I like to hold myself accountable with coaching – it's still something I'm not perfect at, and a field where I feel like I can constantly do better.
I do the vast majority of my coaching through Leland because they're best-in-class. Any success I've had is as much due to their team as the work I put in.
MBAs aren't an end in themselves, and there's some rightful eye-rolling at the way some people spend their time even at the most competitive schools in the country. I really do get it.
But an MBA – done right – can also be a major launching pad for your life and career. And, given no one from my hometown went to any of these top programs, it can be pretty cool to help dozens of people get into schools like my alma mater Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School, and dozens of top programs the world over.
In total, I helped 30 people in 2024 get into 50 total schools (~1.7 schools / admit) – I'm open about the fact that not everyone got in, and I learned as much from those I worked with who fell short as I did those who were ultimately successful.
But I've also seen what a well-run process can do, and when you're working with admissions rates like 6% (GSB), 11% (HBS), and more – it's impossible to expect everyone you work with, no matter how much you're pulling for them, to make it through.
But we're also crushing it relative to those admissions rates – and with all the caveats that go into statistics like this, I think it's worth highlighting a few reasons I'm pretty happy with these numbers:
- I don't filter based on background – not school, not gpa, not gre/gmat scores, not undergrad, not work experience – I get more out of working with people who don't already have it made.
- Some people only work with me on 1, 2, or 3 schools, so it's awesome to see that # schools / admit number approaching 2 (this past cycle, I also had a few folks get into 3+, one even got into 6 programs including HBS)
- I really push people on essay writing, being thoughtful about their recommenders, and maximizing every part of the app within their control – that's how you win from a content-perspective – something's not done until it's great.
- Starting early is the #1 predicator of success – It's so simple, but it's so true. Last-minute applications are the least likely to make it through. It's a reps and effort game as much as anything.
Last thing – I think coaches and people in analogous fields should put their numbers out there more. That's part of why I'm writing this up on a friday. It's important we push ourselves and not feel uncomfortable with being imperfect. The best baseball players on the planet look stupid 7/10 times.
It's been an exciting week with all the admissions, but outcomes are just the product of extended dedication.
Next, check out other articles written by Ben:
