When I started my MBA process, I had already worked in admissions consulting myself for 4+ years, albeit at the undergrad level. Even though I was very familiar with personal essay-writing, interview prep, etc., Heidi *still* added tremendous value to my MBA applications.

First, I was applying from a “non-traditional” business background, and Heidi was instrumental in helping me capture and articulate my experiences in a clear, concise way that would make sense to an admissions reader. Also, with thought-provoking questions and comments, Heidi guided me to develop a coherent and compelling application “narrative” that connected my past experiences with concrete post-MBA goals. At first, I signed on with Fortuna to do a one-school package. But I quickly realized how helpful Heidi was and began adding on more hours, more interview prep, etc. Ultimately, I was very proud of the applications I submitted, and I can’t imagine having achieved such high-quality without Heidi’s advice and expertise.

In terms of working style, Heidi is reliable and attentive. She checked in on my progress regularly, responded to my questions in a timely manner, and always turned around essay edits within a day or two (even faster, as we got close to deadlines). On several occasions, she sent me articles/online events that she thought I might be interested in given my career goals. In such a fundamentally stressful process, working with someone as reliable and thoughtful as Heidi went a long way in helping me (mostly) preserve my sanity!

So, my best advice to you: work with Heidi, and get a multi-school package from the get-go. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself wanting Heidi’s sage input on as many application materials as possible.

(Lastly, including this info because I know some people look for it as they read reviews: I was admitted to several top 10 programs, including Wharton and Kellogg.)

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Zach is a fantastic Admissions Consultant. The first thing that struck me about Zach are his strong listening and teamwork skills. Zach listens intently, raises thoughtful questions, and is always eager to collaborate. These skills, coupled with his design and philosophy experience, allows him to bring creative ideas to the table. Zach was invaluable in helping me with tasks both big and small, from refining my story and future goals to word edits and a more effective resume format. His broad experience across many domains really shined through here. Finally, when I had questions about a specific school, Zach went above and beyond to solicit information (and time) from other consultants at Fortuna. In summary: Zach really cares… and that’s important. I give Zach my highest recommendation and am very pleased with my ROI.

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I do not think I would have gotten into both Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan without Karen's help. I was very hesitant to use a consultant service and came to Karen very late in the process. I was fairly confident about the strength of my story and credentials but Karen truly took me to the next level as an applicant. From essays to resumes, every part of my application was elevated by Karen's sharp and strategic reviews. Even her mock interview was incredibly rigorous and effective for my preparation.

Whether you need tactical help to get you over the edge or a full application roadmap, I strongly encourage you to work with Karen. She has an endless wealth of knowledge about the MBA process and is a pleasure to work with.

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Karla is FANTASTIC.

I was really worried about the business school environment with COVID increasing the number of applicants. I engaged Karla via Fortuna, and she somehow made time to support me on my application to Wharton— which I not only got an interview for but also an offer and scholarship support!!

Karla is brilliant, knows the ins and outs of b-school admissions, and is extremely skilled at eliciting your best stories to make you shine as a candidate on paper AND in the interview. (She’s also a complete sweetheart.)

If you’re serious about getting into an M7 school in this increasingly competitive environment, go for Karla’s hands down.

Also, if you’re considering applying internationally, her work at INSEAD is a wealth of knowledge to leverage when looking at European schools.

Overall, highly recommend!!

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When I decided to apply to Wharton, Columbia, and Chicago Booth, I thought getting into any of these programs would be next to impossible for someone with my background. Now, after working with Karen for my Round 1 admissions-class of 2023-I have offers from both Wharton and Columbia in what was the most competitive app cycle in years. I still can’t believe it.

Throughout the application process, Karen was phenomenal and supportive, especially because I didn’t believe in my own candidacy. She did. Karen sharpened my resume, drew out my personal history and stories and had me tell them as clearly as possible in my essays. More, her understanding of what it takes to get into these top programs gave me a significant edge. This manifested in her relentlessness in ensuring that each draft of my essay and resume strengthened my candidacy and ensured that I stand out in the broader applicant pool.

Karen was also quite hands on with my interview prep for all three schools. I remember, she went to great lengths to ensure I was familiar with Wharton's Team Based Discussion and organized a mock TBD just so I could get a feel for what to expect on interview day. With her guidance, I scaled all three interviews.

Honestly, what I am most sure of is that I likely wouldn’t have received any of these offers without her guidance. Thanks Karen.

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Karen was fantastic- from the initial kick off call, she helped me craft my overall story. I didn't initially have clarity on my post-MBA goals, but with her consultation, I was able to pull together a clear narrative. Had I done it all by myself, I would've second guessed a lot of the content in my essays. She'll never do the work for you, but once you put pen to paper, she is incredibly helpful. The editing process was very simple and straightforward thanks to her help. I would send her my revisions at night and have her new edits early in the morning. She always made herself available, be it for a one-off question or for a more in-depth session. I was ultimately accepted to my first choice school and I couldn't have done it without her help!

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What can I say in this review that hasn't already been said by the plethora of success stories on this page?

Karen is absolutely amazing - from day one, I felt that she believed in me, and my ability to get into a top M7 program.

While other highly ranked consultants I had previously spoken with told me to increase my GMAT score to compensate for my demographic, Karen believed in the uniqueness of my story, and gave her full dedication to helping me to bring it to life!

Given the circumstances last year, the journey for a 2021 applicant was not always straightforward or predictable - a few short weeks after we started working together, offices went remote and our entire company had to pivot its business model and ways of working. When certain milestones had to be pushed back, Karen was always flexible and made herself available to provide feedback whenever I needed her. Throughout the time we worked together, I felt that Karen was highly knowledgable, patient, empathetic, and fully committed to making this application process a success. Throughout the twists and turns of 2020, Karen was there to support me every step of the way!

I was so thrilled when I got the interview invite, and Karen worked with me on a very accelerated timeline to get me ready for the final interview.

I was so thrilled to get accepted to my school of choice and to be admitted into an M7 MBA program.

I can't imagine a better consultant to work with, and would wholeheartedly recommend Karen Hamou to anyone!

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Coming into the MBA application process I had virtually no idea what to expect. I was quickly overwhelmed by the amount of information out there, so I made the decision to work with a consultant. Karen was one of the first consultants that I spoke with, but even after speaking with over ten others, I definitely felt the most comfortable with her. Deciding to work with Karen turned out to be one of the best decisions that I’ve made.

Karen has been there every step of the way, frequently going above and beyond to help me with every aspect of the application process. Karen’s insights and suggestions for my essays and overall narrative have been extremely helpful, as she’s really worked with me to craft a fluid and convincing story. Her feedback is extremely thorough and detailed, but she also never fails to view each individual piece of the application in the context of the broader picture. Beyond her help with the essays, Karen has been there to answer every question that I’ve had, no matter how trivial. I cannot emphasize enough how quickly she responds to my questions, and how amazing her overall work ethic is. Karen has been an incredibly effective guide throughout this stressful time, and has offered reassuring, but honest, advice each step of the way.

Karen is exceedingly organized, very personable and friendly, and great at crafting compelling stories. I cannot recommend her highly enough, as with her guidance and support I’ve been admitted to two of my top choices. I don’t know what it’s like to work with other consultants, but I can’t imagine finding a better one than Karen!

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Karen was a phenomenal ally to have throughout the application process.

I connected with Karen relatively late in my process (approx. 4 weeks before submission), after I had my story down and prelim essays already drafted.

However, I am so glad I reached to Fortuna and Karen. My writing was very clinical, and Karen’s insight/thoughts really helped me pull out my personality and inner voice to put onto the page. I think this really was the differentiating factor that helped my story pop.

Karen was great to work with. Even during the busy holiday season, she was able to get back to me with feedback or answer any questions often within a day.

After I got the interview invite, Karen helped me prep with a mock interview and was super patient with all of my at times neurotic questions. Ended up with an offer from CBS. Would highly recommend!

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Heidi helped guide me through the admissions process and gave me a good understanding of what admissions departments look for in MBA applicants. I was applying to selective programs (M7/T10), and wanted to make sure I was putting my best foot forward with applications, so opted to go for the premium package. Heidi's help with essays and interview prep was invaluable, and she was instrumental in my success. I received acceptances to two of my top choice schools, in no small part due to her feedback while crafting my story for the programs I was applying to. Highly recommend her!

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