MBA Admissions Consultants

4+ years of MBA and GMAT consulting experience. Have supported more than 50 applicants applying to M7 schools. Former US Army Officer.

Candidates, especially ones from common or overpopulated demographics, need to stand out. We will work together so that you are not a one-dimensional candidate in the eyes of the Admissions Committee but one who adds something special to the entering cohort. I have been interviewing candidates as a Kellogg alum since 1993. I recruited Executive MBA candidates for Kellogg throughout Latin America and ran information sessions on the fulltime program while a Kellogg director. Later, I worked several years at two of the larger players in the MBA admissions consulting industry before deciding to offer the same services independently. Clients love my authenticity, enthusiasm, and sense of humor. But while a confessed porphyrophile, I have also helped clients get into a wide range of Top Twenty programs, including the M7.

Recruiting for management consulting & applying to MBA programs can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. I'm a former BCG consultant & current first-year MBA candidate at MIT Sloan with a proven track record of helping professionals from all backgrounds achieve their career dreams, whether it's landing a consulting offer from MBB or gaining acceptance into their dream business school. I have over 3 years of experience in consulting & was accepted into both Darden's & MIT's deferred MBA programs. I've helped 10+ individuals navigate the consulting recruiting process & 5+ individuals with the MBA application process. I'm all about building strong relationships & providing clear, practical guidance. I'm a good listener, a strategic thinker, & a passionate advocate for my clients' success. I hope to work with you & wish you the best of luck on your career journey!

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. My rate is *$200 less per hour* than my industry peers — for what past applicants believe is better service. Please read my reviews and compare my rates with other top-ranked consultants and firms! REPUTATION - Top 5% most reviewed MBA admissions consultants on Poets & Quants and GMAT Club - Featured on one of Poets & Quants' top MBA admissions consultants lists for five straight years - Among the most reviewed consultants, I have one of the highest ratings and *the lowest hourly rate* SAVINGS - Similarly ranked consultants 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" (P&Q, 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

About Abdi With a proven track record of guiding over 2,000 students globally through the admissions process, Abdi is the ideal coach to help you secure admission to the MBA program of your dreams. As Chairman of Sherif Academy (formerly Easy Entry Group), he led initiatives supporting underrepresented students of color in gaining admission to top institutions like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and MIT Sloan. Abdi built valuable relationships with Assistant Deans of MBA Admissions at leading programs, hosting virtual events to provide applicants with unique insights into how admissions committees evaluate candidates. Additionally, his collaboration with Poets & Quants allowed him gain unique insights into designing successful applications, generating strategies from 14+ years of data and positioning Sherif Academy as a trusted resource in admissions consulting. Passion for Coaching His journey to becoming an admissions coach was inspired by his father's dedication to providing him with the best educational resources. His father's belief in his potential led Abdi to excel academically, culminating in his admission to Harvard Business School through the 2+2 Program. This experience instilled in him a desire to provide similar opportunities to others. Greatest Strengths Abdi's coaching style is characterized by a personalized approach, helping candidates to find and express their unique stories. He collaborates closely with applicants, focusing on their strengths and aspirations to develop tailored strategies. He aims to empower candidates to own their narratives and confidently navigate the competitive admissions landscape. More About Abdi In his free time, Abdi enjoys connecting with founders from underrepresented backgrounds and indulging in his love for sports, including soccer and basketball. He is an avid fan of Arsenal and the Lakers.

Welcome to my profile! As an MBA graduate at Columbia Business School and a previous Forte Fellow Scholarship recipient, I bring a wealth of experience from both the MBA and corporate worlds to my coaching. With a background in strategy and retail from top companies like Tapestry, Rimowa, and Deloitte Consulting, combined with experience interviewing MBA candidates, I have honed my skills in guiding clients through the complexities of the MBA application process. I have successfully coached dozens of individuals, helping them craft compelling applications that highlight their unique strengths and experiences. Whether you need assistance with application strategy, essay writing, or interview preparation, I'm here to help you achieve your MBA goals. Let's connect and make your application stand out!

I have always loved writing and crafting a compelling story. I worked in the Office of the CEO at BlackRock for several years, managing both the CEO and the firm’s narrative, and I understand how to appeal to a professional audience while finding space for personality and passion to shine through. I managed my own MBA application process and was admitted to Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. I received feedback from the admissions counselors at each school and was able to overcome weaknesses in my application through my storytelling and interview skills. I’ve helped clients, friends and peers navigate the process including everything from time management and confidence building to narrative crafting and storytelling. The MBA process is incredibly unique and difficult, and I am excited to help people find their voice and stand out amongst a crowd!

Applied to M7 business schools and graduated from MIT Sloan in 2022. As a person who came from a non-business background and was looking to come to b-school as a career pivot, I can help with anything related to career transition, picking the best school, telling your story, and the end-to-end application process. As someone who has gone through the application process and has worked with admissions, I can help you identify the most compelling aspects of your story to land the b-school you want!

I have in depth experience in coaching and mentoring, specifically in the MBA admissions space. I've gone through the process myself with huge success, I've coached prospective students through private coaching, as part of corporate coaching programs, and in support of the HBS admissions process. The reason I think I stand out and have found success as a coach is because I work hard to gain a true understanding of the applicant; to understand their motivations, values, drivers, strengths, and weaknesses. All of that is critical to craft a strong application for elite schools, but maybe more importantly it is critical to provide you the best support that I can. I will be better suited tailor my coaching to your needs, ensure you stay motivated and on track throughout the process, and unlock important insights to make your application stand out.

Are you ready to transform your dreams into reality by securing a seat in one of the world’s top MBA programs? With over 15 years of experience and a proven track record of assisting hundreds of candidates into the most distinguished full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs across the US and abroad, I am uniquely equipped to guide you through your journey. Leveraging expertise that spans materials research, quality engineering, aerospace engineering, marketing management, corporate strategy, and business development, I offer unparalleled insights into career planning and school selection. Understanding that every candidate has unique strengths and ambitions, I work with integrity and precision to craft authentic, differentiated, and compelling value statements that resonate with admissions committees at the highest level—including M7 programs. Whether you’re a traditional candidate or someone with a less conventional background, I am a highly insightful and results-driven coach who acts as a dedicated project manager, ensuring you stay on track to meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality or authenticity. From selecting the best programs for you, refining your resume, strategizing recommender selection, to essay development, editing, and interview preparation, every step is meticulously designed to highlight your strengths and maximize your chances of acceptance. With exceptional success rates and a commitment to quality, partnering with me means positioning yourself for success—not just in the admissions process, but in the career trajectory that follows. Let me be your guide to unlocking your highest potential and achieving the future you’ve always envisioned.