Ryan Barba ConsultingReviews of ryanbarba.com

I worked with Ryan this past year on my MBA applications and COULD NOT BE HAPPIER the results. Not only did I get into three top-7 programs, but I'm going to my dream school next year: Stanford GSB! I seriously doubted this day would ever come and that I'd ever be so successful getting into my dream MBA programs, but thanks to Ryan's help, I achieved what was probably the most ambitious goal I've ever set for myself. Ryan starts his process by really digging deep into your background, and asking really deep and thoughtful questions designed to uncover those true elements of your background and experiences that make you unique, and that will play well in your application. This process was so eye-opening to me, as we thought of things to project about me that I never would've thought of solo. Then, his help on my application materials, especially my essays, was extremely helpful. Again, he has this ability to say the right things the right way, and his way of helping you bring our your best writing is amazing. I grew not only in my self-awareness, but my writing abilities. Ryan could start his own business as an author, I'm convinced - He's such a good communicator. After applying, Ryan helped me with my interview prep and provided amazing coaching. He even flew out to meet me for a practice interview. I'll forever carry the interview skills he taught me. I could go on and on about how great this experience was, but suffice to say - I am a VERY HAPPY client!

Ryan helped me with my applications to NYU Stern and Cornell Tech, and I was accepted to both! I couldn't be more grateful to Ryan for his help and patience throughout the process. He's so knowledgeable, and he's a brilliant writer and editor. He made my essays (and my resume) better than I could've imagined!

I viewed this page several months ago and thought, "I hope I get to write a positive review on this page someday because that would mean I got into a top school!" And here I am! :) I applied Round 1 2019 (to start school this upcoming fall, 2020) and worked with Ryan on 4 applications: HBS, GSB, Sloan, and Booth. My results were unfathomable: With a 700 GMAT score I got into 3 of the 4 (waitlisted at GSB) with a sizable scholarship offer from Booth. Needless to say, these results are better than I ever would have dreamed, and I literally couldn't have done it without Ryan's help. He gave me so much clarity around how to navigate the MBA application process with grace, and was able to help me craft a story and personal "brand" that I never would've thought to come up with alone. He's particularly good at pushing back when necessary, and pushing you to "go deeper" when articulating what sets you apart. Without his help, my applications would've been much softer / less hard-hitting and much more generic. I just remember getting his edits to my essays and thinking, "Wow, he's totally right. I never would've thought of that." While the MBA admissions process is inevitably stressful at times, Ryan makes it as fun as I think it can be. He always made me laugh and kept me motivated without pushing unreasonably. He was also always accessible and made it easy to get ahold of him whenever I had a question.

I worked with Judy Y, one of Ryan's consultant team, for my MBA application for Fall 2020. I can't thank Judy enough for her help, guidance and support. Her knowledge about the application process and what top business schools ask for is incredible. I am an international student so she did a lot of work with me, she went far and beyond to help with everything. She helped me think about my story and understand my strengths in a unique way. We designed my strategy and worked together to craft all the applications. She was always available with great positivity and ready to help in whatever way I needed. Her supportiveness at every step of the process was so important for me that I can't put it in words. I got accepted to Yale (my dream school), McCombs and waitlisted in Chicago. I couldn’t be happier with my results.

I worked with Ryan Barba on my business school applications last year, and all I can say is.... wow. He was so incredibly knowledgeable about what the top business schools (and I mean, each of the top business schools) look for, and how to craft an application that truly stands above the fold. He was just so encouraging - he had to talk me off the ledge a few times during the application process because I had deep concerns that my GMAT score and background were strong enough, but he was up to the task! He was able to answer all of my questions with confidence, throughout the entire process, and I was actually disappointed when the process was over because it meant I wouldn't be able to talk to him so often, and get his guidance, any more! Ryan helped me get into Chicago Booth (where I am now attending as a first year), MIT Sloan, and Tuck. It was truly an amazing experience working with him, and if you're looking for help with your business school applications, I can tell you - you'll find all you're looking for working with Ryan!

Ryan far exceeded my expectations. I had spoken to several former clients of his prior to working with him (I wanted to make super sure he was as good as advertised) - He really is super knowledgeable about MBA admissions and what it takes to succeed. He was always completely accessible to me throughout the process, helped me develop a better "brand" than I ever would've been able to create on my own, and his support as we developed my application materials was invaluable. I was so impressed with our final product, and can't complain - I got into MIT Sloan, my dream school! He's truly an expert on how to get into competitive business schools, and you can absolutely trust him.

I had the exciting privilege of working with Ryan directly (not his team) on my MBA applications this past year, and I can truly say he made a world of difference. He pushes hard, but his questions are SO thought provoking: He forced me to think of stories and examples to use in my essays that I otherwise never would've thought of, and he was equipped with a wealth of knowledge around how to structure an essay to be attractive to an MBA Admissions Committee, how to appeal to individual programs based on what they look for in applicants (he knows all the top programs inside and out), and what it really means and looks like to "brand yourself" to stand apart from other applicants. I could just feel my confidence and optimism rising as soon as I started working with him, and he delivered: I got into HBS, Kellogg, and Tuck (3 of the 4 schools we worked on together - I was dinged at Wharton after an interview). Ryan was just awesome to work with - he's serious about what he does, and really blunt in his delivery, but he's not too formal: He tries to make the process as fun as possible (as he always said, "If you're enjoying the process and communicating with optimism and excitement your application will be that much better!") and when needed, he knew how to coach me to manage my stress and worries. I consider myself so lucky to have found him!

I worked with Ryan's team three years ago and was really happy with the experience. They helped me with my applications to four schools, and I'm happy to report that I was accepted to two of them! I knew I was a bit of a tough case: I had a 670 on the GMAT (after 4 attempts) and my GPA was "average at best" for the most competitive programs (3.37) but I was able to secure admission to NYU Stern (who also gave me scholarship money - yay!), and UCLA Anderson. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get into HBS or Booth (Booth did interview me, though), hence the 4 stars rather than 5 on this review, but I also don't think I would've been nearly as successful as I was without the help of Ryan and his team. I graduated from NYU this past year, and still look back on my experience working with Ryan and his team as a fantastic decision. My career has certainly reached new heights, thanks to them (and of course, thanks to NYU Stern and their fabulous faculty and alumni network!). As I talk to people in my network who are applying to business school now, I remember how stressful that process can be but also remember how at ease I felt going through the process, knowing I had Ryan and his team by my side and there to support me. They really make you feel like "Priority #1" and don't hesitate to do whatever they need to to make you feel comfortable, supported, and on track. At one point, as I neared the deadlines for my target schools, I was talking to my consultant almost twice a day for about a full week - but I was never made to feel guilty that I was asking for too much. Questions were always welcomed, and it really felt 100% collaborative. My advice to any prospective MBA candidate applying to top schools: Go for it! You never know what can happen, and don't under-estimate your potential! And of course, I recommend Ryan and his team! They're smaller than other consulting shops out there, but they're every bit as credible and supportive. You won't be sorry hiring them to help you!