Subscribing to Applicant Lab—after my partner repeatedly encouraged me to do so—was possibly the most crucial decision for my MBA application journey. It completely changed the course of my applications for the better. The extensive resources that Maria has meticulously curated and the thoughtful process behind creating this marvelous platform simply cannot be overstated.
The process begins with deep self-reflection, but I believe the heart of Applicant Lab is the “Essay Advice” section. The depth and breadth of research presented for each school is truly exceptional. Maria literally includes school visit videos and directly quotes admissions committee members from various programs. This comprehensive approach helps you understand the unique culture and expectations of each school.
The return on investment cannot be expressed enough—for the minimal price, you get access to all the resources required for application, from the self-reflection platform to interview and waitlist preparation. This incredible value proposition sets Applicant Lab apart from traditional consulting services that charge thousands of dollars.
What makes Applicant Lab even more valuable—perhaps its best-kept secret—is that you can reach out to Maria directly for guidance. She generously offers ideas and addresses fundamental questions. I discussed my approach for at least one essay with her, and her advice was invaluable. When I was waitlisted at Berkeley Haas, I was heartbroken and immediately emailed her. She compassionately responded with a detailed 15-minute video message explaining how to approach the situation effectively. Fortunately, within a week of receiving the waitlist notification, I received my Wharton admission!
I cannot emphasize enough how much credit for my Wharton acceptance belongs to Applicant Lab. Maria is brilliant and consistently provides best-in-class advice. I wholeheartedly recommend Applicant Lab—choose it without hesitation, and you’ll certainly thank me later.
