✨WHY CHOOSE MELANIE? When you work with me, you're partnering with an insider who has firsthand knowledge of what top MBA programs like Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford are looking for. As a Columbia MBA alumna, current Admissions Interviewer, former McKinsey consultant, and professional ICF-certified Executive Coach, I offer a holistic coaching approach that combines admissions expertise with expert storytelling, giving you an edge over the competition. Here’s why I’m the best choice for your MBA journey: • 🎓MBA & COLUMBIA EXPERT: As a Columbia MBA alumna and current MBA Admissions Interviewer, I have insider knowledge of what top-tier schools seek. My experience in admissions interviewing gives me the unique perspective of understanding how to effectively position applicants for success. • 🚀PROVEN RESULTS: I’ve helped over 200+ applicants secure spots at M7 schools (as well as top 25 programs), and I’m proud to be part of the top 4 ranked firm on Poets & Quants for 2025. My clients’ success stories are a testament to the tailored strategies and guidance I provide. • 🎯PROFESSIONAL COACH: With over 10 years of coaching experience, I’m not just an admissions consultant—I’m an ICF-certified Executive Coach & Life Coach. My approach goes beyond getting you into business school; I focus on your MBA branding, leadership development, and executive presence to prepare you for the journey ahead. • ✍️ESSAY WHISPERER: Crafting compelling essays is critical in MBA admissions, and my writing expertise ensures your story is told with impact and authenticity. Whether it’s fine-tuning your essays, resumes, or LinkedIn profile, I help you shine through with clarity and professionalism. ✨WHO I WORK WITH: • Traditional and Non-Traditional Candidates • Diverse Applicants including POC, Veterans, and LGBTQIA+ • Candidates with High and Low Test Scores • Full-Time, Part-Time, Columbia's J-Term, and EMBA (Executive MBA) Candidates ✨PROVEN SUCCESS AT THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: • Columbia Business School (CBS) • Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) • Harvard Business School (HBS) • University of Pennsylvania Wharton • Northwestern Kellogg School of Management • Chicago Booth School of Business • MIT Sloan School of Management • NYU Stern School of Business • London Business School • INSEAD • University of California, Berkeley (Haas) • Yale School of Management • Michigan's Ross School of Business • Darden School of Business (UVA) • Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth • Duke's Fuqua School of Business • Cornell University Johnson School of Management • Emory University Goizueta Business School • Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice) • University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business • University of Texas, Austin, McCombs • University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson ✨LET'S GET YOU INTO YOUR DREAM MBA PROGRAM: Ready to transform your MBA aspirations into reality? Contact Melanie Espeland for your free consultation today. With my insider knowledge, executive coaching expertise, and essay-writing mastery, I’ll help you craft a standout application that positions you for success—both in admissions and beyond.

Jasmine was admitted to the Stanford Graduate School of Business as a deferred applicant and will be marticulating in 2025. She is experienced in all parts of the MBA application, and is familiar with the process for both regular applicants and deferred applicants.

Applying to business school is all about telling a compelling story. Where did you come from? How did that shape who you are? Who do you aspire to be? What do you hope to accomplish? And finally, how does the MBA connect your past to your future? As an MBA coach, I help applicants tell good stories in their resume, essays, and interviews. My approach is informed by my own experience learning to tell a coherent story about my winding path through the intensity of the Army Special Forces, the fast-paced and hyper-competitive of world Silicon Valley, and most recently, the endlessly fascinating world of coaching. I focus on military applicants, who face the added challenge of translating their stories into language that resonates with the admissions committee. That’s where I help the most. I’m intimately familiar with the service to school transition because I’ve done it, gaining admission to my three target schools – Stanford, Berkeley, and MIT – all while still on deployment.

Welcome to your MBA journey! As a coach, I bring a unique blend of experience and expertise to guide you through the world of MBA admissions. I've successfully guided current students across various programs to secure spots at top MBA programs, providing comprehensive support throughout their application journeys. From strategic school selection to essay refinement and interview preparation, I can offer tailored guidance to showcase your unique strengths and experiences. I'll help you articulate your career goals and personal narrative in an impactful way. Whether you're looking to refine your application strategy, polish your essays, or prepare for interviews, I'm committed to helping you present the best version of yourself. My passion for education and mentorship drives me to go above and beyond in supporting your MBA aspirations.

I have worked with clients to help them get into top MBA schools over the course of the last 10 years. As a Stanford MBA and a long time marketing professional with world wide experience in putting together product launches, I combine my experiences with superb writing skills to help differentiate my clients and stand out of the crowd. I am adept at every aspect of application from essay writing, to resume build out to helping put the themes together for recommendation letters.

I'm currently a Stanford MBA (where I'm the Student Body Co-President), and have 5+years of college admissions coaching experience. Before GSB, I spent time as a teacher (focusing on essay writing and story telling) and as a management consultant. Over the years working in admissions consulting, I have helped students based in the US, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore successfully apply to school. I'm here to help you create a stellar MBA application that can launch you into a top program in a way that tells your authentic story. As a coach, I bring a structured, honest, and tailored approach to the application process. Beyond my teaching experience, I also have a BA in Economics, Psychology, and Creative Writing from Northwestern University through which I learned how to help people navigate their truest stories. I'm particularly experienced at helping prospective MBAs figure out how the MBA would play into their larger goals as people and as professionals. No matter how untraditional the path, I'm skilled at helping applicants frame their diverse experiences in a compelling and cohesive way that resonates with admissions committees. If you want a partner in this process, I'm your guide.

I was fortunate enough to receive acceptances to 5 top MBA programs (HBS, GSB, Booth, Wharton, and Berkeley). I have helped numerous students throughout the application process, including reviewing essays, resumes, and helping with test taking strategies. I’m proud to say that I have a 100% success rate so far with individuals that I’ve worked with- my mentees have received acceptances at HBS, GSB, and Wharton! I am happy to help you through the process in a way that best suits your needs- whether it’s chatting through potential career pivots, providing essay edits, or giving tactical advice on nailing the testing.

I have advised 100+ applicants pursuing MBA and/or MPP applications to top institutions, helping applications secure admissions and a combined $500,000+ in scholarship money. Yes, that's over 10 candidates a year, with most of them receiving some form of financial aid! I will help you ethically secure scholarship funding where possible post-admissions (I.e., only after you've decided which school you'd like to attend!).

Congratulations on applying to MBA programs! I was recently in the same boat. I applied to MBA programs in the fall of 2023 and was admitted to Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Kellogg School of Management with a full-tuition scholarship. Luckily, now I am at the fun part where I get to decide where I want to spend my next two years. I am a strong communicator, love writing, and am a pro at crafting a unique story that fully encapsulates who you are. I am known for providing detailed feedback on resumes, essays, and keeping the trains on the track (just ask my friends about my many spreadsheets). Together, we will build an end-to-end project plan that allows you to feel in control throughout what is a very open-ended process. Additionally, I am also here for those tougher questions, such as "What schools should I even apply to?" Let's work together to get you into your dream MBA program!

- Recent admits to top MBA programs such as Columbia Business School, MIT Sloan, UChicago Booth, NYU Stern, and Yale SOM all with large fellowships and some full-tuition scholarships - Obtained a 750 on the GMAT (98% percentile) - Passionate about helping others reflect and grow from their experiences to obtain business school admits