Traditional Full-Time MBA Admissions Coaches

I’m Becky Song, an MBA admissions strategist with 15+ years of experience and a Wharton MBA, specializing in helping candidates earn admits to M7 and T15 programs. As Executive Director of Ivy Journey LLC (https://www.theivyjourney.com/), I’ve coached 200+ MBA applicants to successful outcomes at schools including HBS, Stanford GSB, Wharton, MIT Sloan, Columbia, Kellogg, and Booth. I work with a broad range of profiles — from traditional candidates in consulting, finance, tech, and product roles to non-traditional applicants pursuing career pivots, entrepreneurship, or leadership paths in family-owned businesses. I also have deep experience supporting international candidates, including first-generation applicants and those navigating U.S. MBA admissions from Asia, Europe and other global markets. My core strength is narrative positioning — I believe every candidate has a unique and compelling story to tell, and my role is to help you translate complex professional and personal experiences into clear, adcom-ready stories that convert into interviews. As a former admissions fellow, I also bring insider judgment on what admissions committees actually prioritize, from leadership signal and career logic to differentiation and credibility. I am excited to learn more about you and look forward to supporting you every step of the way. Reach out today to jump start your MBA journey!

After ~3 years at Bain & Company, I was accepted into the Kellogg School of Management as a sponsored consultant. I have experience navigating the resume, letters of recommendation, application (including essays), and interview tips that will give you the best chance at landing your spot at a top MBA program.

Welcome to my profile! With an MBA from MIT Sloan and a Master’s in International and Public Affairs from Columbia Business School, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. My professional journey spans roles at top companies like Nike, Hinge, and Nasdaq, where I honed my skills in product management and marketing. I have successfully coached 5 clients, helping them navigate the competitive MBA admissions process and secure spots at their dream schools. Let's work together to craft a standout application that highlights your unique strengths and experiences. Reach out to get started!

I bring 20+ years of experience with a robust blend of technical, strategic, and leadership expertise to my coaching practice. I hold an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and got acceptances from another top 10 school. During that time, I remember the rigors of the MBA admissions process. Fortunately, I had a mentor who helped me during that journey and helped me get into the perfect MBA program for me. And with that, i'd like to do the same for future aspiring MBA students. If you’re ready to start your MBA journey, I’m here to help guide you to get into your top MBA program.

I am a graduate of Harvard Business School (MBA) and Princeton University, and closely worked with the admissions team on crafting an overall admissions strategy. I served as the Co-Chief Admissions Ambassador at HBS, and was involved in meeting with applicants and answering questions. I also assisted with putting together The Harbus' admissions guide, which has a collection of essays from successful applicants. I'm happy to assist with business school or college applications and strategies to maximize your admission chances.

🎉 Dozens of candidates I've worked with have got into Stanford GSB, Harvard, Wharton & the rest of M7 🎉 ⏳ Fair, honest pricing: 4-5 hours for one school, 8-12 for 3+ is almost always sufficient⏳ 💰 Check out my packages for discounts, or ask me for 50% off your 1st hour 💰 My story: I was 23. My GMAT was an uneven 710: 99th percentile verbal, 55th(!) non-verbal. My major was English literature. I was at a non-MBB consulting firm with zero US brand recognition. I had less than 3 years of work experience. I couldn't afford an admissions consultant. And yet... I got in. How? Because I'm an expert-level storyteller. And telling your story is >50% of your application. A bad story can kill an otherwise-great application. A GREAT story can make up for a mediocre GMAT, so-so work experience, etc. Beyond your qualifications and institutions, you have several short- and long-form essay/answer prompts, plus 2 letters of reference. Together, these present you with an opportunity to craft a COMPELLING, HOLISTIC narrative for why you belong at the business school of your dreams. What got me over the line and won the heart of my AdCom reviewer was that I treated these answers not as distinct opportunities to shine, but a tapestry through which I wove a singular, compelling narrative thread. On Leland, I help others achieve the same. I am confident that any life, no matter how mundane-feeling, carries a powerful growth story. I will help you tell that story in a way that feels authentic and inspiring, making your offer a no-brainer to AdCom. I work with candidates for any school, and have a range of approaches based on your specific needs & working style. I particularly love to support international applicants - the US has a very specific, slightly opaque culture and set of values that I've had the privilege of adopting, through the lens of both a Brit (where I grew up) and a Russian (where I was born). No need to message ahead - my calendar is up to date. Schedule an intro call anytime!

Why me? - Insider Admissions Expertise: As a former member of Kellogg's student admissions committee, I have firsthand insights into what top MBA programs look for, from evaluation criteria to subtle preferences. - Cross-Cultural Storytelling: With years of living and working in the U.S., I help applicants craft authentic compelling narratives that resonate with American admissions audiences - Proven Results: Having mentored at several leading admissions consultancies, I've guided 50+ candidates to offers from top MBA programs, including HBS and GSB.

Welcome to my profile! I’m a Wharton graduate and Harvard Business School MBA with over 15 years of experience in finance, including the last decade at Warburg Pincus—a top-10 global private equity firm managing over $100 billion—where I’m currently a Principal. Having reviewed hundreds of applications and mentored dozens of Analysts, Associates, and VPs, I understand what top MBA programs are looking for—because I’ve been through the process myself and helped others succeed. Whether you're applying to HBS, Wharton, or other top programs, I can help you craft a compelling application strategy, polish your resume, develop standout essays, and prepare for admissions interviews with confidence. From refining your story to navigating the entire application process, I offer personalized coaching to help you put your best foot forward and maximize your chances of getting into your dream business school.

I was admitted to every M7 business school I applied to—including Wharton, where I ultimately chose to attend. Since then, I’ve coached dozens of applicants, with 95% gaining admission to at least one M7 program. My approach is strategic, introspective, and tailored—designed to help you stand out not just on paper, but in the eyes of each admissions committee. At Wharton, I served on the Welcome Committee, an affiliated body that supports newly admitted students. That experience gave me a behind-the-scenes view of what top programs look for—and how successful applicants present themselves. Whether you're a career switcher, international applicant, or coming from a non-traditional background, I’ll help you craft a compelling narrative, align it with each school’s values, and build a cohesive application strategy. From school selection to final submission, I’ll guide you with clarity, honesty, and a proven framework that gets results.

Welcome! I am a coach and advisor who genuinely enjoys helping individuals achieve their MBA admissions goals. As a former member of the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS), I have firsthand knowledge of the admissions process and what it takes to build a compelling application. I've reviewed thousands of applications and completed hundreds of interviews with applicants across all backgrounds, geographies, and industries. I also have experience working with college students applying for deferred admissions (I was part of the launch and management of the HBS 2+2 Deferred Admit Program). I have worked as an independent MBA admissions coach, guiding clients to success at their top choice schools. Whether you need assistance with school selection, crafting your story/brand, essay/resume writing, selecting/preparing recommenders, or interview prep, I'm here to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming and mysterious MBA admissions world. Let's connect and discuss how I can support you in reaching your goals. Rated "Leland Top 50 Coach" 2023 and 2024