Stacy Blackman Consulting: Our 2025 Review

At a Glance

Overview

Stacy Blackman Consulting (SBC) is a premier MBA admissions consulting firm specializing in tailored strategies for applicants targeting top business schools. With over 20 years of experience, SBC features former admissions officers from every M7 program, a proven methodology, and comprehensive services to guide applicants through every stage of the admissions process.

✓ Pros

• Extensive Team of Former Admissions Officers: SBC boasts the most former M7 admissions officers of any firm, with 75% of their team comprising graduates or former officers from top MBA programs, including Harvard and Stanford.
• Structured Application Process: SBC’s systematic approach includes the innovative “Flight Test™,” where a former admissions officer reviews your application to simulate an actual admissions evaluation.
• Flexible Package Options: Offers both an All-In Package ($7,300 for one school) and hourly services ($395/hour, with a two-hour minimum). The “Hourly First” option ($790 for 2 hours) is an accessible way to explore their services.
• A La Carte Services: Includes options like resume editing, test prep, and financial aid advisory for targeted assistance.
• Comprehensive Interview Prep: Provides 1:1, group, and virtual interview preparation to suit different client needs.
• High Client Satisfaction: Clients frequently praise SBC for its professionalism, organization, and tailored guidance.

✗ Cons

• Premium Pricing: The All-In Package and top-tier hourly rates ($975/hour to work with Founder, Stacy Blackman, or 2 hours @ $395 / hour minimum with another consultant) may be cost-prohibitive for some. Hours must be used within a year, with no refunds for unused time.
• Variable Experiences: Outcomes may differ depending on the assigned consultant, as noted in some reviews.

Other Ratings & Reviews

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Expertise: A Proven Leader in MBA Admissions

SBC has established itself as a top-tier MBA admissions consulting firm with over 20 years of experience (founded in 2001). SBC’s team comprises a diverse group of consultants, including former admissions officers from every M7 program, making it the only firm to offer such comprehensive insider expertise. This unparalleled access to admissions insights is a major advantage for applicants targeting top business schools.

SBC’s consultants bring varied educational and professional backgrounds, offering tailored guidance to clients from different industries and career paths. With a systematic, personalized approach, SBC has a strong track record of client success, boasting one of the highest percentages of admitted applicants across M7 and other elite programs.

Their reputation is reinforced by exceptional client satisfaction. SBC has amassed one of the largest collections of online reviews, with glowing 5-star ratings across platforms like Poets&Quants, GMAT Club, MBAinsight, BeattheGMAT, Google, Reddit, and Yelp. 

For prospective MBA applicants, especially those targeting competitive programs, SBC’s combination of industry-leading expertise, a proven track record, and a collaborative team model makes it a standout choice. Whether you seek deep insights from former admissions officers or a strategic roadmap to success, SBC has the tools and experience to guide your MBA journey.

Offerings:

Stacy Blackman Consulting (SBC) provides a comprehensive suite of services to support MBA applicants at every stage of the admissions process. From test prep to interview coaching, SBC covers all aspects, including specialized offerings like the SBC Flight Test™, MBA Plan Ahead, and Financial Aid Advisory. Their services extend beyond standard application assistance, addressing unique applicant needs such as waitlist strategies, deferral requests, and solutions for college seniors or those pursuing social impact careers. SBC also provides a la carte options like resume editing, test prep, and editing services for added flexibility.

Customization

SBC stands out for its tailored approach to admissions consulting. Their matchmaking process pairs clients with consultants based on expertise and success with specific schools, particularly Ivy League and M7 programs. Every client receives a personalized MBA Application Strategy, complete with a differentiated story and career path evaluation. This ensures a strategy uniquely aligned with individual goals and strengths. Clients can also opt for targeted support through hourly consulting or comprehensive all-inclusive packages.

Additional Benefits

In addition to the a la carte and all-in services, SBC also offers a comprehensive online resource center, THE VAULT (available to All-In clients only), YouTube channel, and an MBA podcast B-SCHOOLED.  

Pricing: Transparent, Flexible, and Premium

SBC offers a premium pricing model with flexibility to cater to various applicant needs. Their services start at $395 per hour, requiring a minimum of two hours ($790). This initial “Hourly First” option provides a targeted review of an applicant’s strengths, weaknesses, positioning, and school strategy, allowing clients to evaluate their consultant before committing to a full package.

For comprehensive support, SBC’s “All-In Package” is priced at $7,300 for one school. This package includes unlimited consulting hours, live calls, and offline work, all meticulously tracked for transparency. The all-in model ensures a systematic, in-depth approach tailored to individual needs.

SBC also offers payment plans, making their services more accessible despite their premium pricing. The tiered pricing structure allows clients to scale their investment based on the number of schools or specific guidance required.

Applicants seeking flexibility will appreciate SBC’s dual options: hourly consulting or the all-inclusive package. The hourly option is ideal for those needing focused assistance, while the comprehensive package suits those targeting multiple schools or requiring end-to-end guidance.

Though on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, SBC’s transparent practices and customizable options make it a compelling choice for serious MBA applicants seeking expert support.

Client Experience

We’ve read hundreds of reviews across the internet so you don’t have to. A few themes users like you have called out…

Deep Consultant Expertise

“What really sets the SBC team apart, however, is the breadth and depth of knowledge; any time that my consultant and I were wondering how to approach a school’s application better, there were numerous former admissions officers from those schools that we could draw on.” –Stacy Blackman Consulting Client

“What really sets the SBC team apart, however, is the breadth and depth of knowledge; any time that my consultant and I were wondering how to approach a school’s application better, there were numerous former admissions officers from those schools that we could draw on.” –Stacy Blackman Consulting Client

Breadth of Resources

““The large SBC database was priceless, especially when understanding the differences between schools and when preparing for interviews.” –Stacy Blackman Consulting Client

Variability Across Consultants

“I’m currently using SBC for round 1 apps (All in Package for 3 schools, $11.5k). It’s all about connecting with the right consultant for you — I’d encourage you to be as forthcoming as possible in your initial conversations to let them help you find the right consultant to work with.” –Reddit User, posted November 2024

“Would do a lot of research on the specific consultant you’re working with and not just the firm. If possible, would buy some hours first vs the all-in package.” –Reddit User, posted July 2023

Potential Selectivity

“Not sure if I didn’t communicate well with them about my profile, but it felt like they only wanted “for sure” candidates to work with for top schools and encourage others to shoot lower.” –Reddit User, posted July 2022

The Bottom Line

Stacy Blackman Consulting (SBC) stands out for its unparalleled team of former MBA admissions officers from top schools, including Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). This insider expertise equips clients with a strategic edge in navigating the admissions process.

SBC’s signature “All-In Package” offers unlimited access to a dedicated consultant, an extensive online resource hub called “The Vault,” and a team-driven approach that ensures collective insights shape every application. Their structured methodology is particularly beneficial for applicants targeting elite MBA programs, including the M7.

Notably, SBC is the only consulting firm featuring former admissions officers from every top MBA program. This unique advantage allows clients to gain invaluable insights into what these schools value most in candidates today.

SBC is one of the more expensive consulting options, but could be worth the investment based on SBC’s track record and long bench of consultants who offer diverse skillsets and admissions backgrounds.  Ranked highly across platforms like Poets & Quants and Beat the GMAT, SBC has garnered an impressive number of positive client reviews. While their services are among the priciest, the firm’s track record, diverse consultant expertise, and comprehensive support justify the investment for serious applicants.

If you’re aiming for the M7 or other top programs and value insider knowledge and a systematic approach, SBC could be your key to a successful MBA admissions journey.