A good GMAT score isn’t enough to get into the MBA schools of your choice. After a certain point, your application writings, recommendation letters, and MBA enrollment personal interviews take over the system. Today, tons of students are applying every year, and you need the best help to stand out from the crowd.
There is a good possibility that friends and peers can assist, but they don’t have the experience to make a big difference in your chances of getting into the best schools. Don’t be fooled; they still don’t have the expertise you need, even if they are currently enrolled or alumni of that college. Hence, that is why more than 50% of all MBA candidates seek the assistance of a professional admissions counselor.
Here are some guidelines for selecting the best MBA consultant.
1. Identify Your Needs and Priorities
Before consulting with an MBA admissions counselor, every student should first determine their objectives and requirements for the application process. This entails determining what school level you want to attend and what kind of applicant you are.
Your position and personality should be evaluated before you begin looking for suitable advisors who may be a good fit and who are excited about the opportunity to make you succeed as an applicant.
As a starting point, prospective students should think about what they want out of their education and how likely they will be accepted into the colleges or universities of their dreams. In other words, is it better to work with an organization that specializes in planning or essay help? Understanding your profile will help you pin these questions.
2. Don’t Go for Generic Consultants
Avoid advisors who don’t take the chance to understand more about you as an individual. Many advisors have a “one-size-fits-all” mentality while working with clients. Some of the most outstanding MBA advisors will find out what makes you uniqueand why top universities should want to be associated with you.
As a result, some advisors may categorize potential applicants, which is never a good sign. Start by looking for someone who can assist you in discovering your tale from the beginning. They can’t assist you in building a unique application until they know you well
3. Get References from Peers and Family
Start by asking friends and colleagues if they know anybody who’s worked with any of the companies you’re considering. Your loved ones can help guide you on the proper route. Your peers are your best bet since they will only want the best for you. This is why you know that any suggestion that comes from or from your family is only going to be helpful in your journey.
4. Check Online Testimonials
Since the rise of social media and the web has made so much information readily available, do your research for MBA consultants online to read evaluations from previous candidates.
Tons of online pages compile a list of the best MBA admissions advisors every year based on feedback from actual students who have used these advisors’ mba admissions consulting services in the past.
5. Find Out Their Experience
Always remember to find out more about your chosen consultant’s experience. What’s the point of all of this? Extensive experience is a must in every career. Even if they have no prior experience dealing with candidates, many organizations may engage advisors who have gone through the process themselves or previous school admissions board members. This may not be a good idea.
Even if you don’t get an immediate answer, you still have a right to know, so don’t be afraid to bring it up. If you’re going to get consultancy, you should be able to verify that they’ve had some success in the past. If you can find them, look for well-documented evidence and references. Verify their familiarity with the process and the many steps involved in it. Ask for their success cases.
6. Take Free Consultancy Sessions
Never shy away from free sessions. Candidates might benefit from free first sessions offered by most experts. During these meetings, you may learn more about how they handle the application process and what they look for in a candidate.
Is their demeanor credible? Is it easy to reach them, and do they respond quickly? Do they seem to be understanding and supportive? Even though it may seem unnecessary, this practice will save you plenty of finances and time in the long run.
7. Check Their Ethical Standards
Verify the honesty and integrity of potential consultants before making a decision. They need not be a qualified professional organization to be eligible. You should, however, confirm whether they adhere to the same ideas. Understand that nobody can guarantee your entrance to any of these programs. Entrance is a complicated procedure involving many people on the interview panel and the applications team.
8. Be Aware of Pricing
Most experts disclose their rates on their sites. Check whether rates are hourly ($X) or flat for a particular set of services. Consider the worth of a product or service above and beyond its price. Cutting costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars doesn’t mean your experience will be better. While hourly services may seem a good deal, a thorough consultation guarantees that all of your vulnerabilities are discovered and addressed.
Final Note
Consultancy is a process that requires a great deal of trust and an understanding of human psychology. For the procedure to be successful, you must establish a good rapport with your consultant. Keep the above guidelines in mind, and your process will be a breeze. Remember that consulting process just improves your chances of getting selected, but it is never a promise.