mbaMission: Our 2025 Review

Overview

mbaMission is a leading MBA admissions consulting firm, well-suited for serious applicants targeting elite schools. They excel in providing comprehensive application support through their team of experienced MBA graduates. While their track record is impressive, be mindful of the premium pricing; you are investing in quality, but it comes at a cost. This firm is ideal for those seeking the best chance at admission to top programs.

✓ Pros

• Ranked #1 MBA admissions consulting firm by Poets&Quants for four consecutive years
• Over 1,750 verified five-star reviews from past clients on GMAT Club
• Consultants are graduates of top-tier MBA programs with extensive backgrounds in strategic communications and writing
• Comprehensive services covering all aspects of the application process
• Offers 16 Insider’s Guides to top MBA programs, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of specific schools
• Provides free resources including guides, webinars, and blog content
• Customized approach tailored to each applicant’s background and goals
• Flexible options including complete packages and hourly services

✗ Cons

• Premium pricing, with complete packages starting at $6,400 for one school
• Some clients report inconsistent experiences with different consultants
• Two-business-day response time may be slower than some competitors
• Limited availability for top consultants due to high demand
• Some negative reviews mention superficial edits and lack of substantive feedback
• Potential for high-pressure sales tactics during initial consultations
• Expensive hourly rates, starting at $425 per hour with a two-hour minimum

Other Ratings & Reviews

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Expertise

mbaMission is a leading firm in the MBA admissions consulting space. Their consultants are highly qualified, with every team member holding an MBA from a top-tier program. Beyond their academic credentials, these professionals have substantial experience in strategic communications and writing, and they undergo a rigorous three-month training program before working with clients. 

While mbaMission boasts an impressive consultant pool, one potential drawback is the inconsistency in individual consultant quality. Some clients have reported varying experiences, such as one negative review highlighting a consultant who was unprofessional (seemingly multitasking during a consultation and providing subpar feedback).

When it comes to program-specific knowledge, mbaMission stands out by publishing 16 comprehensive Insider’s Guides to prominent MBA programs. This depth of insight ensures that they understand what each school seeks in applicants.

Their track record is equally impressive. mbaMission has been recognized as the #1 MBA admissions consulting firm by Poets&Quants for four consecutive years. Additionally, they boast over 1,750 verified five-star reviews on GMAT Club, significantly outpacing their competitors.

Clients of mbaMission have successfully gained admission to top business schools, including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD. This success speaks volumes about their effectiveness.

For those interested in further information, mbaMission offers a wealth of free resources, including guides, webinars, and blog content—an excellent starting point for any prospective MBA applicant.

Product Offerings

The mbaMission flagship offering is the Complete Start-to-Finish Package, which provides comprehensive support throughout the application process. This package includes everything from brainstorming ideas to interview preparation, along with unlimited revisions for essays and resumes.

One standout feature is their onTrack platform, which offers an innovative approach to MBA applications. This resource includes on-demand video lessons, interactive tools, and personalized content tailored to individual needs. With 20 core modules and numerous specific modules for various backgrounds and goals, it provides at least 25 hours of video content, effectively leveraging the expertise of over 20 experienced consultants.

For clients seeking more flexibility, mbaMission also offers hourly services, allowing applicants to select specific areas for assistance, such as school selection, brainstorming, essay or resume review, and interview preparation. 

If you are targeting a specific b-school, mbaMission offers specific services, such as:

– Wharton Team-Based Discussion Simulation

– HBS Mock Interview and Post-Interview Reflection Support

– HBS Intensive Interview Simulation

– MIT Mock Interview and Post-Interview Reflection Support

Additionally, mbaMission publishes 16 comprehensive Insider’s Guides to top MBA programs, providing valuable insights into what each school seeks in applicants.

They also host free webinars and offer a wealth of other resources. Overall, mbaMission delivers a robust suite of options designed to support applicants at every stage of the MBA admissions journey.

mbaMission Pricing

While they are not the most budget-friendly option available, their focus on quality and expertise justifies the investment.

For their Complete Start-to-Finish Package, the cost is $6,400 for one school with a Senior Consultant. If you wish to apply to more schools, the price increases to $8,100 for two schools and $9,700 for three. For those seeking top-tier guidance, working directly with the Founder is available for $18,500 for three schools.

For clients who prefer a more flexible approach, mbaMission offers hourly services. The minimum is two hours, starting at $850 with a Senior Consultant. If you opt for a Managing Director, the rate is $1,150 for two hours, while Executive Directors charge $1,400.

Additionally, mbaMission provides bundle deals; for instance, a 5-hour package with a Senior Consultant costs $1,950, saving you $175 compared to hourly rates. They also offer financing options through Affirm, allowing you to spread payments over 3, 12, or 24 months.

For those on a tighter budget, their onTrack platform offers a subscription service starting at $799 for three months, providing access to valuable resources without significant financial strain.

The mbaMission Client Experience

What Clients Like

Many clients had a good experience working with mbaMission, especially when it came the level of introspection for essay development:

“I used mbaMission and had a good experience(1 waitlist and 1 rejection at H/S/W, 2 acceptances at M7s)…Some places will try to convince you that you will not get in without their help, but that wasn’t the case with mbaMission, which I liked.” –Reddit User, poster March 2021

“Melissa is a thoughtful, caring, and diligent consultant who will put you in the best position possible to get accepted to your dream MBA program.” –MBAMission user, posted May 2019

“Katy is a not an essay copyeditor (although she is good at that too). She is so much more – a strategic advisor, an expert storyteller, a life coach, a therapist, and a friend. Deciding to work with Katy was easily one of the best decisions I made during my MBA process. Coming from someone who was deeply suspicious of paying for MBA consulting, I can tell you that Katy’s services were worth every penny – I could not possibly give a higher recommendation. I simply couldn’t have done it without her.” –GMAT Club review, posted December 2024

They also appreciated the structured approach to the application process and timely responses:

““Great team here. There was no stone unturned in my preparation for business school applications. My consultant kept me on time and made the process much less stressful while I juggled work and other commitments.” –MBAinsight review, posted February 2023

“I found this structure extremely valuable when I felt overwhelmed by the application process (which was frequent). Harshad was also very efficient, always providing essay feedback on time or early. I appreciated this aspect increasingly as the application deadlines drew closer.” –GMAT Club review, posted December 2024

And clients also praised the quality of the free resources:

“Overall, I was very pleased with my experience using mbaMission. The free resources that mbaMission provides, such as the school guides, essay and resume overviews, and interview guidebooks are fantastic.” –MBAInsight review, posted September 2021

What to Watch Out For

Some clients found they did not get a lot of value from the essay editing:

“I hired mbaMission for a 2-school package and I don’t feel like I received the full value I paid for. My consultant was helpful in crafting my initial story but after that, the edits were much more superficial. “ –GMAT Club review, posted March 2014

And ensure you gain a clear understanding of how the hourly packages are charged prior to selecting this option:

“Their consultants are good and experienced, but I found that they took advantage of hourly packages and charged unnecessary time.” –MBAInsight review, posted May 2020

The Bottom Line

mbaMission is a prominent player in the MBA admissions consulting industry, boasting over 20 years of experience and a strong reputation. They are the only firm exclusively recommended by leading GMAT prep providers and have been recognized as the #1 MBA admissions consulting firm by Poets&Quants for four consecutive years.

Their team consists of full-time consultants who are graduates of top-tier MBA programs, ensuring a high level of expertise. mbaMission offers a comprehensive range of services, including school selection, essay review, and interview preparation, along with valuable free resources such as guides and webinars.

In terms of pricing, mbaMission is positioned at the higher end of the market. Their Complete Start-to-Finish Package starts at $6,400 for one school and can reach up to $14,000 for seven schools. While they are more expensive than some competitors, their quality of service is often cited as a justification for the investment.

Ideal candidates for mbaMission are serious applicants targeting top-tier MBA programs who seek extensive support throughout the application process. With over 1,750 verified five-star reviews, mbaMission has successfully assisted numerous applicants in gaining admission to prestigious business schools worldwide. If you are committed to achieving your MBA goals and willing to invest in your future, mbaMission is a strong option to consider.