MBA Candidacy & Strategy Intensive
A candid, personalized assessment of whether, when, and how you should pursue an MBA. This package is designed for professionals who are considering an MBA but want greater clarity before committing to the application process. We’ll examine whether an MBA makes sense for your goals, how competitive your candidacy may be, and what story you could credibly present to admissions committees. Before our first session, you’ll share your resume, academic background, test scores or testing plans, career goals, schools you may be considering, and any specific questions or concerns. I’ll review these materials in advance so that we can use our time for substantive discussion rather than basic information gathering. During our session, we’ll explore: • Whether an MBA is the right degree for your professional and personal goals• Your candidacy’s most important strengths, gaps, and potential concerns• Whether your proposed application timing makes sense• The experiences and themes that could form the foundation of your narrative• Preliminary school-selection considerations• Testing, professional, or extracurricular priorities before applying• The highest-leverage next steps available to you Afterward, you’ll receive a concise written assessment summarizing what we discussed, my candid view of your current candidacy, and the next steps I recommend. The three-hour option includes two 90-minute sessions. The first focuses on exploration and diagnosis. Between sessions, you’ll have time to reflect, conduct targeted research, and consider the initial assessment. During the second session, we’ll revisit the key decisions, refine your positioning and school strategy, and turn the initial discussion into a more developed action plan.
What's included
Our work will begin before the session. I’ll review the background information and materials you provide, identify the questions that matter most, and arrive prepared to have a substantive conversation about your candidacy. The session itself will be exploratory but structured. I’ll ask detailed questions, challenge assumptions when necessary, and help you distinguish between what sounds generally impressive and what may actually matter in an MBA application. I do not begin with the assumption that everyone should pursue an MBA—or that everyone should apply immediately. If I believe another degree, a later application cycle, or a different professional step would better serve your goals, I’ll tell you candidly. You’ll leave with greater clarity, not a sales pitch for additional coaching.
- A candid assessment of whether an MBA is the right investment for your goals
- A clearer understanding of your candidacy’s strongest qualities, important gaps, and potential admissions concerns
- Preliminary narrative themes connecting your experience, goals, and reasons for pursuing an MBA
- Guidance on application timing, testing priorities, and the types of MBA programs that may fit your profile
- A concise written assessment summarizing our discussion and my recommended next steps
Meet your expert
Albert C.
Top MBA Coach | 20 yrs of Coaching | Ex-Consultant | HBS '23
Most people do not need another template. They need someone who can understand their situation, spot what matters, and help them do their best work. I've been tutoring and coaching since I was 15. What began as academic tutoring has grown into nearly two decades of helping students and professionals think through difficult decisions, communicate more effectively, and pursue ambitious goals with a clear plan. I graduated cum laude from Phillips Exeter Academy before attending Princeton University for my undergraduate in Classics with a certificate in Finance, then later earned my MBA from Harvard Business School. Along the way, I worked in strategy consulting at Deloitte, helped lead an education-focused venture incubator at CityBridge, managed research at Harvard's Future of Media Lab, continued coaching at higher and higher levels, and advised startups and nonprofits on strategy, operations, and the practical use of AI. Students I've coached have been admitted to undergraduate programs including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, UChicago, Dartmouth, NYU Stern, Duke, and Georgetown. Graduate applicants I've supported have earned admission to programs including Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Harvard Law, Yale Law, and Harvard Kennedy School. I also earned a 750 (of 800) on the GMAT and a 335 (out of 340) on the GRE, including a perfect 170 Verbal score. My coaching style is warm, direct, and highly tailored. I ask a lot of questions, pay close attention to the details, and try to understand the person behind the immediate goal. I'll tell you honestly when something is not working, but I will also help you figure out what to do next. I keep my roster relatively small because I like knowing my clients well. There is no standard template that gets applied to everyone. We will build an approach around your goals, your circumstances, and the way you work best.
