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Vantage Point MBA Reviews
Overview
About Vantage Point MBA Consulting
4,400
Vantage Point MBA takes a 360° approach to the application process. Vantage Point provides the perspectives that matter on your MBA applications from experienced consultants who graduated from M7 programs, M7 alumni interviewers, and former adcom. By providing firsthand insights from people who understand the process from the inside out, Vantage Point helps you develop your most competitive and differentiated applications possible, maximizing your chances of admission to the most selective MBA programs.
Vantage Point Cost and Contact Info
Comprehensive:
$8,295 1 school
$10,750 2 schools
$12,950 3 schools
$14,900 4 schools
$16,650 5 schools
$18,200 6 schools
$19,600 7 schools
The Pre-Pack (initial 5-hour package):
$2,700
Lastly, we also offer 4 Amplify Hourly Packages, which are structured hourly packages – details are below:
– Essay Enhancement (6 hrs): $3,030
– Essay Enhancement PLUS (8 hrs): $3,750
– Good to Great (10 hrs): $4,505
– Good to Great PLUS (12 hrs): $5,210
To view how Vantage Point stacks up, check out the link below:
Sara –
Not everyone needs a consultant for the admissions process, but for those who do – I had a great experience working with Kristen! She is so professional and realistic, but also empathetic and gets to know your story and goals on a personal level. Really a pleasure to work with someone as good at their job as Kristen!
Daniel –
I worked with Caryn on my MBA applications, and she was fantastic as a thought partner to tailor my essays for each program. After many iterations (and working with very tight deadlines), she helped me create the perfect essays that got me admitted into 3/4 of the schools I applied to, including HSW. The overall resources provided by Vantage Point were also incredibly helpful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS 2027
HBS Class of 2027 Admit –
Review for Narmeen H.: Strategic, caring, and absolutely worth the investment.
At every step, Narmeen invested the time and energy to help me translate my complicated work experience into a clear, compelling narrative. She was generous with her time, candid in her feedback, and thoughtful in her advising. While always encouraging and kind, she held my work to a high standard, pushing me to deliver my best while staying honest and realistic about expectations.
I set an ambitious goal for myself during this application cycle, and Narmeen matched that ambition with care, strategy, and focus. I cannot recommend working with her enough. She is not only a pleasure to collaborate with and a valuable sounding board, but it’s also clear she deeply cares about her clients and is fully committed to their success. With her guidance and support, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be attending my dream program this fall.
Overall, I highly recommend the Vantage Point team to anyone who is seriously pursuing admission to a top tier MBA program. I was also fortunate to be supported by Melody, Joy, and Kristin throughout the process. From their professionalism to their promptness, it is clear that this is an all star team.
Class of 2027 Admit –
I worked with Narmeen at Vantage point and she was incredibly insightful and supportive throughout my MBA application process. She guided me in shaping a clear, cohesive personal narrative that reflected my unique background as a non-traditional MBA candidate. Her thoughtful advice and understanding of the admissions process played a key role in my receiving a full scholarship offer and enabling me to pivot from a non-business background. I appreciated her practical insights, steady support, and ability to keep the process focused and manageable while keeping me on track. Vantage Point’s wider team also provided significant resources and value in terms of additional reviews and specific insights.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Class of 2027 Admit
Sean –
I worked with Sacha on my MBA applications from start to finish, and found her support extremely valuable. I was essentially starting from a blank slate when it came to crafting my story, and Sacha helped me think through how to tie my experiences together cohesively and consistently pushed me to refine and improve the ideas I had. She also provided very thoughtful and value-adding feedback for all my essays throughout several iterations of my drafts. I felt very supported and grew in confidence throughout the application process thanks to Sacha, and I believe she played a huge role in my acceptances!
Class of 2027 Admit –
Working with Joy Chen at Vantage Point made all the difference in getting admitted to my top choice program, HBS! Though I had a tight timeline, Joy graciously worked with me to develop an R2 strategy and craft compelling essays I felt proud of. She maximized the value of our time together—with every essay turnaround, her insightful feedback helped me see my application in a new way and unlocked opportunities to create clarity. Beyond essay support, Joy’s coaching helped me prepare for HBS’s unique interview format by anticipating deep-dive areas. Her empathy and positive energy made the application process far less stressful. For anyone looking to put their best foot forward in their MBA application, I would highly recommend working with Joy and Vantage Point!
Allie –
Rachel Groh was incredible to work with as a Vantage Point consultant throughout the MBA application process. She gave very honest, constructive feedback, letting me know (gently!) when the communication of my ideas wasn’t as strong as it needed to be. She pushed me to dig deeper into my motivations for getting an MBA and refine my articulation of my short-term and long-term goals, which I referenced constantly throughout applications / interviews / alumni conversations as part of my personal brand. Her structured iterative process allowed me to put the concepts lingering at the back of my mind onto paper in a compelling way that would resonate with those reading my application.
Rachel also went above and beyond my expectations. When I didn’t feel confident in my “What matters most to you and why?” essay topic for Stanford and decided to completely rewrite my application essays the night before the due date, she made time to provide some last minute feedback a few hours before the deadline — now I’ll be attending Stanford in the fall!
With Rachel’s help, I was accepted at all five M7 schools I applied to, including HBS & GSB, and received one partial ($80k) and one full merit-based scholarship. I couldn’t have produced the same level of application without Rachel’s honest guidance and feedback. I absolutely recommend working with her!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford GSB Class of 2027
Tom –
Working with Caryn was one of the most helpful parts of my MBA application process. From the start, she brought a unique balance of honesty, clarity, and kindness that made our collaboration incredibly productive. Her feedback was always direct and to the point, but never harsh—just the kind of constructive guidance I needed to improve and move forward with confidence.
Caryn had a clear, thoughtful approach to each step of the process, from school selection and developing my overall narrative to refining essays, reviewing my resume, and preparing for interviews. She didn’t try to mold my story into something it wasn’t—she helped me tell it in a way that felt true to who I am, while also resonating with what schools are looking for.
Her collaborative style made it feel like a true partnership. I never felt like I was being “coached” in a top-down way—more like we were working side by side to shape something I could be proud of. Her insights pushed my content further than I could have taken it on my own, but it always still felt like mine.
Caryn’s honest, kind, and actionable feedback helped me grow not just as an applicant, but as a communicator. I’m really glad I had her in my corner, and I’d recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful and effective admissions partner.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg MMM class of 2027
Sarah –
Caryn was extremely helpful throughout the MBA process in determining which schools to apply to, choosing the right standardized test, crafting my MBA story, and writing strong, authentic essays. Her feedback was always clear, specific, and helped me focus on the most important parts of my profile. I’d definitely recommend Caryn to anyone looking for support and guidance through the MBA journey!
Jenna –
I worked with Anna who was incredibly helpful in helping me craft my story and develop my brand. I ended up getting offers at HBS, Wharton, and Haas and could not be happier with the help and resources I received from Vantage Point.
Matheus Pacifici –
I worked with Caryn, who was paramount in helping me create my brand. She was always supportive, but challenged my thinking to ensure I that crafted the best essays possible. Caryn was very knowledgeable on what each school was looking for and how to differentiate myself from other candidates. Coming from a healthcare background, Caryn helped me identify my strengths and tune my messaging. Coupled with the other Vantage Point resources, the support I received made all the difference.
David Wang –
I worked with Kristen Lindeman in my R2 application and she was instrumental in me getting offers at Wharton and Sloan. She is so thoughtful and skillful at connecting the dots and was able to draw out the common thread behind my stories. I would not have been to get my offers without Kristen.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2027
Sasha –
I’ve worked with Alan Carniol – Highly recommend him, he is super!!
Alan is a great consultant! He helped me throughout the whole application process and was very kind, available and helpful whenever I needed. English is not my first language, and I haven’t applied to a college in the US – so Alan helped me understand all the nuances of the American application process, specifically to the M7 schools. He was very patient and open-minded while nudging me towards discovering what my story exactly is, and how to frame my experience in the best way possible. Moreover, Alan was very supportive when I was trying to manage the application process and very busy time at work, which made the whole process possible for me.
With his help I’ve applied to 5 M7 schools: accepted to HBS, Booth and Kellogg, and waitlisted at Wharton and Sloan. Alan played a key role in creating how to fit my history of working and living in multiple countries and unique and extensive personal experience into the essays with limited wording and application.
I’m grateful I worked with Alan on my applications and enjoyed our time together! Could not recommend more!
Evan –
Working with Caryn made the overwhelming MBA application process so much more manageable. From start to finish, she was an incredible guide—helping me navigate programs, stay on top of deadlines, and most importantly, shape my story within the tight word limits of each essay. Her feedback was always thoughtful, strategic, and clear. I truly couldn’t have done it without her and would absolutely recommend Caryn to anyone applying to business school.
Class of 2027 Admit –
I had the privilege of working with Gina for 10 months from May of last year until March of this year where she truly supported me throughout the end-to-end MBA application journey – from thinking through which schools to apply to based on my profile and fit to very hands-on essay planning and editing. I cannot emphasize enough for anyone out there trying to take a leap into their next step professionally, Gina will help get you there. I want to write this review to share my story: I was planning on applying in round 1 where I had limited perspective on my ‘why MBA’, mediocre test scores, and very busy work schedule. She encouraged me to take a step back and think about what it is I’m looking to do in the future and really develop my personal brand, motives, and intentions for this pivotal step. I ended up not applying in round 1 because she helped me realize that I was not ready. I learned a lot from her guidance about self-reflection and thinking through which schools would interest me. December came around and I realized my ‘why MBA’ and which programs interested me. A week or two before deadlines, I reached back out to Gina and provided her with the 8 schools and dual programs I wanted to apply to. Despite her having vacation blocked out at the end of December, she was there for me every step of the way. I churned out over 20 essays where she promptly provided very actionable feedback and polished not just the language of my writing but the message I was trying to communicate as well. There were some “essays” that just consisted of bullet points and she provided feedback on the direction of the story and was very honest when it did not answer the full prompt. She also provided me with interview support and helped me navigate the common questions that are asked and helped me tailor my responses to the STAR format and within certain time limits. I am so grateful for her guidance and support and I ultimately gained admission to 6 of my 8 applications including programs such as GSB, Kellogg’s Triple M, and Wharton. I truly cannot emphasize this enough – everyone needs a Gina in their journey. She is thoughtful, kind, and incredibly sharp. 🙂
MBA Program & Grad Year:
GSB class of 2027
Nathan G. –
Working with Sacha at Vantage Point was the single most valuable part of my MBA application journey. What set Sacha apart was her ability to push me to dig deeper and uncover the narrative that was uniquely mine. From the beginning, Sacha helped me reflect on my experiences in a way I hadn’t before, connecting the dots between my values, motivations, and goals to create an authentic and cohesive application. She helped me elevate my essays by guiding me through tough introspective work which ultimately helped me tell a compelling story to the admissions committee. I felt like I had a partner who was invested in my success, not just in my applications but in my future career aspirations. I was ultimately admitted to Wharton, my top choice, and I credit much of that to Sacha’s guidance. If you’re looking for someone to push you beyond the surface and craft a story that is true to who you are, I couldn’t recommend Sacha more highly.
Adrienne Leon –
The team was there for me every step of the way through out the application process. They worked through holidays to make sure my application was the best reflection of me. It was worth every penny!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Harvard Kennedy School, 2027
Silvia Orozco –
I discovered Vantage Point from a friend who had used their services and a positive experience. I worked with Gina and can definitely say I would recommend. I completely underestimated the amount of work and level of specificity that goes into MBA essays, and I don’t think I would have had the outcome I had without Gina’s help. I got into 3/4 schools (1 waitlist), including a full-ride to a T20 school.
Killian S –
With support from Molly Schnettler and Vantage Point, I was accepted to four M7 schools, including HBS and Wharton!
I truly don’t know how I would have completed the admissions process without Molly’s support. From building my initial confidence, to helping frame my narrative, and constructively challenging me to push my essays further, Molly and Vantage Point were essential every step of the way.
If you are on the fence about an application consultant, I can’t stress enough how helpful they were to navigating the process with confidence.
HS (Class of 2027 admit) –
I’m incredibly grateful to Vantage Point and Sacha for a truly transformational experience with the MBA application process. I spoke to a bunch of firms, but my conversation with Melody, the founder, stood out. She went above and beyond to understand my goals and help me think them through. It was clear she genuinely cares, and that’s what drew me to explore working with Vantage Point.
Sacha was the first consultant I spoke to, and it was immediately obvious she was a pro—I also loved her vibe. Throughout the process, she constantly pushed me to dig deeper into my story and reflect on the “why” behind my choices and paths. Her thoughtful, consistent feedback helped me refine my story and nail down my narrative.
I came in thinking I had no shot at my top schools, but Sacha helped me see my application in a new light. That shift in perspective gave me the confidence to go all in. On top of that, she was incredibly understanding, accommodating, and just plain awesome to work with. I had a blast working with her—and I got into my top choice.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS 2027
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, be authentic, really dive into why you did stuff. Prep well for the interviews too.
Class of 2027 Admit –
Very grateful to all of the help the Vantage Point team and Kristen put into my application. I was able to secure a spot at my top choice school and I’m immensely grateful.
ChenWen Hsu –
Working with Kristen was an absolute game changer in my MBA application process. I went into it with a lot of imposter syndrome and uncertainty, but Kristen’s support and expertise made the entire process much easier and far less stressful. Her guidance helped me craft strong applications that truly highlighted my unique stories, which ultimately led to 3 acceptances (including two M7s) with scholarships ranging from $60K to $150K!
Kristen came highly recommended by a coworker, and I completely agree—she is an incredibly responsive and hardworking consultant. What sets her apart is her ability to really work with you to pull out the key elements of your story. While there’s a ton of free information out there, it was her approach to brainstorming and refining those stories that made my essays stand out. She also challenged me to dig deeper and be authentic in my storytelling, which I believe played a huge role in securing my scholarships.
Despite juggling work and multiple applications, Kristen made everything manageable. She was incredibly responsive, provided detailed feedback, and was always available to brainstorm ideas. Beyond being a consultant, she was a true cheerleader, offering unwavering support whenever self-doubt crept in.
I also learned a lot from Kristen about marketing myself and my experiences, and even negotiating—skills I hadn’t anticipated picking up. She always took the time to explain her reasoning behind her suggestions, which I found to be both educational and insightful.
Overall, I couldn’t have done this process without Kristen. Her guidance, expertise, and support were absolutely essential, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything she helped me achieve.
Shruthi –
Kristen provided amazing and insightful feedback on my essays, application materials, and overall strategy. She is the reason I was accepted to three M7 schools, including my dream school! She was incredibly detail-oriented with her feedback and pushed me to think more deeply about how to articulate my stories and my goals. Going through the essay brainstorming process with Kristen actually helped me in my interviews later on as well, as it helped me get clear and succinct on my experiences. Kristen also provided very quick turnaround with her feedback. She also reviewed my work on the weekends and made time to meet late at night, which made working on my applications while continuing my day job much more manageable. I had free trial sessions with a few other highly-ranked MBA consulting firms, but I found Kristen’s support to be far beyond the rest due to her extensive experience in admissions. I cannot recommend Kristen more — she truly pushes you to approach your essays and applications in a way that gets at the heart of what schools want to know, while being authentic to yourself.
Raman A. –
I’ll never forget how energized and inspired I felt after my first call with Melody. What had once seemed like an overwhelming process suddenly felt possible. I knew there would be challenges ahead, but I also knew I would not be facing them alone—she would be in my corner every step of the way, both a steady hand and a sage guide.
Even before you begin drafting essays, Melody and the Vantage Point process put you through various exercises that are critical in shaping a strong, cohesive application. The MBA resume, informational packages to recommenders, extracurricular recommendations, strengths and weaknesses analysis, school-specific guides, and even great book recommendations to promote introspection—every aspect is thoughtfully considered to ensure that your application presents a well-rounded and compelling portrait of who you are.
Working with Melody, I quickly realized she was more than just a consultant—she was a true partner and life coach. She inspired me to get more involved in extracurriculars, which have immense value in the application process and beyond. She had an uncanny ability to pinpoint the moments in my story that needed more depth or clarity and to help me articulate them in a way that felt both natural and powerful. The Vantage Point team does an excellent job analyzing essay topics to ensure you answer the question, but they do not impose a formulaic approach. Instead, Melody worked with me to craft essays that were uniquely mine. When I struggled to put certain ideas into words, she asked the right questions, offering thoughtful feedback that pushed me to refine my thinking without ever making it feel like the essays were being written for me. She did not just offer generic advice—she challenged me to think more deeply and refine my responses, ensuring they were both compelling and showcased the parts of my journey that would resonate most with admissions committees.
Beyond the essays, Melody’s strategic guidance was invaluable. She helped me refine my resume to highlight leadership, impact, and growth rather than just listing responsibilities. Her thoughtful guidance on how to approach my recommenders, ensured they could effectively showcase my strengths. She also motivated me to continue the testing process, recommending a tutor who ultimately helped me achieve a 99th percentile score—something that significantly strengthened my application. Together, we perfected my application forms and ensured that every piece—recommendations, resume, short answers—fit together seamlessly. And when interview season arrived, she made sure I was not only prepared to answer questions but also confident in how I presented myself. Her ability to anticipate challenges and think several steps ahead made a huge difference, helping me avoid common pitfalls.
The MBA application journey is an emotional rollercoaster with inevitable highs and lows. But no matter what stage I was at—whether it was the first draft of an essay, the final moments before submitting an application, or after being rejected from a school—she was always there to offer reassurance and motivation. Melody helped me better understand who I am, what drives me, and the impact I want to make. Working with Melody was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career, and I wholeheartedly recommend her and the Vantage Point Team to anyone seeking a dedicated, insightful, and incredibly skilled admissions consultant.
Kiera –
I worked with Rachel Groh and couldn’t recommend her enough! Rachel was organized, thoughtful, and an incredible sounding board and keen editing eye for my essays as I wrote them. She helped keep my application process on track so I never felt behind. Every comment she left on my essays made them better. Because of Rachel, I was able to feel like I was representing my best self on applications. Without her, I don’t think I would’ve come close. I was excited about the outcome of my applications and have Rachel to thank.
Daniel –
I can’t recommend Gina enough for anyone navigating the business school application process. She helped me hone my unique personal brand and clarify why I wanted to pursue an MBA, making my application truly stand out from the crowd. Her feedback on my essays was always very actionable, offering just the right amount of distance I needed to refine my writing. Even as deadlines grew tight, Gina remained incredibly responsive and committed, providing support when I needed it most. Thanks to her guidance, I was able to craft a compelling application, ultimately gaining admission to both Stanford and Wharton. I cannot recommend working with Gina enough!
Juan Pablo Gomez Serrano –
Kristen and Vantage Point truly helped me uncover my deeper ‘WHY,’ enabling me to articulate my motivations and goals with clarity. She brought structure to my story, weaving my experiences and aspirations into a compelling and coherent narrative. Her guidance was invaluable in showcasing my unique journey authentically and impactfully
Class of 2027 Admit –
Kristen made the complicated application process structured and seamless, guiding me every step of the way, from exploring my personal brand and narrowing down my career aspirations to selecting the right schools and fine-tuning my resume. Her background in admissions at MIT Sloan gave her a unique perspective on what the adcoms are looking for, and her insights were invaluable in helping me position myself effectively. We worked together on brainstorming and polishing my essays, and she was always quick to offer suggestions that improved both the content and the clarity of my stories.
Thanks to her support, I was fortunate enough to receive offers from two M7 schools, and I truly believe that her guidance played a key role in my success. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking an MBA consultant who offers not only expertise but also a personalized approach that puts the candidate’s best interests first.
Will –
Caryn Levine and the wider Vantage Point team were valuable thought partners throughout my MBA application process. From discussing tactical details such as resume formatting, to working through broad strategic questions such as my goals and story, I found Caryn’s advice and feedback to be honest and actionable. Caryn was professional, responsive, and flexible in where we would focus our time; I felt we could collaborate on which application items I needed to prioritize. I would recommend working with Caryn to applicants at any stage in their journey – whether you need a quick essay review, a mock interview, or a comprehensive application evaluation. Thanks to Caryn’s help, I was able to secure an admit to multiple top schools, including an M7.
Jonah –
Working with Shammi and Vantage Point was a great experience. She has a knack for asking the right questions, which helped me refine and evolve my story. Shammi guided me in shaping my application into a cohesive and compelling narrative. Her feedback was always tactical, clear, and actionable, making it easy to implement improvements quickly.
Thanks to her support, I was accepted to Wharton!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2027
Ruth –
Working with Caryn Levine and Kristen Lindeman during my MBA journey was an absolute game-changer. As someone completely unfamiliar with the application process, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to craft a compelling narrative that truly reflected who I am. Caryn and Kristen were not just consultants—they were my mentors, cheerleaders, and trusted guides every step of the way. Thanks to their incredible support, I was accepted into Wharton, MIT, and Columbia.
What truly sets Caryn and Kristen apart is their ability to see the extraordinary in the everyday. I often downplayed my stories, thinking they were too “normal” or insignificant, but they saw their potential. They brought my experiences to life with nuance and clarity, helping me realize the value of my journey and achievements. Additionally, their kindness and belief in me made all the difference. I genuinely felt that they cared about my success as much as I did.
A heartfelt and massive THANK YOU to Caryn and Kristen for their wisdom, patience, and support. I couldn’t have done this without them.
Matt Witalec –
Rashi helped me take a jumble of thoughts into a clear message for my business school applications. Before I even looked at an essay prompt, Rashi helped me define my business school “why”. Why I wanted to go to business school, why now was the right time for me, why certain schools were the right fit for me, and why I would contribute to the school. Getting this set up front helped me to become much more clear and intentional in my applications, which was something I did not have in mind without Rashi. I had a mess of ideas that I was ready to throw into essays, but working with Rashi helped me paint a much crisper and more compelling story to the ADCOMs. From upfront storylining to essays to interview prep, Rashi guided me through every step of the process and ensured I was putting my best foot forward.
I fully believe Rashi’s support is the reason I created the compelling applications that I did – which the results show. I was accepted to all 6 schools that I applied to and plan to attend HBS in Fall 2025. I could not recommend working with Rashi more – she helped me take my applications to the next level, which I think was the difference in earning me acceptances to the schools.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS 2027
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
One of the biggest unlocks for me was storylining my "why" upfront with my consultant. Nailing down your reasons for going to b-school (and the schools that you chose) into a succinct message makes the rest of the application much crisper and easier.
Justin Lewis –
I worked with Caryn Levine. Caryn was a fantastic resource throughout my application process. I come from a nontraditional background and knew that seeking the help of an admissions consultant was likely the best way for me to craft the best applications possible. Caryn deeply understands the application process and was instrumental in helping me put my best foot forward. She was especially helpful in helping me craft and refine essays, and prepare for interviews. Caryn was also very helpful in helping me navigate The Consortium application. With Caryn’s help, I was accepted to one of my top programs and received a Full-Fee Consortium Fellowship! I am very thankful for all that Caryn did to help me accomplish these feats.
Eryn –
Alan Carniol was wonderful! I was going through a busy period at work and was incredibly stressed about completing my MBA applications, but Alan was so helpful and supportive. He took my ideas and helped me develop a compelling MBA narrative, providing invaluable insights into what each program wanted. His impactful advice made the entire MBA process so much smoother than it would have been otherwise. I was admitted into all 5 programs to which I applied — I can’t thank Alan enough for his help! I was thrilled with my application and story. I’ll be attending Wharton next fall, and I am so grateful to Alan for his support in getting me there!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton MBA 2027
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
It's not just about answering the MBA application questions; it’s about crafting a compelling story that sets you apart and makes you memorable. Be thoughtful in your response to "Why are you applying?" by tailoring your answer to each MBA program, ensuring it’s unique and personal. Additionally, stay organized—it’s never too early to start preparing, and don’t forget to give your recommenders ample notice. Best of luck to everyone in the application process!
Jessica –
I worked with Gina on R1 applications to HBS, GSB, and the Lauder program at Wharton. I’m happy to share that I was accepted to 2 of the 3 programs!
Gina was an incredible partner throughout the entire process. Early on, she took the time to truly get to know me – she asked very thoughtful questions that allowed me to uncover insights about myself and shape compelling essay topics. Her thought partnership, candid feedback on my resume and essay iterations, and her interview preparation sessions, were invaluable.
I’m grateful to have had Gina as my coach during this journey and would highly recommend working with her. I truly could not have done this without her guidance and support!
Caroline –
Melody played a crucial role in my success applying to business school. Before partnering with her, my narrative was fragmented, and my career goals were unclear. Through our work together, I was able to refine my value proposition and future objectives, crafting a compelling story. Her insightful feedback on my essays and interview preparation ensured I stayed on track and gave me the confidence to present myself in the best possible light. Thanks to Melody’s unwavering support, I was accepted into one M7 and a T15 with a significant scholarship. I couldn’t have navigated this process without her guidance!
Santiago –
I worked with Kristen Linderman. She was an incredible support throughout my MBA application process. She played a crucial role in helping me build my story and explore my personal brand, offering truly personalized advice that felt tailored to my unique situation. Her guidance was instrumental in crafting compelling essays that highlighted the stronger parts of my application while effectively addressing any weak spots.
Kristen was always professional, honest, and supportive, with quick turnaround times, insightful feedback, and a willingness to meet whenever needed. Her support was key to helping me secure an offer at my top-choice MBA program, and I couldn’t be more grateful!
Myles Winston –
Helped me a ton getting into 3 M7 MBA programs. Allowed me to better understand how to frame my story for the essays and application
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2027
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start taking the GMAT and prepping early if possible. If it is a slow time at work, that is the perfect time to prep for that exam
Ashley –
I am thrilled to have worked with Narmeen. I just received a full-tuition scholarship at my top business school and will be attending! Narmeen and the Vantage Point team were instrumental in this process. From their expert guidance to unwavering support, they helped me put my best foot forward. I’ve already started recommending them to others and couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you again for all your help!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2027
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Dig deep into why mba and have confidence that you bring a unique perspective!
Fei –
I had the privilege of working with Shammi and Melody, and it was truly an inspirational experience. They took the time to dive deep—getting to know me as a person, understanding my passions, motivations, and helping me translate that authentic energy into my MBA essays.
Their approach was incredibly personalized, and their exceptional knowledge of what each school looks for allowed me to make those pivotal tweaks that made all the difference. As a result, I was admitted to 4 out of the 6 schools I applied to, with scholarships!
Beyond the outcomes, this process gave me a deeper understanding of who I am, what I stand for, and how I want to shape the next two years of my MBA journey. I can’t recommend Vantage Point enough!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton, 2026
Daniela –
I worked with Gina at Vantage Point and loved it! Gina is amazing at what she does! She coaches you, not only to help you find your story, but to take a I step back and reflect on what you aim to achieve in your career and how an MBA can help you get there! Gina helped me define my story and was an amazing thought partner on essays – she gave honest and detailed feedback in every iteration. She also kindly gave me guidance before my interview. Thanks to her help, I got into an M7 school with a very generous merit scholarship! Vantage Point overall was amazing, their wealth of resources (sample essays, guidelines on the process, videos were so helpful!) I cannot recommend them enough!!!!
Lauren –
Vantage Point and my specific MBA consultant, Tim Fenton, were a pleasure to work with from start to finish. The structure and resources Vantage Point provided helped me get my applications done efficiently and effectively. Thanks to Vantage Point, I was accepted to HBS, among other top schools.
Tim always went above and beyond to support me by making himself available whenever I needed him and providing specific, tactical feedback/advice to refine my application materials. If he didn’t have an answer to one of my questions (which wasn’t often), he was humble enough to leverage the deep experience and resources of the Vantage Point team. Furthermore, he is very personable, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zhen Fang –
Switching to Melody/ Vantage Point midway through my MBA application process was a game-changing decision. After landing on the waitlist for both HBS and MIT Sloan with another advisor, I realized I needed someone with deeper insights and experience. Melody exceeded all expectations. Some highlights I want to share:
1. Super rich experience and insights about the top MBA programs: Melody has the deepest knowledge and iinsights among all the of MBA advisors i’ve talked to – details on what traits specific schools look for, examples of past successful turnarounds, what realy makes a difference etc.. Her ongoing connections with students across various MBA programs also provided me up-to-date experiences from the campuses themselves.
2. Exceptional Storytelling: As a consultant, I thought my storylining skills are already quite good. But Melody can always lift my essays to the next level. She can pinpoint the most distinctive highlights of my story, and ask the right questions that pushed me to think more deeply. The depth and authenticity of my final essays could not have been achieved without our extensive discussions and her guidance.
3. Continous emotional Support: The most invaluable aspect of working with Melody was the emotional support she provided during the exhausting application process. Applying for an MBA was quite a tough experience for me as I don’t really have anyone to share or talk about it, and need to manage my demanding job at the same time. But Melody was always there to celebrate every win and energize me when I needed it most. I can feel that she truly wants me to succeed and wants to help as much as she could.
Choosing Melody/ Vantage Point was one of the best decisions I made on my MBA journey. And she helped me get off the waitlist with MIT Sloan. Her expertise and heartfelt support were instrumental in navigating the complexities of MBA applications. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach.
Qassi Gaba –
I worked with Kristen Lindemann. She was super responsive, very professional, and always really insightful. The suggestions she provided in my application went well beyond internet sources and other consultants I have worked with. With her support, I gained admission to the HBS 2+2 and Stanford GSB Deferred Admissions programs.
Max Ma –
I was introduced to Melody through a referral, and from our very first conversation, she immediately stood out as one of the most attentive and perceptive professionals I have ever encountered. Her exceptional listening skills allowed me to share my stories and background in depth, enabling her to shape my candidate profile effectively from the beginning. This ability to truly understand my unique background and profile allowed her to craft a highly personalized strategy. The results speak for themselves: I am now preparing to move to London to attend London Business School, one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the world.
Melody possesses a remarkable talent for identifying both the strengths and weaknesses of an applicant’s profile. This skill was invaluable to me, as it enabled me to position myself effectively, leveraging my strengths while addressing any potential shortcomings early on. Equally important was her unwavering responsiveness, which proved crucial in meeting the tight summer deadlines and ensuring my applications were submitted on time.
Melody’s guidance has been life-changing. I am confident that without her expertise and support, my application journey would have been far less successful. The insights and advice she provided were among the most valuable I have ever received. I am profoundly grateful for everything she has done to assist me over the past year.
Hannah –
I’m very grateful to have worked with Gina Chen on my applications as she was instrumental to my success in the admissions process. She was an extremely helpful thought partner during “why MBA” and essay topic brainstorming conversations. She also provided very thorough and candid feedback on my resume and essays that contributed to huge improvements between drafts. With Gina’s help I was admitted to multiple M7 schools and I would recommend working with her to anyone!
Matt –
Excellent consulting service. I was recommended Vantage Point through a friend of a friend, and was not disappointed.
The biggest thing for me was their willingness to work around my schedule and deadlines. No matter how tight the deadline, they were really willing to help out in the nick of time.
I worked with Narmeen Haider – she was a very big reason for my acceptance off the waitlist at Sloan. Her help with mock interviews was excellent and insightful. Her help with my resume was also particularly great, as I had not edited a resume since 2018, and needed a lot of help in that area.
I 100% recommend their services!
Lucy –
Knowing that MIT Sloan was my top choice, I went for Kristen Lindeman right away as she has the right experience and deep understanding of how Sloan works. Throughout this journey, Kristen has provided incredible feedback on my school selection, branding statement, essays, etc. What I like the most about Kristen is that she provides candid and constructive feedback. This allowed me to think twice on how I position myself in this competitive application process, how I tweak my essays to stand out, etc. I’d highly recommend Kristen if you’re looking for someone to provide constructive, objective, and honest feedback for your applications to those M7 schools.
Overall, VantagePoint has a lot of great resources (e.g., school guides, video modules) that help guide the entire process. I initially found the application process quite daunting but VantagePoint’s resources really helped me!
Enrique –
I worked with Gina Chen at Vantage Point MBA during R2 applications after an unsuccessful self-attempt of R1. I had several challenges to overcome (low GRE score, low undergraduate GPA, unclear story, etc.), along with an extremely tight timeline.
After being matched with Gina, she quickly developed a clear plan of attack, and we worked countless hours to refine my “Why MBA” and develop my personal brand. She remained with me throughout the entire application, interview, and waitlist process. I credit much of my success to Gina.
I was accepted to my top Ivy League MBA program with a generous merit scholarship, and ultimately decided to accept a full-tuition Consortium fellowship offer at a T25.
Lolly –
Caryn Levine was a fantastic consultant to work with throughout the application process. She is extremely thoughtful in getting to know her clients, which makes her application feedback all the more personalized and actionable. My MBA “pitch” and essay themes were so much clearer after her thoughtful input, and I know my recommenders appreciated her feedback as well. Would 10/10 recommend Caryn to any of my friends applying to B-school!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Northwestern Kellogg 2026
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do lots of introspection on your own personality & post-MBA goals (job, city, life) and which schools will fit that vision most. Stay true to yourself and then make that shine in your app & interviews!
Natasha –
If I could give a review above 5 stars, I would!
Kristen Lindeman is the most responsive, involved, and attention-to-detail consultant. Kristen went above and beyond with her commitment to helping me with my applications, far beyond any other consultant I’ve heard about from my peers.
From the get-go, Kristen allowed me to set expectations of how I would need her help, and she worked tirelessly to exceed those. I met with Kristen once a week, sometimes more than that, to walk through my progress on essays, video responses, and other elements. She helped me create a detailed plan for each essay to make sure it flowed correctly and highlighted all the best aspects of my application.
We were in constant contact over email, having email chains for each school with over 100 emails a thread! Kristen turned drafts like a champ every couple of days (sometimes more than once a day!), each with thoughtful feedback and guidance on how I might streamline an idea or add something new Kristen or I thought of. When I got stuck or had writer’s block, Kristen always made time to brainstorm and inspire me, making the writing process fun!
She worked one-on-one with my recommenders to provide feedback on their letters. Even though they have written multiple grad school recommendations over the years, my recommenders highlighted how Kristen’s feedback was thoughtful and concise, giving them tips and tricks on improving my recommendations and others moving forward.
Kristen made the whole thing seamless. I loved every second of my application process, and that is in large part due to her. She is a total rockstar, and anyone would be crazy not to hire her! Don’t look any further!
I’m heading to Sloan in the fall and could not be more thankful I had Kristen to guide me throughout the process!
C M –
I worked with Molly for my second-round applications to HBS, GSB, and Wharton, and I’m excited to share that I got into two of the three schools! From start to finish, Molly’s guidance was incredibly valuable. Coming from a consulting background, I knew that having a unique and authentic story would be crucial. Molly’s in-depth questions and honest feedback were instrumental as I fine-tuned my narrative. When it came to writing my essays, her precise and insightful suggestions made a real difference. I highly recommend working with Molly!
Irena –
Gina is excellent – I applied R2 this admissions cycle and worked with Gina on all my applications. She’s great at helping applicants identify their “why MBA” and how to craft a compelling narrative. What sets Gina apart is that she’s a great listener who can help you weave multiple facets of your life into a holistic story that resonates with admissions officers.
Gina is also incredibly flexible. I worked with her the last week of December and she always made time to respond to my emails and provide feedback on my essays, despite it being around the holidays. As other reviewers have mentioned, she doesn’t sugar coat her feedback, which results in significant improvements with each iteration of your essays. I can look back and say that without Gina’s help, I wouldn’t have been admitted to my top school choices! Thank you Gina for all that you do.
Kathryn –
Vantage Point was an incredible firm to work with throughout this process – they have a thoughtful structure and set of activities in place to help facilitate the thinking and reflection needed to bring together a strong application. I worked with one of their coaches, Kristen Lindeman who was was an incredible resource from beginning to end in this MBA application journey, which ultimately ended in 3/3 acceptances to M7 schools. I can say without a doubt that I don’t know if I would have achieved these outcomes without her, for a few reasons in particular. First, Kristen did not shy away from giving her honest and well-informed opinion – even when it was sometimes difficult to hear, it was always with the intention to help me show my best self in my application. In my case, this began with Kristen’s advice to wait until Round 2 so I had time to re-write my GMAT and hopefully get a more competitive score. It turns out that this additional time allowed me to additionally complete invaluable reflections on where I wanted to apply and what I wanted to gain from my MBA, which I know enhanced my essays and allowed me to show up with strong conviction during my interviews.
When it came to defining my personal brand, story and crafting my essays, Kristen was a strong partner in bringing together what I originally saw as distinct unrelated elements of who I am and what I have done. Kristen played a pivotal role in helping me create a clear, cohesive and compelling story that most importantly was genuine and authentic to me. Overall, I leave this experience with noting but positive things to say about the support and partnership I received from Vantage Point and Kristen throughout the last year.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Full Time MBA, 2026
Dwitiya Sawant –
I owe my acceptance to my dream school entirely to Melody Jones. Her unwavering commitment and expertise were pivotal in shaping my application. Here are the highlights of my experience working with her:
Guidance Beyond Expectations: Melody’s personalized approach went far beyond mere consulting. She meticulously reviewed my essays, ensuring that my best foot was always forward. Her team’s feedback was invaluable, and their dedication was evident throughout the process.
Friendly and Patient: Melody’s friendly demeanor made collaboration enjoyable. She worked tirelessly, leaving no stone unturned until she was satisfied with my application. Her patience and encouragement kept me motivated.
Self-Reflection and Growth: Every conversation with Melody was a moment of introspection. Her insights helped me understand my profile better, and I learned immensely along the way.
Dream University Admit: Without Melody’s guidance, achieving my dream university admission would have been impossible. Her expertise transformed my application.
In summary, Melody Jones is not just an admissions consultant; she’s a mentor who believes in her clients’ potential. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking personalized guidance on their MBA journey.
Thank you, Melody, for making my dream a reality!
Steph –
I had a fantastic experience collaborating with Vantage Point. Navigating the MBA application process can often feel daunting, but their well-organized resources effectively simplify it, guiding you through each step with clarity.
Malvika Nayak was a great partner to have by my side. From day one, she helped me sort through my ideas and really focus on what stories to tell. She didn’t hesitate to push me to dig deeper, and it’s clear she knows what makes an essay stand out.
Definitely recommend investing in this; the support and advice I got were top-notch.
Grace Kahle –
I loved working with Vantage Point! Their slew of resources were so helpful in my process, especially sample essays that gave me a feel for the many different approaches taken
My advisor, Sarah Chamberlain was an incredible thought partner throughout my entire application process, especially the essays. I couldn’t have crafted such a compelling narrative without brainstorming with Sarah. She was committed in understanding my background & got to know my story well enough that she could herself point out my most relevant examples to help me land a pithy point. As a Wharton alum, Sarah was particularly helpful in tailoring my essays to fit their expectations. As a result, I was accepted to 100% of the MBA programs I applied to & will be attending Wharton in the Fall
Sara –
I worked with Shammi. Shammi asks very insightful questions and listens very curiously. She is good at summarizing and synthesizing key themes about your profile and story and ensuring you reflect those in your application and essays (and keeps you honest). In her feedback on essays, she is very tactical, actionable, and pointed which allows for easy and direct improvement after she reviews the draft.
She definitely helped strengthen my applications and I was admitted to all three programs through her support that I applied to including two public policy programs (Oxford and Columbia) and a Masters of Education program at Harvard.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Masters of Education, Class of 025
Isaac –
Narmeen far exceeded my expectations for what an MBA admissions consultant could provide. She helped me get admitted into Tuck, my top choice program, by providing a structured approach and personalized advice.
Narmeen is exceptional at outlining admissions essays based on the individual candidate’s background. During the application, I had numerous ideas on the types of content i wanted to present to admissions, but was unsure how to best organize everything. Narmeen ensured that my essays flowed flawlessly and logically. She understands the differences between top MBA programs and will help people tailor their essays to each school.
Additionally, Narmeen edits essays very quickly and efficiently and provides actionable advice on improvements with every draft you send her. Her experience living across continents helped me present my own international experience. She has a very strong understanding of the types of content that admissions likes to see.
Finally, Narmeen is very approachable and responsive. She responded to my last minute requests for resume edits. Narmeen understands what mistakes to avoid in the admissions process and prevented me from making a critical mistake in one of my admissions essays.
If you hire Narmeen, you can be confident that you will have an expert to bounce ideas off of and ultimately ensure that your application will be a polished as possible.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck 2026
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Understand the best qualities that you want to present and hire a consultant to ensure that the application is as polished as possible.
Eddie –
I worked with Caryn and she was extremely helpful in thinking through my school selection process and how to frame my story and long-term goals. Vantage Point offers a very structured process in deep diving into your strengths, areas for improvement, and how to connect those to what you want out of your MBA experience and how to express that clearly in your essays and application. Caryn also pressure tested why I was interested in each school and had me do the extra research that ultimately led me to the school I will be attending (which was not on my initial list but the one I ultimately found to be the best fit for me). Vantage Point also had very specific and helpful materials relevant to each school to help me learn more about what differentiates each school and how to prepare for their interviews accordingly.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Full Time MBA - 2026
K BILAL –
As a STEM expert reapplying to a top-tier M7 MBA program, I found Kristen’s assistance crucial in overturning my initial rejection. Her method of consulting distinctly stood out from others I have experienced. Kristen possesses an exceptional skill in highlighting and improving my application’s strengths, adeptly selecting impactful stories, and crafting a compelling and cohesive narrative. Her proficiency in succinctly and powerfully conveying complex ideas was invaluable. With her expert advice, I achieved acceptance into the same prestigious MBA program I was previously denied from. Kristen’s guidance is essential for anyone seeking to enhance their MBA application, particularly for those who are reapplying.
Annette –
I worked with Caryn Levine, who was super supportive throughout the whole process. I was hesitant to move forward with my MBA application after receiving below average GMAT scores for my target schools, but Caryn gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in the application process. Her review and expertise is top notch, and ultimately I received acceptances to all the schools I applied for, some even with scholarships. Vantage Point also has some very helpful resources in navigating through the process. Thank you Caryn!!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Full Time MBA - Class of 2026 (Program TBD, admitted to Kellogg, Yale SOM, UCLA Anderson, and CMU Tepper)
Norman –
One of the best admissions consulting firms I’ve worked with. All of Vantage Point’s consultants are extremely knowledgeable and structured in their approach to helping applicants craft their story, essays, and application. They provide the full suite of services, from story development to school selection to essay review to recommender strategy to mock interviews. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the support I received from Vantage Point.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2026
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Trust the process that Vantage Point has in place, and start early!
Tosa Nehikhuere –
I loved my experience working with Gina Chen. What stands out to me about Gina is her ability to hone in on your strengths and unique traits as a candidate and help you tell your story in a compelling way. She gave me feedback on my essays that showed me how to think about the prompts and answer them in a way that speaks directly to the adcom. Most importantly, she’s genuinely passionate about helping people figure out their “why” and how the MBA can help them get there. I ended up with several M7 admits which I am absolutely thrilled about – can’t recommend her enough!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2026 - Undecided; choosing between Booth, Kellogg, Columbia, and Wharton
Tatum –
I worked with Meghan Ellis on multiple MBA applications while working full-time, and I could not have gotten into my top choices without her help. Meghan was consistently available and always pushing me to refine and get to the heart of what I wanted to say – two things that were incredibly valuable to me given my busy schedule. She was truly invested in getting my authentic story across while also providing me valuable insight from the perspective of the admissions committee. I also really appreciated her encouragement and enthusiasm throughout the process – MBA apps are stressful, and I always felt like Meg was my champion throughout it all.
I was accepted R1 to my top two schools with merit scholarships from both. Cannot recommend Meg/Vantage Point enough!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2026 - Program TBD; choosing between Kellogg and Wharton
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start as early as you can - deadlines creep up on you fast, especially while you're working!
Milena Spencer –
I worked with Melanie Espeland throughout the MBA application process. I worked with her on developing my ‘story’ and thinking through my short/long-term goals, essay writing and other parts of the application (i.e. short answers, interviews, recommendation letters). Melanie challenged me not only on the ‘what’ of my long-term goals but the ‘why’. This helped me think critically about my personal and professional experiences and how they lend themselves to what I want to do. Throughout the essay writing process, she provided specific, constructive and actionable feedback. She also helped me with interview prep, including a full mock interview. Finally, Melanie was timely, responsive and organized. I would recommend her to anyone applying to a competitive MBA program.
Caroline Harmening –
I applied to 5 of the M7 business schools while working full-time in consulting. The only reason I was able to complete my applications on time & on track was due to support from Jaime at Vantage Point Consultants. She not only made sure that I centered the message of my applications on my story, vision, and goals, she made sure that I hit every milestone necessary to apply round 1 to all 5 schools with applications that were complete and well-rounded.
I was ultimately admitted to 3/5 schools, with a cumulative $250K+ in scholarship offers – thanks Jaime!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2026 - Program TBD; choosing between Booth, Kellogg, and Wharton
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Three main points of advice:
1. Work with Vantage Point Consulting! Especially from a narrative and time management perspective, they were crucial to me drafting compelling application in a round 1 time frame while still working full time in consulting
2. Only apply to schools you would actually attend - aka, programs that are worth the opportunity cost of 2 years outside the workforce
3. Know when you've reached your limit - at some point your application is the best it can be, and you have to let go and let it do the rest of the work :)
Emma Ticknor –
Vantage Point provided all the materials and support I needed to get through the MBA application process successfully. They are organized and experienced, able to answer tough questions and support candidates throughout the full application process.
I worked with Shammi, who was an excellent guide and partner through the application process. As a dual MBA/MPP candidate, I particularly appreciated Shammi’s clear-sightedness and knowledge of both processes to help me stay organized and comfortably meet all of the deadlines. Together we thought through “Why MBA?” / “Why MPP?” / “Why X school?”, with Shammi asking thought-provoking questions and listening closely to help me turn jumbled thoughts into a clear and successful application story.
H Zhang –
I worked with Katie McQuarrie, who was extremely supportive throughout the process. She definitely pushes you out of your comfort zone, but that’s exactly what you need to succeed in this extremely competitive process. She is very empathetic, helps you stay strong, and provides thoughtful feedback/advice. She was also able to accommodate short turnaround times (all reviews were <48 hrs). She’s also flexible on the level of support you need; never pushy on making you buy additional hours.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MBA class of 2026 admit
Jackson Oz –
Vantage point is excellent – highly recommend it. I was working while I was applying and I am confident that I would not have finished if it weren’t for the structure and support of Vantage point. Would definitely be worth your time to invest in this and create a great application! It not only was better but saved me a lot of time because we aligned early
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia, 2026
Tamara –
Working with Vantage Point and Sacha was a great end to end experience. I started working with Vantage Point already quite advanced in my research and application preparation, so I was initially a bit skeptical about the value add of my decision to work with them. However, Sacha was absolutely fantastic and truly helped me take my profile and applications up a few levels. I appreciated the combination of pre built resources (videos, etc) I could consult in my own time and as much as needed and live connects with my coach. I also appreciated that despite Vantage Point having a mostly standardized process to help with applications, they were able to adapt fully to my needs so I could maximize all my consultant hours and really get the most out of their support (I ended up mostly focusing on my essays). In the end, I got accepted to both of my top choice schools (HBS and Wharton), so I’m a happy customer
Megan Stark –
I worked with Molly at Vantage Point and had a fantastic experience! Molly was super flexible and worked with my crazy work schedule. She made sure to keep me on schedule with getting my applications finished early! Molly was incredibly helpful in helping me craft my personal MBA story and how to have that seamlessly flow through my entire application. I was accepted 3/3 for my top 3 schools, with a full-tuition fellowship at one of the schools! I would highly recommend working with Molly at Vantage Point on your MBA applications!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Dartmouth Tuck 2026
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early with brainstorming potential essay topics and take advantage of test prep resources!
Nitya Rudraraju –
I used one of the pre-pack packages to get some additional support with reviewing essays for one school. I worked with Joy and she’s a lovely person with a cheerful demeanor and the “I care” attitude that I found lacking in several other consultants. However the problem with hourly type packages as opposed to comprehensive ones is that although they can edit your existing essay to be better, they don’t know enough of your personal story to know what additional items could make it better. Joys in line feedback was great but our time together was very short. I’d like someone who really tries to get to know my whole story next time because I think I did not highlight the right strengths properly. I did not get into the one school I applied too, so will likely take on a comprehensive package next time
Simona –
I absolutely loved working with Joy Chen from Vantage Point during my MBA application process! She helped me think through each step of the journey, from understanding the key differences between business schools and developing an action plan to crafting my story and sharpening my interviewing skills. I came away from each conversation with Joy feeling more invigorated, thanks to her positive energy, useful advice, and thoughtful questions. After a few months of working with Joy, I was thrilled to be accepted to my top two schools (HBS and Wharton). Joy challenged me to put my best foot forward, always in a kind and encouraging way, and I can’t recommend her enough to anyone who is preparing for business school!
Isabel –
I highly recommend working with Ilana from vantage. I starting with Ilana on my pre-package, in which she helped me craft an initial story, supported me in the decision to delay applying for a year, and came up with an action plan for the next year to close gaps in my application. Months later when it came time for application support, Ilana and I picked up right where we left off! She served as a strong sounding board with insight on each school’s unique traits and pushed me to dig deeper into my essays. She was a constant cheerleader and helpful accountability partner, and I felt she was genuinely invested in my journey. I ultimately was accepted to my top choice with merit scholarship!
Ojaswee Rajbhandary –
I worked with Shammi Qudus on my HKS application and Meghan Ellis on my HBS application – they were both amazing! Shammi really helped me take my essays to the next level of depth on a very short turn around (~2 weeks!). Her advice always helped me refine my answers while preserving my authentic story and her perspective was especially helpful given she is a Kennedy School-GSB alum. Meghan was also fantastic to work with at crafting a cohesive story that felt true to myself while showcasing my strengths – leading to a R1 acceptance! Overall would 100% recommend working with either Shammi or Meghan.
Stetson Bartschi –
I worked with Katie McQuarrie and she was fantastic! Cannot recommend enough. Additionally Vantage Point did a fantastic job of having a whole host of resources available to us in preparation for every step of the process which really helped me feel comfortable. Whether it was essay preparation, interview prep, or an overview of each school, they did a great job of anticipating needs I didn’t even know I had. Very grateful for their support!
Nick –
I highly recommend working with Anna from Vantage Point. The personal and professional maturity I gained working with Vantage Point is something I would like to thank them for. During the process, I was pushed to analyze my values and what has helped me succeed in my life and be able to articulate that in a precise manner that convinced my top 2 MBA schools (Kellogg and Haas) to accept me.
Sara bousleiman –
I can’t say enough good things about Melody!! Throughout the entire process Melody was patient, hardworking, communicative, and supportive. She is incredibly intelligent and always knows how to put my thoughts into words. At first I used the pre-pack and quickly realized how helpful she was and how I was going to need her in the process so I upgraded to the Comprehensive package. She was always on time with her edits, was always available to call when I needed advice in the process, and is so dedicated to me and the rest of her clients. Once I found out I got the interview, I had three days until the interview and she was able to fit me in for an interview prep the day before it. Because of her I was 100% prepared for the interview and had an idea of the questions I would be asked. Because of her I got accepted to my dream school! I can’t recommend Melody enough.
Jason J –
Caryn was an excellent partner in both my business school applications and overall career reflection and goals. Throughout the application process, Caryn enabled me to thoughtfully reflect on my career to date and identify and articulate my career goals and how business school would serve as a critical step in my path. I completed this year with great clarity on my long-term goals. Thank you Caryn for your support!
Sloane –
Working with Caryn Levine at Vantage Point was integral to my MBA application process, and I couldn’t recommend her enough. She knew exactly what to advise as I crafted my application materials. She even gave great guidance on how to handle my testing timelines, as I entered into the testing portion of my application later than advisable. Despite my GRE score being slightly lower than my aim, I know that Caryn’s help went the extra mile in securing my admissions. I even got merit scholarship funding at my top program, which I was not expecting! She was a thorough, thoughtful, and reliable application coach. I would highly recommend working with her!
William Johnson –
I used Vantage Point as my consultant and I worked with Anna Baskin. She was an absolute delight to work with! She was tough on me when needed, but also was a friend throughout the process. Where she was the most helpful was in helping me construct my story and think through why I wanted to go to business school. It ended with me being accepted to both Kellogg and Yale SOM. I truly believe that her support and feedback throughout the process was instrumental in my acceptances and am so grateful for her help.
Kristen –
I used vantage point to help me on my MBA journey.
Kristen Lindeman, my Vantage Point MBA consultant, was a fantastic resource to guide me on my MBA journey. ability to provide meaningful feedback and framing was unparalleled, largely driven by her experience working in Sloan’s adcom and recognizing key aspects that I should highlight in my story. She laid out a very clear plan of action and was a great communicator on how best for us to use our time together.
I believe that her support and feedback were key factors in my acceptance in my top choice, “reach” school, that I was not expecting an acceptance for.
An added bonus is the emotional and personal investment that she makes in her clients – I constantly felt that Kristen was a supporter and had my best interest at heart.
Zhaoyan –
I first get to know Vantage through reading their MBA preparation package. That package helped me a lot and led me to reach out and get help from Alicia. I have to say that material pack made my application package a solid foundation, and Alicia helped made them alive. By providing me perspectives from both a consultant and former AO, she told me how to build up a material pack to display a real me. Moreover, she is super responsive for my application as it was hers. I really enjoyed the whole process.
Jeff –
I throughly enjoyed my experience with Vantage Point consulting. From the beginning, the team gave me confidence that I could reach for my dream school, and after lots of support on my essays and my overall narrative, I got into my first choice program. I think the comprehensive package is a great way to ensure that an application is as complete and effective as possible, and I would recommend Caryn and Melody to any friends and colleagues that are applying to B schools.
Ally –
My Vantage Point Consultant was incredibly helpful throughout the entire application process. She worked with me to make my application essay more focused to tell my story and post-MBA career goals. We also restructured my resume to more clearly show the results of my work and highlight any experiences that would make me stand out to the admissions committee. With Vantage Point, I was able to get into my first choice program. I highly recommend!
Betty –
I was a reapplicant who had tried to navigate the daunting process by myself before and had not gained admissions to the schools I had my heart set on. I had never considered working with an admissions consultant and found them generally intimidating until I met Melody. I was referred to Melody by a long-time friend who had just worked with her and valued her high standards of excellence, promptness, and kindness.
Melody was thoughtful and challenged me to do things differently, pushing me in the best way to stay motivated and make it through the finish line (through testing, the applications, and interviews). I appreciated her expertise and how she equipped me with the tools and knowledge to empower me to make decisions throughout my application process. Over time, I added more schools to our comprehensive package as I was impressed by our work together.
Ultimately, I had the opportunity to choose between my top 2 school choices, both Ivy League business programs that offered me scholarships, and I accepted the offer to my dream school. I’m confident it was because of my carefully crafted application and profile with Melody’s guidance. I highly recommend working with Melody or Vantage Point MBA to maximize your chances of success in your application journey and make your MBA dreams come through.
Alex –
Before finding Vantage Point, I had hired another consultant from a well known, yet cheaper firm, but quickly found myself disappointed. After paying(!), that company told me that my consultant would only be available a few days a week during a narrow window of time each day (this is during the height of the business school app frenzy). Then, after receiving only 2 minor comments on an initial (very) rough draft of an essay, I realized that this consultant was not giving me the quality or quantity of feedback I needed. It was at that point, when the other consultant was not providing substantive feedback, was often unavailable, and was just not invested in my story, that I turned to Melody at Vantage Point after her free intro call.
Melody and Vantage Point operated completely differently than the last consultant- her style is always encouraging, but she didn’t hesitate to be frank and honest. She would provide fulsome comments – some comments highlighting what I did well in the essays, others pointing out what I could better clarify. She was always available via phone or email and definitely accommodated my busy schedule. She helped me tease out the areas of my story that needed explaining, while being patient with me as I sent her draft after draft. At a certain point, I knew that my essays were ready — but this was my conclusion whereas Melody would have been happy to have kept iterating if I didn’t yet feel comfortable and confident.
Thanks to Melody’s help, I was admitted to several top programs – I’ve chosen to attend Wharton on an academic scholarship and couldn’t be happier.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton, 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early and focus on the GMAT, taking it as many times as you can. Then, hire Melody and craft an essay package that helps you add depth and life to your story while demonstrating the research you've done to get to know the program(s) you are applying to.
Husnu Yalcin Oney –
My journey with Vantage Point started with a free consultation phone call with Melody, after I found out about the company on GMAT Club. The amount of insight Melody gave on the call, her knowledge and passion about the entire MBA application process stood out, and shortly after I signed up for her company`s comprehensive package.
The package was worth every penny because Melody doesn`t approach what you do together as just another job. She is very hands on and an experienced and wise guide, not agreeing to any subpar idea. It was very easy to reach Melody. She is open to always giving feedback, and all conversations with her are very genuine: no sugar coating, brutal honesty – the right recipe that encourages you to think outside the box and inspire you to compose the best essays you possibly can.
If you are ready to do the hard work to decide between the multiple offers you`ll get at the end of the road, I recommend you work with Melody. After a lengthy thought process, I decided that this fall I will be joining Tuck`s class of 2024.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck School of Business 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus on school fit more than school rankings. Make sure to leave plenty of time for GMAT prep and don`t get disheartened if you don`t get the score you are looking for on the first try - put in the hard work and the score will come. Last but not least: Work with Melody!
Zack Foos –
I worked with Kristen on applications for two schools. I was accepted into my top choice and waitlisted at the other. Throughout the application process Kristen provided invaluable help every step of the way. I was most impressed by her taking the time to really get to know me and learn my story so that she could help me craft my essays in an authentic and compelling manner. Kristen made my applications so much stronger by providing thoughtful notes and insights into how the ad coms think about applications. Best of all, her guidance took much of the stress out of the process and allowed me to focus on putting together the strongest application possible.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Undecided
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give yourself plenty of time to work on your application so that you don't have to rush and stress. It doesn't have to be a painful process!
Raffy Howe –
I worked with Caryn and she was instrumental in helping me craft a cohesive narrative around what I had done in the past, how it prepared me for business school, and what I wanted to do in the future. Caryn pushed me to highlight areas of my life that were unique and set my application apart. Caryn made huge differences throughout each draft of my essays by making sure they really touched on the key areas of my background and future plans that we’d decided we wanted to highlight, all while ensuring we emphasized the areas MBA programs are really looking for. Aside from the enormous help I received on the essays, Caryn also helped me go through each aspect of the application in depth, even going so far as to review my descriptions of my extracurriculars to ensure they adequately touched on leadership. It was truly front to back support throughout the entire application process. The only regret I have is that I didn’t start working with Caryn sooner!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden School of Business 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Narrow down your list of schools as early as possible so you can start really connecting with a few schools and showing your interest. Doing that with a large number of schools can get really time consuming, and really emphasizing your interest to these schools goes a long way so try to thin your list early.
Shirene Shoushtarizadeh –
I worked with Caryn, who was instrumental in helping me through the application process. I had an average GMAT score and a below average undergraduate GPA, but Caryn helped me craft my story to highlight my strengths and make every other portion of my application shine. There was a very stark difference between my first drafts at the resume, essays, and short answer questions and the final drafts after several rounds of revisions with Caryn and in the end I was very proud of what I submitted. Caryn’s help was also vital in preparing for the admissions interviews where she asked questions I hadn’t considered prior to our practice interviews but that were asked in the real interviews. I ended up receiving offers from 3/4 schools I applied to, Kellogg, Tuck, and Darden with very generous scholarship awards. Overall Caryn was very helpful, encouraging, and responsive. I could not be happier with my experience!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg MMM 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Develop a strong understanding of your values and career goals and let that guide your program selection. The application process feels (relatively) easy when you can speak authentically about who you are and why you think a program is right for you.
Devanshi Gupta –
My partner and I worked with Melody on hourly package and we both got admits to all the 4 schools that we applied to including Kellogg, which was our top choice school. Melody is simply the best – she challenged us to get out of our comfort zones and motivated us to put our best foot forward. She helped us shape our essays in line with the American culture, all the while retaining their authenticity and bringing out key nuances of our stories. We loved how she always gave us direct and honest feedback on our essays. We would not have been able to craft our essays as well as we did without her guiding us through the self-reflection and essay writing process.
The process was sometimes overwhelming as my partner and I wanted to get into a school together. But Melody kept our morale high and motivated us at every step. Even when my partner struggled with GMAT, she not only encouraged him but also went out of her way to provide him great resources for his preparations. She is the nicest person to work with. I would highly recommend Melody and Vantage Point to anyone who wants to give their 100% to the application process.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg School of Management - 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I would strongly advice any applicant to understand the school's culture and self-reflect to understand their fit before heading into the application process.
Tithi Raval –
I worked with Kim Leb on 4 applications during crunch time for Round 2. She was incredibly helpful with essay reviews, reviewing overall applications, and interview prep. She knew exactly what the schools were looking for and helped me highlight my “story”. The feedback she gave was very valuable and enhanced my application considerably. Happy to say that I got into 2 of my dream schools and will be starting my MBA studies in Fall 2022. Highly recommend working with Kim and Vantage Point on your MBA applications!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Undecided, Class of 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start engaging Vantage Point from earlier in the process!
Carley –
I worked with Ilana from Vantage Point and want to say how much of a positive experience I had! I want to first thank the Vantage Point team for matching me with her. I would not have applied or received offers of admission to certain programs if it were not for Ilana’s support. She exceeded any expectations I had coming into working with her. She helped me craft my story, including my previous experiences and why I want to pursue my MBA. Ilana also challenged me throughout the process, helping take my application to the next level. She also was instrumental in helping me work on a solid resume. Finally, I cannot say how thankful I am for her support on a few of my essays. She helped me consider important components that I would have probably never realized on my own. Her support helped me in all aspects of my applications for each and every school. Finally, Ilana was always honest with her feedback and extremely personable throughout my time working with her. I always felt supported by her!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do a lot of research on the different programs out there. Talk to students and alumni as well as attend information sessions to really get a feel of where you would fit in. When working on your application, think about your story: how your previous experiences connect to why you want an MBA.
Alex Friedman –
From our very first meeting, Melody managed to ease my nerves and help establish a timeline for my application. From the GRE to my essays and recommendations, she made the process streamlined and stress-free, all while being kind and patient. I applied to only one school, so the stakes were high, but Melody helped me frame my story and my post-career goals perfectly. I could not have done it without her, and I highly recommend her to anyone who is intimidated by the process. Thank you, Melody – Vantage Point Consulting was the most worthy investment!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern - Fashion and Luxury, May 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Use Melody from the beginning - she's a wealth of knowledge on the business school landscape and what each school is looking for. For my specialized program, she helped me navigate the application process and streamline my post-school goals.