The growing influence of specialised consulting firms in MBA admissions globally is a major trend. Such firms play a crucial role in shaping the admissions process for leading business schools. They help provide strategic advice to aspiring candidates, helping them showcase their skills and experiences more effectively. As a result, more applicants are now dependant on consulting firms where veterans with strong backgrounds in consulting and who have been part of prestigious admission councils guide and mentor them to present themselves confidently, communicate effectively, and respond to questions mindfully. They also ensure that candidates are confident and are well-prepared in addressing their unique narratives to admission committees during the candidates’ admission process. This shift is leading to a more nuanced and competitive admissions landscape.

As the MBA application process becomes more complex and selective, the demand for professional guidance is rising. Below are the four specialised ways consulting firms are shaping MBA admission globally, providing applicants with a competitive advantage in a constantly changing environment.

1. Mentor the applicants on different short-term and long-term career possibilities and help align them with the courses and activities at the target universities

 One of the challenging aspects for MBA applicants is clearly presenting their short-term and long-term career goals in a manner that aligns with their chosen programmes. Specialised consulting firms enable applicants to understand their forte and tailor them to the offerings of their target universities.

Consultants provide insights about curriculum, extracurricular activities, and networking opportunities at different business schools. They help applicants to programmes suited to their career paths in finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, human resources, or emerging fields of sustainability and technology leadership.

Consulting firms assist in aligning candidates’ personal and professional goals with the mission and values of the institution to present a balanced and compelling case to admission committees.

2. Bring in expert insights based on what has worked and what hasn’t for applicants in the past.

The specialised consulting firms bring extensive insights gained from working with MBA aspirants over the years, which allows them to give valuable insights into what has worked and what hasn’t for past applicants. To understand and examine further the firms engage with the candidate to discuss their experience in detail. Thoroughly review and analyse the questions and responses from their previous application to gain insights into their strengths that can be leveraged further. Additionally, identify areas where skills need improvement or further training to ensure their development and alignment with the role.

This insight is particularly beneficial in helping the candidates improve their resumes and submit essays that are concise and impactful, which plays an important role in MBA application process. These firms assist in crafting resumes that emphasise professional accomplishments and leadership qualities and align them with the criteria of admission committees.

When it comes to essays, consulting firms guide the applicants in creating engaging content that genuinely reflects their objectives, experiences, and ambitions. They help the candidate avoid common mistakes through continuous feedback and progressive improvement.

3. Coach the applicants on admissions interview and the best ways to impress the interviewer by presenting the best aspects of their personal and professional profile.

Coaching for screening interview plays an important role in helping candidates showcase their true potential by reducing anxiety and enhancing confidence. Mock interviews make the candidate familiar with the process, helping them to reduce nervousness and enhance their communication skills. This preparation helps them stay composed, ensuring that they can focus on their answer during the real interview.

Additionally, mock interviews allow the candidate to refine their approach whether it’s body language, tone, or content, making their interview more effective. This process ensures that candidates are prepared to tackle behavioural questions and align with the values of the institution. Mock interviews also help candidates discover their authentic selves, build confidence, and refine the essential skills needed to succeed in high-stakes interviews.

4. Access to insider information

The consulting firms are mostly staffed by mentors, who are alumni from reputed organisations, admissions officers, and industry veterans. Hence, their network is very strong and they provide access to insider information that can be a great advantage for the applicants. These consultants with experience in the admissions ecosystem understand what specific schools prioritise, such as leadership potential and cultural fit. This insight enables them to customise strategies for each candidate according to their chosen programmes.

 To sum up, the increasing reliance on specialised consulting firms in MBA admissions indicates a shift towards a more strategic and personalised approach to gaining admission to top business schools. These firms assist applicants in aligning their career goals with academic programmes, refining their resumes and essays, simulating interviews, and providing insider knowledge. This support plays a crucial role in enhancing applicants’ chance of success.

As competition grows, seeking expert guidance can be crucial to stand out. Consultants not only enhance the quality of applications but also boost candidates’ confidence, helping to turn their business school dreams into reality. For prospective students, investing in these services can mean the difference between submitting a generic application and one that truly stands out.

The author is Founder of Alum-n-i, and Founding Member of ISBmantra & AdmitSquare Consulting