MBA Admissions Coaching

Your MBA application is the single most important pitch you’ll ever make. We help you get it exactly right.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch

Process

Looking to be a CEO? A disrupter? A game-changer?

Here’s the deal: you shouldn’t set off on this challenging, yet rewarding, journey without a map or navigator. We will help you chart this course, so it’s as effective as possible.

1

Develop a strong professional resume

Competitive programs like to see applicants who have worked professionally, so it’s worthwhile to consider taking 1-3 years between your undergraduate program and applying to MBA programs. Work experience allows you to start developing your skill sets and exploring the intersection between your passions and professional goals, making you a mature and compelling candidate come application time.
Sign up for a complimentary application consultation north_east
2

Make a GMAT or GRE preparation plan

Most MBA programs accept either the GMAT or the GRE scores in order to determine applicants’ academic aptitude. A coach can be very helpful in determining which test is best for you. No matter the exam, the earlier you start, the better: applicants should try to take the GMAT or the GRE about a year prior to their expected entrance into business school. The deadline for taking the either of these tests varies dramatically depending on the admission procedures of each school to which you apply, and the term in which you are planning to enroll.
Learn more about our GMAT program here
3

Find your best fit school

Business schools have really different identities: the best program for you will be the school that aligns with your unique career goals. Your strategy coach helps you identify your goals and needs, and walks you through which programs will best support you.
View a sample syllabus for our program
4

Craft and polish your essays

Your essays are a critical opportunity for you to make your case to an admissions committee. Strategic positioning and thoughtful written execution are necessary to ensure that you effectively articulate who you are and why a program is right for you.
From our blog: writing personal statements
5

Request letters of recommendation

These are of enormous value to your application, and are much more complex than other kinds of recommendations. Your coach will help you determine whom to ask for letters and take steps to ensure that your letters are strong. 
From our blog: requesting letters of recommendation
6

Prepare for your interviews

Business school programs vary on their interview process, but most schools highly value the interview as a part of your application. In all cases, careful messaging and rehearsal are crucial to a successful outcome.
7

Write wait-list letters

If you are wait-listed, you have an opportunity to submit additional information, clarifying your continued interest and offering new information regarding your candidacy. Take this opportunity to respond to bad news in a productive way.

Coach spotlight

We are dynamic coaches who think strategically about helping our students gain admission into the most selective American business schools. As a prerequisite, we only work with coaches who have attended the top institutions. But, we also look for experienced editors, smart project managers, and tactical thinkers.

Meet everyone

We are dynamic coaches who think strategically about helping our students gain admission into the most selective American business schools. As a prerequisite, we only work with coaches who have attended the top institutions. But, we also look for experienced editors, smart project managers, and tactical thinkers.

Emma Zc.

Emma holds a PhD in French Literature from Harvard University. Previously, she earned her BA and BM, summa cum laude, from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Her doctoral dissertation examined the representation of music as a tool of social critique in the modern French novel.

Graham V.

Graham holds an MD (Vanderbilt University Medical School) and MBA (Harvard Business School). He earned his BS from MIT in Materials Science & Engineering. Currently, he is an Emergency Medicine Resident at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Susan

Susan studied English at Rice and graduated summa cum laude. After serving in Teach for America, she earned her PhD in English at Harvard. She has held faculty positions at Wake Forest and Yale and currently lives in London.

Paul C.

Paul is a PhD candidate in African and African American Studies at Harvard, where he has received multiple awards for his teaching, as well as several research fellowships, including a Fulbright-Hays fellowship.

Paul W.

Paul holds a BA in History (Yale) and MA in Global Affairs (Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University). A recipient of the Fulbright and Schwarzman Fellowships, Paul is currently a Presidential Management Fellow in Washington DC.

Justin S.

Justin earned an MBA with honors (Wharton, UPenn) and a BS in Finance and Management (NYU). He began his career as an M&A Investment Banker for Credit Suisse in NYC. Currently, he is the Co-Founder and COO of aavrani.

Anjali

Anjali holds a BA in Classical Languages and Literatures from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She currently works in Private Equity in London.

Daniel Be.

Daniel is a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine and author of 5 books of literary nonfiction. He holds an MFA in Fiction (Columbia University), and has taught at Saint Ann's School, Columbia University, and elsewhere.

Mariam R.

Mariam Rahmani is a writer and translator. Rahmani holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from UCLA and an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, as well as degrees from Princeton and Oxford. She currently serves on the faculty of Bennington College and is a postdoctoral Fellow with the American Council for Learned Societies in 2023-24.

Avery W.

Avery holds a BA in Public Policy & Global Health from Duke, and an MPH from Johns Hopkins. After working for Clinton Health Access Initiative, she's now earning her MBA at the University of Michigan.

Adrienne

Adrienne received her English PhD from Harvard University, her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and her BA from Princeton University. She is a nonfiction writer and poet, and teaches in the Writing Program at Princeton University.

Allegra S.

Allegra spent 5 years working in commercial and investment banking at JP Morgan in New York, Houston, and London. She completed a Master's in Education Policy & Management at Harvard, and then pursued her MBA at MIT Sloan, where she's now working on a fintech startup.

Ian S

Ian studied Economics and Finance at the University of Melbourne, specializing in quantitative analysis in economics and numerical techniques. He recently obtained his MBA from Columbia Business School.

Cecilia L.

Cecilia has lived in 8 different countries and speaks 4 languages fluently. She attended SciencesPo in Paris, where she received an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a dual graduate degree in Finance and Strategy. She's now pursuing an MBA in Tech & Strategy at Columbia Business School.

Evan Ga.

Evan is a 2023 MBA candidate at MIT Sloan with interests in climate tech, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Economics and Management (with specializations in finance/accounting) from Cornell University.

Ned M.

Ned is an MBA at MIT. He also holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University. Ned has experience consulting in private equity, and over six years of experience as a design engineer primarily in the aerospace industry.

Sam L.

Sam is currently a dual MBA/MPA student at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Harvard Kennedy School, where he focuses on healthcare policy, finance, and venture capital.

Arjun K.

Arjun graduated from Claremont McKenna College in LA with degree in Economics and International Relations. He holds an MBA from Columbia University.

Paige B.

Paige is a research associate at Harvard Business School’s Project on Managing the Future of Work. She earned her MBA at MIT Sloan School of Management and her bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Camille

Camille attended UChicago to earn her BA in Psychology and Economics. She's currently pursuing a dual Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business.

Beth C.

Beth graduated from Columbia Business School in 2019 as a Forte Fellow and Columbia Fellow, and holds her BA in English Literature and Italian from Middlebury College in Vermont. She is currently a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Adobe.

Caroline Gi.

Caroline is currently a 2023 MBA candidate at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with interests in technology strategy, product management, and startups. Before graduate school, Caroline spent five years as a consultant at Deloitte, primarily focused on technology strategy and implementation projects.

Eleanor S.

Eleanor is an MBA/Masters in Computer Science dual degree candidate at the University of Chicago/Booth School of Business. Previously, she received her Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University.

Nick O.

Nick attended Washington University in St. Louis as an Ervin Scholar, where he double majored in Mechanical Engineering and Sustainable Development. Currently, Nick is a doctoral student in the Management Science and Engineering Department at Stanford University, where his research focuses on the consequences of disruption, abolitionist technologies, and business models that incentivize responsible urban innovation.

Carmi

Carmi attended Duke University (Go Devils!) on the Benjamin N. Duke Merit Scholarship. Before graduating, Carmi was accepted into the Harvard Business School 2+2 program, and she recently graduated with the Class of 2020.

Miki

Miki received her PhD in Anthropology from Johns Hopkins University and is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at UIUC. After receiving her BA magna cum laude from Macaulay Honors College at Lehman College, CUNY, she completed a U.S. Fulbright grant in Nepal, worked at the Harvard School of Public Health and NIH, and did MA studies at Universität Heidelberg in Health and Society in South Asia.

Ravi

Ravi graduated from Georgia Tech with a BS in Management. He then was accepted to Harvard Business School’s 2+2 program. He spent three years as a healthcare investor and obtained the CFA designation before matriculating at HBS. He’s since worked for Khan Academy, Flexport, and Chime – the most recent of which he was Lead Data Scientist & Data Engineer.

Michae O.

Michael holds a BA in Mathematics and American Studies at Wesleyan University, and a PhD in American Studies at Harvard University. His studies focus on 19th century US history and the history of the life sciences.

Amalia Gr.

Amalia completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan in Biology (Honors) where she graduated with High Distinction and Phi Beta Kappa. She is currently pursuing an MD/MBA at the University of Michigan and will apply into the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Richard W.

Richard is an MBA Candidate at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Previously, he earned his BA in Biology and Operations/Supply Chain Management from Washington University in St Louis.

Anne S.

Anne is a practicing pediatrician and the Chief Medical Officer of a community health center organization. She completed her residency at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill. Anne holds an MD from Brown, an MBA from Duke, and a BA from Harvard College.

Kiran

Kiran holds a PhD from the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. She also holds a Master’s in Latin American Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BA in Political Science from Barnard College.

Isaac Jf.

Isaac is a doctoral student at Yale University in the Departments of African-American Studies and American Studies. His research interests include black studies, phenomenology, psychoanalysis, queer theory, and sound studies. Previously, Isaac earned his BA from Columbia University in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, graduating cum laude.

Hannah L.

Hannah earned her BA from Yale University, where her undergrad poetry thesis won her Yale’s Frederick Mortimer Clapp Fellowship. Hannah got her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 2015 and is currently an English PhD candidate at the University of Virginia.

Brent J.

Brent is an MBA Candidate at MIT Sloan. Previously, he spent five years working at Wellington Management in Boston and earned his BS in Business Administration from Boston University. He has successfully passed all three levels of the CFA.

Sabrina W.

Sabrina graduated from Harvard College with High Honors in Economics and a minor in Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights. She is currently pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School and an MPP at Harvard Kennedy School. Sabrina is also experienced as a Management Consultant at both Bain & Company and the Boston Consulting Group.

Sonya C.

Sonya is presently an MBA Candidate at Harvard Business School. A published fiction writer and Presidential Scholar graduate of Cornell University, she holds a BS in Applied Economics with a minor in Creative Writing.

Varna

Varna earned her BEng in Computer Science and Engineering from Anna University and then spent over four years working as a Software Engineer. She recently graduated with an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business, specializing in Sustainability and Business Innovation.

Daniel C.

Daniel graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Cornell. After working as a mechanical engineer designing medical devices for 5 years, he is now back at school pursuing his MBA at MIT Sloan.

Johnson E.

Johnson holds an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, a Master’s in International Trade & Finance from the Harvard Kennedy School, and an MBA from MIT. He has worked for Goldman Sachs, the Federal Reserve, and Harvard Business School.

Diane J.

Diane studied history at Yale College, focusing on the acceptance of western medicine in East Asia. After working at a boutique consulting firm in New York, she went on to earn her MBA from the Yale School of Management.

Nelson

Nelson is an MBA Candidate at MIT Sloan. He previously earned his MS in Microwave Engineering and BS in Mechanical Engineering at UMass Lowell and the University of Rochester respectively.

Amy Y.

Amy attended Dartmouth, where she graduated summa cum laude with a double major in Economics and Psychology. She is currently pursuing a dual MBA-MPA degree at the Wharton School and Harvard Kennedy School

Eugene L.

Eugene is an incoming JD/MBA joint degree candidate at the University of Chicago Law School and Booth School of Business. He is currently a Manager at Capital One and works primarily on strategies to apply machine learning to new areas of the business.

Gianni

Gianni is an MD/MBA candidate at Weill Cornell Medicine and Harvard Business School. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University, where he double majored in Public Health and Natural Sciences while double minoring in Financial Management and Entrepreneurship.

Sam J.

Sam earned his MBA from the Yale University School of Management, and his BA in Philosophy & Psychology from Wesleyan University as a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. He is currently working as a private business consultant.

Meet everyone

Testimonials

“We worked on my early decision MBA application essay, and Susan taught me how to write with a level of clarity and succinctness that I would have never been able to achieve on my own in such a short amount of time. It was extremely helpful to have her review my writing and provide suggestions on what to trim and what language I should revise.”

SamMatriculated at Yale School of Management

“Rahima's advice on my application documents were clear, precise, and deliberate - a wonderful combination to help me succeed in this difficult process. I can honestly say I would not have gotten in without her. Thank you, Rahima!”

BenMatriculated at MIT Sloan School of Management

“Working with Emma not only strengthened my MBA application essays, but also improved my overall writing. I was amazed at how quickly we were able to transform my drafts into products that I was proud of submitting. Emma didn't hesitate to challenge me when she thought I was heading in the wrong direction, but she made sure to let my ideas carry the essays. I'm very happy with the process and firmly believe my end products were stronger as a result.”

AlexMatriculated at Columbia Business School

“Samara was the most encouraging person I have ever worked with. She helped me strategize and edit my essay as well as develop a strong resume. Samara made sure that every minute of our sessions were well planned and effectively executed. Samara read countless drafts of my essay and resume to ensure each document was perfect. She was great at providing constructive feedback and critiques throughout the editing process. I could not speak more highly of her.”

MBA ApplicantMatriculated at Questrom School of Business

FAQs

  • Are there any academic prerequisites for business school?

    A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution is typically required for admission to an MBA program. Although most business schools don't require prerequisite courses, some institutions may require students without undergraduate business degrees (or related work experience) to complete specified quantitative coursework before they can enroll in the program's core courses. Admissions committees also typically look for applicants with some quantitative background, though it is not absolutely necessary in order to be admitted. 

  • Can I apply to business school if I have a humanities background?

    Of course! Applicants with humanities and non-STEM backgrounds are accepted to MBA programs all the time. Often, business schools also offer preparation courses for humanities majors to refresh their knowledge in quantitative subjects like math, economics, and accounting prior to engaging in the core MBA coursework. That said, as someone with a humanities background, it will be particularly important for you to showcase in your applications how your past experiences will help you succeed in business school. You'll also want to be sure to start studying early for the GMAT or GRE, as the quantitative section can be particularly challenging for those who haven't taken a math course in a while. 
  • Do I have to take the GMAT?

    It depends. You will likely need to take either the GMAT or the GRE in order to be admitted to an MBA program. Although the GMAT used to be the 'gold standard' as far as MBA admissions, the GRE has become more widely accepted at business schools across the board. Before beginning your test preparation for one exam or the other, be sure to look at the admissions requirements for your programs of interest to confirm that they accept either the GMAT or the GRE - or, in some cases, if neither is required. 

  • I'm choosing between the GMAT and the GRE. Which is a better test for me?

    The first step in answering this question is to review your programs of interest to confirm whether they accept only the GMAT, only the GRE, or both. If either exam is accepted, you can start by taking a diagnostic exam for both tests to see which feels more intuitive to you. As a rule of thumb, the GMAT quant tends to be more challenging than the GRE quant - though either will likely be tricky if you haven't taken a math course in a few years. As such, applicants with more humanities-based backgrounds often find the GRE more instinctual, though it's certainly case-by-case.
  • Can I apply to business school straight from college?

    Although there are no specific requirements as to the amount of work experience you need in order to be admitted to business school, MBA programs do favor those who have worked for a few years out of undergrad (averaging around 4 years for the 2020 admitted students pool). However, if you are in your final year of undergraduate or graduate study and you're certain an MBA is something you'd like to pursue, you can apply to business school through what are called "deferred MBA programs," which will secure you a spot in a future business school class two to five years after graduation, depending on the individual program's requirements. This will allow you to work for a few years after school, knowing your seat in the class is secure. Deferred MBA programs are highly competitive, as the admitted class sizes are quite small, so it will be important to showcase strong grades, scores, and leadership potential throughout your years of study in order to be admitted. 

  • What are the deadlines for applying to business school?

    Business schools typically offer several application rounds when applicants can submit their materials. The earliest round (Round 1) deadline is usually in September, Round 2 is in January, and Round 3 is in March or April. Because admission to business school is rolling, the earlier you apply, the more likely you are to gain a 'seat' in the class (and the more scholarship money the schools usually have to offer). That said, it's far more important to submit your best application rather than an earlier application, so if a few extra months will allow you the time to retake your entrance exam or re-edit your personal statement, waiting is generally preferable. 

Plans

We’ve created plans for those looking for help on just one part of the process, and those looking for help on all of it.

Choose a Tutor Tier

Hourly Rate

1 Hour

All of our coaching is available on an hourly basis. If you're not sure how much coaching you'll need, you can enroll in our "pay as you go" option.

$ 140

$ 180

$ 260

$ 340

First Time Package

6 Hours

The First Time Package allows for 3 hours with a strategy coach and 2 hours with a writing coach, as well as an initiating “huddle” for both your coaches and Cambridge Coaching admin to align on the strongest possible narrative for your candidacy. Most students who complete this block of hours will have developed a general argument for admission, along with outlines for their career vision, the crucial building block of all MBA applications.

$ 840

$ 1080

$ 1560

$ 2040

The Resume Package

5 Hours

Work on this central component of your business school application (and career) with the help of an MBA strategist. Pressure test your resume for logic, efficiency of expression, diction, and elegance, so it becomes the most supremely effective tool it can be.

$ 700

$ 900

$ 1300

$ 1700

Single School Package

20 Hours 5% OFF

This package is designed for students seeking coaching specifically geared towards a single application. It generally allows for regular meetings throughout the process, as well as remote feedback and editing on application materials by your coaches. Represents our best estimate; students may need more or less time with their coach.

$ 2660 You save $140

$ 3420 You save $180

$ 4940 You save $260

$ 6460 You save $340

The Interview Package

5 Hours

Your MBA strategy coach will work with you to synthesize your candidacy into an eloquent interview performance. Typically includes an initial brainstorm and outline phase followed by rehearsal in the form of one or more mock interviews and feedback.

$ 700

$ 900

$ 1300

$ 1700

Comprehensive Package

60 Hours 10% OFF

Comprehensive guidance on 4 - 5 business school applications. Coaching will address your school selection, writing, resume, as well as interview preparation, and any other relevant aspects of the applications. It generally allows for regular meetings throughout the process, as well as remote feedback and editing on application materials by your coach. Represents our best estimate; students may need more or less time with their coach.

$ 7560 You save $840

$ 9720 You save $1080

$ 14040 You save $1560

$ 18360 You save $2040

Tutor Tiers

We have 4 tiers of coaches. The coach’s tier is based on the experience level of the coach with our team. All coaches begin working with Cambridge Coaching at the Standard tier.

  • Standard

    0-150 hours
    $140/hour

  • Senior

    150-200 hours
    $180/hour

  • Guru

    250-300 hours
    $260/hour

  • Master

    350+- hours
    $340/hour

Ready to get started?

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