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ApplicantLab Admissions Consulting Reviews

Admissions is a tough game; we teach you how to win it. ApplicantLab is an on-demand series of interactive exercises that walk you through everything you need to craft a winning application. Created by an HBS grad with almost 15 years of experience, ApplicantLab takes admissions consultants’ tools and puts them in your hands. Learn more.
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ApplicantLab Admissions Consulting Reviews

ApplicantLab On-Demand Admissions Guidance Tool
 $349  $314
Reviews
213
Average Rating
5
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Most Reviewed ApplicantLab Consultants

Maria Wich-Vila
Reviews
185
Average Rating
5.0
Carin Nelson
Reviews
22
Average Rating
5.0
Austin
Reviews
1
Average Rating
5.0
Luqzan
Reviews
1
Average Rating
5.0

Reviews:

213 Reviews
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December 22, 2023
harika19998

Joined: Jun 11, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
720 Q49 V40

ApplicantLab- an investment that you'll never regret

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ApplicantLab has lots of advantages. The school specific essay advice was something that stood out for me. I felt it was regularly updated and gives you proper guidance on how to shape your essays. ApplicantLab does not have support for certain schools and in those cases you can send an email using the prompt on the portal itself. Carin/Maria promptly reply to all the emails within a day and I always heard back from them when I was confused. I literally asked questions like "I have idea 1 vs idea 2" which would stand out better so it was nowhere like no consultant

After you are done with your essays there is an option to get their consultant to review it.

The guys who review your essays are alumni of top business schools and they really know what they are doing. To top that of, if you need a re-review of the essay for the same school you will get it at half the price. I remember getting my essays to these schools 4 times until I hit the right story.
I credit my admission to Foster, Scheller, McCombs(each with fee waivers of 70% at least) totally to ApplicantLab.
Thank you very much! Quality topped with affordability makes you a gem!

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This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.
December 20, 2023
Flypaper3533

Joined: Oct 08, 2022

Posts: 91

Kudos: 46

Verified GMAT Classic score:
770 Q49 V47 (Online)

No brainer - save thousands of $$

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An excellent and well thought out product that contains all that you could possibly need from admissions consulting.

- Guided process to help develop your MBA story
- In-depth information about what schools are looking for
- Guides for every question you could find on an application
- Detailed interview guides
- Resume advice
- And best of all, super fast answers to any questions that you email Maria about.

I literally do not understand why you would pay a small fortune to admissions consultant when you can find everything with ApplicantLab. In fact, even if you have a consultant, spending the $300 or so makes sense to me in order to get access to all this material, guides, and online application tracking system.

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December 19, 2023
bschoolszn

Joined: Dec 19, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Highest ROI of Your Life

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

If you apply to business school without using ApplicantLab, I think you're doing yourself a disservice. I didn't have any friends or coworkers applying to business school this year, and using just ApplicantLab and the add-on services, I got into Kellogg with a half tuition scholarship.

Here's the thing: no matter how uncommon your background, adcom is going to be looking for similar things (i.e. that you've demonstrated leadership, that you can get a job after graduation, that an MBA will fit your needs). It makes NO SENSE to pay thousands of dollars to reinvent the wheel with a traditional admissions consultant. The ApplicantLab modules do a really good job of breaking down the components of a successful MBA application, it just takes time, introspective, and initiative to apply the information to your own circumstances (and if you're applying to business school, you've presumably got ample reserves of time, introspection, and initiative).

Christians have the Bible. Celtics fans have the 2008 championship. Every major group has something they pay a religious devotion to. For MBA applicants, that's ApplicantLab's school-specific advice. This is going to be your Rosetta Stone while writing your essays. 2 major value props: it helps you decipher what the school is REALLY asking in the question (believe you me, it's usually far from obvious), and it helps you understand the culture and priorities of each school so you can subtly weave those breadcrumbs in your essays. To me, this is the biggest value of ApplicantLab compared to a traditional admissions consultant. Sure, a traditional consultant could walk you through the high-level components of a business school application and get you equally as prepared for that portion as ApplicantLab (at 10x the price). But I'm very skeptical that the random consultant you get from some agency is going to have in-depth, program-specific knowledge of each of the 5+ programs you're applying for. If you're serious about getting into your dream program, it's a no-brainer.

Finally, the add-on services. Big fan of these as well. I think it's very helpful to get a second set of eyes on your materials by someone who has experience with the application process. I'm not sure how traditional consultants do it, but ApplicantLab's process for reviewing essays is completely asynchronous (they record a video explaining how you can improve your essays/resume/etc). I like this for two reasons: it mimics the way adcoms review your essays (you don't get to explain to them why you chose to put that sentence there) and you can review the video as many times as you need. Really solid service, and offered way, way cheaper than a traditional consultant.

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This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system or .edu email address and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.
November 06, 2023
gmat4_197

Joined: Mar 27, 2021

Posts: 12

Kudos: 6

ApplicantLab review

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ApplicantLab really helped me a lot to craft essays for schools on my own at a nominal price. It has detailed advice for each question for most of the top schools. I especially like how you can read specific areas based on how much time you have to devote. If you are in a hurry, you can skip to the gist of the advice and if you have time at hand then you can go through the detailed videos. When all is done, I would suggest getting your essays reviewed by your peers or someone who has experience writing/reviewing school essays.

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September 05, 2023
chicagobooth2025

Joined: Sep 05, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Self-reported Score:
720

Perfect Self-Guided Tool for Non-Traditional Applicants

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

ApplicantLab is an ideal MBA application tool for candidates who need support in developing their "story" without spending thousands of dollars for a consultant. Maria's guidance is thoughtful, her videos are funny, and it's apparent that she genuinely cares about users' MBA results.

With ApplicantLab's support, I was accepted with significant scholarships to Michigan Ross, Northwestern Kellogg, and Chicago Booth. While much of the tool is self-guided, Maria was responsive to questions I asked on my resume, finalizing my post-MBA career goals, and negotiating my scholarships after I was accepted in R2. ApplicantLab's advice helped me secure $35K extra in scholarship support while I made my school decision (Insane ROI considering what I paid to use the service).

Thanks, ApplicantLab!!!

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This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system or .edu email address and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.
August 14, 2023
nhatanh811

Joined: Jan 02, 2017

Posts: 50

Kudos: 51

Verified GMAT Classic score:
730 Q50 V40

Applicant Lab was a game-changer for me! Coming from Vietnam, I did not have a lot of access to the business school's info sessions - Applicant Lab took it to the next level with specific school details to help with essay and application strategies for a fraction of the price! On top of that, the HBS mock interview that I did with Maria was also empowering and gave me confidence and improvement points so I felt comfortable going to the actual interview, and ultimately secured the offer from HBS.

Would highly recommend it to everyone who is applying to business schools, thank you, Maria!

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August 08, 2023
Adi1726

Joined: Sep 06, 2021

Posts: 23

Kudos: 45

Verified GMAT Classic score:
740 Q48 V44

Lawyer who got into INSEAD, thanks to Applicant Lab

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

As a lawyer who wanted to get into a top business school, I didn't have much knowledge or experience with the process. I wanted guidance, but I didn't want to pay a lot for admission consultants. I came across Applicant Lab through some YouTube videos (AdCom's hierarchy of needs!) and it had an immensely positive impact.

Once I signed up, I realised that Applicant Lab is an extremely powerful platform that helps you with every aspect of your
MBA applications. It can assist you in identifying your strengths and weaknesses, clarifying your career objectives and accomplishments, matching your personal qualities with the preferences of each school, crafting impactful essays, getting ready for interviews, and providing other forms of support. Simply put, it's a wonderful treasure trove of information and guidance. The content delivery is also flexible - both videos and text (including bite-sized summaries of key points). It also provides some examples, tips, videos, and resources to support you along the way.

What I appreciated about Applicant Lab was the feedback I received from the experts on the team. I booked sessions with Souvik and Ken, who were knowledgeable, friendly, and honest. They reviewed my essays and CV and provided feedback on areas that needed improvement. They gave me some valuable tips on how to improve my application.

Thanks to Applicant Lab, I was able to create a story that I believe accurately portrayed my personality, skills, and potential. I applied to INSEAD and I received an admission offer. I appreciate the assistance of the entire team in helping me reach my goal.

There is no doubt that Applicant Lab is a wonderful tool for anyone who is looking to ace the MBA application process. I wholeheartedly 'advocate' it!

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July 13, 2023
ssarma896

Joined: Nov 22, 2022

Posts: 0

Kudos: 5

Verified GMAT Classic score:
690 Q47 V38

3 Applications and 3 Admits! (LBS, IESE$, HEC)

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Three applications and three admits to LBS, IESE ($) and HEC!! ApplicantLab was instrumental in my success.

For context, I do not have a traditional background (art/animation) and did not have the highest GMAT score around. Applying to B schools seemed so daunting with my profile and experience. I knew I needed some help and advice to get through my applications and that's when I came across ApplicantLab on GMATClub! It was perfect for me, a tool for self-starters who want to work on a flexible schedule.

The tool's UI is excellent and really helps break down the stressful application process into smaller daily goals/targets.

Maria's videos on the site are brilliant! I was hooked from the first video, and I'm not kidding when I say I had an epiphany with regards to my career goals (and how to explain them to an admissions committee) from just watching a couple of videos! Maria has catered advice for every school and if the school hasn't already been talked about on the site, you can write to her and expect a speedy and extremely helpful reply with everything you need!!

What surprised me the most about Maria was how much she truly cared about my progress and how she kept in touch with me through the application process. A simple email to check in evolved into a long thread filled with valuable advice on various topics (how I could improve my LinkedIn profile, interview advice, advice on how to prepare a presentation for one of the other interviews). Her knowledge of various industries and the application process is unparalleled!

Once I went through the amazing advice on the site and had drafts of my cv and essays ready, I decided to add on services for a sanity check/CV review, essay review and interview prep.

My CV review and Interview Prep was with Luqzan (a HBS alum). Luqzan's advice allowed me to bring out the best of my experience in my CV and in my responses for the interviews. He helped me realize I was downplaying a lot of my strengths and that there were interesting points about myself and my profile that I was leaving out! Luqzan is so supportive and a real pleasure to work with. He took the time out of his busy schedule to provide me with all the feedback I needed!

I worked with Carin on my essays and sanity check. Carin is wonderful and an absolute delight to work with. Her feedback was concise, candid and so valuable. I was able craft the ideal narrative to showcase the best/right parts of my story and strengths in the essays with her advice. I also had a few laughs at her comments on my weaker essays - which is exactly what I think a person needs to make sure they're doing the right thing! Carin is down-to-earth, supportive and I can't recommend her enough!! (As with the entire ApplicantLab team!)

You can't go wrong signing up with ApplicantLab. They really do care about your results and how best to help you get there. Their price point levels the playing field and as long as you are ready to put in the work, you will get what you want!!

Thank you, Maria, Carin and Luqzan!!

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July 03, 2023
ykejariw

Joined: Nov 25, 2018

Posts: 49

Kudos: 3

Verified GMAT Classic score:
720 Q50 V37

ApplicantLab played a pivotal role in my successful application journey, and I must acknowledge the value it brought to the table. The platform, along with its unwavering guidance and expertise, became an unwavering anchor throughout the challenging process. The strategic insights and sanity check provided by the team were truly invaluable, while the contributions made by Maria to ApplicantLab are simply outstanding. The platform created by Souvik is an absolute gem for anyone preparing their MBA applications, and words cannot fully express my admiration for its comprehensive and intuitive nature.

ApplicantLab's platform impressed me with its comprehensive and intuitive approach. Right from the beginning, it offers a structured path that makes the daunting task of crafting a compelling MBA application more manageable. Each section of the application is thoroughly addressed, with detailed guidance, examples, and actionable steps that ensure applicants stay on track and present their best selves.

One of the standout features of ApplicantLab is its strategic insights. The team's expertise shines through as they guide applicants to think critically about their experiences, strengths, and goals, and how to present them in the most impactful way. Their guidance is practical and actionable, helping applicants understand the thought process behind every element of their application. The strategic insights offered by ApplicantLab were a game-changer, enabling me to align my story with the expectations of top business schools.

Maria's outstanding contributions to ApplicantLab deserve special mention. The platform is enriched with her valuable insights, essay tips, and sample essays. Her expertise in storytelling and essay writing is evident, and her contributions provide a wealth of resources for applicants to tap into. The combination of the team's expertise creates a powerful synergy that significantly enhances the effectiveness of ApplicantLab.

The platform itself is incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. Navigating through the different sections and modules is effortless, thanks to the clean and visually appealing layout. ApplicantLab's comprehensive nature ensures that crucial elements of the application are not missed. It covers every aspect, from resume building and essay writing to interview preparation, providing applicants with a holistic and well-rounded application.

What sets ApplicantLab apart from other platforms is its affordability. Despite being the most cost-effective option available, it delivers exceptional value. The platform's effectiveness and the level of guidance provided far exceed its price point, making it an incredible investment for anyone serious about their MBA applications.

Thanks to ApplicantLab, I received admits from UC Berkeley, Kellogg, and CMU Tepper, three prestigious business schools that were at the top of my list. A significant portion of my success can be attributed to the guidance and support I received through this platform. ApplicantLab empowered me to present a compelling and authentic application that truly showcased my strengths and aspirations.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend ApplicantLab to any MBA applicant. It is a comprehensive, intuitive, and cost-effective solution that provides invaluable guidance throughout the application process. The team behind ApplicantLab has created a remarkable platform that demystifies the application journey and equips applicants with the tools they need to succeed. Don't miss out on this gem of a resource—it may just be the difference between an average application and an acceptance letter from your dream business school.

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June 27, 2023
mattraymond

Joined: Jun 27, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Admitted to Booth ($$), Kellogg ($$), and UCLA ($$$$)

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

YOU DO NOT NEED TO SPEND THOUSANDS ON AN ADMISSIONS CONSULTANT. I cannot stress enough how incredibly helpful ApplicantLab was for so good of a price.

• Resume Template – ApplicantLab’s resume template is the most concise, organized, and efficient use of space that I have come across. I had spent multiple unsuccessful weeks looking for a new template to update my resume before signing up for ApplicantLab and nothing came close.
• Essay Breakdown – This is where I spent the majority of my time on the website. Maria breaks down each essay for each school – she puts the essay prompt in the context of the school’s culture and priorities and helps you think from the admissions perspective. It was so so helpful I highly recommend to read through to spark ideas for essays.
• Unique School Info – A lot of what you have to do throughout the admissions process is show why that specific school is the best for you and Maria has so much good information about what makes each program unique that you can incorporate into your essays and interviews.
• Interview prep – She has all sorts of great interview tips and questions typically asked by each of the programs.

Maria was incredibly supportive, responsive, and helpful throughout this process. When I submitted an essay for a final polish edit, she was worried it was a little close to the deadline so she filmed a 20 minute video of her breaking down my essay and providing amazing insights to improve my essay. She goes out of her way, above and beyond. This is an amazing one stop shop that gave me direction throughout the daunting application process and helped me get into my dream schools while saving me thousands!!

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