What to Consider When Looking for an MBA Consultant

Richard Battle-Baxter, recently admitted to Cornell University’s S.C. Johnson School of Management, has been blogging every step of his MBA application process.

With published articles in Poets and Quants, he’s got a pretty substantial audience. In response to a reader’s comment, he wrote a post with tips and advice about what to look for in an MBA consultant and ways she can help you reach your goals.

A few things he thinks are important to keep in mind:

1. Make sure the consultant is qualified. Find out what b-school she’s attended and if they have worked on any admissions committees.

2. Make sure the MBA consultant isn’t working with too many other candidates so that she’ll give your application the time and attention it deserves.

3. Do your own research. Make a list of schools you would like to apply to and jot down your career aspirations so that you can jump right in when you find a consultant you’d like to work with. Do not expect a consultant to pick schools for you.

4. Be honest with your consultant. If there are weaknesses in your application, let her know! That low GMAT score might be offset by a stellar GPA or by retaking the GMAT, but your consultant can’t help you with this unless you’re open about the less desirable aspects of your application.

If you’re applying to B-school, this blog is a must-read! With advice and anecdotes about every step of the process, from GMAT prep to accepting an offer, Richard Battle-Baxter’s blog Ellipsing My Way . . . To Business School is an excellent resource.

Click here for the rest of Battle-Baxter’s tips and opinions on MBA consultants in Poets and Quants.