23. Should You Hire an Admissions Consultant? with Barbara Coward Artwork

The Dominate Test Prep Podcast

This show is designed to take the guesswork out of preparing for your standardized test and equip you with practical how-to's for getting more right answers on test day, successfully navigating the admissions process, getting accepted to your dream school, and succeeding in the classroom. Our episodes deliver expert advice from the industry's top test prep instructors and admissions consultants as we endeavor to prepare you for success not only on test day, but also in your future profession and life beyond. Oh, and did we mention that we have a lot of fun? You will too, as we embark on this important next chapter of your education together. Thanks for listening!

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The Dominate Test Prep Podcast

23. Should You Hire an Admissions Consultant? with Barbara Coward

May 12, 2020 • Brett Ethridge / Dominate Test Prep

Applying to top graduate and business schools is a competitive affair, with qualified applicants from around the world vying for just a handful of spots each year. The difference between getting accepted and not comes down to your ability to highlight your personal, academic, and professional assets in a way that sets you apart from the pack. While some candidates choose to do that on their own, many turn to admissions consultants for help.

Is working with an admissions consultant right for you?

That's what we explore in this episode of The Dominate Test Prep Podcast with the help of Barbara Coward, founder of MBA 360° Admissions Consulting. Barbara worked as an application reader at Johns Hopkins University before starting her consulting practice, so she has experience in the industry from both side.

Specifically, we discuss:

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make on their applications that they don’t realize
Which aspect(s) of the application have the greatest opportunity to “move the needle” in a positive direction for you
The real role of an admissions consultant
How you can know if you'd benefit from working with an admissions consultant
How many consultants you should interview and key questions you should ask to make sure you hire someone who is a good fit for you
What separates good admissions consultants from bad ones
AIGAC, and what it says about an admissions consultant who is part of that organization
What admissions officers think about candidates who work with consultants
The ROI of hiring an admissions consultant (even if you don't get in to your top-choice school)
And more!

You'll also hear my interviews with two students who used admissions consultants when applying to graduate / business school. They share their first-hand accounts of why they decided to hire a consultant, how they chose who to work with, the main benefit they feel like they received, and whether they ultimately think it was worth it.

Working with an admissions consultant isn't for everyone... but it might be for you. After listening to this episode, you'll have a better idea if it is. Enjoy!

RESOURCES

Learn more about Barbara's admissions firm, MBA 360° Admissions Consulting
Get free admissions resources and stay connected via Barbara's LinkedIn Page
AIGAC Graduate Admissions Consultants & Affiliate Member Directory
Questions to ask a consultant

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