In the competitive world of MBA admissions, many candidates resort to consulting firms for professional advice. ApplicantLab is one such service, giving a low-cost, online alternative to established consultants. As an experienced admissions advisor, I investigated what ApplicantLab provides, how it compares to other services, and whether it suits potential students.
In this Applicant Lab review, I’ll discuss the platform’s benefits and limitations based on my experience and real-world examples from individuals who have used it.
Pros & Cons of ApplicantLab
These pros and cons demonstrate how ApplicantLab is an accessible and successful tool for many MBA candidates, but it may not be the best match for everyone.
| Pros | Cons |
| ApplicantLab offers a highly affordable alternative to traditional MBA admissions consulting services. | While ApplicantLab is thorough, it primarily relies on a self-guided, online approach. |
| This service offers a systematic approach to the MBA application process, allowing users to work at their own pace. | To fully benefit from ApplicantLab, users must invest significant time working through the platform’s modules and exercises. |
| In addition to its core offerings, ApplicantLab provides access to MBA alumni for essay reviews and mock interviews. | ApplicantLab’s standardized approach may not deliver nuanced, individualized methods for candidates with distinctive or complicated histories. |
So, while ApplicantLab presents an affordable option for MBA applicants, it has significant trade-offs. The lack of personalized interaction, the reliance on a self-service model, and the absence of guarantees are serious drawbacks, especially when compared to the best MBA consultants.
If you’re confident in your ability to manage the application process on your own and are looking for a budget-friendly option, ApplicantLab might be worth considering. However, investing in a traditional consultant may be better for those needing more tailored advice and support.
What Are The Main Admission Consulting Services of ApplicantLab?
As someone with extensive experience in college admissions consulting, I decided to try ApplicantLab to see how it compares to more traditional consulting services.
ApplicantLab’s primary offering is an online platform to help MBA applicants through admissions. It covers the essentials like essays, resumes, and interview preparation. While this might seem sufficient on the surface, there are some critical areas where the service falls short.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
ApplicantLab.com offers tools and resources to guide users through every aspect of their MBA applications. The platform’s core offering consists of interactive modules covering critical areas like brainstorming essay topics, writing compelling narratives, refining resumes, and preparing for interviews. These modules are thoughtfully structured to help applicants build a strong application that highlights their strengths and addresses potential weaknesses.
However, these resources are primarily self-guided. On the one hand, it offers flexibility and allows applicants to work at their own pace. Conversely, it can be challenging for those needing more personalized guidance or facing unique application process challenges.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in the packages:
- Essay and resume guidance. Step-by-step instructions to help you craft a strong narrative and create a polished resume.
- School-specific advice. Tailored insights for different MBA programs to help you align your application with what each school is looking for.
- Interview preparation. They offer resources and mock interview tools to help you prepare for the final stage of the application process.
While these tools are comprehensive, they do not offer the same level of personalized feedback or real-time support that you might expect from Prep Scholar.
The self-service nature of the platform means that applicants are left to interpret and implement the advice on their own, which can be problematic if they’re unsure how to apply these strategies to their unique circumstances.
Who Is on Their Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
One of my biggest concerns with ApplicantLab.com is the lack of direct interaction with experienced consultants. Maria Wich-Vila, a Harvard Business School graduate, created the platform, which adds credibility. But beyond her initial design and concept, the actual day-to-day support is not from seasoned consultants but from the platform’s automated guidance system.
For many applicants, particularly those with complex backgrounds or unconventional career paths, this one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t provide the nuanced advice a real consultant could offer.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Applicant Lab does offer a few additional services, like essay reviews and mock interviews, but these are provided by MBA alumni rather than professional consultants. While it’s great that these alumni have been through the process themselves, they may not have the breadth of experience needed to offer the most strategic advice.
In my opinion, this is a significant limitation, especially compared to Princeton Review, which employs seasoned professionals who have worked in admissions or have years of consulting experience.
Do They Have Any Free Services?
The platform operates on a freemium model, meaning some basic features are free, but the more valuable tools require a paid subscription. The free content is pretty limited and, in my opinion, more of a teaser than anything truly useful. It might give users a sense of what’s available, but you must pay for the whole experience.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
ApplicantLab positions itself as a cost-effective alternative to traditional MBA admissions consulting, offering services at a fraction of the typical market rates.
The core service package is priced at $349 annually, providing access to the full suite of tools and resources. This annual fee covers the essential components of the application process, including essay and resume guidance, school-specific advice, and interview preparation.
In addition to the core package, ApplicantLab also offers a range of add-on services at varying price points:
- Strategic reviews. Sanity Check Consultation starts at $299, and Strategic Essay Reviews at $249.
- Editing services. Available from $179, these services help applicants polish their essays and resumes.
- Mock interviews. Priced at $649, these sessions offer live practice and actionable feedback to help applicants prepare for interviews.
While the pricing is undeniably attractive, it’s important to note that ApplicantLab does not offer any guarantees.
Unlike some premium consulting services that provide assurances or refunds if the applicant isn’t accepted into their desired programs, ApplicantLab’s model is strictly “as-is.” This means that while the platform provides valuable guidance, it leaves the responsibility entirely on the user to achieve the desired outcome.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
ApplicantLab has received mixed feedback. Some users on platforms like Reddit and GMAT Club have praised its affordability and the value it offers to self-motivated individuals. For instance, one Reddit user mentioned that they received more actionable feedback from Applicant Lab alumni than from a traditional consultant.
However, there are also numerous reviews from applicants who felt the platform was too impersonal and didn’t provide the depth of insight they needed. There are mentions on platforms like Trustpilot and Sitejabber where users expressed disappointment with the lack of direct, personalized interaction, a hallmark of traditional consulting services.
Areas of ApplicantLab.com That They Should Work On
While ApplicantLab offers a range of tools that can help many applicants, there are some significant drawbacks that potential users should consider:
- ApplicantLab’s biggest drawback is the absence of direct engagement with a knowledgeable consultant. This can be a significant disadvantage for applicants who need more tailored advice or have unique circumstances.
- The platform assumes high self-discipline and user understanding. If you need more hand-holding, this is not the right service.
- While having MBA alumni review your work is helpful, they may not offer the same depth of experience or strategic insight as a seasoned professional consultant.
- Unlike some premium services that offer guarantees, ApplicantLab provides no such security. If the advice doesn’t work out, you’re out of luck.
- The platform’s generalized advice might not be enough for applicants with unconventional backgrounds who require more personalized strategies.
Overall, these limitations suggest that while Applicant Lab can be a valuable resource for some, it might not meet the needs of every MBA applicant, particularly those with more complex or non-traditional profiles. Weigh these factors carefully before deciding if this service fits you or if it’s better to choose trusted services like Admissionado.