London Business School Admissions Tips
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LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL
(~13% accepted; yield unknown)
also known as
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The MBA at London Business School
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LBS
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Vince note: the school no longer refers to itself as "LBS"
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Therefore, in your essays, refer to it as "London Business School" the first time, then simply "London"
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LATEST NEWS
2012 - 2013
- Vince's latest London Business School Essay Tips tips are here
Who is the MBA designed for?
The London Business School MBA is designed for those looking to take their career to the next level. Choose our MBA if you're seeking:
- a rapid promotion in your chosen career
- a change of career, industry or both
- the tools to succeed as an entrepreneur.
The reasons for doing an MBA are many and varied, but whatever your motivation and goals, you should be:
- experienced
- intellectually capable
- determined and ambitious
- culturally aware
- someone with leadership potential.
Class profile
The 400+ students in the class of MBA2014 were hand-picked from more than 3000 applications.
| Class of MBA2013 | |
| Number of students | 406 |
| Average age | 29 years |
| Age range | 23-37 years |
| Average work experience | 5.5 years |
| Work experience range | 2-15 years |
| Average GMAT score | 698 |
| GMAT score range | 600-780 |
| Percentage of female students | 33% |
| Nationalities represented | 62 |
| Percentage of international students |
91% |
Full-time MBA Programme
Application Questions
Programme: MBA 2015 (Class beginning August 2013)
Essay Question Instructions
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The Admissions Committee will consider carefully your answers to the following questions.
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Please complete all of the essay questions beginning your answer below each question and giving word counts for each answer.
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Once complete, please attach this document to your online application following the instructions given on the web form.
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You are required to add the word count at the end of each question.
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Please do not write more than the specified word limit for each essay. Any extra words or essays may be disregarded.
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Candidates should not contact us to ask for advice on how to answer the essay questions. We expect all candidates to interpret the questions as they see fit.
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If you experience technical difficulties or have a question about the application process, please email apply.mba@london.edu
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If your matter is urgent and you require immediate assistance please telephone our Recruitment and Admissions Office on +44 (0)20 7000 7525/7517 between 09.00 and17.00, Monday to Friday.
(found at http://www.london.edu/assets/documents/programmes/MBA_Essay_Template_Aug_12_(3).doc;accessed 2012/08)
CV/Resume
Please provide a CV/resume.
This CV must only be one page in length.
If you have any significant gaps in your employment history, please tell us why on a separate sheet.
Question 1 (500 words)
In what role or sector do you see yourself working immediately after graduation? Why? How will your past and present experiences help you achieve this? How will the London Business School MBA Programme contribute to this goal? (500 words)
VINCE HINTS
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What decisions have you made in your career that brought you to your current position?
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How have you maximized your prior training in your career-to-date?
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What new skills do you need now?
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What external factors motivate you to get an MBA at London Business School now?
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For instance, what trends are impacting your current or future industry?
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What is your plan to maximizing those opportunities?
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How much do you know about the professors, programs, and student culture of London Business School?
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How and why does it best prepare you to build the skills you need?
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How have you learned about London Business School? What conversations have motivated you to apply? What people have inspired you?
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From talking to current students and recent alumni, how would you describe the school's culture? Why do you fit with that culture?
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Try not to write anything you read on the LBS website or brochure.
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Differentiate your essay from a crowded field of candidates by mentioning real people and real conversations you have had. No one else has had those conversations. Use them to your advantage.
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Use your own words to make a passionate case that you belong at London Business School.
Question 2 (200 words)
Where do you see your career progressing five years after graduation and what is your longer term career vision? (200 words)
VINCE HINTS
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From 2015 - 2020
- Advance current career or change careers?
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After 2019 until retirement
- CEO or entrepreneur?
- More hints on how to answer "Why MBA" questions here
Question 3 (300 words)
Give a specific example of when you have had to test your leadership and / or team working skills either professionally, or outside of work. What role will you play in your first year study group? (300 words)
VINCE HINTS
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First, you need to understand how first year study groups work at London Business School. To that end, Vince encourages you to:
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Watch this video
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Read this description from Masters in Management programme (applies to MBA study groups, as well)
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Then, use the quetsoins below to reflect on your leadership and teamwork experience.
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Have you faced conflicts in a team?
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How did you overcome them?
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What leadership and team working skills helped you overcome these conflicts?
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What new leadership and team working skills did you develop as a result of this experience?
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Finally, how can you apply your skills to help your first year study group improve communication and maximize output and results?
Question 4 (300 words)
Student involvement is an extremely important part of the London MBA experience and this is reflected in the character of students on campus. What type of student club or campus community events will you be involved with and why? How will you contribute? 300 words)
VINCE HINTS
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Focus on non-professional activities in this essay.
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Mention two or three clubs you plan to join.
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Highlight one or two where you plan to take a leadership role.
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Demonstrate your knowledge of London Business School's unique culture.
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What are the clubs doing now, and how can you add value?
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Mention current students and/or recent alumni who have confirmed that your proposed contributions will benefit your London peers.
Question 5 (150 words)
London Business School offers a truly global and diverse experience. Describe any significant experiences outside of your home country or culture. What did you gain and how will your experience contribute to the School? (150 words)
VINCE HINTS
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What decisions have you made in your life that allowed you to expand your global experience?
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Thank about both personal and professional activities.
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What global experiences have been significant to you?
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Why did you decide to pursue them?
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What did you gain from them?
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What diverse perspectives have you developed as a result of these experiences?
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What do you plan to do at London Business School to share your experiences with others? Why will they be interested in your experiences, and how can they benefit from them?
Question 6 (300 words)
Give an example of a person who, in your opinion, has made a profound impact on the way the world does business. How will this person influence your contribution to your MBA Programme at London Business School? (300 words)
VINCE HINTS
- coming soon...
Question 7 (300 words)
(This question is for re-applicants only)
How has your candidacy for the London Business School MBA changed since your last application? (300 words)
VINCE HINTS
Additional Information (This question is optional)
This is not a compulsory essay but please complete if you would like the opportunity to clarify or expand upon any information submitted in your application. (No word limit; Vince hints below)
VINCE HINTS
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No word limit, but Vince suggests making your essay as concise as possible - certainly no more than 500 words, perhaps in the 150 - 300 word range)
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Do you have any unusual circumstances that need to be explained?
You MUST answer this question if
1. You have significant employment gaps.
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Admissions committee (AdCom) members understand that people get laid off, especially in this economy.
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They also understand that people take breaks between jobs to travel or pursue other interests.
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Still, they want to hear how you explain employment gaps because the want to see how you can manage your message for recruiters.
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AdCom needs to worry about job placement rates because they affect rankings.
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Write a few sentences telling AdCom readers how you spent your time between jobs, and what you learned about yourself in the process.
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Do not make excuses or blame others. Keep it positive.
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If you are currently unemployed, share an exciting story about how your are building your skills or volunteering in your community.
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Use this essay as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to recognize opportunity and make the most of a bad situation.
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Finally, as with any optional essay, keep your answer concise.
2. Your current direct supervisor is not submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
3. Your GPA was significantly below 3.0
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Working multiple part-time jobs to support myself
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Varsity sports
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Leadership roles in extracurricular activities (students clubs, special events, conferences)
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Health issues (had to take care of yourself or a family member)
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Personal tragedy (death of a friend or family member)
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Ideally, you took some advanced courses since graduation and earned high grades
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If not, can you show recent examples of how you have successfully managed multiple tasks?
You SHOULD NOT answer this question if
... you are repeating yourself.
"Should I use the optional essay to write more reasons why I want to attend London Business School"
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If you want to spend two years at their school, shouldn't you use this opportunity to tell them so?
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No, you should not. They asked that question. If your answer was not good enough, go back and make it better. Do not waste their time by writing more reasons here.
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The operative phrase in the following question is "about you": Optional question: Is there anything else you think the Admissions Committee should know about you to evaluate your candidacy?
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Bottom line: Show them that you can follow instructions. Make this essay about you, or write nothing at all.
"Should I explain why I have a low GMAT score?"
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AdComs like to see a 700+ score, with 40+ on both quant and verbal. Still, they regularly admit applicants that do not have those numbers.
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If your GMAT is below par, I do not think you need to write an essay explaining why. Some people are simply not good at standardized tests. AdComs know this fact. Do not make excuses.
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If the AdCom has a strong reason to admit you, they can overlook a low score as long as they can see some other evidence of your ability to complete coursework and contribute in class.
LETTERS OF REFERENCE INSTRUCTIONS AND QUESTIONS FOR REFEREES
- your current employer (if you don't want to ask your employer to be a referee, a colleague is acceptable)
- someone else who knows you well in a work context, for example a former employer or long-standing client.
After you input your referees' details into the online application form we will send them an email with log-in details for our online reference system.
London Business School reserves the right to contact your referees for further information in connection with your application.
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How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?
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What would you say are the applicant's key strengths and talents?
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What would you say are the applicant's key weaknesses or areas for improvement?
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In which areas of development has the applicant progressed most in the time you've known them?
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What do you think this person might be doing in ten years' time? Why?
- Intellectual or academic ability
- Quantitative skills
- Initiative / Ability to take decisions
- Problem-solving skills
- Organisational skills
- Leadership skills
- Team skills
- Impact / Charisma
- Self confidence
- Self motivation
- Spoken English communication skills
- Written English communication skills
2011 - 2012
ALUMNI AND STUDENT RECOMMENDATION FORM
London Business School alumni and student recommendation form for MBA 2014 applicants
Please complete your recommendation and click the Submit button.
Questions marked * are required fields.
You should only complete a recommendation for a candidate who you believe to be of the highest calibre with the potential to succeed in the competitive London Business School environment. The Admissions Committee invites recommendations from alumni and students who have known the candidate they are recommending in a personal, professional or academic capacity for a significant length of time.
Please note that whilst your recommendation is a valuable addition to the application, we cannot guarantee that the candidate will be selected for interview or made an offer of a place.
To ensure that your recommendation is included for review it must arrive before the Stage deadline in which the candidate will be applying.
First/known name
Surname/family name
Your email address
Your programme and year (e.g. MBA 2006)
Applicant’s first/known name
Applicant’s surname/family name
Applicant’s email address
- How long have you known the applicant and in what connection?
- Why do you think the applicant would be a good fit for the MBA programme at London Business School?
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How do you think the applicant would contribute to:
- 1) The study group and classroom environment
- 2) Student clubs and the wider School community
- 3) The Alumni community
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Please include any further comments you would like the Admissions Committee to consider
2011 - 2012
APPLICATION DATA FORM SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
- Advance current career
- Change industry
- Educational advancement
- Start own business
- Other
- Aerospace/Aviation
- Agriculture
- Automotive Business Services
- Charities/Not-for-profit
- Chemicals/Plastics
- Construction/Building Materials
- Consulting - Financial Services
- Consulting - IT Consulting - Management
- Consulting - Other
- Consumer Services
- Cosmetics Products
- Defence/Military Services
- Design/Luxury Goods
- Diplomatic Services
- Downstream Oil/Gas
- Education Electronics
- Engineering Services
- Environmental Services
- Equipment Film/TV/Radio Finance
- Accounting Services Finance
- Asset Management Finance
- Central Banks/Ministries/Regulation/Public Finance Finance
- Commercial Banking Finance
- Insurance and Pension Services Finance
- Investment Banking Finance
- Private Banking Finance
- Venture Capital/Private Equity
- Food/Beverages/Tobacco
- Foundation/Trust Healthcare IT
- Hardware IT
- Software IT Services
- Law/Legal Services
- Leisure/Sports/Entertainment
- Logistics Manufacturing
- Marketing/Sales/PR/Advertising
- Metals/Mining
- Music/Performing Arts
- New Ventures
- Other
- Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology
- Power Generation
- Property/Real Estate
- Public Administration/Regulatory Bodies
- Publishing/Electronic
- Media Recruitment/Staffing
- Telecommunication Services
- Telecommunications Equipment
- Textiles
- Timber/Paper/Packaging
- Training/Development
- Transportation/Distribution Services
- Travel/Tourism
- Upstream Oil/Gas
- Utilities/Power Distribution
- Wholesale/Retail
- Academic
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Administrator
- Analyst
- Architect/Designer
- Asset Manager
- Auditor
- Banker
- Brand Manager
- Business Analyst
- Business Developer
- Buyer/Merchandiser
- Civil Servant
- Coach/Counsellor
- Company Secretary
- Conciliator/Mediator/Arbitrator
- Consultant
- Diplomat/Consular Official
- Economist
- Editor/Publisher
- Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Finance Manager
- Financial Engineer
- Financial Planner/Advisor
- Fund Manager
- Fundraiser
- General Manager
- Geologist/Geophysicist
- Healthcare/Medical Practitioner
- Human Resources Practitioner
- Information Technologist
- Insurer
- Internal Consultant
- Investment Banker
- Investor
- Journalist/Writer
- Lawyer/Legal Practitioner
- Logistics/Operations Manager
- Management Consultant
- Manager
- Marketer
- Other
- Politician
- Product Manager
- Professional Programmer
- Project Manager
- Regulator
- Researcher
- Sales/Account Manager
- Salesperson
- Scientist
- Strategist
- Trader
- Trainer
- Web Designer/Developer
What's your main area of academic interest?
Please select
- Accounting
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- International business
- Marketing
- Operations
- Organisational behaviour
- Private equity
- Strategy
- Technology management
Please select
- Accounting
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- International business
- Marketing
- Operations
- Organisational behaviour
- Private equity
- Strategy
- Technology management
We encourage applicants to consider the impact of studying for a London Business School programme on their family and friends. Who have you discussed your study plans with - and how did they respond? Feel free to give the names of any alumni, students, faculty or staff of London Business School (as appropriate). (no limit)
Tell us about your main interests and activities outside of work* (no limit)
Would you be interested in receiving emails about any of these student/community clubs?
- Consulting Club
- Energy Club
- Entrepreneurship Club
- Finance Club
- GLN (Gay and Lesbian Network)
- Marketing Club
- Private Equity and Venture Capital Club
- Responsible Business Club
- Technology Club
- The Partners’ Club
- Women in Business Club
- Less than 6 months ago
- 6 - 12 months ago
- 12 - 18 months ago
- 18 - 24 months ago
- 2 - 3 years ago
- 3 - 4 years ago
- More than 4 years ago
- Less than 6 months ago
- 6 - 12 months ago
- 12 - 18 months ago
- 18 - 24 months ago
- 2 - 3 years ago
- 3 - 4 years ago
- More than 4 years ago
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BusinessWeek
- BusinessWeek.com
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The Economist
- Economist.com
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The Financial Times
- FT.com
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Forbes
- Forbes.com
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US News & World Report
- USNews.com
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Wall Street Journal
- WSJ.com
- Other titles you read
INTERVIEWS
I am receiving many inquiries asking about my London Business School interview preparation service.
If you have been invited to an LBS interview, I would be happy to help you prepare.
- If you want my help preparing for your interview, please email interviews@vinceprep.com
- Let me know when you plan to interview and when you want to practice with me
- I will confirm if I have the capacity to help you
- My interview service details and fees are here
- Please note that initial consultations are not offered for interview training
FAQ
- GMAT score (self-reported scores are sufficient at the time of application)
LINKS
- London Business School News: London Business School’s latest news, awards, events and programmes ▸ http://www.london.edu/newsandevents/news/
- London Business School student views ▸ http://blog.students.london.edu
- Student Association | London Business School ▸ https://clubs.london.edu/home
- Student clubs ▸ http://www.delicious.com/admissions/LBS+StudentClubs_Activities
- Japan Club ▸ http://clubs.london.edu/japan/about/
- Twitter ▸ @LondonBSchool
-Updated by Vince on 1 Nov 2012
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I am a graduate admissions consultant who works with clients worldwide.
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If you would like to arrange an initial consultation, please complete my intake form.
Watch Vince videos on YouTube
Follow Vince on Twitter ▸ @TokyoVince
Results
Testimonials
"You encouraged me to be genuine, and helped me find the right, true stories that captured who I am. In this way, you offer applicants not only an effective admissions advisory, but also a unique journey of self discovery and empowering dreams."
Havard Business School Class of 2015, with Fulbright Scholarship (also admitted Stanford GSB)
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"First, you limit the number of your clients so that you can maintain the high quality of your services while many other MBA consultants accept clients almost beyond their capacity. Second, you are really great 'catalyst.' Each question you asked me made me think and thus deepened my stories. Thanks to you, I was able to come up with excellent ideas that I could never come up with alone."
Kellogg Class of 2015 (also admitted Berkeley Haas)
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