MBA Admissions Consultants, Events, & Resources

Stanford GSB MBA graduate and former TALK Coach bringing a wealth of experience in guiding aspiring MBA candidates through the competitive admissions process. Admitted to GSB, HBS, MIT, Kellogg, & Haas. My non-traditional background as an US Army Infantry Officer turned MBA candidate turned Strategy Consultant at Boston Consulting Group provides me with unique insights into crafting compelling narratives and strategic applications. I've successfully coached individuals, helping them refine their application strategy and essays to gain admission to top programs. Whether you're looking to enhance your application or need guidance on navigating the MBA journey, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect!

Welcome to my profile! With over two decades of experience in MBA admissions and marketing consulting, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the competitive landscape of business school applications. As the founder of my own consulting firm, I've successfully guided clients to top programs worldwide, including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD. My unique background includes serving as an admissions reader at Johns Hopkins University and as the Director of Admissions at the University of Bath, where I evaluated applications from diverse international candidates. I specialize in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with admissions committees, drawing from my own experiences as both a part-time and full-time MBA student. Let's work together to create a standout application that reflects your unique story and aspirations. Reach out to start your journey to a top MBA program!

Hey there! I'm Shane a graduate of Harvard Business School (MBA), with a strong foundation in engineering and music from Northwestern University. My professional journey includes impactful roles at McKinsey & Company and a in venture capital. I've successfully coached many individuals, helping them navigate the competitive MBA admissions process and secure spots at top programs. My experience spans strategic consulting and engineering, equipping me with a unique perspective to guide you through your unique journey. Excited to support you in your application journey!

Shortly after earning my MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, I began coaching MBA applicants through one of the most transformative processes of their professional lives. Over the past 13+ years, I’ve helped candidates from around the world gain admission to top programs, My approach combines insider insight with personalized strategy. Having gone through the process myself and having worked with dozens of successful applicants, I understand what schools are really looking for beyond test scores and resumes. I help applicants uncover their most authentic stories, position their strengths with clarity, and bring polish and purpose to every element of their applications, from essays and recommendations to interviews and school selection. What sets my coaching apart is a balance of strategy and empathy. I believe that great applications are not just well-written—they are deeply personal and strategically aligned with a school’s values and culture. My goal is to ensure that every client feels confident, authentic, and prepared to put their best self forward.

With over twenty years of multifaceted professional and MBA admissions consulting experience, I am passionate about guiding high-potential applicants toward successful deferred MBA admissions. My commitment is to help you articulate your unique story and personal brand in an authentic and engaging way. I ensure that every aspect of your application—from essays and resumes to recommendations and interviews—reflects your full potential. Whether you need comprehensive end-to-end guidance or targeted assistance with a specific component of your application, I provide honest, actionable feedback and individualized hands-on support to empower you to achieve your vision and goals. The results speak for themselves: 90% of my clients have been admitted to at least one M7 program. I bring a unique perspective to the MBA application process, combining extensive international business experience with a deep understanding of the admissions landscape and job market. I hold an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a BA from Swarthmore College.

I was admitted to HBS and Stanford GSB through the deferred/2+2 program. After that, I founded Deferred MBA Consulting and have helped hundreds of clients with their applications. Ultimately, learnings from Deferred MBA laid the foundation for Leland. Since most of my time is spent building Leland, I'm best working with clients who don't need intensive coaching in a short amount of time. I love working with clients who have strong backgrounds but just need a few hours of time on application strategy, essays, recommender selection/prep, and interviews.

I founded Avanti Prep in 2017. I do this full time and have lived and breathed this space to a degree that very few others have. Thanks to volume discounts, most of my clients pay *$295 per hour*, which is $100 to $200 less per hour than my industry peers — for what past applicants believe is better service. Please read my reviews! REPUTATION - One of only 23 MBA admissions consultants with 100+ lifetime reviews on Poets & Quants - Frequently featured on top MBA admissions consultant lists (e.g., P&Q's top consultants / top boutique firms) - Among Poets & Quants' most reviewed consultants, I have one of the highest ratings and the lowest hourly rate ($295) SAVINGS - Other consultants with 100+ reviews charge an average of $495 per hour — most of my clients pay $295 - Avanti Prep's rates "remain one of the least expensive in the industry" (Poets & Quants, 2023) - "Among the top advisors, the least expensive is Greg Guglielmo of Avanti Prep" (Poets & Quants, 2020)​ TESTIMONIALS - My client reviews are among the most detailed and transparent you'll find anywhere ​​- I've worked with a lot of applicants who previously worked with other firms — read and compare! - Consistently lauded for providing an unmatched level of quality, commitment, and personal care RESULTS - In 2023-24, my Harvard-Stanford acceptance rate was 47% — nearly 4.5x the baseline rate - My lifetime Harvard-Stanford Interview Prep success rate is 83% — let's prep together! - Our military/veteran clients' aggregate HSW acceptance rate is 73% — references available

Welcome! With over a decade of experience in MBA admissions, I've guided hundreds of domestic and international clients to success at top business schools including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and more. My background includes serving on the admissions committees at Chicago Booth and Berkeley Haas, where I evaluated thousands of applications and made key admissions decisions. I specialize in helping you discover your unique "wow factor" and crafting an application that highlights your strengths and fit with each target school. Whether you need comprehensive support or targeted assistance with essays and interviews, I'm here to help you present your best self to admissions committees. Let's work together to make your MBA dreams a reality! Please note that give discounts to active military.

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 graduated from Wharton's MBA program and the Harvard Kennedy School's Masters of Public Administration program. I have expertise in dual-degree applicants, candidates with traditional backgrounds looking to differentiate their application, and candidates committed to mission-oriented careers. I have 5 prior years of formally coaching full-time and deferred-applicants with over 75 students accepted to M7 programs. I have deep experience with candidates from traditional backgrounds in finance (IBD + PE + Real Estate), consulting (healthcare + CPG), and social impact looking to advance within their industries & make pivots. I am particularly passionate about linking the seemingly unrelated pieces of candidate's backgrounds into a clear through line. I love meeting the Leland community, so please feel free to schedule an intro call!