How MBA Admissions Consultants Charge and How to Decide What Service is Right for You

Originally published on March 2, 2023. Updated on February 20, 2025.

If you’re researching MBA admissions consultants, you might be wondering how MBA admissions consultants charge—and which type of service is right for you. We get it! The options can be confusing, so in this article, we’re breaking down the common pricing models and service structures to help you make an informed decision.

Before we dive in, a quick note: As MBA admissions consultants ourselves, we know this is a big investment. Our goal here isn’t to “sell” you but to provide a clear, objective breakdown of the options available and what to expect in terms of cost so you can determine what’s best for you.

As you explore your options, keep in mind that the right level of support depends on your unique background, goals, and timeline. If you’d like personalized guidance on what approach makes the most sense for you, we’re happy to chat.

Hourly Services

Hourly services are the most straightforward option—at least on the surface. But before choosing this model, it’s important to understand how MBA admissions consultants charge for their time, whether it’s spent on calls, editing documents, or responding to emails. Hourly rates typically start at $300+ per hour.

Pros

• Flexibility – Many firms have a minimum hourly requirement (ours is five hours), but you can add more as needed. This allows you to test the waters before committing to a larger engagement.
• Control – You decide how to allocate your hours, whether that means focusing more on your top-choice schools or getting targeted support where you need it most.

Cons

• Risk of Rushing Important Steps – When working on the clock, it’s tempting to focus only on immediate deliverables and skip the critical early-stage work—like defining your story and identifying your strengths. This foundational work is essential for a strong application, even if the impact isn’t obvious at first.
• Limited Depth – Some consultants don’t offer hourly services because they believe it’s difficult to do their best work when they can’t take the necessary time at every stage. That’s why we require a five-hour minimum and strongly recommend spending at least two of those hours on application strategy and story development.

A la Carte or Pay by Service

This model includes one-off services like resume reviews, final application reviews, or mock interviews. Typically, a consultant will review your materials (such as essays or your resume) and provide feedback, but without ongoing iterations. A mock interview usually includes a live session plus written or verbal feedback.

At Vantage Point, we offer Amplify Hourly Packages, which provide targeted support in key areas of the application process at a lower price than a comprehensive package. These are ideal for applicants who have started the process on their own but want expert guidance to refine their materials.

The pricing for a la carte services is generally based on the consultant’s hourly rate multiplied by the estimated time required for the service.

Pros

• Great for Specific Needs – Services like mock interviews can be especially effective as stand-alone offerings since a fresh perspective (similar to what your real interviewer will have) is valuable.
• Budget-Friendly – If you’re looking for professional feedback but aren’t ready for a comprehensive package, this is a lower-cost option with clear deliverables.

Cons

• Limited Iteration – You’ll receive expert feedback, but it’s up to you to apply it effectively. For reference, our comprehensive clients typically go through 10+ resume iterations and up to 20 essay drafts—which isn’t feasible in a one-off service.
• Less Holistic Support – Since the consultant is only reviewing a specific component, they may not be able to guide you on the overall narrative or strategic positioning of your application.

Comprehensive (Unlimited) Packages

Comprehensive packages provide full support throughout the MBA application process. At Vantage Point, we typically start working with Round 1 applicants in the spring and continue until they’ve finalized their enrollment decision.

This engagement includes everything: selecting target schools, defining career goals, crafting your personal story, perfecting your resume, guiding recommenders, writing essays, preparing for interviews, and more.

Pricing is based on the number of schools you apply to. The first school is the most expensive because the foundational work (career goals, personal story, resume drafting, etc.) is the same whether you apply to one school or six. Additional schools are priced at a lower incremental rate. If you’re still evaluating which schools align best with your goals, our guide on selecting the right MBA programs can help.

Pros

• The Gold Standard – Comprehensive support ensures you’re doing everything possible to position yourself for success—from networking with schools to preparing recommenders and crafting compelling essays.
• Guidance Every Step of the Way – The MBA application process is complex, and questions will arise—both big (“How do I negotiate a scholarship?“) and small (“Should I attend this info session?”). Having a consultant on call provides valuable peace of mind.

Cons

• Personal Fit Matters – Working with a consultant comprehensively is a very personal engagement. They will want to know a lot about you to help you craft an authentic and differentiated application. Do the leg work upfront to ensure you find someone who is a good fit for you. It’s not only important that you get along with them, but they should also have experience with clients like you.
• Consultants Don’t Do Everything – Despite what the term “unlimited” implies, there are many things consultants do NOT do. They don’t write your essays for you, hit submit on your applications, or make sure all the components are in by the deadline. They can’t guarantee you will be admitted to your dream school (if they say they can, run). Applying to business school is a lot of work—there’s no getting around it.

These packages aren’t cheap, and we understand the sticker shock that can come with the cost of hiring an MBA admissions consultant—especially for a comprehensive package. But keep in mind that this is a significant amount of work for the consultant (work we love doing).

When we were in your shoes (and hired consultants ourselves), one perspective stood out: you ideally only go through the MBA application process once, so it makes sense to give it your all. A top-tier MBA can have a major impact on your long-term earning potential, and in the grand scheme of business school costs, investing in expert guidance may be worth considering.

We hope this article clarified how MBA admissions consultants charge and helped you determine which approach might be right for you. Learn more about our packages here, or reach out for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs.