Admissions Consulting

Admissions consulting companies are a result of the immensely convoluted MBA admissions process that schools have set up. While admissions officers say they want to hear about the real 'You', they don't mention that they also want to read an impressive application - i.e. the structure, flow etc. should be very different and surprising. how do you anticipate a student will do that now - I don't really buy their BS about writing in your own unique voice etc. Come on - would you really want to admit an Indian applicant who can't write well? The GMAT is coachable, you could do well on your verbal without really being good in English. And the applicant, assuming he is aware of what aspects of his application he falters in - such as essay writing - will definitely seek external help. Anyways, I too spoke with 3-4 admissions consultants for an initial review of my candidature. What follows is my experience and what I thought of the consultant in particular

- Stacy Blackman - I spoke with Bill Chonis. He was an awesome person to speak with, very courteous and knew his stuff. Said I had shots at the schools I intended to apply to. I agreed with his assessment (not of schools but generally) and he would have been my #2 choice if I did pay a consultant to help me

- Amerasia - Spoke with Paul. he's plain awesome. Amazing insights, means business - won't give you BS around well I have seen XYZ type of people getting in so you have a chance too - says what he wants to upfront and these end up being effective candid views. Would have definitely hired him if I had the money

- Adam Makus - he's too stuck up - I think he is only good for Japanese clients maybe or those who have immaculate stats and will get in for sure, thereby making it safe for himself in terms of acceptance rates

- Aringo - Spoke with Karin, their CEO. She was alright, gave me a good rate but am not sure whether I want to use their hourly rate or no

- Accepted - Spoke with someone I dont remember her name. She also said I could be competent basis my atypical profile, and was very nice to speak to. Her experience showed in the way she spoke to me and what all she recommended

- Clear Admit - I was supposed to speak with one of their consultants who's ex Columbia Business Scool (forgot her name) but she was a bit unprofessional - she never called, and always had issues in fixing up a time to spk. I think she's one of their busiest consultants so maybe thats the case. I did speak to someone else (again dont remember the name - its been long) but she was good

Essay editing - haven;t paid anyone as of yet but I think Essay Snark is really good - humourous guy/team that gives great insights. Also heard decent things about Essay Critique

All in all - Indian applicants do have some disadvantages - from an applicant pool perspective and also from the fact that they can't afford to get consultants to help them. I think there are 2 types of Indians who use these consulting services

1. They come from filthy rich backgrounds such as my friend who hired a personal consultant (single man service, one of the best) and paid him $6,000 for 2-3 schools. He got into 1 which was in the top 10 and matriculated. $6,000 is Rs. 300,000 or half of the total yearly compensation of an Analyst at Bain & Co.

2. They are consultants/IT folks who go abroad on client projects, save on their per diem and use that money (as they get it in $s) for such things

Anyways, I am firmly continuing in my own journey, consultant-less