Ryan Barba ConsultingReviews of ryanbarba.com

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'm so glad I found this page! I've been looking for an avenue to brag about Ryan for years! I worked with Ryan 5 years ago on my MBA applications, and he changed my life! I'm now a alum of Stanford GSB - where I had a great experience - and I'll always look back at my experience working with Ryan as life-changing, exciting, and enjoyable. He was extremely knowledgeable, provided intelligent pushback in just the right ways, and made the application process very efficient. I was very successful working with him - 4 acceptances to top programs! - and I have no doubt that that success was largely thanks to his help. Ryan will push you to do better and be better. He'll challenge you. And he'll make your application shine. If I could give him 6 stars, I would!

I worked with Ryan three years ago and still look back and say, "Wow, what a great decision!" Not only did Ryan help me get into MIT Sloan with a substantial scholarship (which is where I ended up going), but also earned acceptance to Kellogg, Columbia Business School, and NYU Stern. I was extremely satisfied with Ryan's services and how attentive he was, and am ETERNALLY GRATEFUL for what he's done for me and my career. Ryan and I keep in touch, and he's remained a mentor to me throughout, and now after, business school. He's just simply a good guy, and has your best interest at heart.

I had the BEST experience with Ryan Barba Consulting! I really felt like a had partner throughout the application process who was championing my cause. My consultant was always willing to go above and beyond to give me the answers I needed, invest the time necessary to do a GREAT, thorough job editing my application materials, and make me feel 100% supported. I was really nervous that I'd be able to get into any top schools given my sub-700 GMAT score and the fact that I didn't work for a big-name company, but RBC helped me craft compelling essays that not only showed portrayed me in the best possible light but that also (in the optional essays) perfectly explained away my weaknesses thoroughly and convincingly. I got into Chicago Booth, Kellogg and McCombs with their help! Getting that phone call from Kellogg, my dream school, is a moment I'll always remember. I called my consultant immediately (after calling my parents) and it just felt like we had accomplished this amazing goal together, and that she was as excited as I was. I'll always remember that moment! Thanks so much RBC!!!!