#18. Ivy MBA Consulting
Ivy MBA Consulting is a premier admissions consultancy specializing in guiding applicants toward acceptance at top-tier business schools, with particular expertise in Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). Founded and led by Eli David, who brings over 15 years of experience to the firm, Ivy MBA Consulting has established itself as a leader in elite MBA admissions. David is recognized as one of Poets&Quants' Top 5 Highest-Rated MBA Consultants of All Time, reflecting the firm's commitment to excellence. What distinguishes Ivy MBA Consulting in the competitive landscape of admissions consulting is its unique approach—every client works directly with Eli David himself, ensuring expert guidance without delegation to mid-level consultants.
Ivy League Admissions
Services Offered
Ivy MBA Consulting provides an all-inclusive suite of services tailored to every aspect of the MBA admissions process:
SWOT Analysis:
In-depth evaluation of the applicant's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to develop a compelling and strategic application approach.
Strategic Narrative Development:
Expert guidance in crafting a unique and memorable personal story that differentiates the applicant in an increasingly competitive applicant pool.
Application Components:
Comprehensive assistance across all aspects of the application, including school selection, personal essay strategy, career goal development, resume refinement, and recommender selection.
Timeline Management:
Development of personalized schedules to efficiently manage application components and deadlines across multiple schools.
Interview Preparation:
Thorough coaching, including mock interviews, to prepare applicants for this crucial component of the admissions process.
Pre- and Post-Interview Support:
Specialized assistance with pre-interview essays and post-interview reflections, including the distinctive HBS post-interview reflection essay.
The firm offers transparent, all-inclusive packages that encompass every step of the MBA application journey, from initial strategy development through final acceptance.
Team
Ivy MBA Consulting is led by Eli David, who personally oversees every client engagement—an approach that distinguishes the firm from many competitors. While the company does not employ any former Ivy League admissions officers, David’s extensive experience in business school admissions consulting and his hands-on involvement allow clients to benefit from highly personalized and strategically informed guidance. His industry expertise forms the foundation of the firm’s one-on-one mentorship model, particularly valuable for applicants targeting top MBA programs.
Reputation
Ivy MBA Consulting has built a strong reputation within the MBA admissions consulting space, supported by an average review score of 4.7 out of 5 across 21 verified client reviews. The firm’s reported 94% admissions success rate underscores its consistent results, although its Ivy League Advantage Factor stands at 1—indicating a more generalist rather than Ivy-specific alignment. Notably, Eli David has been recognized by Poets&Quants as one of the Top 5 Highest-Rated MBA Consultants of all time, and Deloitte has verified key success metrics, adding further credibility to the firm’s effectiveness and client satisfaction.
Pros
Direct Access to Top Expertise: Clients receive one-on-one coaching exclusively from Eli David, ensuring personalized guidance from one of the industry's most respected consultants.
Proven Track Record: With over 200 successful admissions to HBS and GSB, the firm demonstrates consistent effectiveness in helping clients achieve admission to the world's most selective business schools.
Comprehensive Support: The holistic approach covers all aspects of the application process, from initial strategy development to post-interview reflections, providing seamless guidance throughout the journey.
Selective Clientele: By maintaining a highly selective approach and working with a limited number of clients, the firm ensures dedicated attention and personalized service for each applicant.
Cons
Premium Investment: The bespoke nature and comprehensive support likely come with corresponding premium pricing that may present accessibility barriers for some qualified applicants.
Selective Client Approach: The firm's emphasis on selectivity suggests they may not accept all potential clients, potentially limiting access to their services.
Limited External Reviews: The reported scarcity of reviews outside major platforms may make it challenging for some prospective clients to gather diverse perspectives on the firm's services.
Online Presence
2.64
Review Score
4.19
Team Score
1
Ivy Advantage Score
1
Total Score
2.60
Visit our detailed Methodology page to explore our assessment criteria and scoring process.