I grew up in Russia and I had the privilege of studying at the Higher School of Economics, where I graduated with honors. My career began at EY - Transaction Advisory Services in Moscow, where I juggled a demanding full-time job with a full-time master’s program. In 2017, my work paid off with an international transfer to EY Boston. By 2022, I had realized a dream by joining the MBA program at Harvard Business School. Beyond my professional life, I’ve spent the last 15 years mentoring students in Moscow and Boston through UStrive, and engaging in social consulting projects with non-profits in Boston.

Seasoned MBA admissions consultant / coach with Wharton, GSB, NYU Stern, Kellogg, and Cornell EMBA admits. As someone who applied to MBA from a non-traditional background in startups/tech (and career breaks in between roles!), I have a well-rounded perspective on what makes a great candidate, regardless of experience. Post-Wharton MBA, I spent 2.5 years as a McKinsey Associate, and am happy to discuss strategies and positioning for a consulting career as well. I have an international background (grew up between China and the US), with experience in multicultural / international clientele. My clients say an empathetic, optimistic consultant / coach that takes a holistic approach (exploration of self + practical strategies/tips) to admissions. My specific offerings include: MBA application strategy, resume polishing, essay ideation and editing, interview prep / mock interviews, and other services as needed. I look forward to hearing from you! :)

I graduated from my MBA program at age 25 and joined McKinsey New York right after. Pre-MBA, I was a professional Classical Musician for 8 years, and this formed a big part of my application. So, if you are: (1) An Early Career or Deferred MBA applicant, or (2) come from a non-traditional background, or (3) are an International student, we would be a good fit to chat. I'm also an official Alum interviewer for my B-School, and have several "do's" and "don'ts" that I can share with you from my years of experience interviewing candidates.

I am a member of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC), the most elite organization for admissions consultants. It has fewer than 200 members worldwide. I was admitted based on my track record over the years of helping clients obtain admissions to Harvard, Stanford, MIT, UPenn, Duke, Columbia, among other elite schools.

I have a wealth of experience in the graduate management education sector and a global industry network. I have worked in higher education for almost 10 years. Most recently I was Director of Admissions at Imperial College Business School, and prior to that I was Head of MBA Recruitment and Admissions at Cambridge Judge Business School. I’ve read countless applications, interviewed hundreds of candidates and chaired many Admissions Committee meetings. I know what makes a candidate stand out in the application process, and common mistakes to avoid.  I know how daunting it can feel to start your MBA journey, and I want to use my knowledge and experience to help you navigate the application process with confidence, empowering you to submit your best MBA application.

Recruiting for management consulting & applying to MBA programs can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. I'm a former BCG consultant & current first-year MBA candidate at MIT Sloan with a proven track record of helping professionals from all backgrounds achieve their career dreams, whether it's landing a consulting offer from MBB or gaining acceptance into their dream business school. I have over 3 years of experience in consulting & was accepted into both Darden's & MIT's deferred MBA programs. I've helped 10+ individuals navigate the consulting recruiting process & 5+ individuals with the MBA application process. I'm all about building strong relationships & providing clear, practical guidance. I'm a good listener, a strategic thinker, & a passionate advocate for my clients' success. I hope to work with you & wish you the best of luck on your career journey!

Your story is unique, and my goal as your MBA admissions coach is to help you tell it in a way that truly reflects who you are and what you want to achieve. The application process is a partnership. Together, we’ll dive into your experiences, uncover what drives you, and craft an application that’s authentic, compelling, and aligned with your goals. Whether you’re charting a bold career pivot, advancing in your field, or exploring an unconventional path, I’m here to support you every step of the way. My coaching style is collaborative and personalized. I’m not here to impose templates or generic advice, I’m here to help you shine in your own voice. We’ll work closely to highlight your achievements, refine your essays, and strategically position your strengths. From brainstorming ideas to navigating last-minute revisions, I’ll be in your corner as a trusted partner. With extensive experience coaching applicants into top MBA and dual-degree MBA/MPP programs (including Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, Wharton, and MIT Sloan) I understand what it takes to stand out. My clients have successfully pivoted careers, secured scholarships, and been admitted to highly competitive programs. Whether you’re just starting to think about your applications or facing tight deadlines for Round 2 or Round 3, it’s not too late to create a compelling application. Let’s work together to craft a story that not only gets results but also feels true to who you are and where you’re headed.

Applying for an MBA can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to reflect on your career, values, and long-term goals. With my own experience successfully navigating the application process and supporting peers with essays, resumes, and interview prep, I’m here to make your journey both manageable and empowering. As a seasoned writing advisor, editor, and public speaking coach, I offer personalized guidance at every step—from brainstorming essay ideas to refining your interview responses. Whether you're just getting started or perfecting your final details, I’m here to help you present your best self confidently and authentically. A little more background on me: I graduated as Valedictorian from Middlebury College, where I majored in Economics. I then started my career in management consulting at The Bridgespan Group ( a nonprofit spin out of Bain Consulting), and then moved on to a Strategy & Ops role at Nurx, a women's health startup. I am currently in my final year of the Joint Degree Program between the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. During my degree, I have served as a teaching assistant and tutor at both Harvard and Dartmouth.

As a Harvard Business School MBA graduate and an experienced investment professional, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the table. I have successfully coached individuals through the MBA application process, helping them craft compelling applications and ace their interviews. My background includes management consulting from a MBB across various sectors and geographies, giving me a unique perspective on how to position yourself when you are thinking of using your MBA to career switch. Let's work together to make your MBA and post MBA dreams a reality—reach out to get started!

Welcome to my profile! I'm Isabel, a Consultant at Deloitte with a strong background in business analytics, product management, and customer centricity. I was admitted to Kellogg's MMM program, Booth, and Sloan and want to help you reach your MBA goals too. I have a passion for guiding clients through the MBA admissions process, focusing on recommendation strategy, essay development, and interview preparation. Let's work together to make your MBA dreams a reality—reach out to start your journey!