Deferred MBA Admissions Coaches

I'm Oren Margolis, a former Senior Associate Director of MBA Admissions at NYU Stern, where I evaluated thousands of applications and represented the school globally. Now, I leverage that experience to help applicants navigate the MBA admissions process with clarity and confidence. My approach is straightforward and supportive, focusing on bringing out your genuine story rather than fitting you into a mold. I recognize that the admissions process is.... a lot - I'll push you to make sure you're reaching your full potential and leaving nothing off the table, while also coaching through the inherent stress and anxiety that comes along with the process. Whether you're a traditional applicant or come from a non-traditional background, I provide strategic guidance tailored to your unique path. My clients have gained admission to top Full-time, Part-time, and Executive MBA programs at schools including Harvard, Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Fuqua, Darden, Columbia, Yale, Anderson, Marshall, Haas, Tuck, and Stern. I have a particular interest in working with LGBTQ applicants and also enjoy working with underrepresented groups and "nontraditional” applicants.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

Hi, I’m Karl — an MBA candidate at Kellogg with background in marketing and strategy. Before Kellogg, I spent 7 years in the marketing field, where I mastered the art of storytelling. I believe a great MBA coach doesn’t just tell you what to do — they help you uncover your unique strengths and position them effectively to admissions officers, like a brand manager. I specialize in helping candidates prepare for the behavior interviews: telling their story with clarity and confidence, with MBA admissions interviewer training and experience conducting 40+ mock interviews. As an international student who successfully navigated the challenges of networking and ultimately landed a US MBB offer, I understand firsthand the hurdles of trying to get an offer in the US. If you’re looking for guidance on your MBA journey — from interview prep to strategy and positioning — I’d be excited to help you succeed.