Starting an MBA journey is typically filled with a lot of apprehensions. Preparing for entrance exams, choosing the right course and specialization, getting your documents and essays and managing the funds; the process of application needs a lot of research. If you have decided to enroll in an MBA course, you need to be aware of what MBA consultants do. While people count on the expertise of MBA consultants in India, many people may not be sure if they need one. So, read on for a detailed explanation of all the things you need to know about MBA consultants.
What does an MBA consultant do?
In simple terms, an MBA consultant works with an MBA aspirant to guide them through the entire application process. The Best MBA consultants help the applicants polish their application materials, decide on the right B-schools, and assist in all things related to MBA admission.
Here are some ways an MBA consultant helps you in your MBA application process:
1. Profile Evaluation: This is the first step for an MBA admission. The consultant assesses your profile to understand your strengths and weaknesses, gives clear inputs on what makes you a good-fit to the program, and suggests a well-defined application strategy. They also give additional ideas on profile building that can boost admit chances into your B-school of choice.
2. Exam Preparation: The consultant can also help you prepare for the GMAT / GRE or any other admission tests applicable. Many consultants like LilacBuds have experienced curated tutors that aid with rigorous preparation, and have associations with exam bodies (like GMAC and ETS) for providing mock tests, that prepare you to score well in these exams.
3. Selecting the Business School: An MBA consultant can help you in choosing the right MBA program adhering to your academic / professional background, and career aspirations. From explaining the program features to arranging alumni / student connections, your consultant can help you find a business school that fits your needs and goals the best.
4. Preparing Essays / Personal statements: The consultant’s main role is to help you sell your story better. This happens in the form of advice on essay content, clearly stating your goals and purpose and sharing inspiring anecdotes that demonstrate your best qualities. This is extremely beneficial because these experts can see strength in things that you may not notice. They can also turn your weakness into an inspiring story of transition and growth!
5. Resume Preparations: Your resume is an important part of your application process and MBA consultants can ensure it is worded clearly, in the right format, well thought out, and brings out your skills and capabilities. The CV is often the first document reviewed by the Adcoms, and its critical to increase the chances of getting selected for an interview and creating a lasting impression.
6. Letter of Recommendation: Crafting effective letters of recommendation requires careful consideration and expertise in selecting and collaborating with individuals who will endorse your candidacy. An admissions consultant equips you with the necessary guidance to identify and collaborate with recommenders, ensuring that their letters enhance your application, making it more compelling and noticeable to admissions committees.
7. Interview Preparation: Many consultants offer comprehensive support packages, that include interview preparation services also. Consultants that include this in their fees are usually more confident in their capabilities to get you to your desired programs. Alums and senior consultants usually help the applicants vocalize their stories in an impactful way.
8. Waitlist Guidance: Should you find yourself on a school’s waitlist, a seasoned MBA admissions consultant offers valuable advice on how to strengthen your candidacy during this period and effectively communicate any noteworthy changes to the admissions committee.
9. Rejection (Ding) Analysis: In the event of being declined admission to your desired program, an MBA admissions consultant conducts a comprehensive review of your entire application, including possible reasons for the reject. This could be test scores, GPA, career pivot and goals, short-answer responses, and other pertinent materials. They provide clear feedback highlighting both strengths and weaknesses, along with suggestions for enhancing your candidacy in future applications.
10. Scholarship and Decision Advisory: Deciding on which business school to attend can be challenging, especially with multiple admits. An MBA admissions consultant plays a crucial role in aiding this life-changing decision by offering objective advice on how applicants could pitch for scholarships and a valuable perspective on balancing cost , B-school rankings and career outcomes.
How do you pick the right MBA consultant?
With a large number of MBA consultants working in the education industry, choosing the right one is no easy task. Here are some factors that you must keep in mind when deciding the consultant partner for your journey:
1. Expertise: When evaluating a consultant, prioritize their expertise as a key factor. Consider the consultant’s track record in assisting individuals with MBA program admissions. Look into the duration of their involvement in this field and inquire about the success stories of their clients.
It’s beneficial if the consultant is an alumnus of a top B-school / university, having experienced the rigorous acceptance process themselves. Explore reviews and testimonials from past clients to gauge the consultant’s effectiveness.
2. Cost: Cost is one of the most important factors when it comes to deciding the right MBA consultant for you. The consultant cost may vary depending on the services they offer and their market reputation, usually ranging between $3000 to $10000. You must choose the services in a way that they solve your purpose but also don’t burn a hole in your pocket. Word of caution: Be very wary of consultants that charge low fees, since you may get what you pay for and we have often found aspirants burn their time and cash.
3. Professional background: You must consider the professional background of the consultants as well. Are the services and expertise based on an actual relevant professional background or is it merely a business? An MBA consultant often has relevant connections with AdCom reps, and should be able to understand the nitty-gritty of the industry to be able to help you. The purpose of the consultant should not be just making a transaction but also dedicated support and prioritizing the needs of the MBA aspirant.
Do you need an MBA consultant?
You must be wondering if the services of an MBA consultant are really needed, or if you can manage things yourself!
So, here are some situations when an MBA consultant can prove to be a promising investment. Skim through them to assess for yourself if you need an MBA consultant or not.
1. You are Driven and Focused: If you are determined to get into a top B-school, it is best you seek the help of the best MBA consultants. An experienced MBA consultant can help you prepare for the requisite entrance exams, optimize your application to align with the school’s expectations, and significantly increase your chances of acceptance in a reputed business school.
2. You are making a Career Transition: If you are switching industries or planning a significant career change, the best MBA consultants can help you choose the apt field of specialization and can help you craft a persuasive narrative, emphasizing your relevant skills and strengths.
3. The Admission process seems Overwhelming to you: If you find the admission process to be very complex and cumbersome, you can rely on the efficiency, expertise, and experience of an MBA consultant. Having guided thousands of applicants in the past, MBA consultants like LilacBuds can help you navigate the process effortlessly and improve your chances of attaining your career dreams.
4. You need Expert Guidance on your Application: If you want to get into your choice of business school it is a good idea to get your application reviewed by a second set of eyes, but expert eyes! Experienced MBA consultants who work with students and business schools regularly can take a look and tell you what will work in your application and what won’t. They can help you edit the application in a way that it has a better chance of getting approved.
How much do MBA consultants cost in India?
The cost of an MBA consultant in India may vary on various factors such as their level of experience, type of services required, packages, and market reputation. You must conduct thorough research, consider their track record and testimonials, and assess if the chosen one fulfills your specific needs.
While some MBA consultants may charge a flat fee per B-school, some charge a package fee based on number of MBA programs you intend to apply for. The flat fee varies anywhere between INR 60K to 1.5 lakhs per program, depending on geography and competitiveness of the school. Then there are some MBA consultants who also offer an hourly on-demand subscription plan charging around INR 20K per session.
Since the fee structure widely varies, do ensure that you check what is covered in the fee and that you get value for the money you are paying. Choosing an MBA consultant is like choosing a career partner in your application journey; it should be done only after thorough research and careful planning.
Connecting with top MBA consultants like LilacBuds, who have deep expertise in MBA admissions, can streamline the process and take the stress off your shoulders, ensuring you get into a business school that is aligned with your goals as well as your budget.
