Non-traditional applicant got into HBS and 4 other top programs with 160K scholarship

I am very fortunate to have Rebecca as my coach throughout the MBA application. I am in 30s and have non-traditional background, without million-dollar deals nor multi-national marketing experience. I know I need a coach who is experienced but creative to guide me through this process. Together with other supports from Menlo Coaching, Rebecca helped me land offers from top programs.

Structural and efficient process
Rebecca has very good sense about application timing and what process it takes to craft a good essay. This is important because MBA application is extremely stressful and anxious that even impact daily work and life. With an experienced coach, I could multitask six schools in one round and had each application ready at least a week ahead of the deadline. Rebecca is compassionate and provides emotional supports by not only understandings, but solid professional experiences to relieve stress.

From story brainstorming to essay completion, we kept tracking all working process. Without formulated methodology (i.e. find personal brand or label etc.), each version is heading to the direction where makes the essay and application better, without wasting time swinging between versions. Of course, we did have differing viewpoints at time, and sometimes new ideas may pop up along the application. However, all the decisions were upfront and finalized through conversations. For example, we had different thoughts to put extracurricular activities on my resume. I was finally convinced not because I did not know which was better, but because Rebecca had a clear thought to highlight my unique experiences together with other components in my application.

Both my recommenders were from non-traditional background without any experiences in MBA recommendation letters. Rebecca showed me high-level communication skills interfacing and guiding them write strong letters through just two rounds of interactions. Except for a briefing document covering deadlines and suggested examples, I was blind in the process, but I felt confident that the final letter would be strong with Rebecca’s help.

Detail, detail and detail
Application is a holistic evaluation, but the holism is a sum of numerous details. When working with Rebecca, we never let a single detail slipped. Rebecca pushed me to do thorough research about my career goal using whatever available resources, such as summarizing key findings from LinkedIn profiles, networking with alum who went to similar paths and deep diving into potential employer’s website. Each of these served as pieces of evidence making a compelling career goal argument.

When talking about school resources and contribution, Rebecca suggested me to find target alum and current students to validate my thoughts. Each name mentioned in essay was deliberately chosen to support my understandings about the school programs or clubs. Rebecca may spend hours help me work on one essay ending. She did research from school blogs, relevant websites, and came up ideas; we discussed, and I talked reached out to alum and students to pitch ideas and get feedback.

Let’s talk about outcomes
First, and this probably happens to almost every applicant, but not many will talk about rejection. I got five acceptances from the six schools that I applied, including HBS, Sloan and Kellogg. While the rejection was a surprise and we put a lot of efforts into that school, the process isn’t a guarantee for a clean sweep of 100% acceptances. I did not have any regrets about my application package (I would have submitted the same one if I had a second chance).

More importantly, I am very excited to get a yes from HBS! Rebecca guided me to tell a story that tied my personal experience, professional achievements and future, to show not only my capability but also the human side. I believe it was the combination winning the acceptance.

By the end, I truly recommend Rebecca as an admission coach. Besides application, I learnt so much from her: writing, communicating (my recommenders are pretty hardcore), and project management skills. Rebecca makes the application an incredibly joyful and fruitful life experience!