GMAT Club

Bill Kooser Reviews

Company: Fortuna Admissions

With over 30 years of experience, Bill has been responsible for nearly every business school function. He has developed and managed MBA programs, created new campuses, helped develop overall school strategy, and led the admission teams for full-time MBA, part-time MBA and EMBA programs. He has worked extensively with students from across the globe to help them make sense of the MBA landscape and make the right choices for their MBA education. A former Associate Dean at Chicago Booth, Bill’s career has included leadership roles in Admissions, Career Services, International Programs, Executive Education and EMBA. Bill has written frequently on business schools, admissions strategies, career development and management trends and has been a featured speaker at GMAC and AACSB annual meetings. Bill holds a BA from Yale University, an MBA from Chicago Booth and an MBA from the Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven in Belgium.

5.0 /5 Average Rating
Based on 11 reviews
May 20, 2024
dalameh

Joined: Jan 22, 2021

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

I am thrilled to share my exceptional experience working with Bill during my MBA application process. Thanks to his guidance and support, I was accepted into every MBA program I applied to.

From the very beginning, Bill demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies of the MBA admissions process. He took the time to get to know me, my strengths, and my career aspirations, which allowed him to provide personalized advice that truly resonated with my goals. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives for my essays was invaluable. Bill's insights helped me articulate my experiences and ambitions in a way that captured the attention of the admissions committees.

Bill's dedication went beyond just reviewing my applications. He offered strategic advice on selecting the right programs, preparing for interviews, and even navigating the decision-making process once the offers started coming in. His encouragement and constructive feedback kept me motivated and confident throughout what could have been a very stressful period.

What sets Bill apart is his genuine commitment to his clients' success. He was always available to answer my questions, no matter how trivial they seemed, and his positivity was infectious. Bill’s holistic approach not only strengthened my applications but also helped me grow personally and professionally.

I am immensely grateful to Bill for his unwavering support and expertise. His contributions were instrumental in achieving my MBA dreams, and I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone looking to succeed in their MBA journey.

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February 19, 2024
johnnycruz

Joined: Feb 19, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Bill took the time to understand me.

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I enjoyed working with Bill, and he was nothing short of fantastic. He showed genuine interest from the beginning and took the time to get to know me. He was able to help me craft my story and succinctly tell it because he understood who I was and how I worked.

I've met with other consultants, and I won't say they were terrible, but I will say they didn't take the time to understand who I was, which made me feel like they were guessing when they made suggestions for my essays and interview practice. I never felt like that with Bill, and he helped me pinpoint areas I could improve on and areas that I should focus on.

I highly recommend Bill to anyone, especially if communicating your story is complicated. He'll take the time to help you understand your why and how to express yourself effectively.

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February 06, 2024
hhdr97

Joined: Apr 26, 2023

Posts: 6

Kudos: 2

Pick Bill and Fortuna!

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I had the privilege of working with Bill for my MBA applications, and I couldn't be more pleased. Bill not only assisted me in crafting the three applications included in my package, but also went above and beyond by providing extensive support for additional schools I tackled independently. He scheduled as many calls as I needed and organized numerous mock interviews, even for the schools I worked on myself. The feedback I got throughout the process, from the initial calls to the interview notes, was also invaluable. He also helped navigate the scholarship negotiation process after I was admitted. Thanks to Bill's dedication and expertise, I received offers from two schools, and received scholarship offers from both!

As for Fortuna as a whole, I could not have had a better experience. They have dedicated coaches to fix your resume and get multiple sets of eyes to go over your application. The portal they use, Podio, has so much information for applicants that it’s nearly impossible to go through all of it, and their blog posts on their website provide an additional layer of tips for all applicants.

I have no hesitation in recommending Bill and Fortuna for their outstanding commitment and invaluable assistance throughout the process. Hire them. You won't be disappointed.

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January 02, 2023
perhapsbilu

Joined: Aug 31, 2021

Posts: 25

Kudos: 4

Verified GMAT Classic score:
700 Q49 V34

Hourly coaching

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Bill was so professional when he coached me to chase my EMBA. It's highly efficient under the former gatekeeper of a top business school like Bill, preventing me from endlessly guessing what the adcom wants to know from me and focusing on the truly mattered aspects. Bill always responded to my email within 24 hours and was always prepared to call when I need one. He also had a mock interview with me. I couldn't get the offer from Wharton without Bill's help. He will be your best partner on your way to the application. I would like to tell everyone that hire him, right now!

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December 29, 2022
KZ001

Joined: Dec 29, 2022

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Wharton/Booth EMBA application review for Bill Kooser at Fortuna

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Words can not express my gratitude for Bill's guidance and encouragement during my EMBA application to Booth and Wharton. I find Bill's advises and perspectives extremely valuable as I progressed through the application process, and helped to give me more confidence for anyone who applies to these programs the first time. Bill also gave me great advise on the school selection; while I want to accelerate my career in my current company, I aspire to establish my own business in the future, and Bill with his unmatched experience with the MBA/EMBA programs was able to advise and confirm my school selection. I was able to receive offers from both the above programs that I applied.

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July 21, 2022
zhugelianges

Joined: Aug 31, 2021

Posts: 88

Kudos: 17

You will NOT regret on Bill Kooser

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Bill just helped me a lot in the application.
I am a young professionals on Finance and Real Estate, who is not on Executive level (Just manager grade). Every consultant that I have call with, told me that, nah, you should go to Duke/Insead or some other schools. You got no chance to get into Chicago Booth, blah bla bla.
But Bill gave me confidence, he is the ONLY consultant that affirmed my potential and thinks that I can be admitted to Booth.
Not only that, he gave me constructive advice. You can schedule any time for call from him, and he will help you shape your story, make your personality stand out, tell you how to be fit into Booth and give your prompt feedback.
He was the Associate Dean of Booth, so basically he knows everything that Booth wants.
There’s too much to say about Bill, I admire and thank him so much.
If it’s not him, I could not be admitted to Chicago Booth Executive MBA with my profile (GPA<3.2, age only 31, and managerial grade only).
If your dream school is Booth, just don't hesitate.
Bill Kooser is the BEST choice, and that's not even close.

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July 03, 2022
nirvon

Joined: Jun 30, 2019

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Highly recommend

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Spoke with several consultants from a few firms before deciding to go with Bill. He was very helpful throughout the entire process by being very honest and transparent with me across my application. Bill was readily available whenever I need his advice or insight. He was quick to respond and review my essays, resume, documents, etc. Very well rounded consultant. Highly recommend if you are looking for someone with lots of experience. Easy to talk to as this process can be very stressful and difficult. Particularly knows a lot about Chicago Booth's MBA programs and is crucial to having your app stand out.

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April 20, 2022
sonalchhajed2019

Joined: Apr 06, 2018

Posts: 115

Kudos: 25

Self-reported Score:
560 Q43 V23
680 Q50 V33
710 Q49 V37

Awesome experience working with Bill

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I had an awesome experience with Bill. He was incredibly supportive and always there for me when I needed him most during this application journey! There were many times where his words of encouragement helped give myself confidence to go ahead.

He has a very wise perspective from his experience at Booth and can give you advice that will really suit your needs. I trust him 100%

By the time I finished my application journey, it felt like Bill had become more of a father figure to me. We had built up such an awesome rapport that by phone or email he could give any advice necessary and be there for support when needed! I am truly grateful that I got a chance to work with him and have a lifelong mentor/guide in my life.

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January 08, 2021
hdhunty

Joined: Jan 04, 2017

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
770 Q50 V45

The Best Team in the Game

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Before I talk about Bill I want to touch on why Fortuna is fantastic. I looked into a few admissions consultancies before settling on Fortuna. There simply isn't another admissions consultancy out there with more depth and breadth of MBA admissions knowledge than Fortuna. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for the most part, but I truly felt like I had the full support of the entire Fortuna team.

As for Bill specifically, his extensive experience and background in MBA admissions clearly come through when you speak with him. There is probably no question or concern you have that he doesn’t have the answer to, but in case he doesn’t, you can tap into Fortuna’s team of consultants who are equally as knowledgeable as Bill.

Bill nails every aspect of what you'd expect from a top-notch consultant. He is very flexible, always available, and replies promptly and thoroughly to any question you may have no matter how simple they may be. He takes a very personal approach to you and allows your own story and personality to shine. He'll make sure you're on track, while also making sure you stay sane through the entire process. I was admitted to Wharton and Columbia during a tough application cycle and I'm sure that was in no small part due to Bill's support. I can confidently recommend Bill to any MBA applicant without reservations.

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December 20, 2020
sre2614

Joined: Jul 19, 2020

Posts: 4

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
720 Q48 V41

Available and supportive throughout the process!

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I came into the R1 process fairly well-versed with my deadlines and needs. I knew I wanted an MBA consultant so that I could have a 'project manager' of sorts who could not only provide essay advice but also keep me on track and help me balance 5 applications.

I interviewed multiple companies and decided to go with Fortuna because the initial call with Matt did not feel rushed or sales-ey. I subsequently chose to work with Bill because of his decades of experience in Admissions - a great decision that proved its worth along the way. Fortuna offered what they thought would be the best package and arrangement for me, and never tried to push additional schools or services.

We settled on the schools and began the process with a detailed questionnaire and timeline with the expected tasks. I will re-iterate a point often made here: the consultants are there to guide and help, but you must put in the work. It was a tough few months, but having Bill by my side made things much easier. If you have the budget for a consultant, I recommend getting the Comprehensive Package, because I had tons of tiny questions along the way that Bill had no hesitation answering, because I had chosen that package. I actually bought the package for only 2 schools, but Bill didn't hesitate to help a little (within reason) with the other apps that I was attempting alone. He truly cares that you get into the school of your dreams, even if it isn't necessarily the one you're working with him on.

Bill is supportive yet candid, and is always available to answer your questions. He knows how Admissions officers think, and he grasps and remembers details of your story. Before starting the process, I had heard horror stories of consultants getting 'lazy' and attempting to wrap up essays within a couple of drafts. None of that with Bill - he never hesitated to read the smallest of changes, and always put up with my sometimes neurotic behavior. Most important of all, he wasn't just a creative writing coach - he helped me stay motivated through tough times and rejections (which I learned happen all the time).

Staying motivated worked, because I ended up getting into the school of my dreams! In an extremely competitive year where it sometimes felt like I was hitting a brick wall, things eventually worked out. I highly recommend working with Bill, no matter your background, because he has seen it all.

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