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Michel Belden Reviews

Company: Fortuna Admissions

Michel has worked in MBA admissions since 2004. She spent two years as an Associate Director of admissions for Wharton’s full-time MBA program, and has continued to contribute to the program since 2006, acting as an auxiliary reader helping to select multiple classes. Prior to Wharton, Michel spent six years running recruiting and professional development for Bain and Company’s Los Angeles office. She also managed VIP relations for the Seattle SuperSonics basketball franchise during their last two seasons in the Pacific Northwest. Michel has an undergraduate degree from Wharton in Marketing. 

5.0 /5 Average Rating
Based on 24 reviews
January 06, 2023
rochelledubrovsky

Joined: Jul 29, 2022

Posts: 0

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Verified GMAT Classic score:
710 Q47 V40 (Online)

Couldn't have done it without Michel!

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Michel was instrumental in my application process to five business schools. I truly don't think I could have done it without her, and definitely wouldn't have achieved the same result without her expertise and guidance. Michel was always responsive and easy to work with, gave great feedback, and kept me organized as each deadline approached. She helped guide me in my essays to achieve the best outcome and was thorough in her approach and guidance. In the end I was accepted to 3 of 5 business schools I applied to and I would 100% recommend Michel to anyone thinking about applying to business school!

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January 28, 2022
labrum17

Joined: Jan 19, 2022

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
670 Q44 V38 (Online)

Michel is Amazing!

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I used Michel for a comprehensive five school package for my MBA process. She is incredible to work with, and she makes the process as simple as possible. She was able to help me better understand and articulate my MBA story, and then understand how to communicate that to each school in its own, personalized way. Michel gives great feedback, is flexible and easy to work with, and was great at calming my nerves and helping me visualize and lay out the process into manageable steps. I got into my dream school, and I am so glad I worked with Michel as the end result and the work I put forth were better for it!

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July 09, 2021
lzhang40

Joined: Jul 09, 2021

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Phenomenal Experience working with Michel

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It was a great pleasure working with Michel and the Fortuna Admissions team on my MBA applications. I had a phenomenal experience with the 5-school package (Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, Sloan, CBS) and would highly recommend it to any prospective applicant.

I applied as a deferred enrollment applicant and I was so uncertain about my chance of getting in any of the schools, because I consider myself lack both working experience and impressive life stories. I was going on a very traditional track to IBD and didn't have something "interesting" to write about at that time. Throughout the application process, Michel took the time to get to know me on a personal and professional level. Although we had a 16-hour time difference, she always responded in a timely manner and consistently found ways to improve my skills to present myself to the admissions. Michel is extremely approachable and patient. We can always find a time to chat, brainstorm, or edit if I need.

Michel was a huge help during every stage of the application process. She helped me with things include what to include in my resume, to whom I should ask for recommendation, countless times of editing essays (she paid huge attention to improve every word) and preparation for interviews.

With Michel and Fortuna's help, I was very fortunate to be admitted by the Wharton Deferred Enrollment program! I can't wait to be there in around 2 years, and I sincerely recommend Michel as a consultant to whoever wants to take on the challenge and discover their potential in the MBA application process!

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June 22, 2021
ADA110

Joined: Dec 10, 2020

Posts: 4

Kudos: 1

Michel is absolutely amazing!!

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Michel has been extremely helpful in my MBA admissions process. I entered this cycle as a deferred MBA applicant, which I knew wouldn't be easy, and I was able to get into Stanford and Wharton with Michel's help!

To begin, she broke down how I should approach the process of applying to difficult MBA programs. From helping me ideate different essay topics to conducting mock interviews, she was willing to go above and beyond in order to ensure that I felt prepared and confident in every single aspect of my application. She displayed a unique ability to help me see the bigger picture and develop a roadmap, and I felt that this was essential when I was writing my essays and preparing for interviews. Having bought the comprehensive package, another thing about Michel that I really appreciated was that she did not try to rush me through the process or set a limit to the number of hours I could ask for her help. In the heat of the essay writing period, she was willing to meet with me multiple times a week to go over numerous revisions and essay versions, which I felt was something incredibly unique about Michel and Fortuna. Having that immediate access to advice and analysis on my application was critical to my success at Stanford and Wharton. I highly recommend Michel and Fortuna to anyone beginning the MBA application process!

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March 03, 2021
powat34

Joined: May 31, 2015

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Truly Excellent Experience with Michel

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As an applicant I was initially hesitant to hire a consultant due to the cost, and I can confidently say the experience with Michel was nothing short of amazing. I would say what differentiates Michel is i) her strategic perspective on my profile (ii) her extensive experience and guidance, and (iii) finally, her humor and dedication throughout the application journey. Initially I had a view of how I wanted to craft my story and application, coming from more of a common background in finance. Michel provided specific viewpoints and honest feedback as to how I could differentiate myself which allowed my voice to come through in the essays by highlighting parts of my background that I did not think of synthesizing. Furthermore, Michel's guidance was invaluable throughout the process - whether that is reviewing the essays, to the recommender deck, or preparations for the interviews. She ensured that I always brought out the best part of my candidacy in each step and prepared for any hurdles. Lastly, Michel is frankly a pleasure to work with - she is always ready to hop on a call to bounce ideas, is open and honest, has a great sense of humor, and is truly an advocate for me. I cannot thank her enough for her wisdom in the process, and I was able to secure a place at my dream school (HSW) and another M7 school because of her efforts. I highly recommend partnering with Michel if you are serious about your MBA application process!

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August 04, 2020
slymasher

Joined: Apr 23, 2020

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
760 Q49 V46

Highly Recommend Michel Belden

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I had the pleasure of working with Michel Belden to prepare for my deferred enrollment applications to business school during my senior year of college. I would strongly recommend working with Michel - she helped me discover and drive my application narrative from the first draft of my essay all the way through to the post-interview reflections many months later. With her guidance, I was accepted to 3 M7s, including HBS.

Michel reviewed my essay drafts all the way through "V10" with sharp insights in each edit. We brought my many-page monstrosity to a tightly-executed narrative that succinctly encapsulated my application narrative. She responded quickly to the many questions I had and has a fast but thorough turnaround to her reviews. With the comprehensive school package, she was instrumental in preparing for my interviews and planning the answers to my post-interview assignments. She and Judith Hodara cheered me on through the entire process and made it thoroughly enjoyable.

All in all, I would definitely recommend Michel to anyone looking to enhance their business school application!

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July 16, 2020
lzwhen

Joined: Jun 26, 2020

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Michel is a Life Saver

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I would highly recommend Michel for anyone who is seeking advice on the MBA application. Michel is very kind, patient and responsible. I started my MBA journey less than three weeks before the deadline without any preps. However, Michel helped me plan out the whole process and ensured me stick with the deadline. She is truly a life saver for me. She quickly digested my situation and background, and provided me a plan the day after I provide her my information. I eventually got into my dream school, the school I don't even have the courage to apply before I met Michel!

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June 18, 2020
teawei

Joined: Sep 02, 2019

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Michel is amazing!!

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I was a round 2 applicant and started the application process pretty late. I only applied to HSW because my current career path doesn't require me to have an MBA and I would only want to get into the top ones that worth the investment.

I had a "touchy personal story" for my essays but needed someone to help on grammar and make it more eloquent. A friend of mine referred me to Fortuna and Judith matched me with Michel. I sent Michel my already-edited v8 of the essay draft reviewed by multiple family and friends. I didn't much more content changes from Michel but I was very surprised to find out that Michel basically had edits on every single sentence and wanted me to elaborate more on the connection between my personal story and how I could contribute to MBA classrooms.

Also, even if you have already started to work with other consultants on your application process, I would still highly recommend to work with Fortuna for TBD mock interview from Wharton if you get an invite. I actually had two mock interviews with two organizations, but it was very obvious that the mock conducted by Judith was way better. Had I known this beforehand, I probably would only mock with Fortuna, but I'm just a super timid person and I needed that double security...

I have a below-average GMAT (and I'm an Asian - I know, very unforgivable...) and didn't really have much entrepreneurial background, so it wasn't surprise me that I didn't end up getting into HBS and GSB, but I got into Wharton with a significant amount of scholarship. I probably couldn't achieve this without Fortuna's help.

I know a lot of people out there already have perfect GPA and perfect GMAT score, but having a consultant really helps you position yourself and differentiate you from other perfect candidates. It is critical to have someone like Michel or Judith who have worked in Admissions to guide "HOW" you do that. If you are super confident in yourself, at least hire them for some hourly help!

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April 06, 2020
LAReviewer2020

Joined: Apr 06, 2020

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Michel is amazing!

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I would highly recommended Michel for anyone who is seeking advice on MBA application. Michel has proven experience with the MBA process and insights from her work in the industry, which uniquely positioned her to advise her client effectively. She was incredibly thoughtful and gracious throughout the process. She is willing to go above and beyond to help her client. She is super accessible even during early morning her time. I can’t thank her enough and highly recommend you consider working with her. She is truly a resourceful, insightful, accessible consultant who can help you navigate the complex process of MBA application.

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April 02, 2020
Bobkitty

Joined: Apr 28, 2019

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
730 Q48 V42

Michel Helped Me Get Into My Dream School

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If you are on the fence about using a consultant, Michel was worth the cost and incredibly beneficial throughout the process. The entire Fortuna experience was great and helped take my application from good to great.

When considering a consultant, I was looking for someone who had admissions experience and would be able to candidly evaluate my application. Michel provided a unique perspective when reviewing my essays and overall application. Michel was genuine, responsive and encouraging during the crazy application season. She was a great resource from idea generation to making a final decision. I can't thank her enough for helping me get into my dream school!

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