I’ve had the chance to work for various companies, from small boutiques to big agencies. When I found MBA and Beyond, I was interested in their position in such a crowded field. At first glance, it looks like they have a lot to give, but as someone who works in this field, I think there are some important things to weigh.
Pros & Cons of MBA and Beyond
Here’s what I think about MBA and Beyond, including what they do well and could do better.
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
MBAandBeyond.com offers an all-inclusive package covering every MBA application process aspect. | There is a risk that candidates will feel pressured to fit a mold rather than present their authentic selves. |
The service provides personalized guidance based on each applicant’s unique profile. | Applicants may still need to independently build relationships and connections with their target schools. |
MBA and Beyond combines the expertise of seasoned consultants with insights from recent MBA graduates. | Many MBA applicants may find the “All-In” plan too pricey, especially those only seeking specific, focused help. |
Overall, MBA and Beyond may seem like a decent option at first glance, but there are enough warning flags that I am reluctant to endorse entirely. Before making a significant purchase, you should research and examine alternatives.
Remember that the proper admissions adviser should accentuate your skills rather than fit you into a predetermined mold. Read other reviews at BestMBAConsulting.com, proceed cautiously, and consider your alternatives thoroughly.
What Are The Main Admission Consulting Services of MBA and Beyond?
As someone who’s been around the admissions block a few times, I’ve seen plenty of consulting services. MBA and Beyond positions itself as a comprehensive service provider for MBA applicants. They offer the usual fare — profile development, essay editing, interview prep, and even “personal branding.” They’re keen on pitching this as a one-stop shop for all things MBA application-related, which sounds great on paper.
What’s Included in MBA and Beyond’s Packages?
MBA and Beyond offers services to support MBA applicants at every step of the application process.
🔶 All-In Package
The “All-In Package” is MBA and Beyond’s most comprehensive offering. It includes a full suite of services designed to guide you through the application preparation process from the initial stages to the final submission.
🔶 Profile Building for MBA
Like in Stacy Blackman Consulting, this service focuses on identifying and developing your profile’s strengths to align with MBA program expectations.
🔶 Branding for MBA
MBA and Beyond says personal branding is integral to a perfect application profile. However, a thin line exists between branding and over-managing one’s image, which could make one’s application seem fake.
🔶 Interview Preparation
Interview prep is crucial, and MBA and Beyond offers mock interviews and feedback to help you refine your answers and presentation style.
🔶 Essay Editing
Essays are critical to your MBA application, and MBA and Beyond provides editing services to help you articulate your goals and experiences effectively. They claim to focus on clarity, impact, and alignment with your target schools’ values.
🔶 MBA Ding Analysis
MBA and Beyond offers a “Ding Analysis” for those who’ve faced rejection. This service helps evaluate what went wrong in previous application attempts.
🔶 Hourly Services
It can be a more cost-effective option if you only need help in one or two areas, but be careful — hourly rates can add up quickly.
Who Is on the MBA and Beyond Team?
Here’s where things get a bit murky. MBAandBeyond boasts a mix of seasoned consultants and recent MBA grads. While having recent graduates on the team might seem like a good idea because they’re supposedly aware of current trends, it’s not necessarily a strength.
In my experience, there’s no substitute for years of deep, specialized knowledge in admissions consulting. Sure, these recent grads might have been through the process themselves, but does that make them experts in guiding others? I’m not convinced.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
They offer additional services like “Ding Analysis” if you’ve been rejected from your dream schools and want to know why. They also provide hourly services for those who don’t want to commit to a complete package.
But here’s the catch — these add-ons might just be a way to nickel-and-dime you. Instead of getting the value you need upfront, you could pay more in the long run for things that should’ve been included in the initial package.
Does MBAandBeyond.com Offer Any FREE Services?
MBA and Beyond provides free profile evaluations, which is standard in the industry. However, it’s worth noting that these “free” services often serve as a hook to get you invested in their paid offerings. You’ll likely get some generic advice and a pitch to sign up for their packages.
There’s no harm in trying it out, but don’t expect any game-changing insights from a freebie.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
Their “All-In Package” is particularly expensive, but the exact cost isn’t disclosed upfront. Instead, you only get the price after a request and a profile evaluation.
For other services, here’s a quick breakdown of their pricing:
- Profile building for MBA – $1,200.
- Branding for MBA – $1,200.
- Interview preparation – $300 for the first mock session and $200 for each additional session.
- Hourly services – $400 per hour.
They offer a 15% discount if you sign up for a 3-school All-In Package when you’re ready to apply, which is something to consider if you’re aiming for multiple applications. However, even with this discount, the cost remains higher.
What’s more concerning is the lack of guarantees. If you’re investing this much money, you would expect some assurance regarding outcomes. Unfortunately, MBAandBeyond.com doesn’t offer any guarantees of success.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
You’ll find a few glowing testimonials on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit, but plenty of lukewarm and outright negative reviews exist. Some clients feel they didn’t get their money’s worth, and others have pointed out issues with the quality of service.
For example, one Trustpilot reviewer mentioned that the service was more about fitting applicants into a standard mold rather than highlighting their unique qualities. That’s a red flag for me because, as I know from general practice, MBA admissions committees value authenticity.
Areas of MBAandBeyond that They Should Work On
While MBA and Beyond offers various services that seem promising at first glance, several aspects of their approach have raised concerns among clients:
- The pricing is high, but the perceived value doesn’t always match. Many clients feel they’re paying too much for services that don’t deliver the promised results.
- Despite their claims of offering personalized services, several clients have noted that they felt their applications were being pushed into a standard template.
- While having recent MBA grads on the team might seem appealing, their lack of deep consulting experience can be a drawback. Applicants with more complex profiles might not get the expert guidance they need.
- There’s a fine line between helping someone present their best self and pushing them into a persona that doesn’t feel authentic.
- There should be some form of guarantee for the amount of money you’re paying. Unfortunately, MBA and Beyond doesn’t offer much in this department, leaving clients to bear all the risk.
These points highlight significant concerns that could impact your overall experience and outcome. Consider whether these potential drawbacks might outweigh the benefits and think about more trusted services like MBA Exchange.