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Kate Richardson earned her MBA from the University of
Chicago’s Booth School of Business and has a BS in psychology from the
University of Illinois. After earning her MBA, Kate worked for several years in
management consulting at Axiom Consulting Partners, a boutique strategy
execution firm. Kate’s work at Axiom focused on ensuring that clients had the
right organization and talent in place to execute their business strategies. As
a principal with the firm, she also co-managed its recruiting program,
including hiring MBA interns, and mentored entry-level consultants. While at
Chicago Booth, Kate was actively involved in the Business Solutions Group and
the Dean’s Student Admissions Committee and was also an Admissions Fellow,
reading applications and conducting on-campus interviews. Kate has remained
involved in the Chicago Booth community since graduating by serving as
communications chair for the Booth Alumni Club of DC and as an alumni
admissions interviewer. Before attending business school, Kate worked in human
resources for Pepco Energy Services and KPMG. Kate brings a passion for identifying
and developing future business leaders to her work at mbaMission. Originally
from the Chicago area and having spent most of her professional career in
Washington, DC, Kate now lives in Columbia, South Carolina.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Kate Richardson
As a nontypical applicant (social science undergrad, career in nonprofits, gap in my work history) I recognized that I needed a consultant to partner with for the business school application process and my friends had recommended mbaMission. After exploring consultants online, I knew I wanted to work with Kate because of her experience and interest in working with those from nontraditional backgrounds, which proved to be invaluable. She helped me craft my personal story to cater to the unique aspects of each program, and identified key points to highlight my strengths and enable me to condense my essays to fit the strict word limits. Most importantly, she was the level-headed cheerleader I needed during this demanding process. She set realistic expectations, provided constructive criticism, celebrated achievements both big and small, and eased video essay and interview-related anxiety. Kate also worked with my three references (colleagues and mentors in the nonprofit sector who had never written business school recommendations) to ensure they successfully conveyed my potential as a future business leader. In the end, I was accepted to two out of the three M7s I applied to, including my first choice program. I doubt this would have been possible without Kate’s expert guidance. Applying to the top MBA programs can be a confusing and grueling process, so if you are wondering whether to hire Kate to support you, the answer is yes!
Product mbaMission Hourly Services
Consultant Kate Richardson
I worked with Kate during the 2021-22 application cycle. I started out the MBA application process largely unsure of where to start. Kate provided immensely valuable end-to-end guidance, including school selection given my stats and background, potential essay narratives based on my story, resume clean-up, essay review, and ultimately interview prep. Having an expert to provide direction along the way gave me the confidence I needed throughout the entire process!
My outcomes were extremely positive – I applied to 4 M7s, received 4/4 interview invites, and was ultimately accepted to Kellogg (my top choice) and CBS. I was thrilled to say the least and attribute so much of my success to Kate’s support! I can’t recommend Kate enough!
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Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Kate Richardson
Kate was a really helpful adviser to my application process. She has worked with so many applicants across so many applications and that experience really showed through my process. Her familiarity with all the schools I applied to helped me figure out the best way to tailor my story to each school. If she didn't immediate know the answer to my questions, she always followed up afterwards. Kate was always prepared for every brainstorming meeting and had the time to provide me feedback by the deadlines she promised or to discuss comments via Zoom. Her deep experience also showed during our mock interviews. Practicing with someone who knows the types of questions that are often asked by every school is critical. Kate always gave constructive feedback and I felt better prepared for my real interviews after every session. Work with Kate if you want someone who is deeply experienced and cares to see you succeed! I'm now Wharton bound with her help!
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Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Kate Richardson
I remember telling Kate near the middle of my MBA application process that "I really don't think I'm remarkable" only for Kate to respond quickly that "Everyone is remarkable in their own way!" Kate never wavered in her support for me, even when I was feeling a bit burnt out from GMAT, work and essay writing. It was her affirming notes and willingness to help me at every step of the process that made all the difference for me.
Beyond her thoughtfulness, Kate made sure that I was on top of deadlines and that I was giving each part of my application enough time. She has an amazing ability to listen deeply to what made me tick, pull out my strengths and articulate my story in the best light. This was especially the case for my Yale Essay in which I had a hard time connecting all the pieces to my "commitment". She helped provide suggestions and edits that made the final essay have such a punchy conclusion. I really loved it and I guess Yale did too :)
I cannot say it enough in how much I appreciate and love working with Kate. I won't forget how calm she is, how organized she is (always on time with providing updates) and how she always knows what to say. I would not be in the position I am today without her. Trust all the 5 star reviews, Kate's the best!
Product mbaMission Hourly Services
Consultant Kate Richardson
I worked with Kate on an hourly basis throughout my MBA application process to HBS, GSB, Wharton and Columbia. I was admitted to 3/4 and will be attending HBS.
I found Kate to be an excellent brainstorming partner during the very introspective, story-crafting phase of the applications, helping me to dig deep and pull out the most insightful personal experiences to write about in my essays. I also did a mock interview with her prior to my HBS interview -- she was spot on in identifying the key areas that I needed to focus on to best prepare.
Overall I thought MBAMission was great as well. They have detailed guides into each school's application process, as well as interview guides and resources to share with recommenders.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Kate Richardson
I spent a lot of time and effort researching Admissions Consultants and was lucky to find Kate before she was completely booked.
As someone with a busy schedule who is struggles with procrastination, it was incredibly helpful to have Kate there to keep me on track and ensure that I put my best self forward. She helped me with dozens of revisions and always made herself available to talk through any of my questions, doubts, and concerns. With Kate’s help, I was able to clearly convey my story and future goals through compelling essays.
I worked with Kate on three of my five applications, which resulted in two acceptances (full-tuition merit scholarships to Yale SOM and Tuck) and one waitlist (Wharton). I leveraged what I learned from my experience with Kate to apply to Haas and Ross, which resulted in two additional acceptances with merit scholarships.
Kate was invaluable throughout the application process, and I don’t think I would have had the same outcomes without her.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Kate Richardson
Kate did stellar job helping with my applications. From the beginning, I knew I was in good hands with her and that she would give me the best chance to get into my target schools. Kate's essay edits were incredible; she always had logical and impactful suggestions.
I'm also so thankful Kate helped through EVERY step of the process: essays, resumes, interviews, recommendations, post-interview reflections, waitlist updates, etc. Admissions consultants aren't cheap, but the value of working with Kate far exceeded the cost.
Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding. Kate helped me get acceptances to 2 of the 3 schools I applied to (Kellogg and Booth), with a waitlist spot (final decision still to come) at another (HBS). I couldn't be more thankful to have worked with Kate and would recommend her highly to anyone!
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Kate Richardson
Coming from a non-traditional background, the MBA application process seemed incredibly daunting to me. I selected the two-school package and thanks to Kate’s wonderful guidance, I was able to get into both! From the beginning, she provided me with a detailed schedule so that I could better prepare and understand the various components in the application. She was instrumental to help me put my best application forward. To help land on my story, we had several brainstorming sessions where we would discuss in-depth about various experiences, either personal or professional. These sessions were so valuable to me throughout the application process, be it while drafting essays or even preparing for the interviews. Kate’s essay editing skills is just amazing! I don’t know how she does it, but no matter how long an essay is she always managed to trim down the content and yet not have its meaning lost. Kate’s extremely responsive, with great turn-around times! At the time of application submissions, I was confident that we had truly put together a high-quality application. I was very happy to hear I got accepted for interviews but was also nervous. Prepping with Kate for the interviews was highly useful! Her feedback is very specific and constructive, and allowed me to really focus my talking points in a way that would speak best for the school. All in all, Kate is incredible, and I am very thankful for her support! If you are looking for an admissions consultant, then look no further – Kate is the one!
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Product mbaMission Hourly Services
Consultant Kate Richardson
Kate at mbaMission was so helpful throughout my application process. Her communication style is very direct, clear, and thorough. Anytime I asked a question feeling totally lost she was able to put me at ease by sharing her experiences and providing her recommendations. Having Kate help edit my application essays made me feel extremely confident in the topics and structure because her feedback was targeted, specific, and always constructive. She supported me from applications, through interviews, and final acceptances and scholarship negotiations. There was never a question she didn't have an answer to, and she was a joy to work with overall!
Product mbaMission Hourly Services
Consultant Kate Richardson
Kate was absolutely essential throughout my MBA application process, and I ended up getting accepted to my top 2 choices - Wharton and Kellogg! I also received an interview invite to 5/5 schools I applied to (2 additional M7s + Tuck).
I was very nervous going into the process given that I come from a highly saturated consulting background/demographic with average stats. Kate was immediately able to assess my profile and help me shape my application to truly stand out. She was very prompt to respond and provided in-depth feedback and guidance, making me feel like I was her only client at times.
I primarily used the hourly services for offline essay reviews and did one mock interview with Kate. The mock interview that Kate conducted was identical to all 5 interviews I had and I would highly recommend doing at least one with her.
She is incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the MBA application process and knows exactly what the top schools are looking for. Thanks again Kate for all of your help!