Skip to main content

Best MBA Admissions Consultants 2026–27

The best MBA admissions consultants customers choose to get into Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton and more. 25 names, backed by verified reviews.

Updated

The best MBA admissions consultants help you turn a strong profile into a story an admissions committee remembers. This list brings together 25 top MBA admissions consultants that customers choose for full-time, deferred, part-time and executive MBA applications, with many aiming at Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School and other top programs. If you are a few months from a deadline and want to know who people actually pick, start here.

Leland is a leading platform for MBA admissions, serving millions of customers with thousands of experts on its platform. That gives us data no one else has: customer activity, content, outcomes, anonymized session transcripts and other key data points from the MBA category. We pair it with public sources, including verified reviews and ratings from paying customers, so you can read MBA admissions consultant reviews backed by real engagements, not marketing claims.

The group is broad on purpose. Some of these MBA admissions consultants served on admissions committees at Harvard Business School, Columbia, Haas, Stanford GSB and Duke Fuqua. Others are recent admits, former consultants and finance professionals, or specialists in career switchers, re-applicants, military candidates, first-generation applicants, healthcare professionals and international applicants. Together they help with school selection, essays and resumes, recommenders, HBS and Stanford GSB interview prep, the Wharton Team-Based Discussion, waitlist plans and scholarship strategy. Hourly rates run from $69 to $469, so there is a fit for different budgets.

This list is not ranked. It is ordered by demand: how many customers chose to work with each MBA admissions consultant. To use it well, start with your target schools and your deadline. Then read the profiles and reviews for someone who knows those programs and has worked with people whose background looks like yours.

The full list at a glance

The full list at a glance
NameReviewsLink
Timothy F.
Timothy FentonFormer Ad Comm | 200+ M7 Admits | Ranked top 3 firm on Poets & Quants 2025
5.00
(145)
View profile
Andy P.
Andy Pelletier500+ S/H/W admits, 750+ M7 admits, 25 yrs experience, only 10 clients/round
4.98
(51)
View profile
Ben L.
Ben Lazaroff4x Top MBA Coach | 400+ M7 Admits | xSpeechwriter | GSB '21
4.96
(231)
View profile
Geri T.
Geri TowvimFormer HBS AdCom I 150+ M7 Admits I 3X Top MBA Coach
4.93
(97)
View profile
Karla M.
Karla Magana Figueroa150+ M7 Admits | Former Harvard AdCom | Leland Top Coach ('23, '24, & '25)
4.96
(113)
View profile
Claire R.
Claire RafsonGSB & M7 Expert | Knight-Hennessy | Ex-Bain/Nike | 100+ M7 Admits
5.00
(101)
View profile
Mike H.
Mike HochleutnerFormer Director of Programs and Admissions at Stanford GSB
4.97
(90)
View profile
Faisal K.
Faisal KhanTop 5 Leland Coach 2026 | 200+ M7 Admits | $5MM+ in scholarships
4.98
(104)
View profile
Kerry P.
Kerry PatriarcaFormer HBS AdCom and Kellogg MBA | 175+ M7 admits | Top Leland Coach '23-26
4.98
(51)
View profile
Allie K.
Allie KronthalWharton & Harvard MPA Grad | 150+ M7 Admits | Dual Degree Expert
4.95
(75)
View profile

The 2026–27 ranking

Timothy F.

Timothy Fenton

Former Ad Comm | 200+ M7 Admits | Ranked top 3 firm on Poets & Quants 2025

  • 5.00
    145 reviews
  • From $399/hr

Helped people get into

Yale School of Management
Chicago Booth
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Columbia Business School

Yale School of Management, Chicago Booth +32 more

  • Yale School of Management
  • Chicago Booth
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Columbia Business School
  • MIT Sloan
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • London Business School
  • INSEAD
  • Harvard Business School
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice)
  • USC Marshall School of Business
  • McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)
  • IESE Business School
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Schwarzman Scholarship
  • Tuck School of Business
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • Cornell University
  • Emory University Goizueta Business School
  • Mendoza College of Business
  • Kelley School of Business (Indiana)
  • Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt)
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • Scheller College of Business (Georgia Tech)

Known for turning non-traditional backgrounds into a strength. Customers describe him building a clear why MBA narrative, tailoring essays to each school and staying on through interviews, even when they start late in Round 2. Best for: Career switchers and non-traditional candidates who need a compelling why MBA story.

  • “I was initially skeptical about how much value an admissions counselor could add. But after going through the process, I can confidently say that Tim's expertise and guidance was truly pivotal in putting my best application forward. From brainstorming narrative to adjusting word counts, strategizing letters of recommendation, and giving mock interview prep, Tim was fantastic, and an imperative part of this process. So far, I've received interviews at Booth and Stanford and am waiting on a few others. Regardless of the outcome, I couldn't give a higher recommendation to work with Tim. He's extremely responsive and overall an exceptional counselor.”

    Mark L.
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “I can’t recommend Tim highly enough. I came to the MBA process with a non-traditional background—after law school, I took time off before pivoting into management consulting—and knew I’d need to make a compelling case to admissions committees. In fact, another consultant told me I’d be lucky to get into a part-time evening program. From our first conversation, Tim saw my background as a strength, not a liability. He brought both deep expertise and genuine enthusiasm to the process, and I felt supported every step of the way. He helped me craft an authentic, compelling “why MBA” narrative, tailor my essays to each school, and prepare thoroughly for interviews. I’ll be attending Columbia Business School this fall with a full-tuition scholarship, and I’m confident that outcome is due in large part to Tim’s guidance.”

    Shannon A.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “We get along since the first call 😄 I think that is fundamental to working toward a shared objective. He believed in my potential from the very beginning. He never made me feel unrealistic; on the contrary, he encouraged me to apply to all the universities I truly wanted and to explore more universities that could fit with what I was looking for. Whenever I had doubts or needed guidance, he was always there with thoughtful advice. Working with him was incredible! His belief in me and in what I could achieve pushed me to fully commit to this journey. I’m deeply grateful, and I truly believe no one else could have supported me better than him 🙌🏻”

    Isadora C.
    INSEAD
    INSEAD
See all reviews
Andy P.

Andy Pelletier

500+ S/H/W admits, 750+ M7 admits, 25 yrs experience, only 10 clients/round

  • 4.98
    51 reviews
  • From $399/hr

Helped people get into

Harvard Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Chicago Booth

Harvard Business School, The Wharton School (UPenn) +13 more

  • Harvard Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Chicago Booth
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Columbia Business School
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • MIT Sloan
  • Schwarzman Scholarship
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Yale School of Management
  • Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)

Methodical, incisive storytelling for HBS, Stanford GSB and the M7. Customers say he pushes past surface answers with sharp feedback, and re-applicants and deferred MBA candidates credit him with turning their results around. Best for: Re-applicants and anyone aiming at HBS, Stanford GSB or Wharton who wants an honest read.

  • “Andy is truly one of a kind!! I came into this process feeling like a verrrrrrrry average candidate with average stats & profile, aiming for what felt like impossible targets: Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. I didn’t even know if those goals were realistic. But after speaking with several people who had worked with Andy, and even more who wished they had, I knew I had to find a way to work with him. From the very first call, I could tell he was different. Andy didn’t ask surface-level questions or offer generic advice. He went deep. He spent real time getting to know me - who I was, what mattered to me, and what made my story worth telling. He worked with me on every single part of my application: resume, essays (reviewed again and again when I felt even the slightest doubt), recommenders, extracurriculars, positioning - everything. He was incredibly meticulous and thoughtful about every single component. What makes Andy exceptional is his ability to find the version of your story that actually matters. He is not focused on telling admissions committees what they want to hear. He is focused on what is real. He told me when something wasn’t good enough and pushed me until it was. And when I needed it most, he gave me confidence. He helped me see my story in a completely new light and taught me how to tell it in the most authentic and powerful way possible. He was a coach, a strategist, a therapist, a friend, and a hype man all in one. And somehow, he made the whole thing fun (and pretty much retaught me how to write in the process haha). If you get the chance to work with Andy, trust his process!!!! Everyone will have an opinion, but Andy will know YOU and the schools you are targeting much much better than anyone else!! Andy does not lose. He does not crack under pressure. And he does not let his clients settle for anything less than their absolute best. That is exactly the kind of person you want by your side during this process. I can say without hesitation: I would not have gotten into any of these schools without Andy’s help. Instead, I walked away with acceptances to Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. That outcome changed my life, and I will be forever grateful. Andy: Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! You took a real risk on me, and I’ll never forget that. I'm positive I wasn’t the easiest applicant to coach, but you still chose to invest in me. You believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself. You reassured me at every step, pushed me to dig deep, and went above and beyond to help me craft every application with care and intention. You helped me uncover and articulate the things that matter most to me. You are an incredible human being, and I’m so deeply grateful I had the chance to work with you.”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “Where do I even start? Working with Andy changed my life - personally and professionally. I came out of this process with a better understanding of who I am and with more acceptance letters than I could have ever dreamed of. Andy is one-of-a-kind, truly. I simply cannot recommend him more - I have included some of my reasons why below: Andy knew me better after a month than I knew myself after 26 years - and I do not say that lightly. His process requires a great deal of introspection and reflection: he takes the time upfront to seriously get to know you, he asks the right/important/hard questions, and he makes you feel seen, heard, and appreciated. I came out of this process understanding who I am better than I ever had before (and I have done years of therapy) and feeling a newfound sense of confidence. Andy is one of the best storytellers I have ever met (which especially impressive considering my best friend is my Kindle). I went into this process thinking I had no chance because I had a fairly generic profile (consultant) and hadn't done anything truly remarkable or unique. Andy was able to curate a highly impactful story that was 100% authentic to me. In our sessions (which always started with me word vomitting in an incredibly unorganized fashion), Andy was able to repeat back to me what HE heard from my stories and experiences (social, work, academic, family, etc.) and distill how they all pieced together in a way where I would often think "oh wow, when you put it like that, it makes a ton of sense…..". I submitted my applications feeling incredibly proud, no matter the outcome. The story we were able to tell together truly felt like a work of art. Even after the process, I often go back and read my essays and can't help but smile. I trusted Andy's opinion more after a month than I trusted anyone else, including my sister who is 4 years older, my role model and best friend, and - oh - happened to go to HBS. His depth and breadth of experience in this process - paired with his attention to detail and honesty - made me feel like I could not have been in better hands. Andy knows what he is doing. He knows what works and what doesn’t work with adcoms. He knows what words to use, what phrases to avoid, what experiences to highlight, what questions to anticipate in interviews --- there simply was not a single blindspot in this process when working with him. Andy is honest and truly wants the best for you. Let's just say I am not the best test taker. I took the GMAT many times and simply could not get my quant score up. After failing to improve my score for the third time, Andy and I hopped on the phone and he essentially told me that yes the score was not ideal for the schools I was applying to but he also thought I was at the point of diminishing returns with studying and that the mental toll the test was taking on me likely wasn’t worth it. So, we put the GMAT to bed and went heads down on creating amazing stories in my essays, recommendations, and optional essays that ultimately offset my low score. Whenever I asked Andy about my chances at getting into each school (which I did all the time), he would reply in an incredibly honest, no BS way of "I feel good about X, Y, Z, things -- I feel slightly less good on A, B things so we will do ZZ to remedy those. Other than that, your profile should get at least XX far in the process, if the process works how it should." Andy goes the extra mile for his clients. My sister often joked that if she were Andy she would block me because I emailed him all the time (probably too often). Whether I had an idea on an essay we had already finished or I was feeling anxious and just needed to vent or I had a good day at work and wanted to tell him feedback I got from my supervisor or my recommenders had a question on how to fill out a form, I emailed Andy and he was always there with the best advice. When I talk to my other friends who used different consultants, it is truly night and day when it comes to how much face time Andy gives versus others. If I had to estimate, Andy spent over 100 hours on my applications. The price Andy charges for what he gives is simply unheard of. As a consultant (who has done a lot of pricing work), I couldn’t help but to tell Andy he is undercharging for what he provides, to which he replied something to the tune of "oh nooo Abbey I would feel weird about that…" That is just the kind of person he is. Andy has remarkably high emotional intelligence. In fact, I often joked to both him and my family that he was my MBA coach and my therapist. I went into this process feeling intense imposter syndrome and dread. I have always been an ~anxiously girly~ but something about the MBA process realllyyyy set me off. I didn’t think I deserved to or would get in to any school. Andy was ALWAYS there to listen to me, talk me off the ledge, help me rationalize and ground some of my anxieties, and remind me to have perspective. Never Okay I will hop off my soap box now. Let me leave you with this: I came into this MBA journey breaking out in hives simply thinking about the process ….. I came out of this process ~almost~ wanting to do it again and that is all because of Andy. While Andy technically isn't my MBA coach anymore (sad), I seriously consider him a life-long mentor and friend.”

    Abigail B.
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “Felt incredibly supported and guided throughout the entire process. From recommendation prep packets, to essay brainstorming and revising, to interview prep, Andy was truly there every step of the way. He provided constructive feedback, which may have been difficult to hear at times (but was much needed) and was consistently the greatest cheerleader and coach anyone could ask for. No matter what my question or concern was, Andy was always available to answer and discuss. Even when, initially, I didn't think I had a fascinating story to tell, Andy worked to help me discover a powerful narrative that was true to me. Can't recommend him enough!!!”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
See all reviews
Ben L.

Ben Lazaroff

4x Top MBA Coach | 400+ M7 Admits | xSpeechwriter | GSB '21

  • 4.96
    231 reviews
  • From $390/hr

Helped people get into

Harvard Business School
Stanford Graduate School of Business
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)

Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business +37 more

  • Harvard Business School
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • MIT Sloan
  • Columbia Business School
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • Foster School of Business (Washington)
  • Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt)
  • Chicago Booth
  • Yale School of Management
  • McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)
  • IESE Business School
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • Cornell University
  • Boston University Questrom School of Business
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Ohio State University, Columbus
  • Texas A&M University - Commerce
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Vanderbilt University
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • USC Marshall School of Business
  • Kelley School of Business (Indiana)
  • Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice)
  • Carlson School of Management (Minnesota)
  • Stanford Graduate School of Education
  • Said Business School (Oxford)
  • London Business School
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • INSEAD

Direct, fast and tactical. Customers say Ben is not a yes man: he turns drafts around quickly and helps people find the core theme behind their story. Best for: People who want fast, honest essay feedback on a tight timeline.

  • “I tried a few different coaches before finding Ben. Savw your time, start with Ben. Do not choose Ben if you want a “yes, man” or an easy process. Choose Ben if you want to get admitted. Ben is extremely efficient with your time, gives specific and tactical feedback, and is not shy if a part of your application does not meet the bar. He is no bullshit. He’s also very kind, cool, and an enjoyable person to work with. His superpower is essay writing, though not to discount his intuition around overall application strategy and tying an entire story together into one cohesive view. 10/10 - have and will continue to full heartedly recommended Ben. Thank you, Ben!”

    Zack G.
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “The best decision I made in the MBA process was choosing to work with Ben — he’s the best coach out there! From the start, I was impressed by Ben’s ability to provide quick and actionable feedback, often turning around drafts in a day. As a coach, Ben is a constant source of support who genuinely cares about your success. But what sets Ben apart is the time and effort he invests into getting to know you and your story. I have a unique upbringing, and Ben really took the time to understand my life/career experiences. He asked thoughtful questions on our calls and helped me connect my experiences together into a cohesive essay that felt truly “me.” Working with Ben taught me so much that goes beyond the MBA application process — he helped me find my voice in writing and build my confidence in interviewing. Thanks to Ben’s help, I was able to put together my strongest application for business schools.”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “Working with Ben was one of the best decisions I made ahead of my deferred MBA application process. I initially wasn't sure if I wanted to work with an admissions consultant, and after meeting several, it seemed to reaffirm my choice to go through the process alone... until I met Ben! He's incredibly personable, and helped me take my story and relay it in the best possible way. Ben is young enough and close enough to his own MBA experience to understand what applicants are going through, and what admissions is really looking for. I primarily worked with Ben on polishing my essays, and he did a great job of helping out on tight deadlines!”

    Anonymous
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
See all reviews
Geri T.

Geri Towvim

Former HBS AdCom I 150+ M7 Admits I 3X Top MBA Coach

  • 4.93
    97 reviews
  • From $345/hr

Helped people get into

Harvard Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Columbia Business School
Stanford Graduate School of Business

Harvard Business School, The Wharton School (UPenn) +22 more

  • Harvard Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Columbia Business School
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Chicago Booth
  • Yale School of Management
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Stanford University
  • MIT Sloan
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Schwarzman Scholarship
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Columbia University
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • London Business School
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Said Business School (Oxford)
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • INSEAD

A go-to for HBS interview prep, where customers say her mock interviews often mirror the real questions. They also praise her eye for structure in essays and say she helps people with non-feeder backgrounds find the thread in their story. Best for: People with an HBS interview coming up or a profile that needs a clearer story.

  • “Worked with Geri to do a mock interview for HBS. 5 stars! She asked me questions in a similar fashion to the interview and a lot of them showed up during the real thing. Super supportive as well. Thanks Geri!”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “Geri was very helpful in prepping for my HBS interview! It was impactful to get the extra rep(s) in before the real thing, as the HBS interview was different in many ways from the other interviews I had conducted/prepared for. Our session got me in the "frame of mind" needed to succeed, so I'd recommend Geri to anyone who wants some extra help in their prep!”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “I had an excellent experience working with Geri and would highly recommend her! Geri has a talent for finding the most compelling thread throughout your story and helping you highlight that, starting right from the brainstorming phase. She asks thoughtful questions to draw out aspects of your story you might not otherwise think to include, and helps you think about your own experience in a different way. I also really appreciate Geri’s honesty – an invaluable quality in a coach. She does not hesitate to tell you if an idea is muddy or a sentence is confusing, and she will talk through and iterate with you until your ideas reach their clearest, most precise form. Geri’s feedback was specific, thoughtful, and structured. The essay word counts leave no room for fluff, and Geri helped me ensure every word was pulling its weight. Geri’s mock interviews were also very similar to the real thing, both in structure and content. Her questions were deep, included several follow-ups, and helped me feel confident going into the actual interview. Geri’s guidance throughout this entire process was invaluable, and her expertise showed throughout every step. She is kind, approachable, and all-around amazing to work with. I highly recommend her.”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
See all reviews
Karla M.

Karla Magana Figueroa

150+ M7 Admits | Former Harvard AdCom | Leland Top Coach ('23, '24, & '25)

  • 4.96
    113 reviews
  • From $290/hr

Helped people get into

University of California, Berkeley
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Cornell University
Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)

University of California, Berkeley, The Wharton School (UPenn) +30 more

  • University of California, Berkeley
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Cornell University
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • Foster School of Business (Washington)
  • Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt)
  • Chicago Booth
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • Northwestern University
  • MIT Sloan
  • Columbia Business School
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Yale University
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)
  • Yale School of Management
  • Duke University
  • Emory University Goizueta Business School
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • BYU Marriott School of Business
  • Kelley School of Business (Indiana)
  • Michigan State University
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Customers call her candid and kind, and a favorite for Wharton Team-Based Discussion prep. Others credit her with full-process help on essays, recommenders and narrative. Best for: People preparing for the Wharton Team-Based Discussion or wanting help across the whole application.

  • “Working with Karla was an incredible experience. She was intentional about getting to know my story to help me position myself as a unique candidate and highlight my strengths in an authentic way. Her support gave me the confidence to apply with greater conviction. She was an amazing thought partner and a strong advocate for me throughout the process. I couldn't recommend her enough!! Seriously!!!”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “Karla was very helpful in helping me curate my pitch, helping me ensure that I hit all the points in the prompt within a minute. I think I did much better during the TBD than I otherwise would have.”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “Karla is thoughtful, supportive, honest, knowledgeable, and so much more. Her insights on the entire MBA application process, including essay writing tips, narrative forming, recommendations, etc. are second to none. She constantly goes above and beyond to ensure her clients feel confident and comfortable with their applications, and helps her clients to always deliver a high quality end-product. I couldn't recommend her highly enough!!”

    Jibran A.
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
See all reviews
Claire R.

Claire Rafson

GSB & M7 Expert | Knight-Hennessy | Ex-Bain/Nike | 100+ M7 Admits

  • 5.00
    101 reviews
  • From $345/hr

Helped people get into

Stanford Graduate School of Business
Tuck School of Business
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Harvard Business School

Stanford Graduate School of Business, Tuck School of Business +16 more

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Harvard Business School
  • Columbia Business School
  • Chicago Booth
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Yale School of Management
  • MIT Sloan
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Scheller College of Business (Georgia Tech)

Customers describe Claire as a confidant who draws out personal stories and builds recommender packets. She is a deferred MBA specialist who keeps people on pace, even when they start late. Best for: Deferred MBA candidates and busy professionals who want steady, structured support.

  • “Cllaire was, without question, one of the best decisions I made throughout my deferred MBA application process. From our first conversation, Claire created an environment where I felt comfortable being completely honest. Working with her never felt transactional; it felt like talking to someone who genuinely wanted to understand who I was. That made an incredibly introspective process feel much more approachable, and I found myself looking forward to every meeting we had. Of course, Claire is incredibly knowledgeable about the admissions process. She guided me through everything from recommendation strategy and essay positioning to interview preparation, always with a clear plan and thoughtful feedback. However, what truly set her apart was the confidence she had in me. At one point, I found myself overthinking every part of my application. Rather than simply reassuring me, Claire took the time to explain exactly why she believed in me as an applicant and as a person. She reminded me that the confidence she had in my application needed to become confidence I had in myself, and that conversation gave me the reassurance I needed to move forward with conviction. I believe this moment perfectly captures who Claire is as a coach. She pushes you to improve while never letting you lose sight of your own potential. What surprised me most was how much our relationship extended beyond admissions. Our conversations evolved into discussions about consulting, career decisions, and navigating professional life more broadly. When I was admitted to HBS's 2+2 Program, Claire called me to celebrate with me. That level of care speaks volumes about the kind of person she is. Claire is an exceptional coach, but more importantly, she’s someone who genuinely invests in the people she works with. I feel incredibly lucky to have had her in my corner, and I couldn’t recommend her more highly.”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “Claire is more than just an MBA coach - she is a close confidant and friend in your corner. And when you're preparing for the application process, that's exactly what you need. Claire helped me take my structure to the next level, and she did so in a way that was deeply human. I've worked with admissions coaches before, but none of them made the process feel as approachable and optimistic as Claire did. There were so many moments of doubt and vulnerability that got flipped on their head when Claire would be completely real with me - not in a way that diminishes the set of opportunities possible, but rather one that amplifies the fact that things could in fact go right. I vividly remember telling Claire about my target schools and she asked why I didn't have Stanford higher on the list. I told her, "I don't think I can get in." She said, "Well, what would you do if you did get in?" I said I'd go in a heartbeat, and she told me - "Then it's your top school." Without even realizing it, I had constricted the set of opportunities I thought I could realistically achieve, and she showed me that was not the right way to think. Flash forward to now, and I've been admitted through the deferred program to Stanford GSB. It's an incredible honor and a privilege, and I'm endlessly thankful to Claire for putting up with me (especially all my late night, random panicked texts), believing in my potential, and getting tactical with me when it came time for essays, letters of recommendation, positioning strategy, and the introspection truly required to succeed in this process. No coach is perfect, but Claire is superb at what she does. I could not possibly recommend her any more highly!!”

    Chancellor W.
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • “If you're aiming for the top, Claire gets results, full stop. There's no exact formula that gets you into the top schools but working with Claire is as close as you'll get. The results speak for themselves, the thing that stood out to me about working with Claire is her growing client base on who has been successful getting in the top programs, especially in recent years. She's developed an impeccable gauge for what helps applicants stand out and effectively pulls those elements of excellence out of her clients (while having fun too!). My first essay was laughable but working with Claire through 10+ drafts in an structured workplan amongst everything else required for business school applications refined my essays into something that got my foot in the door with every program I applied to. (To be updated based on results) We brainstormed so many different storylines together and her ability to pull on threads, break down themes, and resynthesize emotional narratives took my essays to the next level. I spoke with multiple perspective coaches and ended up selecting Claire after chatting with her past clients. I am happy to provide a similar positive reference for anyone else in a high pressure job with limited time and energy to dedicate towards business school applications but also aiming high. I certainly could not have put together as comprehensive and strong of an application without her help. One of the underrated aspects about working with her is how fun and friendly she is as well. She was flexible with schedules and easy to work with over text / async during an incredibly busy time. She also happened to have a fun new background in a different part of the world on each call. Applications are stressful and working Claire made it fun every step of the way, I'd work with her again in a heartbeat and highly recommend her to anyone who is serious about achieving their goals.”

    Andrew Y.
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
See all reviews
Mike H.

Mike Hochleutner

Former Director of Programs and Admissions at Stanford GSB

  • 4.97
    90 reviews
  • From $399/hr

Helped people get into

Stanford Graduate School of Business
MIT Sloan
Chicago Booth
Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)

Stanford Graduate School of Business, MIT Sloan +18 more

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • MIT Sloan
  • Chicago Booth
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Columbia Business School
  • Schwarzman Scholarship
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Harvard Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • Yale School of Management
  • Said Business School (Oxford)
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • London Business School
  • INSEAD
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)

Customers say Mike gives the admissions committee's read instead of reassurance, spotting blind spots fast. Sessions are structured and efficient, with standout reviews from Stanford GSB interviewees and re-applicants. Best for: People targeting Stanford GSB who want a blunt read from a former admissions director.

  • “Applied to 4 schools, 3 with his help. Ended up getting interviews from all of the 3 schools he helped me write essays for and was ultimately admitted to HBS 2+2. Mike cares a lot about helping students and has a genuine passion for the admissions process. Cheers!”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “I had the pleasure of working with Mike on the Final Application Review package for my Stanford GSB application, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Mike was incredibly flexible and accommodating, making time to work with me at short notice and across different time zones. His feedback was thoughtful and considered, whether reviewing my essays, navigating supplemental questions, or making the most of tight word counts. He was also excellent at identifying things I was overlooking. The small tweaks I made based off of his feedback I believe made a big difference. With the help of his guidance, I was admitted to Stanford GSB. I'm enormously grateful and would recommend him without hesitation.”

    Anonymous
    London Business School
    London Business School
  • “I bought a interview prep session ahead of my GSB interview with Mike. It was truly the best money I've spent (maybe ever!). He is incredibly thoughtful in his feedback and highlighted aspects of the GSB that would be difficult to know about as an outsider. He helped me reframe my answers in a way that would be easier for the interviewer to interpret through the lens of the GSB. He also guided me to think more broadly about my leadership and impact. I got the call that I'm accepted to the GSB. I'm grateful for the time he spent with helping me think more broadly about leadership and how I can show up as my best self. Don't hesitate to hire Mike!”

    Anonymous
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
See all reviews
Faisal K.

Faisal Khan

Top 5 Leland Coach 2026 | 200+ M7 Admits | $5MM+ in scholarships

  • 4.98
    104 reviews
  • From $375/hr

Helped people get into

Chicago Booth
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Harvard Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)

Chicago Booth, Stanford Graduate School of Business +28 more

  • Chicago Booth
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • MIT Sloan
  • Columbia Business School
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Yale School of Management
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Tuck School of Business
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)
  • Columbia University
  • Yale University
  • Emory University Goizueta Business School
  • Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt)
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • Georgetown University
  • Foster School of Business (Washington)
  • USC Marshall School of Business
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Cornell University
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • University of Chicago
  • Said Business School (Oxford)

Known for spotting unspoken weaknesses early and fixing them with a structured plan. Customers highlight his deferred MBA expertise, his Final Application Review and his flexible, a la carte support. Best for: People who want a final application review or targeted help on a weak spot.

  • “Over four years ago, I was rejected from every school I applied to through deferred MBA programs, including my top choices of Columbia and Kellogg. The business school application really can be a black box, so I am beyond grateful that I had Faisal as my coach to demystify the process and help me understand what to really focus on. Together, we were able to craft a solid narrative that really connected my personal story with my professional aspirations around software strategy consulting and family business, while tailoring the narratives to each school. I loved the MBA DNA and positioning statements that he had me complete because those really became my northstars during the essay writing process. Overall, he really helped with making sure that I had bulletproof reasons for 'Why MBA' and 'Why X School'. Faisal also provided amazing interview prep, ensuring that I could tailor my responses to each school's culture and provide opportunities to make my performance stand out. I never thought I would be in a position where I not only got into Yale and Tuck, but also would receive acceptances to my original top choices of Columbia and Kellogg with huge scholarships! If anyone is seriously considering pursuing an MBA and looking for the best way to maximize their chances of admission, look no further than Faisal.”

    Shaan P.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “I feel incredibly grateful for Faisal and how much he helped me. I got accepted to Darden with a full-tuition scholarship as a Batten Scholars admit for entrepreneurship — and I truly couldn’t be more excited! I never expected to pursue a master’s degree. My career path has been anything but traditional — from launching failed and random businesses to working for underwhelming and unglamorous companies. But as my ideas grew in scale and impact, I realized an MBA could be a game-changer, especially with how much schools are investing in entrepreneurship. Before coming to Leland, I thought it was Stanford or bust. Faisal completely shifted my perspective — he absorbed my story, truly listened to my goals, and was actually the one who suggested Darden. Now, after being admitted with a full ride, I plan to withdraw my Stanford application before decisions even come out. Even if I got in, Darden is the perfect fit: rigorous business training, the real-world case method, a tight-knit community, proximity to DC, and top-tier entrepreneurial resources through the Batten Institute. I never would’ve found this path without Faisal’s guidance. What made working with Faisal so special is that he didn’t just help me write essays or check boxes — he explained the process through the brain of someone who has read and interviewed thousands of applicants. He broke down how each element is evaluated, helped me figure out where I could improve, and showed me how to turn weaknesses into part of a compelling, cohesive story. I wouldn’t say I’m the best test taker, but after Faisal helped me understand the importance of offsetting my lower GPA(3.51), it pushed me to focus on getting my GRE up to a 326. We also made sure to thoughtfully address my GPA in the applications. As a coach, Faisal is incredibly organized — think engineer-level precision. He mapped out every step in Asana with clear checklists, progress updates, and comment threads. He guided me through steps I didn’t even know existed and was always available for my freak-out moments or “dumb” questions (there were plenty, and he never made me feel anything but supported). This year was record-breaking for business school applications, and to come out of it with a full-ride scholarship feels surreal. I shopped around before choosing a coach, and while there are fantastic coaches out there who focus on one school or niche, if you’re looking for someone who can guide you calmly, strategically, and personally — with deep knowledge across multiple schools and help you think about how an MBA fits into the bigger strategy of your life — I couldn’t recommend Faisal more. He’s worth the investment. I spent $5–10K with Faisal, and I fully believe that was not only necessary to get into these schools, but could also be the difference between a good outcome and a life-changing one — in my case, a full-ride scholarship worth $166,000! The math just makes sense: invest in the right coach. I believe I’ll stay connected with Faisal — he’s a good guy to have in your corner. Thank you so much, Faisal!! Truly couldn’t have done this without you.”

    Malorie B.
    Darden School of Business (UVA)
    Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • “Working with Faisal has been one of the most meaningful parts of my MBA journey. I came into this process with so many thoughts, ambitions, worries, and moving pieces. I knew I had a story, but I did not always know how to make sense of it or communicate it with confidence. Faisal took the time to truly understand me—not only my academic and professional background, but also the person behind the application, the experiences that shaped me, and the future I am working so hard to build. From our very first conversations, I felt that he genuinely cared. He listened closely, asked thoughtful questions, and never made me feel like I was simply another applicant following a formula. He helped me see value in parts of my journey that I had previously overlooked and showed me that my most personal experiences could also become some of the most meaningful parts of my story. Faisal has an incredible way of combining honesty with kindness. He will always tell you what he genuinely thinks, but he does so with warmth, patience, and a real desire to help you grow. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or uncertain, he helps me slow everything down, look at the bigger picture, and move forward with a much clearer mind. What I appreciate most is that he does not only care about creating a strong application. He cares about helping you make the right decisions for your life. His guidance has helped me think more deeply about my goals, my values, the schools that truly fit me, and the kind of person and leader I want to become. There have been moments in this process when I doubted myself, and Faisal helped me reconnect with my own potential. He reminded me that my story is not something I need to force or decorate — it is already meaningful when told honestly. That shift has changed not only how I approach my MBA applications, but also how I see myself. Faisal is intelligent, thoughtful, patient, deeply perceptive, and genuinely invested in the people he works with. I feel incredibly lucky to have him in my corner. No matter where this journey ultimately takes me, the confidence, clarity, and self-understanding I have gained through working with him will stay with me for a very long time. He is not only an exceptional MBA coach. He is the kind of mentor who helps you believe that the future you want is truly possible.”

    Kelly Z.
See all reviews
Kerry P.

Kerry Patriarca

Former HBS AdCom and Kellogg MBA | 175+ M7 admits | Top Leland Coach '23-26

  • 4.98
    51 reviews
  • From $399/hr

Helped people get into

Harvard Business School
Stanford Graduate School of Business
MIT Sloan
Columbia Business School

Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business +15 more

  • Harvard Business School
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • MIT Sloan
  • Columbia Business School
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Northwestern University
  • Yale School of Management
  • Chicago Booth
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Stanford Graduate School of Education
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • London Business School
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • University of Chicago
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)

Best known for HBS interview prep. Customers say her mock interviews closely mirror the real thing, and that she knows what the admissions committee wants in both the interview and the post-interview reflection. Best for: People preparing for an HBS interview or applying to part-time MBA programs.

  • “Kerry helped me strengthen my essays and resume and guided me throughout the application process. I was admitted to both Booth and Kellogg’s part-time MBA programs and received a $40,000 scholarship from Booth, which is especially rare for a part-time MBA. Her guidance made a real difference.”

    Shantnu G.
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “I booked with Kerry in preparation for my Harvard Business School interview. She helped provide me with a high level of clarity regarding how to prepare for the interview as well as what is (and isn't) important to highlight during the interview. Having that level of clarity and insight is truly game changing. Moreover, the mock interview is well worth it, as there really is no substitute for simulating the real interview. The simulation will give you a high level of confidence going into the real interview while also highlighting the tweaks you should make to go from an impressive candidate to a must-admit. Additionally, Kerry will help you maximize the opportunity you have with the post-interview reflection -- highly valuable in such a competitive process. Kerry played a big role in my interview success -- and consequently -- my admission to Harvard Business School. Would highly recommend to anyone who cares about efficiently preparing, is willing to grow and internalize feedback, and wants to maximize his or her chances of getting into HBS!”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “Kerry was super helpful for me to know the preparations I need to have before going into the video interview with the HBS AdComm. Her mock interview was very clear and similar to the actual interview I am having, and she also highlighted some improvements I can have on certain questions and gave me extra time to practice that in another session. Couldn't got in without Kerry's help!”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
See all reviews
Allie K.

Allie Kronthal

Wharton & Harvard MPA Grad | 150+ M7 Admits | Dual Degree Expert

  • 4.95
    75 reviews
  • From $249/hr

Helped people get into

Chicago Booth
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Harvard Business School
Michigan's Ross School of Business

Chicago Booth, The Wharton School (UPenn) +14 more

  • Chicago Booth
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Harvard Business School
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Columbia Business School
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Yale University
  • MIT Sloan
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)
  • New York University
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Yale School of Management
  • Tuck School of Business
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)

Helps traditional finance and consulting backgrounds stand out. Customers say she dissects essays quickly and builds a differentiated story, often in the final weeks before a deadline. Best for: Finance and consulting professionals and part-time MBA applicants working against a deadline.

  • “As an international candidate from a traditional (finance) background, I knew it would be very important to differentiate myself in the application process and Allie was a great help as she pieced together different parts of my application into a unique story. Despite coming to Allie barely a few weeks before application deadlines, she provided me end-to-end support, advising me to tailor my essays to better fit each school’s qualities. Throughout our time working together, Allie was very responsive and her support was absolutely crucial for me to meet the tight deadlines. Overall, Allie is a fantastic coach and I highly recommend her for anyone applying for an MBA!”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “I got into Kellogg and Booth's part time programs with significant merit scholarships thanks to Allie! Allie is incredibly smart and great to work with. She was very flexible and easy to jump in and out of review cycles with, even in a short application window. She asks great questions to help you understand and articulate what your true goals and strengths are, and she really helped me get crisp in my essays on exactly why I wanted to go to B-school beyond the typical fluffy stuff I started with. I would recommend her to anyone, especially if you're applying to a top program!”

    Rachel D.
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “Allie has helped me not only craft strong applications but also navigate post-MBA career paths with her extensive experience across industries. As someone with a traditional background, Allie was able to differentiate my profile and provided tremendous support from start to finish, playing a crucial role in helping me get into my top choices. I cannot recommend Allie enough to anyone who is looking to start their MBA journey - you will learn so much from her beyond the application process!”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
See all reviews
Victoria R.

Victoria Ryhanych

Columbia MBA & Forte Fellow | Expert in MBA Applications & Interviews

  • 5.00
    36 reviews
  • From $155/hr

Helped people get into

Columbia Business School
NYU Stern School of Business
Yale School of Management
The Wharton School (UPenn)

Columbia Business School, NYU Stern School of Business +14 more

  • Columbia Business School
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Yale School of Management
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • MIT Sloan
  • Chicago Booth
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Columbia University
  • Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia
  • INSEAD
  • The Lauder Institute of Management & International Studies (UPenn)
  • Gabelli School of Business

A Columbia MBA and a go-to for Columbia Business School. Customers praise her structured interview prep, which teaches them to tighten answers and finish strong, along with her help on essays and waitlist plans. Best for: Columbia Business School applicants who want interview prep at a lower hourly rate.

  • “If you're looking for a sign to work with Victoria look no further. I reached out to Victoria as I was beginning my interview preparation and she was simply remarkable. She helped me brainstorm the best stories from my experiences and frame them in ways that really resonated with my interviewers. Victoria always went the extra mile and had genuine care for me throughout my entire interview prep. She was great for a wide range of schools as well not just Columbia! I could not have been happier that I chose Victoria as my coach!”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “Vic was exactly who I needed. She didn’t just run a mock and say “good job”—she listened, stopped me when I rambled, and showed me how to make each answer clear and to the point. We practiced timing, follow-ups, and how to end strong. I’m not a native English speaker, and she helped me use simple language without losing my message. Before the interview I felt calm because we’d already seen every angle. I got an offer from CBS. If you want honest feedback and real practice—not fluff—work with Vic.”

    jing w.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “I am an Engineer who pivoted into Product. I am currently at the interview stage with CBS for their Executive MBA program. [I will update with a decision], but let me share how I got here. I began the journey to applying for Columbia Business School with pretty firm clarity about who I am and what I want to do to add value to the world I live in. However, I continued to attend sessions and ran into a free session with Victoria, who spoke about ways to strengthen our applications. I decided to book her services because I had just finished writing my essays and wanted a professional coach to review them before I hit "submit." To say that Victoria helped me see sides of myself and my journey that I didn't realize is an understatement. She is brilliant, incredibly sharp, so empathetic and full of wisdom and encouragement that can ONLY come from someone who CARES DEEPLY about my success. The feedback she gave me on my essays gave me more clarity and made me even more confident to finally hit "submit". So I did. And a few days later, I received the request from CBS to interview me for the EMBA program. So I booked her again! She is simply fantastic and knows EXACTLY what she is doing. I had my call this morning and left refreshed! I am awaiting a decision but no matter the outcome, I am so grateful I met Victoria on this journey. What a Coach! What a Journey!”

    Amin A.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
See all reviews
Melanie E.

Melanie Espeland

🏆 Top Coach🎯 200+ M7 Admits 🎓 Ex-Columbia Interviewer ✍️ Essay Concierge

  • 5.00
    90 reviews
  • From $299/hr

Helped people get into

Harvard Business School
Chicago Booth
Columbia Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)

Harvard Business School, Chicago Booth +17 more

  • Harvard Business School
  • Chicago Booth
  • Columbia Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • London Business School
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Emory University Goizueta Business School
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice)
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • MIT Sloan
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Yale School of Management
  • Columbia University
  • IESE Business School
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business

A Columbia Business School alumna and interviewer with an insider view of how admissions committees evaluate candidates. Customers praise her clear, actionable interview prep and her help framing lower GPAs and non-traditional paths. Best for: Columbia Business School and executive MBA candidates who want an insider's view.

  • “Melanie is an amazing coach. She is incredibly knowledgeable about all things CBS and helped ensure that my story and accomplishments were truly captured throughout my resume and essays. She is easy to communicate with and was supportive throughout the entire process. If you're applying to CBS, you need to work with Melanie!”

    Lindsay T.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “Melanie was so helpful and instrumental in helping me articulate my story, hone my strengths, and address my weaknesses in my MBA interview so that I could get into school. She was very straightforward and clearly identified what I needed to focus on, giving me descriptive and instructive feedback so that I could improve and go through my interview process with competence. She has a very clear understanding of exactly what CBS is looking for in interviews and is able to bring that knowledge into each session. She is also such a kind individual, and I truly appreciate her help and support throughout this process.”

    Whitney I.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “I am incredibly grateful to Melanie for her thoughtful guidance and support during my interview preparation. She provided very clear, actionable feedback that helped me structure my answers more effectively and communicate my experiences with greater clarity and precision. Our sessions together were extremely valuable, and I walked away feeling much more confident and prepared for my interview. Thank you again Melanie, for your time and guidance! I truly appreciate your support throughout this process!”

    Sila A.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
See all reviews
Emily L.

Emily Lammers

Haas Admissions VP, 4x Top Leland Coach, 200+ Top 25 Admits

  • 5.00
    56 reviews
  • From $349/hr

Helped people get into

Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Columbia Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)

Haas School of Business (Berkeley), Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern) +22 more

  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Columbia Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Chicago Booth
  • MIT Sloan
  • USC Marshall School of Business
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)
  • Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt)
  • SDA Bocconi School of Management
  • Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • INSEAD
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • Yale School of Management
  • Said Business School (Oxford)

Direct, honest and action-oriented. Customers credit her with school selection, personal branding, timeline planning and waitlist strategy. Best for: Military and veteran candidates and anyone applying on a tight timeline.

  • “Emily told me she'd be direct and wouldn't pull her punches on feedback, which is definitely what you want in a coach / advisor. But what she failed to mention was how kind, passionate, and action-oriented she would also be! I never felt lost with feedback, and always knew what my next step was to get my applications in on time and in shining formats. She really challenged me to dig deep and I learned a lot about myself through the MBA application process. Would recommend Emily wholeheartedly, she really shines in skill but also her human and empathetic investment in your dreams and goals!”

    Monique M.
    Duke's Fuqua School of Business
    Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • “I came to Emily with what can only be described as an unhinged idea: apply to four M7 MBA programs in 2-3 weeks, start to finish. Her first response: "You're crazy." Her second: "Let's do it." Emily jumped into the deep end with me as I researched schools, prepped for the GRE, and worked essays across schools in parallel. What stood out most was her ability to pressure test my thinking. She really challenged me on my "why," and helped me connect the dots across my career progress thus far and my short- and long-term goals. The result: I landed a spot at my dream school. If you're looking for a coach who brings both rigor and energy to match your ambitions (even when your ambition borders on irrational) Emily is your person!”

    Jake N.
    Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
    Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • “Emily was everything I needed in a coach. She is a knowledgeable, direct and passionate coach and has been a supportive friend through the grueling application process. Completing my GRE in July left me with very little time before Round 1 deadlines. I had no idea which schools were realistic targets or if I could build a strong application on such a tight timeline, so I knew I needed a coach. As I interviewed prospective coaches, most seemed helpful but gave me the impression I should lower my expectations. Emily was different. From our first conversation, she was fully supportive of my goals and ready to get to work. She was realistic about timelines but optimistic about outcomes, pushing me to refine my school list strategically so we could focus our efforts where they mattered most. Mindful of my budget, she prioritized my reach schools while empowering me to tackle other applications independently once I was confident in my story. Emily took the time to truly understand my background, values, strengths, and goals. She helped me articulate my story in a way that highlighted my strengths and charted a clear path from my past experiences through my MBA to my future goals. She developed a tailored strategy for each school and connected me with current students and alumni to inform my decisions. When doubts crept in during the process, Emily was a constant source of encouragement, frequently pointing out strengths in my background I'd completely overlooked and helping me see the value I could bring to each program. I'm especially grateful for the patient way she helped refine my essays. Her suggestions helped me cut the fluff while preserving my voice and vision. She was equally invaluable in interview prep, helping me identify areas for improvement and providing actionable feedback that left me feeling prepared and confident. In the end, I was admitted to every program I applied to, a feat I could not have accomplished without her tireless support. I cannot recommend Emily enough. If you're fortunate enough to work with her, she will believe in you, push you, and give you the tools and support you need to have the best shot at your goals.​”

    Dane J.
    Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
    Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
See all reviews
Scott H.

Scott Hill

Top CBS Coach on Leland | Admits to every M7 | Essay & Storytelling Expert

  • 5.00
    30 reviews
  • From $159/hr

Helped people get into

Columbia Business School
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
University of Oxford
Yale School of Management

Columbia Business School, Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern) +18 more

  • Columbia Business School
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • University of Oxford
  • Yale School of Management
  • Harvard Business School
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • MIT Sloan
  • INSEAD
  • IMD Business School
  • IE Business School
  • Chicago Booth
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • IESE Business School
  • The Lauder Institute of Management & International Studies (UPenn)
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • HEC Paris Business School

A Columbia Business School specialist. Customers say Scott knows what Columbia looks for in each essay, gives detailed and direct feedback, and runs mock interviews that explain how the interviewer will evaluate you. Best for: Columbia Business School applicants and re-applicants on a tighter budget.

  • “When I first reached out to Scott, it was primarily for assistance with my application to Columbia Business School. As I continued working with Scott, I truly appreciated his approach to ensuring my full story was captured in my essays for CBS. As someone from a seemingly traditional applicant background, I was worried about how I would fare in the application process at all my schools. I especially appreciated Scott's candor in this regard - he was upfront with me and worked tirelessly to ensure that I recognized aspects of my experiences that made me unique and helped me craft my essays so that I would be unforgettable as a candidate at CBS and other schools. His approach led to interviews and acceptances from 5 top MBA programs, with a majority offering scholarships. Scott is truly the best!”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “Scott played a massive role in my successful CBS application. He provided me with detailed feedback and helped me rework my application materials to give me the best possible application two weeks before the deadline. Scott not only helped me throughout the application process but also helped me prepare for the interview as well. I had a GMAT significantly below CBS's average and I credit Scott's advice and mentorship with helping me create a great application for the school.”

    Anonymous
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “Scott was incredibly helpful throughout my college application process. He is very straightforward and direct, which I appreciated more than I can express. He’s efficient, strategic, and helped me develop clear, compelling storytelling in my essays. He worked with me on my CBS and NYU applications. I was accepted to CBS and have already interviewed with NYU. I highly recommend Scott to anyone looking for honest, effective guidance : )”

    Lisbeth A.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
See all reviews
Brandon T.

Brandon Tran

Stanford GSB Admit | First-Gen | Resumes, Essays, and Storytelling

  • 5.00
    19 reviews
  • From $90/hr

Helped people get into

Stanford Graduate School of Business
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Chicago Booth
MIT Sloan

Stanford Graduate School of Business, The Wharton School (UPenn) +7 more

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Chicago Booth
  • MIT Sloan
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • Columbia Business School

Customers choose Brandon for help with resumes, essays and storytelling. Verified reviews from paying customers back up his place on this list. Best for: First-generation candidates who want help with resumes, essays and storytelling.

  • “Brandon helped me prepare for my GSB interviews and was the absolute best. I highly recommend Brandon to all!”

    Matthew K.
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • “Brandon was incredibly helpful in understanding the MBA application process - especially things I didn't realize were important! Highly recommend booking a session with him, you won't regret it.”

    Vachagan M.
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “Brandon was very responsive and gave me actionable feedback in the week leading up to submissions. It was great to have another pair of eyes on my application. Thanks, Brandon!”

    matthew p.
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
See all reviews
Arielle M.

Arielle Martin

HBS c/o '22 | Former Admissions Liaison | Healthcare Strategy & Ops

  • 5.00
    36 reviews
  • From $105/hr

Helped people get into

Stanford Graduate School of Business
Harvard Business School
Chicago Booth
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)

Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School +19 more

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • Chicago Booth
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Foster School of Business (Washington)
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Yale University
  • Yale School of Management
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Stanford University
  • Columbia Business School
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • USC Marshall School of Business
  • Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt)
  • MIT Sloan

Customers choose Arielle for her admissions insight and her background in healthcare strategy and operations. Verified reviews from paying customers back up her place on this list. Best for: Healthcare and operations professionals applying to top MBA programs.

  • “I started working with Arielle about a month before Round 1 deadlines, and she was so amazing in helping me to add depth and clarity to my story. She has a ton of healthcare knowledge, and gave really tangible, timely feedback on my essays. Arielle also helped me mock for my HBS interview, and did a really good job of pressure testing my story and pain points so I could feel confident going in. Seriously, I 100% recommend Arielle and can't thank her enough!”

    Jackson F.
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “I did my second mock interview with Arielle and she helped me a lot. She came in super prepared and asked me targeted questions following the HBS format. I was accepted and highly recommend Arielle!”

    Roya R.
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “Arielle’s sharpness and attention to detail were exactly what I needed to take my application to the next level. Her ability to quickly identify areas for improvement and suggest impactful changes was truly impressive. She has a knack for cutting through the noise and honing in on what really matters, which made my application more compelling and focused. Beyond her intelligence, Arielle’s feedback was always thoughtful and constructive. She made the process seamless and efficient, and her insights gave me a new level of confidence in my work. I highly recommend Arielle to anyone looking for sharp, strategic guidance.”

    Genever O.
    The Wharton School (UPenn)
    The Wharton School (UPenn)
See all reviews
Becky S.

Becky Song

300+ M7 Admits | Wharton MBA & Adcom Fellow | 15 YOE Expert Coach | US/Intl

  • 5.00
    42 reviews
  • From $279/hr

Helped people get into

Stanford Graduate School of Business
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Columbia Business School
MIT Sloan

Stanford Graduate School of Business, The Wharton School (UPenn) +12 more

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Columbia Business School
  • MIT Sloan
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Chicago Booth
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Yale School of Management
  • London Business School
  • Said Business School (Oxford)
  • IESE Business School
  • USC Marshall School of Business
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)

Supportive and attentive. Customers say Becky tailors each session to their circumstances, from essays and interviews to financial aid questions, and helps on compressed timelines and deferred MBA applications. Best for: International candidates and anyone who wants a supportive, tailored process.

  • “I decided to pursue an MBA relatively late in the process, beginning my preparation just four months before R2 deadlines. At the same time, I was balancing a full-time job, preparing for the GRE, and working on essays for five different schools. Becky helped me bring structure and clarity to the entire essay process, which saved me from taking many unnecessary detours. Becky has a deep understanding of what admissions committees are looking for and did an excellent job helping me identify, refine, and articulate my personal story. She also tailored my essays to the unique style and priorities of each school and provided thoughtful, highly relevant feedback throughout the process. During the final two weeks leading up to the deadlines, Becky was incredibly patient and thorough, going through multiple rounds of revisions with me. Her turnaround time was also exceptionally fast, which was invaluable given the tight timeline. Without Becky’s coaching, I honestly don’t think I could have completed the application process as successfully as I did. Beyond her expertise, I also genuinely enjoyed working with her - the entire collaboration was smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. I believe Becky would be an incredibly valuable resource for anyone considering an MBA application. Her expertise, attention to detail, and ability to bring out the best in each candidate make her an outstanding coach.”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
  • “Becky was incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and attentive throughout my deferred MBA application process. She tailored each session to my specific circumstances and helped with everything from essays and interview preparation to financial aid concerns. Her guidance was instrumental in helping me secure a deferred admission offer from Columbia Business School, as well as interviews at HBS and Wharton. I highly recommend Becky, especially to anyone navigating the MBA application process for the first time.”

    Anonymous
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “Working with Becky was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA journey. I initially partnered with her for two US schools and later consulted her for targeted feedback on essays across other applications. Despite having some weaknesses in my profile (scores), Becky was incredibly empathetic and never let me feel discouraged. She provided thoughtful, strategic guidance to bring out my strengths with clarity and authenticity. Her deep knowledge of US schools, in particular, was invaluable—she helped me tailor my narrative with precision. Thanks to her support, I secured admission to one of my top choices and couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

    Anonymous
    London Business School
    London Business School
See all reviews
Kelsey K.

Kelsey Kephart

Former CBS Adcom Director | 96% Success Rate | $240K Avg Scholarships

  • 5.00
    84 reviews
  • From $469/hr

Helped people get into

Columbia Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Harvard Business School
Chicago Booth

Columbia Business School, The Wharton School (UPenn) +23 more

  • Columbia Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Harvard Business School
  • Chicago Booth
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Yale School of Management
  • MIT Sloan
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Said Business School (Oxford)
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt)
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Emory University Goizueta Business School
  • Harvard Kennedy School
  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)
  • Simon Business School

Former Columbia Business School admissions experience and a no-nonsense approach. Customers say she reviews every resume bullet and essay line, pressure-tests interview answers and explains why an application was dinged. Best for: Military candidates and re-applicants who want unfiltered feedback.

  • “BLUF: You can stop looking — it doesn’t get better than Kelsey. Truly priceless. How I was sold: I came into the MBA application process unsure and honestly a bit skeptical about using a consultant at all. It felt like a big commitment, and I wasn’t confident in my own chances. I spent A LOT of time researching, trying to find someone who actually felt right. I first met Kelsey at a free Leland event, and even among a room full of impressive consultants, she stood out immediately. When the questions got hard, other panelists consistently turned to her. That moment stuck with me. I reached out for a 30-minute intro call, which turned into over an hour of her simply listening, asking thoughtful questions, and genuinely trying to understand me. By the end of that call, I didn’t just feel sold — I felt seen. Her planning: Kelsey brought clarity when I had none. I didn’t have a clear post-MBA vision, and she never rushed or forced one. Instead, she patiently helped me uncover a narrative that actually reflected who I am and what I care about. That process alone changed how I thought about my future. Regardless of outcomes, the self-awareness and direction she helped me find would have made this experience worth it. She also gave me a deep library of resources that made the standards of top programs feel understandable and achievable rather than intimidating. Her coaching: Throughout the process, Kelsey was my steady anchor. She kept me grounded when things were going well and lifted me up when doubt crept in. She has a rare ability to be both honest and kind — she’ll tell you when an idea isn’t working, even if it’s uncomfortable, but always in a way that makes you better and more confident, not discouraged. She shared insights and guidance I truly don’t think you can find anywhere else. Her interview prep was incredibly intentional, and I walked into interviews feeling calm, prepared, and confident in my story. Deliverables: Kelsey never let me settle. Despite countless edits, her quick turnarounds enabled us to fly through applications. My resume went through more iterations than I can count (you can't imagine how much you can fit on a page powerfully!). When I look back at my essays, I fully recognize my own voice, my experiences, and my story — they just sound clearer, sharper, and more powerful than anything I could have produced on my own. She didn’t change who I was; she helped me show up as the best version of myself. Outcomes: With a non-traditional background, a 3.58 GPA, a 325 GRE, and 6 years of work experience, I was fortunate enough to go 5 for 5: HBS, Wharton, CBS ($$$), MIT ($$), and Yale. I say this without exaggeration — none of this happens without Kelsey. More than the outcomes, she gave me confidence, clarity, and belief in myself during what would have been a very stressful process otherwise.”

    Anonymous
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “I worked with Kelsey on interview preparation and genuinely wish I had found her earlier in the MBA application process. I was extremely nervous going into my interviews, but she helped me identify the questions I absolutely needed to nail, pressure-tested me on unexpected and off-script questions, and guided me on drafting thank-you notes to my interviewers. She helped me understand what interviewers were really looking for and coached me on telling my story in a confident and structured way. With her support, I landed an M7 admit and could not be happier. I would highly recommend Kelsey to anyone looking for thorough interview prep.”

    Anonymous
    Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
    Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • “Run. Run as fast as you can to Kelsey! I worked with numerous tutors and consultants along my arduous MBA journey, and Kelsey is magical, the rarest of gems. She is incisive, honest, quick, supportive, and an all-around wonderful human. I was so impressed with Kelsey’s (affordable) services that I became a Kelsey-evangelist—shouting from the mountaintops to fellow MBA applicants/friends that if you want to put your absolute best foot forward, Kelsey is the way to go! And so they went, and prospered, just as I did. She pushed me forward and upward—ensuring my story, why each school specifically fit my path, and how I’d contribute to each school came across super clearly. I applied to four schools and intended to work with Kelsey on only one of those schools, but again, was so enchanted by her work that we ended up working on and reviewing all four schools. I valued and trusted her expertise completely, and her stamp of approval made me feel confident as I hit “submit.” I could truly wax poetic about the awesomeness that is Kelsey. Ultimately, remembering the huge sense of relief I felt when I met and started working with her is a feeling I am excited to pass on. She and you are worth it!”

    Anonymous
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
See all reviews
Rifat M.

Rifat Mursalin

Harvard MBA | Received 4 Full Scholarships to T-12 | 50+ M7 Admits

  • 4.97
    59 reviews
  • From $295/hr

Helped people get into

MIT Sloan
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Harvard Business School
Chicago Booth

MIT Sloan, The Wharton School (UPenn) +15 more

  • MIT Sloan
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Harvard Business School
  • Chicago Booth
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Columbia Business School
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Boston University Questrom School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Emory University Goizueta Business School
  • Foster School of Business (Washington)
  • Rice University
  • Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice)

Customers choose Rifat for his own experience as a Harvard MBA who earned scholarships at top schools. Verified reviews from paying customers back up his place on this list. Best for: People who want to think about scholarships as part of their MBA strategy.

  • “I have been working with Rifat throughout the Round 2 application process and he has provided me with unparalleled guidance and support throughout the process. I sincerely appreciated his flexibility and investment into every part of my application journey, from essay ideation all the way to interview prep. Rifat is extremely detail oriented and understands the key aspects that each school is looking for, which ultimately helped me craft great applications to each school I applied to. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Rifat for MBA admissions.”

    Anonymous
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “I had a truly positive experience working with Rifat during my MBA application process. I reached out to him at the last minute, and he was incredibly accommodating and responsive. Despite the tight timeline, he adjusted his schedule to support me and provided thoughtful, timely guidance. His feedback on my essays was highly practical and insightful. He not only helped me improve the language, but more importantly strengthened the structure, logic, and positioning of my stories in a way that clearly elevated the overall quality of my applications. Rifat is professional, efficient, and deeply knowledgeable about the MBA admissions process. I feel very fortunate to have worked with him during such a critical and stressful period, and I would highly recommend him to any applicant seeking rigorous and strategic guidance.”

    Yiming L.
    Duke's Fuqua School of Business
    Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • “Rifat was an amazing coach to work with. He takes time to understand your background, story and career goals to piece together a story. He's well versed in the application process and could answer all my questions. I highly recommend him for any school!”

    Anonymous
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
See all reviews
Bill C.

Bill Chionis

18 years experience in top MBA admissions firm - 200+ M7/T20 successes

  • 5.00
    64 reviews
  • From $250/hr

Helped people get into

The Wharton School (UPenn)
Columbia Business School
Chicago Booth
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)

The Wharton School (UPenn), Columbia Business School +15 more

  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Columbia Business School
  • Chicago Booth
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Said Business School (Oxford)
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Fisher College of Business
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • London Business School

Customers choose Bill for his long experience inside an MBA admissions firm. Verified reviews from paying customers back up his place on this list. Best for: People who want a seasoned consultant with deep firm experience.

  • “Bill was so incredibly helpful and knowledgable about the entire admissions process, I truly credit him for helping me get off the waitlist at my dream school! Wish I knew of him sooner and worked with him during application season. Would definitely recommend to anyone who’s looking to apply soon, worth the investment !”

    Vaarya S.
    Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
    Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • “I wouldn't have gotten into my two dream schools without Bill! From the very beginning, he brought a level of responsiveness that made the entire process feel manageable. No matter when I reached out, he was always there with thoughtful guidance and persistent encouragement that kept me motivated even when the process felt overwhelming. What truly sets Bill apart is his deep understanding of each program's unique culture and internal processes. He didn't just help me craft a strong application, he helped me understand what each school was really looking for and how to authentically position myself in a way that resonated. If you are serious about getting into your dream program, Bill is the person you want in your corner.”

    Anonymous
    Columbia Business School
    Columbia Business School
  • “Working with Bill has been nothing short of transformational. From our very first intro call through my final interview prep, his clarity of thought on how to present my narrative to the AdCom helped me move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling focused and confident. Bill’s judgment in school selection was spot on. He quickly understood my background and goals, identified the cultures where I would thrive, and guided me on how to authentically align my story with each program. His insights into fit went far beyond rankings and ensured every application was both strategic and true to who I am. As a result of our work together, I received admits with scholarships from both Kellogg and Booth—leaving me with the best kind of problem to solve: deciding which incredible school to attend. I couldn’t imagine navigating this journey without his guidance.”

    Siddharth R.
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
See all reviews
Hadi H.

Hadi Hussaini

A1 MBA Consultant -- Specialize w/non-trad and international applicants

  • 5.00
    77 reviews
  • From $69/hr

Helped people get into

London Business School
Columbia Business School
INSEAD
The Wharton School (UPenn)

London Business School, Columbia Business School +18 more

  • London Business School
  • Columbia Business School
  • INSEAD
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Bocconi University
  • Chicago Booth
  • Said Business School (Oxford)
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Cambridge Judge Business School
  • USC Marshall School of Business
  • Kelley School of Business (Indiana)
  • Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice)
  • Carlson School of Management (Minnesota)
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Cornell University
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • University of Virginia, Charlottesville
  • Stanford University
  • Universität St. Gallen
  • Copenhagen Business School

Experienced with international and non-traditional candidates. Customers credit Hadi with practical essay and interview feedback and broader school strategy, including programs like London Business School. Best for: Non-traditional and international candidates who want an affordable hourly rate.

  • “Hadi helped me during the final stage of my MBA application process with refining my essays and preparing for my interview. His feedback and recommendations were practical and eye-opening, contributing to my admission and scholarship at my dream business school (Copenhagen Business School). While I felt some recommendations could have been more tailored to this school’s specific requirements, overall, I had a positive experience. I would definitely recommend Hadi to other Leland users seeking support and guidance throughout their MBA application process.”

    Karla S.
    Copenhagen Business School
    Copenhagen Business School
  • “I’m eternally greatful for Hadi helping me with my application process and ultimately get accepted to Stanford. One of my biggest dreams would not have been possible without working with Hadi. I started the application late with a non-traditional international background and was not familiar with the application process. From the very beginning Hadi gave me his full attention, guided me through the application process and was always available with a short notice. He took the time to understand my background, identify the experiences that made my application unique and help me to articulate them in a compelling way. Hadi was really invested in my application process throughout the journey. He was always available when needed to talk through ideas and refine my essays. Without his feedback and way to make the application stronger, I wouldn’t have received offers from Stanford and Berkeley. Looking back working with Hadi was the best decision I made in my application process. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach and wholeheartedly recommend working with him.”

    Ali A.
    Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
    Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • “Hadi was great with helping me with all aspects of my MBA apps from essay corrections, resume editing, interview prep, and even just answering all of my small one-off questions. With Hadi's help I received acceptances from CBS, Kellogg, Booth, and Darden. He has a deep knowledge in every step of this process and he was a true help throughout my journey. Definitely couldn't have done this without him!”

    Rupal S.
    Chicago Booth
    Chicago Booth
See all reviews
Joy P.

Joy Pincus

Land your Dream MBA / EMBA | 4.5M+ Scholarships | 500+ Clients at HSW & M7

  • 5.00
    69 reviews
  • From $375/hr

Helped people get into

MIT Sloan
Yale School of Management
Darden School of Business (UVA)
Stanford Graduate School of Business

MIT Sloan, Yale School of Management +20 more

  • MIT Sloan
  • Yale School of Management
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • London Business School
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Southern Methodist University
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • Columbia Business School
  • Tuck School of Business
  • INSEAD
  • Chicago Booth

Customers choose Joy for help with both full-time and executive MBA applications. Verified reviews from paying customers back up her place on this list. Best for: Executive MBA and full-time MBA candidates who want scholarship-minded support.

  • “I was looking for a coach to help me with my waitlist strategy, and Joy came highly recommended. She was helpful from the first conversation. Beyond helping me sharpen the actual "additional information" essay I shared with my waitlisted school, she sparred with me on strategy, pushed back when something was not landing, and stayed engaged and available well beyond what I expected also after I had already submitted my essay. She is warm, sharp and genuinely invested in your outcome. I could not recommend her more highly.”

    Alexandra S.
    Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
    Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • “Joy was incredibly helpful in preparing me for my Stanford GSB interview. Her feedback was thoughtful, practical and gave me much more confidence in how to approach the conversation. I came away feeling far better prepared, and I’d highly recommend her to anyone getting ready for an MBA interview.”

    Oran K.
    MIT Sloan
    MIT Sloan
  • “Working with Joy has been an impactful experience. After being waitlisted at UNC, Vanderbilt, and Darden, I found Joy and she took the time to truly understand my situation and guide me forward. Joy pushed me to rewrite my essays for the next application cycle, helping me refine them so they clearly reflect who I am. Her feedback was detailed, thoughtful, and focused on both clarity and authenticity. Joy continues to support me beyond our formal sessions. Even after my time with her officially ended, She has stayed invested in my journey checking in regularly and offering guidance as I navigate my options. She’s currently helping me think through how to choose between offers totaling $220K in scholarships. I’m really grateful for her feedback, frankliness, and genuine care. I would highly recommend Joy to anyone looking for a coach who goes above and beyond.​​​”

    Pertia A.
    Southern Methodist University
    Southern Methodist University
See all reviews
Josh P.

Josh Poker

Booth Admissions Country Captain · Ex-BCG · Clients Admitted to All 7 M7s

  • 5.00
    98 reviews
  • From $199/hr

Helped people get into

Stanford Graduate School of Business
Harvard Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Chicago Booth

Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School +15 more

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Harvard Business School
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • Chicago Booth
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Columbia Business School
  • MIT Sloan
  • Santa Clara University
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • Cornell University
  • Yale School of Management
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • NYU Stern School of Business

Customers choose Josh for his Booth admissions involvement and his consulting background. Verified reviews from paying customers back up his place on this list. Best for: Consulting professionals and Chicago Booth applicants.

  • “Josh’s guidance was a game-changer in my MBA admissions journey. His insights were precise, his advice empowering, and his belief in my potential unwavering. Thanks to him, I approached the process with confidence and clarity. Grateful for his mentorship—it truly made all the difference.”

    Mahmood M.
    Tuck School of Business
    Tuck School of Business
  • “Interview prep with Josh was an extremely useful and empowering experience! Josh is knowledgeable and has extensive experience in mock interviews. Josh gave me a great mock interview. He prepared the questions in advance. Following the mock, Josh provided amazing feedback that identified my strengths whilst highlighting areas for improvement. He taught me frameworks on how to structure my responses. What's best of all is that Josh placed the questions he asked, feedback for each of my answers, and frameworks in a very organized document that I can refer back to!!! It was so helpful! for me to review the organized doc with comprehensive feedback by Josh. I now feel a lot more prepared and confident for my upcoming interviews. I highly recommend Josh for anyone interested in acing MBA interviews!”

    Anonymous
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • “Josh provided me with amazing mentorship and content to vastly improve my essays. He has a TON of essay examples and tips that really helped me to create my first drafts. His comments and edits were excellent and were key towards creating incredible essays. Josh really went above and beyond my expectations. We had a tight timeline of 6 days! I want to highlight Josh's very quick and efficient essay revisions. He was always there to answer my questions and help me make necessary edits or pivots. There's no way I could have created such masterful essays without Josh's content, guidance, edits, and coaching.”

    Chun Yu L.
    Santa Clara University
    Santa Clara University
See all reviews
Susan C.

Susan Cera

Former Duke Fuqua AdCom, Thousands of M7 admits, >$12 million scholarships

  • 5.00
    101 reviews
  • From $399/hr

Helped people get into

Harvard Business School
Stanford Graduate School of Business
The Wharton School (UPenn)
MIT Sloan

Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business +23 more

  • Harvard Business School
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • The Wharton School (UPenn)
  • MIT Sloan
  • Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
  • Duke's Fuqua School of Business
  • Chicago Booth
  • Columbia Business School
  • Tuck School of Business
  • Yale School of Management
  • Michigan's Ross School of Business
  • Darden School of Business (UVA)
  • NYU Stern School of Business
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell)
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • McCombs School of Business (UT Austin)
  • Dartmouth College
  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • Foster School of Business (Washington)
  • Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
  • McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)
  • Harvard Kennedy School
  • Tepper School of Business (Carnegie Mellon)
  • USC Marshall School of Business

Customers choose Susan for her experience on the Duke Fuqua admissions committee. Verified reviews from paying customers back up her place on this list. Best for: People who want a former admissions committee member's view, including on scholarships.

  • “I worked with Susan Cera in the spring semester of my final undergraduate year, hoping to secure a spot in the deferred MBA program at Harvard Business School. During my search for the right application support, I took consultation calls with many of the leading firms in the MBA admissions consulting space. Early in my prospecting stage, Stratus – and, by extension, Susan – differentiated itself by focusing the introductory call on me, the potential customer. Most consultancies in the introductory call took the position of “Let me sell you on cold facts, hard numbers, and formulaic approaches that we use with people who have your background.” Stratus was more interested in “Who are you? What brings you to the life decision you’re about to make? What story do you want to tell? What is the mission that you’re on?” They call it the 360 degree-approach; I’d also call it “human-centered” admissions counseling. Susan took notes throughout our entire call, asked thoughtful questions, and closed our discussion with the reassuring facts I needed to choose her firm. My time working with Susan was punctuated with many more memorable moments like that. When I shared updates with her on my application journey (receiving interviews, sitting for GMAT/GRE etc.) or scholastic journey (important presentations, graduation), she was always the first to send me notes of encouragement. During our application strategy calls, she went to great lengths to make sure that I told MY story; to her, I was more than another MBB consultant with “extras.” As my materials became due, Susan worked with impressive speed & attention-to-detail to give me incisive, yet constructive feedback. I have no doubt that, without her help, I would not have succeeded in submitting the volume of applications that I had committed to. I was admitted to more than half of the M7 schools. In the end, I was admitted to Harvard Business School’s 2+2 program. It was one of the happiest days of my life and I chose only to share the initial moments of raw emotion following my admissions decision with a few people. Of course, Susan was one of the first folks I called! I’m more than satisfied with my Stratus experience. I gained a seat in Harvard Business School’s classroom in a few years and a career-champion in Susan Cera for much longer!”

    Anonymous
    Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
  • “Susan played a critical role in helping me make my dream of getting into Stanford MBA program a reality. She supported me all the way through the application process, from deciding which Round to apply, to crafting essays and preparing for the interview, and helped me with every single question I had – even the most stupid questions that were on my mind. It was important to have Susan’s shoulder early on, as she helped me work out a powerful strategy and point my efforts in the right direction. In the brainstorming process, she came up with novel ideas that I somehow did not come up with on my own. Those ideas turned out to be key to my application strategy. Strategy is important, but so is implementation. Susan was surprisingly fast to reply to my emails, especially given the amount of value her emails contained. I feel it’s important to reemphasize this – every single piece of correspondence from Susan contained HUGE value for me! Her feedback on the essays helped me focus on the most impactful points, leaving non-value-adding details aside, thus making the most out of the limited word space I was allowed in the essays. I cannot overestimate the importance of Susan’s help on the so-called stupid questions. Honestly, I did not expect that I would have so many of those. Turned out, the application file itself was so lengthy and contained so many little questions that seemed to be tricky. I felt that, when combined, answers to these little questions could make a difference between being admitted and being rejected. Luckily, Susan had the kind of empathy I needed to feel comfortable asking her these stupid questions. When it came to the interview stage, Susan once again helped me focus on the most impactful parts of my story so that I felt confident sharing my story with the interviewer. It was important that I was prepared for the interview in advance, since this preparation translated into my confidence during the actual interview. I definitely would not have this courage if I was not sure I was telling the right stories to the interviewer. Susan made me believe I was. Simply put, I would have never gotten into the Stanford MBA program without Susan’s help. And I am forever grateful to her for helping me make my dream a reality.”

    Anonymous
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • “I am immensely grateful for Susan’s guidance, which helped me get admitted to my dream MBA program at Stanford! Susan was instrumental in working with me to sift through essay ideas and find my “voice.” Susan prepared me thoroughly for my MBA interview, providing critical feedback on how my responses would be perceived from an interviewer’s point of view and helping me to gain the confidence to succeed. As a former admissions officer who has also coached so many other candidates, Susan brings a level of insight and judgment that friends, family, and colleagues cannot replicate. Furthermore, Susan encouraged me to apply for a merit scholarship, which I would not have considered on my own. Susan has helped me better understand myself even beyond the MBA application. Looking back, I remember browsing these forums when trying to decide whether to work with Susan and her team at Stratus. I would say to my old self without hesitation to work with Susan – see it as a worthwhile investment in yourself!”

    Anonymous
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
    Stanford Graduate School of Business
See all reviews

How we select the best MBA admissions consultants

This list starts with Leland's own data. Leland is a leading platform in MBA admissions, serving millions of customers with thousands of advisors, and that gives us a view no one else has: customer activity, content, outcomes, anonymized session transcripts and other key data points from the MBA category. We pair that with public sources, namely the live, public directory of MBA admissions consultants on Leland and each consultant's public profile, including headlines, schools, featured reviews and packages.

To decide who belongs, we look at measures of quality and results in the category. That includes verified reviews and ratings from paying customers, the outcomes those customers describe, and the target schools they were aiming for, from Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB and Wharton to Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School and London Business School. Booking activity is one more supporting signal. Reviews from people who did not pay are left out. We do not publish weights or thresholds.

This is a list, not a rank or a score. The order on the page is not a ranking, and no MBA admissions consultant here is placed above or below another. Leland sells MBA admissions consulting, so every MBA admissions consultant on this list offers services on Leland. Nobody can pay to be included, and nobody can pay for a better spot.

Every Expert on this list offers services on Leland. Experts cannot pay to be included, and nothing an Expert pays Leland affects who makes the list.

Sources

Leland data, the public directory of MBA admissions consultants on Leland and their public profiles.

Frequently asked questions

Ranked on this list? Show it off.

Add your badge to your website, LinkedIn or email signature. It links back to the live list, so it always shows the current edition.

Ranked #1 on Leland's Best MBA Admissions Consultants 2026–27

Get help reaching your most ambitious goals.

Work with the people at the top of these lists, starting with a free intro call.