In my last series of publications, I shared my opinions on the MBA and the key elements of an MBA application package.
However, when it comes to actually applying to schools, it can often be a daunting task.
I found that reading articles and watching YouTube videos only provided high-level, general advice, not something specific to my own background, experiences, and challenges.
As a result, I am often asked whether I used MBA admissions consultants.
My answer is – yes.
If you have the necessary funds and are willing to spend on these services, you should.
Benefits of Admissions Consultants
To be clear, receiving guidance from an admissions consultant does not guarantee admission to a top-tier school.
That being said, there are five (5) key benefits to hiring an admissions consultant.
1. Access to a breadth of experience
Admissions consultants work with many students every year and successfully help a handful get into top schools. They have spoken to many applicants and understand how the MBA application game works.
Your admissions consultant should have experience with people of similar backgrounds (for me, my background centred around being an Asian American male with MBB and startup experience). This means they are well placed to provide tips on the types of stories you should share and how to best position yourself as a unique candidate compared to others with similar experiences and backgrounds.
2. Comprehensive review of your past
An admissions consultant will prompt you to think deeply about everything in your past. They help you recall events you might not have considered relevant and understand the motivations and reasoning behind your choices. This is especially important for overrepresented applicant pools.
An outsider who understands your previous choices can identify life themes and areas that make you stand out. My first two conversations with my consultant felt like therapy – I learned so much about myself!
3. Effective and impactful storytelling
As mentioned in one of my previous posts, essays can represent around 11% of your overall application package, while admissions interviews, which also rely on effective storytelling, represent around 21%.
Coming from a less traditional work background, I found it extremely helpful to have my admission consultant learn all about my past, identify key themes that connect impactful experiences, and guide me in emphasizing certain learnings and challenges to best answer the essay questions. For example, my consultant gave me important guidance on how to best communicate a layoff.
4. Personalized feedback and tailored advice
Consultants can provide detailed, personalized feedback on your resume and essays, ensuring they are polished and effectively convey your story and achievements.
Many consultants offer mock interview sessions, helping you practice and refine your responses to common interview questions.
They can ensure that your application aligns with your long-term career goals, making your case stronger and more coherent.
Consultants can assist in selecting schools that best fit your background, goals, and preferences.
Finally, they can also provide a thorough review of your entire application, identifying any areas that need improvement before submission, catching small errors or inconsistencies you might overlook.
5. A much-needed confidence boost
The MBA application process is a long and emotional journey. Having a supporter who understands your background, accomplishments, and setbacks and can help you tell those stories more effectively can be crucial for maintaining confidence throughout the process.
Limitations of Admissions Consultants
There are at least three (3) key limitations to consider when deciding to work with an admissions consultant.
1. Significant financial investment
MBA admissions consultants can be quite expensive, with fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. This can be a significant financial burden for some applicants. I decided to pay my consultant per hour and used every session very effectively.
2. Over-reliance
Relying too heavily on a consultant can lead to a lack of personal ownership over the application process. Admissions committees want to see your authentic voice and experiences, not just a polished product created by someone else.
There is a risk that your application could come across as overly polished or insincere if heavily edited or influenced by a consultant.
I made sure my voice and opinions were heard and prioritized.
3. Potential conflicts of interest
Consultants may be working with multiple clients applying to the same schools, leading to potential conflicts of interest.
Some consultants may use a one-size-fits-all approach, which might not be tailored to your unique background and aspirations.
Instead of choosing a large company, I was referred to a successful admissions consultant (a former journalist, editor and copywriter!) by applicants who had succeeded at Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, and MIT.
The bottom line
Whether you just want to get into any MBA program or have a specific dream school in mind, the MBA is a significant investment in yourself. Despite the high upfront costs, I believe an MBA is an investment which can pay enormous dividends for the future.
The first step though is to receive an admission letter in your hands, and this is where admissions consultants come into play.
Although it is possible to receive offers from top-tier schools by applying independently, hiring an expert can help you to save time, personalize your application, tell a more coherent and impactful story about your career journey, boost your overall level of confidence, and most importantly increase your chances of success.
Good luck in your MBA application process!
Jeff Zhang currently serves as a Consultant at McKinsey, specializing in private equity, transportation, technology, and sustainability sectors. Before this role, he spearheaded the creation of an innovative final-mile logistics product at a startup, later acquired by Shopify. His background includes significant experience in consulting, logistics and successful applications to global MBA programs.
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