Ryan Barba is an independent MBA admissions advisor who worked in MBA Admissions offices for four years and who has been supporting candidates applying to top business schools for more than 13 years. Ryan has helped hundreds of candidates from more than 30 countries earn acceptances to top-15 MBA programs and has particular expertise in M7 MBA programs. Ryan prides himself on providing a "white glove service" and takes on a small number of clients each year, to ensure a very high level of accessibility, attention, and admissions success. He works with both "traditional" and "non-traditional" candidates and enjoys the challenge of working with driven candidates who have weaknesses in their profile - such as lower-than-ideal test scores or college GPAs - but who still want to aim for top-tier programs.
Ryan Barba Consulting (ryanbarba.com) has 93 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Also known as
ryanbarba.com
Website
ryanbarba.com
Category
Education Services
Location
Los Angeles, California
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
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Most recent review: October 2026.
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I had such a great experience working with Ryan's team. They were so supportive and helpful every step of the way and are really true experts in the field of business school admissions. I love their strategy of making sure that every consultant only takes on a few clients at once to ensure that clients are treated like gold. Phenomenal experience, phenomenal results. I was accepted to both schools they helped me with. Looking forward to attending Booth next year!
JD
Jenn D.
Exceptional in every way!
I had a great experience working with Ryan. He thoroughly guided me through the entire MBA process and helped keep me sane and confident every step of the way.
He first had me fill out a detailed "intake form" which was pretty holistic - it made me think through elements of my candidacy and background that I really hadn't thought through before. We reviewed this in really strong depth, and worked together over several phone calls and emails to develop my "brand strategy" - basically, my clear messaging for how I'd distinguish myself from other applicants. This process was super in depth and really strategic. He had a specific structure he followed, which he shared with me, and it was really clever and insightful. I really loved how we decided to "brand" me and it really helped as I was working to craft my essays later.
From there, we worked really in-depth on all of my applications. Ryan was extremely thorough and detailed in helping to edit my resume, essays, and even short essay prompts within each application. We worked on 4 applications together and was SO HAPPY with how they turned out - far better than I believe I could've done myself. They were works of art!
Then, Ryan coached me really hard on my interview skills - skills I'm sure I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. As he was on my essays, he was very direct and forthcoming in his feedback, but he made it so clear how to bring my interview skills to that next level. And when I stepped into my HBS interview (the first interview I had) I felt so confident and prepared. He really gave me all the confidence in the world to really nail it.
And I did! Not only did I get into HBS, but I earned acceptances to 3 of the 4 programs I applied to with Ryan's help (HBS, MIT Sloan, and Haas). Looking back, I couldn't be happier with the level and quality of support I got from Ryan. He's a true rockstar as a coach and mentor, and really understands the MBA Admissions process. He also clearly has a passion for this work. It was truly enjoyable working with him and I can't thank him enough!
SM
Steve M.
No question... work with Ryan!
Ryan is the man. Super fun to work with, hilarious, and kept me relaxed the whole way. Admitted to Wharton, Columbia Business School and Stern. Aces all the way!
MS
Marissa S.
Outstanding in every way! Acceptances to MIT, Kellogg, and NYU Stern!
I'm so thankful that I hired Ryan Barba's team to help me with my MBA applications! They were so helpful in getting me clear on where to apply, how to position myself to my target schools, and to address my "weaknesses" (low GPA, 6-month work gap) in my applications. They made me feel so much more confident and comfortable throughout every aspect of the process and made the process of applying to business school so much smoother. I worked with them on 4 applications, and despite my 3.1 GPA I got accepted to MIT Sloan, Kellogg, and NYU Stern. I fully recommend them - the best decision I made in my application process was hiring this amazing team! :)
LU
Lauren U.
Accepted to MIT Sloan, Haas, and Cornell
I'll be honest. I was initially hesitant about signing up with Ryan Barba Consulting. I didn't have a great GMAT score and my GPA was average, at best (by the standards of top MBA programs). I initially signed a 1-school package to give them a "test drive", but once I experienced how diligent, thoughtful, and attentive they are, I had complete trust in their services. I ended up working with them on 4 schools, and earned acceptance to my dream MBA program - MIT Sloan - along with Berkeley Haas and Cornell with a $25K/year scholarship. I'm starting school at MIT Sloan this fall!
The MBA admissions process is a TON of work, but having Ryan and his team as my partner throughout the process made it 10x easier. I have zero doubt that they helped me earn acceptance letters that I otherwise would not have gotten, and I'm so thankful to them for all they did for me and my career. You won't regret working with them!
NH
Nalneesh H.
Well worth it, even if you have doubts about your candidacy. Trust them!
Fantastic company. I went into the MBA Admissions process with a lot of hesitation because of my 670 GMAT score and what I thought was a pretty unexciting personal background, doubting I'd ever get accepted to a top-tier school. I really didn't think there was much I could say to make myself stand apart enough to overcome my GMAT. Ryan and his team gave me back my confidence and helped me set realistic goals in terms of school selection, then helped me create fantastic quality applications that I know I couldn't have created on my own. They helped me with 5 applications and I got admitted to 3 schools - Wharton, Stern, and Duke! They gave me so much clarity and confidence throughout the process.
This company isn't as large as the other "big" consulting firms, but I think that's a good thing. They really take care of you and make sure you get all the attention you need. They also work really collaboratvely - While I did have a day-to-day personal advisor, I was also able to have other members of the team chime in when I asked for it. So, you have one person who's helping you throughout the process, but the support of the entire team! It really works well. I highly, highly recommend them!!!
NB
Nalina B.
Highly Recommend
Ryan Barba was extremely helpful in helping me apply for an MBA program and prepare for the interviews. I was recently admitted into Goizueta Business School and am extremely grateful for Ryan's help.
KJ
Keith J.
A++, Worth EVERY PENNY!
Ryan and his Team are truly amazing!
The level of knowledge, caring and expertise to help get you into a top rated MBA program is unmatched to others in his field. He takes the time to listen to your concerns and formulates a plan to tackle getting into an MBA school of your dreams.
If you want to take the next step in your career, Ryan is hands down the best I've ever found! Thank you Ryan for what you've done for me in my career!