Ryan Barba ConsultingReviews of ryanbarba.com

With 6 only weeks to go before the Round 5 Admissions deadline at USC, I decided to work with Ryan (directly, not his team) to help primarily with positioning strategy and resume and essay editing. With a non traditional professional background, lower than average GPA for USC admissions (3.1), no GMAT score to prove my candidacy (requirement waived at USC for 2020 year), and applying so late in the decision cycle, I knew getting in would be a challenge. However, Ryan's knowledge in the MBA admissions process, ability to develop a convincing personal branding strategy, and superior editing skills gave my application "an edge" and I was accepted into the Part Time Program at USC with a scholarship! I also applied to the Full Time Program, and was not accepted (why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5). I preferred to attend the Part Time Program, and was so surprised by the scholarship offer, so it really was a win in the end! I'd also like to mention that Ryan is incredibly smart, kind, and works hard for his clients. I really could not have done this without him, and cannot thank or recommend him enough!

I knew from our first conversation that Ryan was the consultant that I wanted to work with, while I was doing my due diligence and setting up consultations with several different admissions consultants/firms. His depth of knowledge of the MBA admissions process (many years of experience as a consultant and previous experience working in MBA admissions offices) and conviction in his ability to help me get to where I wanted to go immediately set him apart. Furthermore, I was happy to hear that he chooses to only work with several applicants at a time (in contrast to consultants at large firms that work with dozens of clients at a time). Ryan was excellent at helping me identify my differentiating factors amongst a crowded pool of applicants. I was initially nervous about my standing as an applicant, as someone who had gone through several career switches and was hoping to make another one post-MBA, but Ryan helped calm my fears as he helped me tell my story in a compelling way that would stand out to Admissions Committees. Ryan was extremely organized throughout our process of working together, and I was impressed by his quick turnaround time in getting back to me during the essay review process. The MBA application process can be nerve-wracking, energy-draining, and ultimately take a toll on your sanity, but with Ryan's guidance, I always felt like I knew what to expect and where I stood, and achieved a peace of mind that would not have been possible had I taken on this journey alone. Ultimately, I was accepted to several of my dream programs, with scholarship money to boot! Ryan, I cannot thank you enough for your guidance and knowledge throughout this journey! Acceptances: NYU Stern (Tech MBA) (with scholarship) Johnson Cornell (Tech MBA) (with scholarship) UCLA Anderson **Berkeley Haas (waitlist)

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!

I had a great experience with Ryan Barba Consulting. I knew that as a male, Indian candidate that I was facing an uphill challenge, especially given that my GMAT was a 700 and I was aiming high, but I felt fully supported going through the admissions process. I used RBC for 4 schools, and got into 2 of them: Kellogg and NYU Stern (dinged at MIT and Booth, although I did get interviewed at Booth). I was a little disappointed I didn't get into Booth, especially since I was so close, but Ryan's team did all they could to prepare me well. And hey - I got into 2 of the 3 schools I got interviewed for! The only other thing I would say is an improvement opportunity is that it took a few days for them to get going. I signed up for their services on a Sunday and we didn't kick off until that Thursday, after they'd had time to review my materials in detail and find a mutually-beneficial time to hold our first call. Since I was under a time crunch, this caused me a bit of stress. But once we got rolling, my consultant was fully responsive: Same-day responses to emails, highly available for calls whenever I needed them (including on weekends) and super-fast edits to my materials. All-in-all, I had a great experience and highly recommend Ryan and his highly-skilled team of experts on MBA admissions.

I talked to a lot of other MBA consultants before coming across Ryan, and I'm really glad I made the decision to work with this great company. They were extremely professional and did a great job of preparing me for the entire application process and guiding me every step of the way. I was nervous going into the process, especially because my college GPA wasn't the best and I had limited community service work experience, but my consultant really helped me feel comfortable and kept me optimistic all the way through. He was also always quick to respond and really knew a lot about what each school looks for / how to demonstrate your "fit" for each program. His edits were always spot on and thoughtful, and he really encouraged me to dig deeper as we were developing my "brand" and crafting essay content. He was also really strategic as we came up with our plan to address the weaknesses in my candidacy. I was proud of the applications we completed together, and actually enjoyed the application process (I never thought I'd say that!). I used Ryan Barba Consulting to apply to 5 programs. I was admitted to 4 of them: Wharton, Chicago Booth, Tuck (with some scholarship money), and London Business School. I was interviewed at Stanford GSB but was ultimately waitlisted and didn't get in. So that's the reason for the 4 stars - I got into 4 of the 5 programs I applied to with their help, so they get 4 out of 5 stars. :) But really, zero to complain about here. Although I was disappointed that I didn't get into Stanford, I did come close with a pretty low GPA (by top MBA programs' standards), and I doubt I would've had nearly as much success as I did without their help. They really give you that A+ support and make you feel valued and supported every step of the way. And .. I'm really enjoying life at Wharton! Thank you so much, Ryan and team!