Why You Shouldn't Hire an MBA Admissions Consultant

Summary

In this controversial MBA Monday episode, Angela Guido, founder of Career Protocol, argues that hiring an admissions consultant isn't necessary to get into your dream business school. She explains that schools provide clear and accessible information, and with proper self-management and self-expression, applicants can successfully navigate the MBA application process. Guido emphasizes that applicants should focus on authentic storytelling rather than trying to predict what schools want to hear. Ultimately, she encourages applicants to embrace their true selves and take advantage of free resources to guide them through the application journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 You do not need an admissions consultant to get into your dream business school. The answer is no, you can succeed without one.
• 😀 The majority of people who work with admissions consultants do so for personal growth during the application process, not because they can't handle it alone.
• 😀 MBA schools are very transparent about what they want from applicants. You can get up-to-date information directly from the schools themselves, eliminating the need for a consultant to interpret it for you.
• 😀 MBA admissions essays are about self-expression, not about crafting perfect, formal writing. It's important to remain authentic and tell your true story.
• 😀 Schools offer valuable insights through email lists, webinars, and chats with admissions directors, which are more reliable than seeking out a consultant's supposed insider knowledge.
• 😀 The MBA application process can feel overwhelming, but as a competent and organized person, you can manage it yourself with tools like project management spreadsheets.
• 😀 Writing insecurities, especially for non-native speakers, are common, but working with a consultant can lead to unnatural writing that doesn’t sound like you.
• 😀 Submitting perfectly written essays could harm your chances, as admissions committees may suspect that someone else wrote them, making you seem like a fraud.
• 😀 The biggest reason people hire consultants is the belief that there is a secret formula for getting into top schools, but this is a misconception. Schools are transparent about what they value in applicants.
• 😀 If you approach the application process with the mindset of telling schools what you think they want to hear, your essays will likely come off as generic, defensive, or arrogant.
• 😀 The most valuable support you can get is in helping you understand the process and express your true self. Admissions consultants can help you develop your story but should not rewrite or edit your essays for you.

Q & A

Do you need to work with an admissions consultant to get into your dream school?

No, you don't need to work with an admissions consultant to get into your dream school. The process can be completed successfully on your own, with the right preparation and self-awareness.

Why do many people choose to work with admissions consultants despite not needing them?

People often choose to work with admissions consultants because they are looking for guidance, personal growth, or a more structured approach during the application process. The goal is not necessarily to overcome incompetence but to enhance the experience and long-term success.

How do MBA admissions consultants help applicants beyond simply answering questions?

MBA admissions consultants help applicants grow as individuals while they apply. The process is designed to enhance personal development, which leads to a more rewarding and successful application experience, as well as future success in business school and beyond.

How can applicants get the necessary information about the schools they are applying to?

Applicants can get the necessary information directly from the schools by signing up for their email lists, attending webinars, and reading the valuable application tips provided by the institutions. Schools are transparent about what they want and make it easy for applicants to understand.

Is it necessary to hire an admissions consultant to understand what each school values?

No, it is not necessary. Schools are transparent about what they value and provide clear insights through their application guidelines, emails, and admissions events. All you need to do is follow the instructions they provide.

What are the challenges applicants face when managing the MBA application process?

The main challenge is the complexity and overwhelming nature of the process, which involves multiple essays, a resume, recommendation letters, and other documentation. However, applicants are generally capable of handling this themselves with good time management and organization.

Why doesn't Angela Guido think applicants need an admissions consultant to manage the application process?

Angela Guido believes that applicants, especially those applying to top business schools, are already competent in self-management. Many applicants have experience managing complex tasks and can build their own project management systems to stay organized.

What is the danger of hiring a consultant to help with writing MBA essays?

Hiring a consultant to help with writing can result in essays that no longer reflect the applicant’s true voice. The process may lead to generic writing that sounds like someone else, which could raise doubts about authenticity and integrity.

What is the main goal of writing an MBA application essay, according to Angela Guido?

The main goal of writing an MBA application essay is to express who you truly are. It's about self-expression and communicating your unique story rather than trying to sound perfect or formal. The admissions committees are looking for authenticity.

How should applicants approach their MBA essay writing process?

Applicants should focus on storytelling and self-expression. They need to highlight their unique experiences and qualities, rather than trying to follow a perceived formula or impress with overly polished writing.

What happens if applicants try to write their MBA essays in a way they think the admissions committee wants to hear?

If applicants try to write their essays to fit what they think the admissions committee wants to hear, their essays will likely sound generic and may come across as arrogant or defensive. This can make the applicant seem inauthentic.

What alternative does Angela Guido suggest for applicants who want to prepare for their MBA applications?

Angela Guido suggests signing up for her free MBA 101 program, which offers videos and resources to help applicants understand the process, demystify what truly matters, and lay the groundwork for self-expression and self-awareness.

What is the primary value of working with Angela Guido’s coaching service?

The value of working with Angela Guido's coaching service lies in helping applicants express their true selves and grow during the application process. The service is focused on enhancing self-awareness and personal development, not just perfecting application documents.