Los Angeles MBA & Graduate Admissions Consulting
Based in West Los Angeles/Culver City, I work with MBA applicants in Greater LA, Southern California, and across the U.S., in-person or remotely.
I take a straightforward, collaborative approach to MBA admissions consulting - strategic, candid, empathetic, and grounded in your real story, always. I work with clients to clarify goals, sharpen materials, and stay sane during a high-stakes process.
Drawing from my experience as a full-time MBA admissions committee member, I have a strong understanding of the perspectives and priorities held by those evaluating your candidacy. And as a SoCal-based practitioner, I’m deeply familiar with Full-time MBA, Part-time MBA (FEMBA), and Executive MBA (EMBA) programs in the region and maintain professional ties to UCLA Anderson, USC Marshall, University of San Diego, and others. A native east coaster, I’m happy to help clients whose sights are set locally or on other top programs across the U.S.
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From me, you can expect a competent, relatable, and responsive coach, who approaches this work with a sense of humility, levity, and drive to help others succeed.
I also take seriously the job of helping clients manage the stress and anxiety that comes along with the application process and remain attuned to the fact that this work is a marathon, not a sprint.
My goal is for each client to feel confident about their application by the time they push the “submit” button - and as an added bonus, they usually also learn more about themselves in the process.
Having moved from one coast to the other, I understand the major differences between East Coast and West Coast living, and am more than happy to talk California-based clients through considerations that come with moving out of the region.
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I started my career in the higher education space, spending 6 years in undergraduate and MBA admissions roles at New York University, including at the Stern School of Business. Sitting on admissions committees, I evaluated, interviewed, and rendered admissions decisions for thousands of candidates from diverse walks of life and represented NYU throughout the continental US, China, India, the UAE, and the UK. I also helped launch, position, market, and recruit for various new programs, including 1-year MBAs in Tech and Fashion & Luxury, degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, and undergraduate programs in Global Public Health and Real Estate.
I also hold an MBA with Strategy and Marketing specializations from the Stern School of Business. Please see the “About Me” section for my full credentials.
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My clients have been admitted to top graduate programs, including:
Los Angeles:
- UCLA Anderson (Full-time, FEMBA, EMBA)
- USC Marshall (Full-time, MBAPM, EMBA)
- Michigan Ross (Full-time and LA-based EMBA program)Other:
University of Pennsylvania Wharton, University of Chicago Booth, Harvard Business School, Northwestern University Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Columbia Business School, Yale School of Management, Berkeley Haas, Dartmouth Tuck, NYU Stern, Duke Fuqua, UVA Darden, UT McCombs, Harvard Kennedy School, and more. -
I have a particular interest in working with LGBTQ applicants and also enjoy working with underrepresented groups and those who consider themselves to be nontraditional applicants.
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The AI landscape is evolving every day, and I am paying attention. I encourage my clients to judiciously use AI tools where appropriate, ethical, and additive.
Services Offered
I work with MBA and other advanced degree applicants on the following and more:
Pre-application counseling & ROI assessment
Is grad school right for me, and is now the right time?
Determining the right Program/Format
What are the benefits of getting a Full-time MBA vs. Part-time MBA vs. Executive MBA (vs. no MBA!)?
Recommendation Support
Recommenders must write their own recommendations. I assist with recommender selection and ensuring that recommenders are well-prepared to vouch for you!
Career Goal Development
This is the bedrock of any MBA application. Successful applicants have career aspirations that they believe in. I’ll help you gain clarity and conviction.
school selection Guidance
Personal narrative Development
Resume development & review
Essay development & review
Interview prep
Waitlist Management
Pre-Matriculation Support
Application-related Stress Management
Testimonials
get in touch!
Book a call to grab time directly - or drop me a message if you’d prefer. I’ll follow up promptly!
Oren Margolis
oren@pinetreepalm.com
310-893-0959
Los Angeles, CA