Highly recommend Liza Weale!!

When I started the application process, I admit that I was skeptical about consultants. I’m extremely organized and have been told I’m a strong writer – so I was confident I could do everything on my own, without cutting a big check. One of my best friends worked with Liza a few years ago, did very well in the application process and encouraged me to at least do the 30 min session with Liza – after all, it was free. My friend had nothing but positive feedback about Liza and raved about the experience working with her. I really trust her so went ahead with the call, but still thought it would be a sales pitch. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Liza had reviewed my resume and responses to mbaMission’s questionnaire thoroughly before our call and after giving a brief introduction, turned it over to me to use the remaining 28 mins how I saw fit. I came with a bunch of questions and frankly, concerns, and Liza was direct, honest and encouraging in her answers. It was far from a sales pitch. I walked away with a feeling that I should reconsider working with her and ended up deciding to do the start to finish package for the 4 schools to which I was applying.

Throughout the process, Liza was my biggest supporter, provider of constructive feedback, motivator and at times, therapist. Her knowledge of the process and each school’s quirks was clear but perhaps more importantly, she really got to know me and therefore could help me strategize and determine how to position my best self in each piece of the application.

In the beginning, I was anxious and just wanted to get started on the essays but Liza reminded me that I needed to be patient with the step by step process she laid out. I was skeptical once again, but listened. She was right -- the brainstorming process could not have been more important. I spent that first weekend answering the many questions she provided. The result was 15+ pages about all aspects of my life, past experiences, values and personality. The self-reflective process and probing questions that Liza asked after reading the document became the starting place for my essay topics. Liza helped me to see how my accomplishments were just that – accomplishments. And as we went along, her comments in each draft were pointed and pushed me to articulate a specific point more clearly in the next version. The robust and honest dialogue we had was so valuable as I tried to show the admissions offices what I am all about.

Liza kept me organized & accountable and made the overwhelming application process seem less daunting as we tackled each essay/task step by step. I tend to overanalyze and as such, tweaked the wording or sentence structure of my essays frequently – Liza was patient and truly wanted me to feel 100% confident with the end result. After many iterations, she finally helped me to let go and press the submit button, knowing I really did put my best foot forward. It didn’t stop there – she was there to prepare me for my video essay and interviews, and served as a sounding board as I made my final decision.

In addition, Liza was there when things didn’t go so smoothly. First, I had a few bumps in the road with my recommenders. Liza calmed me down and offered constructive suggestions given the circumstances to get to a positive outcome. Second, one of my interviews went poorly and Liza made herself available on a Friday evening and early Saturday morning to help me bounce back. She never made me feel rushed on our phone conversations (which always went over our allotted time), answered my frequent emails quickly and thoroughly, and helped me put things in perspective while waiting for and hearing the results.

Now that I have a few acceptances under my belt and am thrilled with where I’ll spend the next few years, I look back and realize that partnering with Liza was worth every penny I spent. Liza goes above and beyond, is truly invested in her clients, and is someone you want on your side as you take this next step. While I already miss seeing Liza’s name in my inbox every other day, I can honestly say that I think we will keep in touch long after this application year.