Four for Four (Weekend: Booth, Kellogg, Stern, Jones)

Rebecca and the Menlo team were the consultative experts I needed to advance my MBA aspirations. Going into this process I knew that I was facing an uphill battle to get into the top-tier programs I was looking at; my undergraduate GPA was less than stellar, I am in an over-represented applicant pool and I just turned thirty. Rebecca’s help in framing my story, which in part explained my GPA troubles, was a key part of me not only getting into Booth, Kellogg, Stern and Jones but also being offered scholarship at three of the four. The process Rebecca and Menlo have created is challenging and highly structured in order to keep things moving and ensure that the final product best represents each applicant they work with. This process encompassed all aspects of the application, including working with my recommenders to help them create the most impactful letters.

Rebecca took the time early on to learn my story and motivations. With that insight she helped me identify an MBA path that worked for me as I was advancing at work (part-time over full-time or EMBA) and what schools I may fit best with. When it came to the applications and essays, Rebecca truly differentiated herself. I lost track of how many iterations we went through for each essay but it was significant. Her expertise in taking what I now realize was a rough starting point (but at the time thought was a near finished essay) and condensing it down to the points I was really trying to convey within the wordcount that I was given was exactly what I needed and worth every penny. Later on in the process, Menlo’s interview prep gave me extreme confidence going into an nerve wracking situation.

The cost is significant but having full access to a responsive and engaged consultant is worth it. Interestingly enough, as I look back on some of discouraging times in my application process with the exam, I question if I would have given up had I not already made that initial investment in a consultant and myself. My only other hesitation with engaging Rebecca was her European location but after going through this entire process, including dozens of calls and significant digital communication, I can say that the time difference was no issue at all. Rebecca made the times I and other stakeholders in my MBA were available work. If you are serious about getting your MBA at a top school, particularly if you know you are a less than perfect applicant, Rebecca and Menlo will give you the best shot at getting to where you want to be. I cannot recommend them enough!