GMAT Club

ARLee Consulting Admissions Consulting Reviews

ARLee Consulting  is a Boutique Admissions Consulting Firm offering 1on1 counseling completely customized to suit your needs and help you GET ACCEPTED to your dream schools.

Our Founder and Managing Director, Alex Ruiz Lee, an INSEAD MBA graduate, uses his experience as a Samsung HR Executive Director and Admissions Interviewer for INSEAD to guide you toward acceptance.

ARLee Consulting specializes in MBA, EMBA, MiM and any other graduate and undergraduate programs.

We offer full flexibility to suit your needs and budget. Therefore, although our most successful product is the Comprehensive End-to-End Package, we can completely customize a package for you.

Visit our website and contact us for a free evaluation and detailed discussion about your future!
ARLee Consulting Deal Page

ARLee Consulting Admissions Consulting Reviews

Most Reviewed ARLee Consulting Consultants

Alex Ruiz Lee
Reviews
40
Average Rating
5.0

AI Super-Summary of Customer Reviews for ARLee Consulting*

Alex from ARLee Consulting is highly recommended as an exceptional MBA admissions consultant, praised for his personalized and insightful approach. He helps applicants craft compelling, authentic narratives tailored to their unique experiences and career goals, leading to successful admissions to top business schools such as INSEAD, LBS, and more, often with scholarships, even in cases of non-conventional backgrounds or lower GMAT scores. Clients appreciate his quick responsiveness, genuine support, comprehensive expertise, and honest feedback, which build confidence and reduce application stress. His approach turns into a valuable mentoring relationship, making him a standout choice among other consultants.
6 users mention "Top-Tier School Focus"
  • "working with Alex for my applications to IMD and INSEAD, and I am thrilled to share that I was admitted to both schools..." Read more
  • "Alex was truly a pleasure..." Read more
  • "expertise in knowing what MBA programs look for..." Read more
  • "experience as an INSEAD alum and present interviewer..." Read more
  • "working with Alex was truly exceptional..." Read more
  • "provides the best advice throughout the journey..." Read more
5 users mention "Admitted"
  • "I was admitted to both schools..." Read more
  • "this journey with him not only got me admitted to INSEAD..." Read more
  • "I owe my acceptance at INSEAD to Alex..." Read more
  • "gained an admit to the LBS GMiM programme..." Read more
  • "despite my initial struggles with a low GMAT score..." Read more
5 users mention "Responsive"
  • "through email or WhatsApp you can rest assured that he will respond in a very short time..." Read more
  • "Quick to respond and accommodating with tight deadlines..." Read more
  • "easy he was to reach via email or WhatsApp, and replied to everything super quickly..." Read more
  • "Fast responses to questions and reviews..." Read more
  • "very easy to reach and was very quick to respond..." Read more
2 users mention "Non-traditional Backgrounds"
  • "I was an applicant with my age above the average and I was applying R3 to 3 business schools in Singapore..." Read more
  • "unconventional background in the fashion industry..." Read more
2 users mention "Value for Money"
  • "In terms of quality to price, his service is hard to beat..." Read more
  • "Fair price and unlimited reviews for documents and essays..." Read more
2 users mention "Detail-Oriented"
  • "feedback was always constructive, detailed, and tailored to my specific goals..." Read more
  • "feedback was constructive, detailed, unique goals..." Read more
2 users mention "Full Service"
  • "he was empowering me to tell my story in the most authentic and impactful way..." Read more
  • "I ended up engaging him as my consultant through the End-to-End Package..." Read more
2 users mention "Budget-Friendly"
  • "very reasonable rates compared to other services..." Read more
  • "ridiculously reasonable for the results..." Read more
1 users mention "Scholarship Awarded"
  • "all of them provided scholarships at the end..." Read more
1 users mention "Career Transition"
  • "exploration of my strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments..." Read more
1 users mention "Essay Editing"
  • "feedback clearly demonstrated expertise in knowing what MBA programs look for..." Read more
1 users mention "Supportive"
  • "support all the time even during the weekends..." Read more
*Review summaries are AI generated from 25 latest reviews in the past 2 years.

Reviews:

40 Reviews
5.0 Average
Rating
Filter by Rating
All
sort by
January 01, 2025
Meha02

Joined: May 07, 2023

Posts: 3

Kudos: 2

How ARLee consulting transformed my MBA application journey

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

I would highly recommend Alex for anyone navigating the challenging journey of MBA applications. I had the privilege of working with Alex for my applications to IMD and INSEAD, and I am thrilled to share that I was admitted to both schools. This would not have been possible without Alex's unwavering support, expertise, and genuine commitment to my success.
What sets Alex apart is his sincere interest in understanding your unique story. Unlike other consultants I initially approached—who seemed more focused on the transactional aspect of the process—Alex truly cared about bringing my experiences, aspirations, and personality to life in the applications. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Alex wasn’t just helping me build a competitive application; he was empowering me to tell my story in the most authentic and impactful way.
Alex’s depth and breadth of experience in MBA admissions is unparalleled. His insights into what top schools look for, coupled with his strategic approach, helped me articulate my vision and connect the dots between my personal and professional experiences. His feedback was always constructive, detailed, and tailored to my specific goals, ensuring that my essays and resume were polished and compelling.
If you’re looking for an MBA admissions consultant who combines exceptional expertise with a genuine desire to see you succeed, Alex is the one. Working with him was an investment in my future, and I am forever grateful for his guidance and support.

Read More

December 26, 2024
MrCupcake33

Joined: Aug 26, 2024

Posts: 1

Kudos: 2

Solid 10/10. Would recommend in a heartbeat.

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Strengths:

- Fast responses to questions and reviews
- Very friendly and down to earth
- Fair price and unlimited reviews for documents and essays
- Very experienced
- Structured approach and well thought out process

Would make the product better:

Honestly I don't think anything needs to be improved, it's a 10/10 for me.

I am very happy with my overall experience with Alex. I was not convinced by other admission consultants' packages, which mostly involved limited reviews and a much more hands off approach. I came across ARLee Consulting and from the get go noticed that he was very clear with the pricing and end to end service he provided.

I especially appreciated his efficient and timely approach to the process, doing things himself, emphasizing I should enjoy the journey and let him manage deadlines, which also let me study worry-free for the GMAT and score a 715. I find his approach to helping me build my profile was stellar, guiding me through the process and helping me portray myself in the best way possible. Reviews for the different documents and essays needed were also fast and to the point, allowing as many iterations as I needed to get things done. I appreciated the payment process as well, as I did not feel pressured or rushed in any way. He was very clear when saying he doesn't do the work for you, just helps you bring out the best version of yourself.

Overall, a 10/10 experience, would recommend in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a consultant, especially considering the very reasonable rates compared to other services and the very positive results.

Read More

November 27, 2024
GMATJosh

Joined: Apr 14, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

He got me into every business school with scholarships. Enough said.

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Strengths:

Please see Review!

Would make the product better:

People think ARL is only for European schools - he has an outstanding track record on US and other applications as well.

After a lot of searching I came across Alex. Here’s what you really need to know:

1. I can attest Alex’s support is what got me offers (with scholarships) at INSEAD, LBS, Oxford SAID, and Cambridge Judge.
2. I had a GMAT score of only 625 and a competitive but unremarkable CV with several issues needing addressing.
3. Alex works with you directly - no hidden fees, no inexperienced consultants, no bs - only results.
4. Alex will support you end to end: essays, questions, concerns - he has got you.
5. Alex is very experienced: he’s connected to the industry and is very up to date with all developments. His finger is on the pulse and he’s seen it all. You want this from an expert you are hiring.
6. Alex doesn’t money chase - he will tell you how much you owe, give you instalment plans; and time to pay. He’s a real human - and he wants you to win. His pricing is ridiculously reasonable for the results. I have not regretted a penny spent.
7. Alex will tell you if you have a chance or not. He won’t take your money if he knows there isn’t a chance and doesn’t make promises he cannot keep. He will be very real with you.
8. At the end Alex and I just became good friends than a transactional relationship. I would genuinely say he’s someone I will keep in touch with 10-20 years later. I am not sure how many consultants you can say that about.
9. Alex won’t do it for you or resort to ‘gimmicks’ and he will work as hard as you put yourself into it. Response and turnaround times are incredibly fast.
10. Take the process seriously, follow his instructions and guidance and you will gain admission.

Alex - could not have done it without you. We fought hard, won big, and celebrated well.

Thanks to a brother, friend, and guide.

Read More

verify-zero-posts
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 03, 2024
xhym

Joined: Jun 11, 2024

Posts: 69

Kudos: 82

Amazing consultant - definitely recommend!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by post count [?]

Strengths:

The perspective Alex brought to my Stern application was incredible! Here were some strengths:

- Specific and impactful suggestions that strengthened my narrative.

- Quick to respond and accommodating with tight deadlines, which was reassuring and very considerate.

- Helped me organize my experiences into a compelling, cohesive story.

- The feedback clearly demonstrated expertise in knowing what MBA programs look for.

- He pushed me to improve certain elements of my application without being overwhelming and offering constructive critiques that could be easily implemented.

Would make the product better:

One small thing that could have maybe been improved:

- A little more clarity on the services provided would have been nice (just feedback, no edits) - but it's understandable that it's just feedback given the nature of the review

Working with Alex for my Stern application was a highly valuable experience! He took the time to understand my background and goals, and quickly identified how I could position myself in my application. His detailed, structured approach to storytelling was exactly what I needed to organize my essays, goals, and resume in a way that connected each aspect of my journey to my aspirations.

One of Alex's greatest strengths is his responsiveness. With the deadline quickly looming, it was reassuring to know I could rely on him to review and provide feedback on such short notice. The feedback I received, backed by both his personal experience and professional expertise, were small enough so that the edits were quick, but impactful enough to make a huge difference to my application.

Overall, I would definitely recommend ARLee Consulting, especially for applicants who want focused, honest feedback that challenges them to refine their story. Alex will provide that guidance with a thoughtful, no-nonsense approach!

Note for transparency: I won the "Last-Minute Application Review Package" from the GMAT Club Olympics.

Read More

November 27, 2024
ARLeeConsulting

Hi xhym,

thank you so much for your detailed review and kind words! It was a pleasure working with you on your Stern application, and I'm so happy to hear that you found the feedback impactful and helpful in organizing your story.

I really appreciate your note about the clarity of the services included in the 'Last-Minute Application Review Package' you won during the GMAT Club Olympics. It's well noted! I usually don't respond to reviews, but I wanted to take this opportunity to explain a bit about the package. Given its nature, which is aimed at reviews typically conducted just 2-3 days before the deadline, the primary focus is on ensuring the right story is in place. The goal, within the limited timeframe, is to help applicants strengthen their narrative and position themselves effectively, rather than perfecting every word or crafting polished essays from scratch.

That being said, I do provide actionable feedback and edits where necessary. In your case, your excellent writing skills and ability to execute feedback so effectively meant that no further edits were needed - at least, not edits that would add value to the message. Your essays already conveyed a strong, cohesive story that reflected your unique voice - something I consider essential to preserve for every client. Furthermore, for your Stern application, as you noticed, a significant amount of attention was devoted to the Pick Six, given its importance in portraying your personality and values.

Once again, I truly appreciate your feedback. Thank you for letting me be a part of your MBA journey. Wishing you all the best with Stern and the rest of your applications!

Warm regards,
Alex

May 27, 2024
cs727

Joined: Nov 10, 2023

Posts: 2

Kudos: 0

Best Decision

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Working with Alex was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my application process. Alex helped me gained an admit to the LBS GMiM programme, the only programme I applied for.

I decided to seek the help of a consultant because I was unfamiliar with the business school admissions process and I have non-traditional career goals and background, so I was looking for someone who can guide me in the right direction, help me structure my story, and help me understand what the school is looking for. I had a great first impression of Alex, because firstly, he was very quick to respond to my initial enquiry email, and secondly, during our initial call, he took the time to really understand my background and to understand what I was personally looking for.

It was a pleasure to work with Alex. Alex was always very easy to reach and was very quick to respond. Whether it is an essay draft or just a simple question, throughout the application process, he would always respond very quickly with well thought-out feedback or answers, which was something I greatly appreciated. For the application essays, Alex was really great in helping me structure my essays clearly and concisely, in a way that best presents my story and goals. He was really honest in highlighting which parts he liked and which parts he didn’t, which was exactly what I wanted. I also really appreciated his attention to detail, such as noticing spelling and grammar mistakes in my CV and essays for example. Alex’s experience as a former HR head and as a current alumni interviewer was also a great plus, and his advice and feedback during interview practice gave me a lot of confidence.

Overall, I think the best part of working with Alex was how much more relaxed he made the application process feel. Alex was always very genuine and positive, and it was genuinely enjoyable talking to him. Having an expert like Alex ensuring that I was going in the right direction took a lot of the stress away, and we ended up having a strong application that I was very happy with way ahead of the deadline. I would highly recommend working. I am very thankful for all the support he has given me, and I cannot recommend working with him enough.

Read More

May 21, 2024
ririgmat90

Joined: Nov 15, 2021

Posts: 13

Kudos: 4

Self-reported Score:
720

Consulting - Exceptional Guidance

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

10/10. I am thankful to GMATClub and Poets&Quants for introducing me to ARLee. Alex has been extremely helpful in understanding my ambitions and setting realistic steps towards achieving the same. Alex, being from INSEAD, as a student, alumni and interviewer, provides the best advice throughout the journey. With quick turn arond time, Alex ensures you have a solid plan and progress. His guidance has helped me put my best foot forward. The best aspect about ARLee services is that Alex sets the ground reality first and then motivates us to do our best. Anyone searching for sound advise need not look any further.

Read More

May 01, 2024
IBatra

Joined: Dec 30, 2020

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

Alex Ruiz made my dreams come true!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Alex is an absolute gem of a coach, and I can confidently say that my journey to my dream MBA program wouldn't have been the same without him. From start to finish, Alex's dedication and expertise shone through, making the entire process not just manageable but almost enjoyable.

Despite the inherent stress of applying to top-tier business schools, Alex's unwavering support and round-the-clock availability eased any anxieties I had (especially during results week!). His insightful advice was always just a message or call away, providing me with the guidance I needed at every step.

What truly sets Alex apart is his ability to tailor his approach to each individual's unique strengths and weaknesses. Despite my initial struggles with a low GMAT score, Alex never once faltered in his belief in my potential. Instead, he worked tirelessly with me to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to showcase my best self in my essays and interviews.

One of the things I appreciated most about working with Alex was his knack for striking the perfect balance between offering guidance and allowing me to retain ownership of my application. Every suggestion he made felt like a collaborative effort, ensuring that my voice remained authentic and genuine throughout.

Alex's greatest strength undoubtedly lies in his comprehensive understanding of the MBA admissions process. As an INSEAD Alumni, he brought invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed not just at my dream school but also at other top institutions. His breadth of knowledge, coupled with his genuine passion for helping others succeed, makes him an invaluable asset to anyone embarking on the MBA journey.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend Alex highly enough. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering support were instrumental in helping me gain admission to my dream school!

Read More

October 17, 2023
st2024

Joined: Apr 16, 2023

Posts: 4

Kudos: 1

Very Satisfied and Happy with Alex!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

When I first decided to apply for an MBA, and for INSEAD specifically, I wasn't particularly looking for an admissions consultant to help me with the process – I'd attempted to work with consultants in the past during my application process for undergrad, and generally just felt that the advice given out was relatively cookie cutter. My impression of consultants was that they wouldn't really try to figure out what made you unique and wanted to stick to a formula to try and get you in.

I came across Alex here on GMATClub rather by accident as I was soliciting some advice on my profile on some public threads. He'd replied to one of my questions with an extremely detailed and thoughtful answer, and when I asked if I could contact him to speak (on short notice, I might add) a little further on some of these points, he was extremely quick to reply and we then chatted for almost an hour that night – even without him being my consultant! His willingness to help, familiarity with INSEAD, and overall friendly and warm disposition left a strong impression on me, and unlike many consultants I'd encountered in the past, I felt that even while not yet engaged as my consultant, he was trying to understand my specific background and motivations (i.e. my "story") to help give me tailored advice, which I really appreciated. As a result of that, I ended up engaging him as my consultant through the End-to-End Package, which I chose simply to make sure I would have all facets covered if I needed it.

During my experience working with him, I found my initial impression of Alex to be highly accurate – I especially appreciated how easy he was to reach via email or WhatsApp, and replied to everything super quickly despite the 7-hour time difference we faced. Whether it was simple reassurance I required or a more in-depth review of my application materials, Alex was there with me through every step of the way. His experience as an INSEAD alum and present interviewer also gives him a lot of insight into the application process and what the AdComs are looking for specifically for this school, and while he is keenly aware of what criteria or key qualities you need to demonstrate in your application, I also really appreciated that he did so without trying to force me into adopting a story that didn't feel authentic, or sacrificing my own unique characteristics. On top of all that, I also personally particularly appreciate that he provides very candid and transparent feedback on what factors in your profile / experience may or may not influence your application, as I personally went through a few near-setbacks which I worried would negatively impact my application – while he was honest about the fact that they might, I also felt that his approach was not to sugarcoat things but rather let me know the truth of it, and then we could figure out a few contingencies should the worst come to pass.

Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about Alex, and so as a very happy R4 (!) INSEAD admit, I strongly recommend him for anyone looking for a highly effective yet personalized service.

Read More

September 08, 2023
ryanmet88

Joined: Mar 09, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
710 Q46 V41

Alex is the expert of experts! Highly reccomend

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

I approached Alex with an unconventional background in the fashion industry, coupled with the fact that I was 35 years old. Crafting a cohesive narrative for my MBA application and explaining why I was pursuing it at this stage posed a significant challenge. I met with several other consultants, all of whom expressed doubts about my chances at INSEAD. They offered standard feedback and suggested alternative schools as safer options.

However, my meeting with Alex was different. While acknowledging the obstacles I faced, he stood out by presenting a clear and confident strategy for securing admission. Alex's expertise is unrivaled; he is truly the expert of experts. He possesses an in-depth understanding of the entire application and admissions process, both inside and out. His insights into the AdCom's mindset and their specific expectations for each part of the application were remarkably precise and therefore very valuable. It was this incredible insight that allowed him to chart the exact path I needed to follow.

Working with Alex was truly exceptional. He is extremely dedicated to your application on a personal level. The MBA application journey is a rollercoaster, and having Alex as a constant, providing the necessary advice rather than simply what I wanted to hear, was essential in creating my best possible application.

Without a doubt, I owe my acceptance at INSEAD to Alex, and I cannot recommend him and his services enough.

Read More

verify-zero-posts
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.
September 01, 2023
EPR2393

Joined: Jul 30, 2022

Posts: 0

Kudos: 5

Verified GMAT Classic score:
690 Q50 V32 (Online)

The best consultant

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Embarking on the MBA admission journey can be daunting, fraught with uncertainties and fierce competition. Fortunately, my path was guided by Alex, a remarkable MBA admission consultant whose guidance proved to be the decisive factor in my successful admissions to IESE and INSEAD.

Introduced by a colleague who had experienced Alex's expertise firsthand during her INSEAD application, my expectations were high from the start. Yet, Alex exceeded them in every aspect. His personalized approach began with an in-depth exploration of my strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments. This understanding formed the bedrock of our collaboration, enabling him to tailor strategies that showcased my uniqueness in the most compelling way.

Throughout the essay crafting process, Alex's unwavering commitment was exceptional. His feedback was prompt, often arriving within 24 hours, and his insights were transformative. He skillfully molded my essays, weaving them into captivating narratives that stood out amidst a sea of applications. His ability to extract the essence of my experiences and aspirations and infuse them into each essay was truly remarkable.

Interview preparation was yet another domain where Alex's influence was palpable. His guidance transformed my nervousness into confidence, arming me with articulate responses that reflected my journey authentically. His mock interview sessions were instrumental in fine-tuning my delivery, ensuring I effectively projected my genuine self.

One of Alex's most commendable attributes is his dedication to nurturing motivation. He provided invaluable guidance and consistently urged me to surpass my limits. His positivity and encouragement became a driving force, compelling me to give my utmost at every stage.

Reflecting on my journey, it's unequivocal that Alex's guidance was the linchpin of my admissions success. His personalized attention, insightful feedback, and unwavering support elevated my applications from mundane to exceptional. My journey toward IESE and INSEAD would have been remarkably different without his expertise. Alex is not only an admission consultant but also a mentor, advocate, and catalyst for achievement. My gratitude for his contributions to my success knows no bounds.

Read More

verify-zero-posts
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.
GMAT ® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council ® (GMAC ®). GMAT Club's website has not been reviewed or endorsed by GMAC.