Overview
The MBA Exchange offers sophisticated MBA admissions consulting, ideal for ambitious applicants targeting top-tier programs. With a team of seasoned professionals, including former admissions committee members, they specialize in developing strategic, compelling applications. Their strength lies in a blend of personalized attention and team knowledge. Candidates should be prepared for a professional, no-nonsense, results-driven approach and premium pricing that reflects their expertise.
✓ Pros
- Experienced team of over 70, with 23 consultants with backgrounds from 18 top business schools
- Consultants include former admissions committee members from prestigious schools
- Comprehensive range of services, including interview preparation and test preparation
- Unique “M7 Insider Audit” service for application review and LinkedIn profile assessments
- High success rate (92-93%) for clients gaining admission to at least one target school
- Flexible pricing options with tiered consultant expertise levels
- Passionate consultants who mentor in addition to their full-time careers
- Strong track record dating back to 1996
✗ Cons
- Higher costs compared to more basic admissions consulting services; pricing can be steep, with packages ranging from $3,950 to $19,250
- Rigorous and demanding approach may not suit all applicants
- Some reviews suggest advice can be generic at times
- Intense process requires significant time commitment
- Limited options for non-MBA graduate programs
- No money-back guarantee offered
Other Ratings & Reviews
4 /5 Stars
Top 4 most medium-sized MBA Admissions Consulting firm
Multiple positive client testimonials
About The MBA Exchange
The MBA Exchange, founded in 1996, is a well-established MBA admissions consulting firm with over 25 years of experience. Their team comprises highly qualified consultants, including former admissions committee members from top business schools and professionals with backgrounds from prestigious firms like HBS, GSB, Wharton, and MBB consulting companies.
Their services are comprehensive, covering full-time and part-time MBA programs, Executive MBA programs, and dual-degree options like JD/MBA. They offer a range of services including application strategy, essay editing, interview preparation, and waitlist support. Additionally, they provide GMAT/GRE prep and specialized services for specific school requirements.
Pricing for their services is on the higher end of the spectrum, with packages ranging from approximately $4,000 to $19,000. This positions them as a premium service provider in the MBA admissions consulting market.
The MBA Exchange is best suited for serious applicants targeting top-tier MBA programs. Their approach is described as demanding and results-driven, with less emphasis on hand-holding. They claim a 93% success rate for clients being admitted to one or more schools, making them a solid choice for ambitious candidates aiming for elite MBA programs who are prepared to work hard and follow expert advice.
Expertise & Track Record
Let’s talk about their expert lineup. It’s impressive, comprising over 70 professionals from 18 different business schools. The roster includes former admissions committee members from top-10 programs and professionals with backgrounds from prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and leading management consulting firms. They notably claim to have more former MBA admissions professionals from top-10 programs than any competing firm.
The firm’s program-specific knowledge is comprehensive. Their team approach means you can tap into collective wisdom when you need it. They’re not just about full-time MBAs either – they offer support for Executive MBAs, part-time programs, and even dual-degree options like JD/MBA.
Regarding performance metrics, The MBA Exchange reports an impressive 93% success rate for clients gaining admission to one or more schools. This statistic has been independently verified by a CPA firm, lending credibility to their claims.
So, if you’re gunning for a top-tier MBA and want a no-nonsense, results-driven approach, The MBA Exchange might just be your ticket to success.
Products and Offerings
For MBA candidates considering comprehensive admissions consulting, The MBA Exchange offers a robust suite of services across multiple program types.
First off, they’re not just about full-time MBA programs. Their service offerings extend beyond traditional full-time MBA programs to include:
- Part-time MBA consulting
- Executive MBA support
- Dual-degree program guidance (including JD/MBA)
Core consulting services encompass:
- Strategic application analysis and planning
- Personalized coaching and guidance
- Application implementation support
- Comprehensive interview preparation
- Waitlist strategy and support
They also offer some unique services. Need GMAT/GRE prep? They’ve got that. Struggling with test anxiety? They’ve got counseling for that too. They even offer post-admittance background verification and “ding analysis” if things don’t go your way.
The firm’s customization approach is particularly noteworthy. The MBA Exchange matches you with a lead consultant based on your background, goals, and chemistry. Plus, their team approach means you can tap into collective wisdom when you need it.
A distinctive offering is their “M7 Insider Audit” – a rigorous application review process involving multiple former admissions committee members who provide critical, comprehensive feedback on a candidate’s complete application package.
Pricing
For MBA candidates considering professional admissions consulting, The MBA Exchange offers a structured pricing model with multiple service tiers and consultation levels.
What is great is that all of their package prices are posted on their website.
First, clients can select the tier (Silver, Gold, Platinum) that best suits their needs. The tiers vary based on package components and enhancements such as competitive edge positioning, drafting process, resume support, and interview prep, to name a few.
- Silver tier: Starting at $3,950 per school
- Gold tier: Starting at $6,950 per school
- Platinum tier: Starting at $9,950 per school
Their most comprehensive package, the Platinum service, can reach up to $19,250, targeting candidates seeking intensive, high-touch support for multiple school applications.
In addition to the tiered package options, the pricing model provides flexibility through:
- Per-school consultation packages
- Comprehensive application support
- A la carte service options
A couple of unique offerings that differentiates them from other firms:
- LinkedIn Profile Development and LinkedIn Profile Audit services, which include an assessment of the client’s LinkedIn profile and hands-on collaboration to develop to its max potential, optimized for career advancement.
- The M7 Insider Audit, which involves candidates answering standard questions on video, which is then reviewed by experienced M7 alumni. They score the candidate like an admissions committee member would, providing valuable insights to help refine the application strategy
For the budget-conscious, this flexibility is great.
One thing to note – while The MBA Exchange offers hourly GMAT/GRE tutoring at $250/hour, they do not put a lot of emphasis on standard hourly support (which requires a customized service) .
Candidates are encouraged to request a personalized consultation to understand precise pricing for their individual application strategy.
The MBA Exchange Client Experience
What Clients Like
Clients speak highly of their experience working with The MBA Exchange team…
“The MBA exchange helped refine my application to Cornell’s EMBA/MS in healthcare leadership on very short notice. The site’s CEO, Alex Min, worked with me to make sure all deadlines were met and everything was tailored to the program. They took the time and effort to understand my profile and story to put me in the best position for success. The responses were timely and the content and feedback were outstanding. I was accepted into the program and owe a lot of credit to The MBA Exchange for providing expert guidance.”
–GMAT Club review, posted May 2020
There are a number of positive reviews from clients who achieved success, even with a lower GMAT score…
“After I took the GMAT twice and scored a 630 both times, I figured my chances of admission to a top business school were slim to none. Then, I learned about The MBA Exchange – and because of their expert guidance, I got into not just one — but three — top programs! My consultant’s strategy to overcome my low GMAT score and convince admissions committees of my ability to handle the difficult quant-focused coursework was brilliant and effective.”
–The MBA Exchange client testimonial
Clients also speak highly of the GMAT prep courses…
“The MBA Exchange GMAT test prep was extremely helpful in preparing for the GMAT test. Both the review materials and consulting directly from people allowed me to score very well and lead to my eventual admittance into Columbia Business school’s MBA program.”
–GMAT Club review, posted April 2017
What to Watch Out For
Some clients felt the advice provided was generic…
“Overall, the consultant had very generic advice, which was not very useful in targeting specific schools. I used MBA prep for 2 schools, but the advice was largely similar. The essay correction felt too generic, and I did get dinged at both schools I originally used MBA Exchange for.”
–GMAT Club review, posted May 2018
Additionally, some clients felt they didn’t get the full value they were expecting for the cost…
“MBA Exchange was pretty expensive – at least in my opinion – and I’m not entirely sure if it was worth it from a pure cost-benefit perspective. Additionally, their structured approach seemed effective for schools with more standard applications but not so much for more ambiguous application requirements. The example here was when I wrote my “What matters most to you, and why?” essay for Stanford GSB, I found my counselor to be of very little help.”
–GMAT Club review, posted May 2018
The Bottom Line
The MBA Exchange is a well-established admissions consulting firm best suited for ambitious applicants targeting top-tier MBA programs. Their strengths lie in their experienced team of consultants, including former admissions committee members from prestigious schools, and their comprehensive range of services. They offer a structured approach with customizable packages and unique features like the “M7 Insider Audit.”
However, applicants should be prepared for premium pricing and a demanding, results-driven approach. Some reviews suggest their advice can be generic at times, so candidates seeking highly personalized guidance may need to be proactive in their interactions. Overall, The MBA Exchange is a solid choice for serious applicants willing to invest in expert guidance for competitive MBA programs.
