRE 335) and a record of helping applicants reach Harvard, Cambridge, and Wharton. Experience includes work connected to the Marine Corps.
Specialties:
- Authentic storytelling and positioning
- GRE strategy and test-taking tactics
- First-generation advising
- Essays and application strategy
- Targeting highly selective programs
Military applicants who want to sharpen their narrative and push testing to a top percentile will find a clear, strategic partner in Cole. His approach centers on honest self-assessment and cohesive storytelling – exactly what veterans need to bridge missions, teams, and impact into a polished MBA case. Ideal for those aiming at the most selective programs and ready to compete at the highest level.
Devan T.
Experience: Stanford GSB (Class of 2025), military veteran from the Air Force Bomb Squad, and advisor to 200+ admits across GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, Booth, MIT Sloan, Haas, and more. Trained under former HBS/GSB admissions leadership; notable GRE strategy gains.
Specialties:
- Standing out with non-traditional profiles
- Interview mastery and presence
- Storycraft for first-gen/low-income candidates
- GRE strategy and score improvement
- Career pivots into investing, tech, and operations
Devan is a builder – of teams under pressure, of programs at the Pentagon, and of standout applications. He sees the throughline in your career and turns it into a bold, memorable story adcoms remember. Veterans seeking to punch above their stats or crush interviews will benefit from his talent assessment skills and playbook for differentiation at the very top.
"Devan’s passion for mentorship and personal development is truly palpable. From the moment you meet him, you’re met with an extraordinary level of enthusiasm and encouragement that inspires confidence and self-belief. His diverse life experiences give him a rare depth of perspective, allowing him to serve not just as a coach, but as a thoughtful guide and mentor. Devan doesn’t just help you craft a strong application – he helps you discover and articulate your most authentic, empowered self."
Coached by Devan, accepted to Stanford GSB
David F.
Experience: MIT Sloan MBA and former military leader with roles as Johnson & Johnson Director of Supply Chain and Assistant Professor at West Point; has guided five clients through the admissions process. Brings chief-of-staff and acquisition experience to analytical application coaching.
Specialties:
- Strategic planning and analytics-forward storytelling
- Essay and resume development
- Interview preparation
- Translating military leadership to corporate impact
- Operations and supply chain pivots
If your service experience skews operational or analytical, David helps convert that rigor into a crisp business case. His structured process resonates with veterans who value clarity, timelines, and measurable outcomes. Candidates targeting Sloan and data-driven programs – or roles in operations and corporate leadership – will feel at home with his precise, disciplined style.
Douglas S.
Experience: Green Beret and West Point grad currently at Harvard Business School; secured pre-MBA recruiting successes with McKinsey and BCG. Guides applicants from essays to interviews with practical insights on HBS and Chicago Booth.
Specialties:
- Special Operations to MBA transitions
- HBS/Booth targeting
- Interview prep and pre-MBA recruiting readiness
- Resilience and pivot storytelling
- Strategy consulting pathways
Douglas brings a teacher’s heart and a Special Forces mindset – clear, direct, and relentless in pursuit of your goal. He’s an ideal match for veterans aiming at HBS or a consulting path who want candid, boots-on-the-ground advice. If you’re navigating a big pivot and want someone who’s done it recently, his perspective is invaluable.
"Can’t recommend Douglas enough. He mock interviewed me twice, and both times came prepared with varied sets of questions. His feedback on my responses were both clear and specific, delineating between stylistic nuances and universally applicable interview strategies. He was astute in picking up the distinctive aspects of my background and personality (which I couldn’t even do), then helped me refine my talking points to bring those aspects out. From beginning to end, he was encouraging and showed genuine interest in helping me and because of him, I feel much better going into my interviews."
Coached by Douglas, accepted to Wharton
Ian K.
Experience: Stanford MBA and former Army Special Forces officer with experience across Silicon Valley and investing; admitted to Stanford, Berkeley, and MIT while deployed. Focused on helping military applicants tell cohesive, resonant stories.
Specialties:
- Storytelling across resume, essays, and interviews
- Translating combat/command experience for admissions committees
- Elite program targeting (GSB, Berkeley, MIT)
- Reflective, values-driven narratives
- Veterans shifting into tech and venture
Ian helps you articulate not just what you did, but who it made you – a crucial distinction at the M7. His calm, introspective approach turns complex military journeys into elegant narratives with purpose and clarity. For Special Operations and combat arms veterans eyeing top-tier programs or tech, he is a thoughtful, high-impact guide.
"I had the opportunity to work with Ian for a career coaching session, and his insights were invaluable. His diverse experiences, ranging from elite military service as a Green Beret to studying at Cornell and Stanford, give him a unique ability to tailor his approach to any situation or person. His ability to synthesize lessons from top-tier organizations and apply them in a way that’s both practical and strategic is what sets him apart. As a former Green Beret myself, I expected nothing less than excellence, and Ian delivered. His disciplined yet adaptable approach makes him an exceptional coach for anyone looking to take their career to the next level. Highly recommend. "
Coached by Ian
Jacob A.
Experience: Harvard Business School graduate and former U.S. Army officer who was accepted to three M7 programs; 4+ years of MBA/GMAT consulting and 25+ client admits to H/S/W/Booth/MIT/Yale.
Specialties:
- M7 strategy and positioning
- Essay and interview preparation
- Veterans targeting consulting and PE/finance
- GMAT guidance
- End-to-end application planning
Jacob knows how to compete and win at the absolute top. He’s particularly strong for Army and other veterans targeting M7 programs who want exacting feedback, clear direction, and a playbook tested across dozens of successful admits. If your bar is H/S/W, his track record speaks for itself.
"I came to Jacob two months prior to submitting my application. He helped guide me through the entire process and helped me find exactly how to express my unique background for top business schools and now my resume, essay, interview skills, and overall application theme are worth their weight in gold. I cannot recommend him enough to any applicants trying to figure out exactly how to tell their story and really make their achievements known to an admissions committee. Additionally, for any veterans looking to apply to business school, Jacob is absolutely your best tool to creating an application that will resonate with any admissions committee. Thank you so much for your time, effort, and professionalism!"
Coached by Jacob, accepted to Harvard Business School
Jacob K.
Experience: Current Stanford GSB MBA student and former Navy Submarine Officer and Navy Diver with a computer science background; has coached five applicants on strategy, essays, and interviews.
Specialties:
- Project-managing the application process
- Technical and operations-to-business pivots
- Stanford GSB insights
- Essay structure and interview prep
- Navy and maritime community candidates
Jacob treats your application like the complex project it is, in a sequenced, accountable, and tailored way. Navy and technical veterans will appreciate his systems mindset and fluency in translating highly specialized roles into leadership and impact. A strong match for military applicants targeting GSB or seeking disciplined, practical coaching.
"Jake is an exceptional coach with a rare ability to truly step into your shoes, understand your story, and help you shape it into something powerful and authentic. His strategic guidance and deep empathy made the daunting MBA application process feel focused and manageable. From HBS to Yale, Sloan, and Tuck, he helped me tailor each application with precision—and thanks to his support, I was accepted into my top-choice program. Jake doesn’t just help you apply; he helps you believe in your potential. I can’t recommend him enough. "
Coached by Jacob, accepted to Harvard Business School
Find the Best Coach To Take You From Military to MBA
Working with an admissions consultant who understands military service can make all the difference for military MBA candidates navigating the MBA admissions process. From translating military backgrounds into a compelling narrative to tailoring an MBA application strategy that highlights leadership, adaptability, and impact, the right coach will help military officers, student veterans, and active duty military personnel stand out to admissions committees at a top MBA program like Harvard Business School, Chicago Booth, NYU Stern, and numerous other schools.
A seasoned coach provides honest and candid feedback across the entire MBA application process – from essays and resumes to the interview prep process – ensuring you present a compelling MBA application aligned with your career goals in the civilian world. Whether you’re applying to a future MBA program, an executive MBA program, or even exploring online MBA programs, the right partner can guide you with relevant advice, extensive knowledge, and in-depth experience supporting military applicants.
Explore the profiles above to see who resonates with your MBA journey and coaching style. Each consultant offers a free 15-minute initial phone conversation to ask questions and test the fit. Not sure where to start? Book a free strategy and coach-matching call with the Leland team, and we’ll connect you with the best expert to help you gain admission to your top choice MBA programs, craft a compelling narrative, and join the next MBA class with confidence.
Read more:
- Business School for Veterans: Everything You Need to Know
- How to Accelerate Your MBA Application – From an Expert Coach
- How to Build a Lasting Connection in Your MBA Interview
- What Are MBA Adcoms Looking for in Resumes
- MBA Application Timeline: What to Do and When to Apply (Month-by-Month Guide)
MBA Admissions Process – Military MBA Journey FAQs
Can you get an MBA while in the military?
- Yes, active duty military personnel and military officers can pursue an MBA program while serving, though it requires careful planning. Options include part-time, online MBA programs, or executive MBA programs that offer flexibility around duty schedules. Many military MBA applicants also apply to top MBA programs during service, using their military background as part of their MBA application strategy. Schools like Harvard Business School, Chicago Booth, and NYU Stern value the leadership and discipline gained from military service, and their admissions committees often consider it an asset.
Is an MBA worth it over 40?
- Yes, an MBA degree can be worth it over 40, particularly for military veterans and professionals transitioning into the civilian world. Many elite MBA programs and executive MBA programs are designed for candidates with significant professional background and leadership experience. While younger MBA applicants often focus on recruiting into roles like consulting or banking, military applicants in their 40s can leverage the MBA for career advancement, leadership in business school networks, and long-term career goals in management, strategy, or corporate leadership.
Will the VA pay for an MBA?
- Yes, the VA offers education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover tuition for an MBA program at many top business schools. Military veterans and active duty military can use these benefits to fund MBA applications and degrees, including full-time MBA programs, executive MBAs, or online MBA programs. The VA may also provide financial aid for books, fees, and housing, making it one of the most important resources for military MBA applicants looking to pursue an advanced business administration education.
Will most MBA programs accept people transitioning straight from the military?
- Yes, most top MBA programs actively welcome military MBA applicants who apply directly after military service without first gaining civilian work experience. Schools like Harvard Business School, Wharton, Chicago Booth, and NYU Stern have long traditions of admitting military veterans, active duty military personnel, and military officers straight from service. For admissions committees, a strong military background counts as significant professional experience, showcasing leadership, decision-making, and the ability to manage people in high-pressure environments – qualities highly valued in an MBA class and a future MBA program.
Does military service count as work experience for an MBA?
- Yes, military service is highly valued as work experience in the MBA admissions process. Admissions committees at top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Wharton, and Stanford GSB recognize the leadership, decision-making, and self-awareness developed in the military. For military MBA candidates, their military background is often viewed as equivalent or superior to traditional corporate roles. Highlighting command responsibilities, career opportunities, critical thinking, and experiences managing people and resources makes for a compelling MBA application that resonates strongly with admissions officers.
What is the hourly rate for MBA consultants?
- Across the industry, MBA admissions consultants often charge $200–$500+ per hour, especially at large consulting firms. However, Leland takes a different approach: our MBA admissions consulting team includes top coaches from Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, and other elite schools, offering expert advice at more flexible, budget-friendly rates. Instead of being forced into a package you may not need, you can choose the exact amount of support—whether it’s essay editing, interview preparation, or strategy for the MBA application process.
How much does Stacy Blackman Consulting cost?
- Stacy Blackman Consulting (SBC) is one of the most well-known MBA admissions consulting firms, but also among the most expensive. Comprehensive packages often exceed $10,000–$15,000, and hourly rates are generally several hundred dollars. In contrast, Leland provides access to world-class admissions consultants – including former admissions officers and grads of top MBA programs – at more affordable rates. You can work with individual consultants on the entire process or just specific areas, ensuring you only pay for the relevant advice and services you need, while still getting the benefit of a high success rate and strong client outcomes.
