The toughest MBA admissions cycle in a decade? Here’s who got in — and how.

The Round 1 results are in.

And there are some big takeaways to help you become the kind of candidate who cuts through the noise, skips the random forum advice, and takes charge of their MBA journey with clarity and confidence.

Strong candidates get admitted

Even in one of the most competitive cycles in recent — and even not so recent — history, this held true.

When the dust settled this week, so many of my candidates walked away with multiple admits to their top choices. (Because applying to “safety schools” just to pad my stats? Not my style.)

But here’s the real question: What makes a candidate strong?

It’s not just a stellar GMAT score or a shiny GPA – though those certainly help.

Work experience and track record reign supreme

Admissions committees want to see evidence of your potential, and nothing showcases that better than the impact you've made, the challenges you've tackled, and the growth you've demonstrated.

Your story isn’t just about where you’ve worked — it’s about what you’ve done there and the trajectory you’re on.

The strongest candidates know how to present this in a way that highlights not just accomplishments, but patterns of leadership, resilience, and ambition.

And here’s the thing: I don’t create that essence for my candidates — it’s already there. My role? To help shine a bright light on it. To help you see it clearly, articulate it confidently, and make sure it stands out during the admissions evaluation and selection process.

When you step into the spotlight with a story that’s both genuine and compelling, you don’t just compete in the MBA admissions process — you command attention.

And this week’s admits are living proof of that.

Is an MBA consultant worth the investment?

Let’s talk numbers for a second: In just the past few days, my Round 1 candidates have collectively secured over $1,000,000 in scholarship offers. (Yes, seven figures.)

One of them — my very first Round 1 candidate this admission cycle — chose to start working with me a full year before the deadlines. After a year of strategic guidance and support, she walked away with admits to five M7 programs and two T10s.

She’s now choosing between multiple full-ride scholarships. When you invest time in your journey and commit to the process early, the results can be extraordinary.

Imagine the freedom of knowing you can go to your top MBA program choice without the financial burden.

That’s not luck – it’s preparation, execution, and the right support.

But what if a high-touch, one-on-one service isn’t in the cards for you?

That’s where MBA ABC comes in.

In my group coaching program, you get to work directly with me in a group setting with a community of driven candidates for a fraction of the cost of traditional consulting. You’ll still receive personalized feedback on your resume, essays, and strategy.

And the results? Well, the Round 1 MBA ABC group didn’t just participate – they dominated:

• Multiple admits to HBS
• A dual admit to GSB and HBS
• Admissions to MIT, Yale, Duke, Kellogg, LBS, and more

So, if you’re wondering whether an affordable, high-impact program can work for you, let their success stories be your answer.

Why Starting Early Matters (and Why I’m Saying “No” a lot)

This year, I’ve turned away more prospective clients than ever before.

Why? After being ranked as a Top 10 MBA admissions consultant worldwide, demand for my guidance has skyrocketed.

But more importantly, starting early matters.

The best applications aren’t rushed; they’re crafted, iterated on, and refined.

If you’re eyeing Round 2 and still on the fence, let this be your wake-up call. Procrastination kills potential.

The good news? You still have options.

Two more Get Unstuck sessions are open. These are the last two spots for 2024, so if you need quick, tactical support to get your application moving, now’s the time to grab your spot. Let’s clear those roadblocks and sharpen your strategy.

What’s Coming Next

Stay tuned for two key resources to keep you ahead of the curve:

• MBA Admissions Predictions 2025 Webinar: If 2025 is your year, you won’t want to miss this. We’ll break down the trends, shifts, and strategies you need to know to succeed in the evolving admissions landscape. Keep an eye on your inbox — the registration link drops in the next email!
• The brand new Guide to GSB MBA Admissions: Wondering if you need an elusive “X-factor” to land a spot at Stanford? (Spoiler: You don’t. But you do need to show something.) This guide will help you cut through the myths and focus on what really matters. Coming your way next week!

Stay savvy out there, MBA hopeful.

Onwards and upwards,

Petia