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PHASE 3: BUILD YOUR STORY

 

Your Application Tells One Story—Across 3 Critical Documents

Your CV makes the first impression. Your essays reveal who you are and where you’re going. Your recommendations prove it’s real.

When all three align, admissions committees don’t just see a qualified candidate—they see a clear, credible path from your past impact to your post‑MBA future. We help you build that cohesive narrative, school by school.

Phase 3

Support for every step of the Application Process

Improve your score

GMAT Tutoring

Both group and one-on-one classes to improve your GMAT score. With a more relationship-based approach to teaching, we tailor our services to your specific needs.

Pick the right schools

School Selection

We understand the ideal student profile of top admissions committees, and we use this expertise to help you strategically select the most competitive and attainable programs for your skillset.

Write great essays

Essay Editing

We provide significant editorial feedback on your essays, empowering you to frame your professional narrative in an exciting way that will stand out.

 

 

Feel confident in interviews

Interview Preperation

After several rounds of our intensive mock-interview program, you will be prepared to answer difficult questions while also letting your personality shine.

Why This Matters

This isn't about "selling yourself." It's about clarity and credibility. The strongest applications feel inevitable: your accomplishments make sense, your goals are specific, and the MBA is the logical bridge—not a vague escape plan.

Clarity makes your story inevitable.

The strongest applications feel inevitable: your accomplishments make sense, your goals are specific, and the MBA is the logical bridge—not a vague escape plan.

Misalignment creates doubt.

Most candidates lose points because their materials don't match. A metrics-light CV, essays that tell a different story, and generic letters create doubt. Our job is to remove that doubt by aligning every document around the same central thesis: who you are, what you've proven, and why this school is the next step.

 

The Three Pillars of Your Application

Your CV

First impressions matter

Why it's critical

In 30 seconds, your CV shapes how an admissions reader interprets everything else. A strong MBA CV signals leadership, impact, and trajectory—not just responsibilities.

What makes an MBA CV different
  • Impact over tasks: concrete outcomes, not generic role descriptions
  • Leadership and growth: progression, initiative, influence
  • Goal alignment: your past supports your post-MBA direction
  • Differentiation: especially if your background looks "common" on paper
Our approach

We don't "polish" your resume. We extract measurable impact from what you already did.

"Managed a team of analysts" becomes "Led a team of 5 analysts to deliver $2M in cost savings, reducing cycle time by 30%."
What we do together
  • Identify the moments that actually move the needle in your career
  • Build metrics and proof points for each core contribution
  • Structure and format your CV to match MBA expectations and each school's priorities
  • Ensure your CV reinforces (and never contradicts) the essay narrative
Your Essays

Where your story comes to life

Why they're critical

Essays are where you become memorable. They show motivations, values, judgment, and direction—the "why" behind your choices.

What makes great essays
  • School-specific, not templated
  • Authentic voice and real stakes
  • Strategic framing of gaps
  • Consistency with CV and recommendations
Our approach
  • Build a reusable story bank
  • Map stories to each school's values
  • Adjust angle by program
  • Quality-control across the application
Your Letters of Recommendation

Validation that seals the deal

Why they're critical

Recommendations are third-party evidence. Generic letters quietly sink strong profiles; specific ones elevate them.

Our approach
  • Select the right witnesses
  • Brief with themes and proof points
  • Protect consistency
  • Cover gaps with credible validation

 

The Three Pillars Of Your Application

Your CV

First Impressions Matter

Why It's Critical

In 30 Seconds, Your CV Shapes How An Admissions Reader Interprets Everything Else. A Strong MBA CV Signals Leadership, Impact, And Trajectory—not Just Responsibilities.

What Makes An MBA CV Different
  • Impact Over Tasks: Concrete Outcomes, Not Generic Role Descriptions
  • Leadership And Growth: Progression, Initiative, Influence
  • Goal Alignment: Your Past Supports Your Post-MBA Direction
  • Differentiation: Especially If Your Background Looks "Common" On Paper
Our Approach: Metric-Building From Your Stories

We Don't "Polish" Your Resume. We Extract Measurable Impact From What You Already Did.

"Managed A Team Of Analysts" Becomes "Led A Team Of 5 Analysts To Deliver $2M In Cost Savings, Reducing Cycle Time By 30%."
What We Do Together
  • Identify The Moments That Actually Move The Needle In Your Career
  • Build Metrics And Proof Points For Each Core Contribution
  • Structure And Format Your CV To Match MBA Expectations And Each School's Priorities
  • Ensure Your CV Reinforces (And Never Contradicts) The Essay Narrative
Your Essays

Where Your Story Comes To Life

Why They're Critical

Essays Are Where You Become Memorable. They Show Motivations, Values, Judgment, And Direction—the "Why" Behind Your Choices And The Logic Behind Your Goals.

What Makes Great Essays
  • School-Specific: Written For That Program's Values, Not A Template
  • Authentic: Your Voice, Your Stakes, Your Real Motivations
  • Strategic: Your Background Becomes An Advantage, Even With Gaps
  • Consistent: Stories And Claims Match The CV And Recommendations
Our Approach: The Story Block System

Instead Of Reinventing Your Story For Every Prompt, We Build A Library Of Your Strongest Stories And Deploy Them Intentionally.

  • Build Your Story Bank (Personal, Leadership, Teamwork, Failure, Growth)
  • Match Stories To What Each School Rewards (Impact, Humility, Innovation, Global Perspective)
  • Adjust Angle And Emphasis By Program—Same Core Truth, Sharper Fit
  • Quality-Control For Consistency Across The Whole Application
What We Do Together
  • Choose The Right Stories For Each School And Question
  • Craft A Compelling Arc From Past → Present → Post-MBA Future
  • Refine Through Multiple Rounds Until Every Paragraph Earns Its Place
  • Align Essays With Your CV And What Recommenders Will Validate
Your Letters Of Recommendation

Validation That Seals The Deal

Why They're Critical

Your CV And Essays Are Self-Reported. Recommendations Are Third-Party Evidence. Generic Letters Can Quietly Sink A Strong Profile; Specific, Aligned Letters Elevate You From "Qualified" To "Must Admit."

What Makes Great Recommendations
  • Specific Examples Tied To Your Most Important CV Claims
  • Validation Of Your Narrative (Without Copying Your Essays)
  • Forward-Looking Confidence: Why You'll Win In The MBA And Beyond
  • Complementary Strengths: Qualities You Didn't Emphasize Elsewhere
Our Approach: Strategic Alignment

We Help You Choose The Right Recommenders And Make It Easy For Them To Write Strong Letters.

  • Select Strategically: Not The Most Senior Person—the Best-Positioned Witness To Your Leadership And Growth
  • Brief Clearly: Context, Themes, And Proof Points That Match Your Narrative
  • Protect Consistency: No Accidental Contradictions Across Documents
  • Cover Gaps: Recommenders Can Validate Potential Where You Have Less Formal Proof

 

Proof

Case studies

CASE STUDY 1

The Consultant Who Stood Out

Profile: MBB consultant, Mexico City (GMAT 631)

Work: CV metrics + essays positioned her as a cross-cultural bridge-builder; recommenders validated it

Outcome: Kellogg admit + $60K scholarship

CASE STUDY 2

The Career Switcher Who Made the Pivot Believable

Profile: Finance → Tech pivot, Colombia (GMAT 612)

Work: Transferable-skill CV + "bridge story" essays; recommenders confirmed learning velocity and entrepreneurial mindset

Outcome: Stanford GSB admit

CASE STUDY 3

The Underdog Who Became Undeniable

Profile: GMAT 585, non-elite company, 5+ years ops experience, Argentina

Work: Operational depth with hard metrics + essays reframed her background as rare; recommenders emphasized resilience and leadership without authority

Outcome: INSEAD, IE, Cambridge Judge admits—chose INSEAD

 

Invest in your
MBA future
Make your MBA application process clearer,
stronger, and faster — and apply your full
investment toward The Merchant Partnership.

Continue with us to turn your initial investment
into significant savings for your MBA journey.
INVESTMENT
Standalone Module: $X,XXX
  • CV development
  • Essay coaching for all target schools
  • LOR strategy + briefing documents
  • Email support throughout
 
Or included in the comprehensive package
Prefer full admissions support? This module can be included as part of our end-to-end package.
Services & Pricing
 
Book a Free Strategy Call

 

FAQ
Do you write the essays for me?
No. You bring the raw material—your experiences, voice, and beliefs. We coach, shape, and refine. We don't ghostwrite.
How many revision rounds do I get?
Typically 3–5 rounds per essay, depending on the school and complexity, until the draft is ready to submit.
What if I don't have a "unique" story?
Most high performers feel this way. Differentiation comes from angles, values, and specificity—not drama. We help you find what's already distinctive and make it undeniable.
Do my CV and essays need to say the same things?
They need to align, not repeat. The CV proves impact. Essays give meaning and direction. Recommendations validate both.
What if I have gaps or weaknesses?
We address them strategically—context when needed, stronger positioning elsewhere, and recommendation support where appropriate.

 

Ready to build your story?
45-minute consultation to discuss your background and application strategy
Book Your Free Strategy Call Download: The MBA Application Story Framework
Free guide on how to align your CV, essays, and letters of recommendation

 

Why Merchant?

What Makes Us Different

We go beyond the application to prepare you for the career that follows. Our approach is designed for depth, not just editing.

Life Vision—Not Just Rankings

Most start by asking "Which MBA?". We start by asking "What kind of life do you want?". Then we work backward to map the career path that gets you there.

Proven, Structured Process

Our 4-step method takes you from confusion to clarity: Strategy & Vision → School Selection → Story → Interviews & Scholarships.

Identity Work—Not Just Editing

Before writing a single word, we help you understand who you are. Your values, strengths, and defining moments become the foundation of your application.

Partner Before, During & After

We don't disappear when you get accepted. You join a community of 450+ alumni building careers globally—and that network becomes yours.

 

WHY MERCHANT

What Makes Us Different?

We go beyond the application to prepare you for the career that follows.

We Start with Your Life Vision—Not MBA Rankings

Most people start by asking "Which MBA?" We start by asking "What kind of life do you want in 10 years?" Then we work backward to map the career path, post-MBA goals, and program that will actually get you there. When you're clear on where you're going, everything else becomes easier.

We Use a Proven, Structured Process

Our 4-step method takes you from confusion to clarity: → Strategy & Vision: Define your goals and build your story → School Selection & Research: Find programs that align with your vision → Story, CV & Recommendations: Create a compelling, cohesive narrative → Interviews & Scholarships: Win the offer and maximize funding

We Do Identity Work—Not Just Essay Editing

Before we write a single word, we help you understand who you are: your values, your strengths, the moments that shaped you, and what makes you different. That self-awareness becomes the foundation of your entire application—and it's what admissions committees are really looking for.

We're Your Partner—Before, During, and After Admission

We don't disappear when you get your acceptance letter. We help you prepare for the MBA experience, navigate recruiting, and make career decisions years after you graduate. You join a community of 450+ alumni building careers across the world—and that network becomes yours.

Who We Work With

Three profiles that capture 90% of our clients.

THE ACHIEVING STRATEGIST

CONSULTANTS, FINANCE, TECH

Seeking leadership roles
Data-driven mindset
Proven track record

 

THE TRANSFORMATION

Elevates impact to scale for executive-level influence.

THE CAREER SWITCHER 

OPS, MARKETING, HR, NGOS

Leveraging transferable skills
Reinventing professional identity
Navigating new industries

 

THE TRANSFORMATION

Builds confidence and clarity to launch a new professional path.

HIGH-POTENTIAL UNDERDOG 

NONTRADITIONAL BACKGROUND

Diverse perspectives
Resilience and grit
Untapped potential

 

THE TRANSFORMATION

Unlocks opportunities and defies expectations for rapid growth.

We Don't Let You Do This Alone

Structure, accountability, and partnership through every step—from your first callto life after graduation.

What truly sets Merchant apart is the level of structure, accountability, and support. Even when I felt stuck or wanted to give up, I knew someone was looking out for me, pushing me forward with a clear plan.

Chicago Booth

Jorge V. 🇲🇽

Booth MBA '26

Going through the MBA process with Merchant forced me to slow down and ask myself the right questions about my story, my values, and what I really want long-term. It wasn’t just about getting into an M7—it gave me a clearer framework for decisions I’ll be making for the rest of my career.

HBS LOGO

Santiago G. 🇲🇽

Harvard MBA '26

I had plenty of accomplishments but no real narrative. Merchant’s Strategy & Career Vision framework helped me connect the dots so clearly that every part of my application felt aligned—essays, interviews, and ultimately my decisions. When the results came in and every school I applied to said yes, I didn’t just feel admitted to Harvard; I felt like I finally understood why I belonged there.

HBS LOGO

Emilio D. 🇲🇽

Harvard MBA '27

Merchant wasn’t just an admissions service—they were there at every step, challenging me, supporting me, and helping me think beyond the application. By the time I chose between Kellogg and MIT, I wasn’t just picking a school; I was making a well-grounded decision about my life and career.

Kellogg School of Management

Mark L. 🇦🇷

Kellogg MBA '25

    From Latin America to the World's Best Programs

    We've helped our clients earn admission to the most selective programs on the planet.

    European Leadership

    • London Business School
    • INSEAD
    • IESE Business School
    • HEC Paris
    • IE Business School
    • Oxford Saïd
    • Cambridge Judge
    • IMD
    • ESADE
    • SDA
    • Bocconi

     

     U.S. Strategic Excellence

    • Harvard Business School
    • MIT Sloan
    • Wharton
    • Columbia
    • Yale SOM
    • Tuck
    • NYU Stern
    • Cornell Johnson
    • Chicago Booth
    • Kellogg
    • Michigan Ross
    • Carnegie Mellon Tepper
    • Duke Fuqua
    • UVA Darden
    • UNC Kenan-Flagler
    • UT Austin McCombs 
    • Rice Jones
    • Stanford GSB
    • Berkeley Haas
    • UCLA Anderson
    Our alumni don't just attend these schools—they're building careers and lives in the cities that matter to them. This is the Merchant community. When you work with us, this network becomes yours.

    Not Sure Where to Start?

    In 45 minutes, we'll help you get clarity on your vision, your goals, and whether the MBA is the right next step. 

    No sales pitch. No pressure. Just honest guidance from someone who's been there.