MBA Crystal Ball

I worked with Manish Gupta during my application process last year. When I was starting out, I thought I was well prepared with my stories and had a fair idea of what I wanted to write. But I also felt professional help would be helpful in tying the application in a neat bow before I hit 'Submit'.

When I first contacted MBA Crystal Ball, I spoke with Sameer. He not only gave me great advise on application process and life in b-school in general but also took the time to get into details. I realized some of my stories were not as thought through as I had thought. The more he got into details, the clearer it became that I could not go ahead with the process without Crystal Ball's help. I was just not prepared to attack essays.

Sameer then put me in touch with Manish. And right from the start, Manish was very insightful, patient, professional and was ready to work with me on the tight deadlines I was aiming to meet. I really appreciated that he was very upfront about the expectations and how the plan would work time-wise. So he helped me not only with the actual pieces of application but also helped me plan each application and think about them holistically.

Manish is excellent at cutting through all the words and bring forth what is most important. The brainstorming sessions I had with him, went a step further and he was able to help me dig into professional experiences to pinpoint data that was essential for essay but I had overlooked. For personality questions, the brainstorming sessions made me introspect and make the essays more personal.

Manish was very accommodating with respect to customizing packages to what I as an unique applicant needed from the process. He took the time to respond to all my questions and was always reachable. I never felt time difference was hampering my speed. I always had the answers to plow ahead.

It would have been a disaster, had I gone ahead without Manish's help. I give him all the credit for the successful application process I have had. What I got out of this was certainly exceeded my expectations and I would certainly recommend the service to anyone who is even thinking about an MBA.

Profile Builder

I used the mba profile builder product, which to my mind is the perfect product for anyone planning an MBA 1 or 2 years later. Unlike the MBA MAP which evaluates your profile as it stands today, the profiles builder gives a view into the future as to how a b-school would perceive your profile whenever you plan to apply.

I was contemplating a move to a completely different industry to a different function and was in a dilemma as this was a risky career move. I was unsure of how this move would impact my future mba aspirations. My initial reason for signing up for the profile builder was mainly to resolve this dilemma. My discussions with MG not only resolved this dilemma, but also gave me much more. I was provided with an action plan and a list of items I needed to work on in the next few years to improve my chances in the top global be schools. This covered all aspects right from gmat, to extra curriculars and professional experience. More importantly the discussion didn't just cover getting into an mba program , but also provided career options after the MBA.

All in all I had a fantastic experience using the profile builder package and would recommend it anyone planning for a future MBA.

With the application season for the fall 2016 intakes still at a nascent stage and the school selection dilemma ringing in my head, I got in touch with folks at MCB and availed the MAP process.

The inputs, in the form of the mini essays triggered the introspection process for me and I synced up with MG where he probed me on the different aspects of my mock application. Post this conversation, I did some follow-up work for my goal story before the final wrap up call. Honestly, the whole experience couldn't be more insightful. While the MAP report serves well as a starting point to identify the schools, I was quite impressed with the way the two processes (the application and the schools) were married to get to the starting point that I was looking for. The best part about the experience was the honest nature of conversations. The feedback that I received was candid and no unreal carrots were shown just for the sake of selling additional services. I would really recommend availing this process rather than blindly following the conventional approach of shortlisting schools based on their rankings. It would help optimize the application effort plus it might help save some application money that could be put to better use.

A key point to bear in mind is the aspirants inputs for the report need to be authentic. Else, he/she would be wasting his/her time and parting away with INR 25K for an unrealistic outcome.

I got in touch with Sameer well in advance to get a head-start for my applications and in retrospect that was the right move. I got an early diagnosis for all the things that could go wrong with my application, all thanks to Ankur. He was really helpful and at each point he gave a very straight forward feedback. That was exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. I am much better prepared now to face the application season head-on. I would definitely recommend MBAMAP to anyone who wants to get candid advice and have a well defined and streamlined approach for the application season!

I contacted MBA crystal ball because I was facing a very difficult situation at work - I was going through a sort of career crisis. Sameer and Manish' prompt response relieved much of my anxiety. After signing up for their MAP program and getting on the call with Manish, he helped me see the situation I was in as it was, and not worst than it was. Post my first call, he closely monitored my situation, providing clear guidance at each step.

All in all, seeking his counsel was well worth the money. He has encouraged me to approach and ask him questions any time.

I have undergone the MBA MAP process that is conducted by MBA Crystall Ball and would like to share my experience.

During the first phase of the process, MG shared a questionnaire with me. The questionnaire required me to fill in the key details about my profile and develop mini-essay type answers for common B-school application questions. Among other things, this exercise served as a useful preview of the kind of work I would have to do on my applications post-GMAT and, to be honest, it was tough work. The mini-essays helped me develop my initial overall application strategy; I worked on them for a few days, taking my time to deliberate upon my goals and career objectives. When I was satisfied with my work, I submitted the questionnaire and awaited my appointment with MG to undergo a mock stress interview.

I began the mock interview in an optimistic state of mind, having been through several of them in my academic and professional career. During the mock interview I was asked perfectly rational questions by MG regarding my answers to the mini-essay questions. However, I was not only unable to deliver convincing responses but also began to realise, mid way through the discussion, that I needed to rethink how and what I was going to convey to various admissions committees in the future. One day after my mock interview, I received feedback on how to improve as well as a comprehensive list of schools with my realistic chances of getting admitted mentioned along side.

I took a gap of around 3 weeks after my first discussion to rework my application strategy as well as to prepare for my 2nd GMAT. MG was very accommodating with my scheduling requirements (I work full-time) and agreed to speak to me when I was ready for the second round of discussions. In this gap period, I thought long and hard about what I was looking to get out of my life and career and why I really wanted to do an MBA. The deliberation that resulted from the probing questions asked by MG helped me to develop a cogent application strategy, which I am going to further refine and use in my actual applications. I wrapped up my second discussion with inputs from MG regarding the schools that I should target for admission, keeping in mind the strengths of my candidature as well as my aspirational and professional requirements.

In interacting with MG, one immediately realises that he is an experienced professional. The greatest benefit of working with him is that his methods are sure to make anyone do a double-take on what they have taken for granted till date. Even if you revert to your original plans, it will not be without considering compelling alternatives. Either way, one is certain to come out of the MAP process as a more informed and more confident B-school applicant and I can vouch for this without hesitation.

(Thank you for your thoroughly professional and intellectually honest work MG, I really appreciate it!)

I just got done with my MBA Profile Builder with MG and I am incredibly happy that I did go with MBA Crystal Ball.

I have always wanted to know where I stand or will versus the applicant pool and what parts of my profile would need to be addressed BEFORE I apply.

The best part about the profile builder package was that it allows you time to take corrective action. I am so glad that I could run some very important career decisions by MG before I made them. Seriously, you have no idea what time and sound advice can do for you.

MG was kind enough to go over some inherent weaknesses in my profile and gave me some great suggestions to address them.

MG's prior work experience has also helped understand a diverse range of backgrounds, so he really can help you move in the right direction even if you think you're in a field that is very different from his. I was pleasantly surprised when I found that my list of '20 questions' were answered in the wrap call, without me having to ask more than 5. He'll also advise you on what is the ideal time to apply. Hopefully, I'll be really prepared in 3 years' time.

Thank you so much MG. It's been really wonderful working with you.

P. S. Their professionalism is truly outstanding. You'll get a sign up sheet that will list out the terms of agreement and what exactly the package entails, before you proceed. They'll never market their other products to you, which I can vouch is the mark of a true professional. Thanks again!

MBA MAP

Doing research online, I would end up on the MBA crystal ball website a lot and I got lots of useful information. It's a great site and really has a wealth of wisdom across it. I then read Sameer's book, "Beyond the MBA Hype" which again I found very informative and relevant for someone embarking on this journey. I was not on the lookout for a consultant to work with on my MBA applications but I saw many positive testimonials about MBA crystal ball online and I decided to contact them.

I realized that they will not work with just anyone, and really want to understand your career choice as a whole rather than just selling you a service. This is the best thing about their approach. You know that you will get a frank opinion and you can really strengthen your application. I interacted with MG for the MAP and he's really good at what he does. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and speaking to him feels like talking to a friend. After the process I feel more confident about my application. When I actually do submit my applications it won't feel like a first. Basically, I got great match practice and great advice before the final match!

Dear Sameer and MG,

I am writing this to convey my sincere thanks to you.

With my GMAT score I could crack SPJAIN and XLRI. Got interview call from IIM-C, but could not convert.

Finally I am in XLRI GMP program. We are in the middle of term-II.

Sameer you, and MG helped me a lot with various information. It is really a journey Kolkata-Japan-XLRI. My 1 yr slog in Japan gave me the money I needed, and I had the advantage of attending no GD. PI was telephonic.

I wanted to write this long ago, but today could finally get it done. Thank you for everything.

Regards,
Bappaditya