I am someone who comes from a non-traditional business background and I did not have any idea about the admission process for US schools. My biggest concern was that I was applying to Top US B-schools with a GMAT waiver. When I tried to reach out to MBA admissions consultants, I was rejected by them as I did not have a GMAT score. But I am glad I found MBA and Beyond in time for getting the guidance and support I needed for my journey.

The most important thing for any consultant is to first believe in the applicant’s story and work together. A few things which set them apart from other consultants in this industry are, that they work with applicants regardless of the filters (Low/no GMAT, low GPA) and bring value to their application through a very unique process through the content gathering phase. This allowed me to look into my own profile through different eyes and my consultant was amazing in navigating through my stories to define my fluid profile.

My consultant had a structured framework for me and that made me feel comfortable as I did not have to burn out during the process. Another important aspect for me was not doing the process by exchanging emails or commenting on a word document. My consultant was always on a zoom call and we brainstormed together, reviewed together, and edited together. This was a huge thing as we always remained in sync to move forward.

The framework is very streamlined and my consultant was great in navigating me through each element of the application one by one without overwhelming me. Also, he was very good at translating my non-business work into a resume and action-based stories which ended up getting me 4 admits from Top US schools with a GMAT waiver along with the 40% scholarship at Ross School of Business.

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When I started contemplating my MBA plan, I soon realized that the application journey was a long marathon and I would need support from an experienced runner. Thus, started my hunt for the best consultant who could guide me in the process. I had the following criteria in mind:
1. Admission consultant who has graduated from a top B school and has been through the application journey.
2. Admission consultant recommended by candidates who successfully made it to my dream schools (LBS, INSEAD).
3. Admission consultant following a structured and well thought-out process.

Shantanu and the team fulfilled all the criteria above and beyond (true to their name!). That’s how my application journey started with Shantanu and the team at MBA and Beyond. Right from the first introductory call to the content gathering, essay drafts, mock interview preparation, and scholarship strategy, Shantanu’s feedback was always on point and extremely helpful.

I applied to two schools (LBS and INSEAD) and was very fortunate to receive admits from both schools. Without Shantanu and the team, I wouldn’t have secured such an outstanding outcome. I would wholeheartedly recommend Shantanu and the team to anyone seeking guidance for admission to top business schools around the world.

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MBA & Beyond has designed an effective multi-stage process that ensured that I reflected deeply on my mission, values and my need to do an MBA. This ultimately also helped in sharpening my choice of schools. Since I was pursuing a second MBA, I had to be doubly-careful in making this choice, and I am happy to state that the first stage of the process helped me in narrowing down my target schools.

In the second stage, I worked with Judy, who was able to guide me with great clarity on the adcom expectations from an MBA essay. Thanks to her suggestions, my answers changed from platitudes to concrete answers that explained my candidacy more holistically. Shantanu's suggestions further sharpened my answers.

Judy and Shantanu also took mock interviews that helped me in understanding opportunity areas for me to work on. With the work that we collectively put in, I have been able to secure an admission into the Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

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When I started my application journey, I thought I could do it on my own using all the material available online but I quickly realized that I needed help. A lot of it.

From the very first session Shantanu and his team did their absolute best in trying to bring out the best in me. From his detailed approach in crating a story to tweaking my Letter of Motivation in a way that will highlight what makes me unique.

Our sessions really helped me discover my own strengths and how to sell them. The "content gathering" process will be helpful for me for a long time.

Shantanu really creates a cordial environment during his sessions and yet manages to push you find more out of you. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I cannot recommend Shantanu and MBA and Beyond enough.

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When I was looking out for MBA consultants, the most important consideration for me was that my consultant should provide me with the necessary time and attention throughout my application journey. From personal experience, I know one may feel lonely and de-motivated during the process. You need a mentor and a friend who can guide you. For me that person was Shantanu. I had signed up for MBA & Beyond roughly 5 months before the deadlines. Having sufficient time at my disposal helped follow the structured process of “content gathering” and unravel some of my best stories personally and professionally. According to me, it is the most important step of the application journey and MBA & B’s unique value proposition. Shantanu used to schedule regular calls and provide tasks to be completed before every call – an approach that suited me and helped us to be on-track. A successful “content gathering” process eventually translated to powerful stories that I could use for my essays, LORs, and interviews! MBA & B’s support helped me get my admit at Darden. I would end by sharing a realization I have now that the journey has ended – it’s not all about getting an extremely high GMAT score. Your candidacy is judged on different parameters and GMAT is only one of them. Striking the right balance in all areas is the key.

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MBA & B had this unique process that identifies the candidate’s unique personality traits and helps build the application around it. The framework has unlimited questions which helped me to find out specific anecdotes in my life where I showcased those traits. Once identified, my consultant, helped me craft my story so as to deliver the maximum impact.

I found them to be very quick to respond, honest, and knowledgeable. I especially found my consultant very skilful and patient with helping me prepare for mock interviews. Even after our first mock interview, I felt so much more prepared and knowledgeable about how to convey certain stories and how to speak confidently.

Shantanu was far better than other consultants I’ve seen my friends and workmates rely on. The Content gathering framework helped me dig deep underneath the surface, remember critical details about me, and really pushed me to produce great content.

I can 100% vouch for MBA & Beyond and especially recommend them if you are applying to M7.

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Already having failed to secure even an interview last year from Darden , my expectations were already rock bottom this year. I had half a mind not to reapply as I hadn’t improved any aspect of my MBA-application (apart from GMAT score).Last year, I tried writing my most significant and impactful stories and incidentally they were not good enough for top B-school like Darden. I figured that something needed to change this time and chose to work with MBA and B ( due to a glowing recommendation from a friend) to put my best application forward.

Shantanu has developed a unique methodology to take you through the guided journey of MBA application process starting from “Self-Discovery” to “finalizing stories” and writing an exceptional application.

After reviewing my past application with Shantanu, I realized that my application is not standing out from the over-represented pool of “Indian Engineers”. MBA and B helped me understand that MBA application-game is all about your USP and branding. And this was exactly what I needed to crack the admission at Darden.

My overall experience with the MBA and B was amazing. Apart from admits from Darden and INSEAD , I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the team. However, engaging in deep “Self-Discovery” sessions with Shantanu has given me a new way of introspection as well.

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I had the best time working with Shantanu and the MBA & Beyond team. I come from a demographic that is overrepresented, and I was looking for someone who could help me stand out. Shantanu and his team have done an outstanding job of assisting me throughout the process. Shantanu is a very positive person to be around. Throughout this arduous application process, he was constantly motivating and pushing me to do my best. MBA and Beyond has a very structured process for understanding my profile and how to best project my strengths. The team reached out to my peers and friends to learn more about me from a third-person perspective, and they assisted in developing my brand that helped me stand out amongst a sea of applicants. We used to have a call every other day and have a detailed timeline in place for each application. His insights and suggestions had improved my overall application tremendously. I strongly believe I wouldn't have made it to Fuqua and Darden without MBA and Beyond's assistance. I received interviews from 5/7 colleges I had applied. I cannot recommend MBA and Beyond enough

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My experience with MBA and Beyond has been amazing. It was a pleasure to interact and work with each member of the team.

After having spoken to more than 10 consultants, the primary reason to choose MBA and Beyond was that they were offering unlimited sessions with the consultant. And they definitely stayed true to the promise. We used to have a call at least twice a week, sometimes more.

Everyone in the team is friendly, approachable, open and of course meticulous. My consultant, Shantanu, worked with me tirelessly till we both were happy with the application. He was very candid and realistic while setting my expectations on the schools.

Coming from an overrepresented pool of Indian male engineers and having a sub 700 GMAT score, I am positive that one of the primary reasons for me to get admitted in one of my first choice schools was the way MBA and Beyond pushed me to bring out my story. My application would not have been half as good without the assistance of the team.

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