Very helpful how-to-guide, 27. Juni 2005

Although it will still be your story and credentials that get you into b-school, this book certainly helps to put together a solid application.

For me as an international student the book's been tremendously helpful in pointing out what matters to b-school admission boards (and illustrated the ridiculous degree of exaggeration apparently required in numerous essay and recommendation samples).

However, I would recommend to deviate from Montauk's typical "I'm the greatest dude on earth"-punchline at times to avoid an all-too-slick set of essays.

Nevertheless, great book - got into HBS...

       Invaluable, 12. Juli 2002

This is THE book to buy when applying for an MBA. It accompanied me through the whole application process and was an invaluable reference during all stages. And MOST IMPORTANTLY: I have been offered places at 3 schools I wanted to go to and I can choose between them!!!!!

      It's not all about the name, boys and girls!, 9. Juni 2000

I have traveled and worked all over the world and constantly meet REALLY smart, successful, people-oriented professionals (who don't have MBAs), so I know that your success in life does not depend on the name of the MBA program on your resume. There are countless unsuccessful MBA graduates out there.

The top five schools I looked into are well-known, but they offered me doo-doo in terms of strengthening my skills as an international manager and the companies who were recruiting were only focused on attracting i-bankers and consultants who just want to make big bucks. Many of those people who apply to top schools are insecure about their abilities and think a Wharton or Stanford MBA (two programs to which I WAS accepted with a 610 GMAT and 3.0 GPA) is their key to success. The really insightful MBA candidates out there are the ones who don't have blinders on and know that there are really solid programs out there that are specifically tailored to their needs and which they will really enjoy.

       A Must for a Top Business School Applicant, 14. April 2000

Montauk's book is extremely useful in helping an applicant formulate a strategy to sail through a competitive admission process. Full of real life examples, sample essays, useful statistics, it will help you understand the process better and tailor your application to a specific business school's requirements. The book improved my application package tremendously: I was admitted to the top three business schools in the nation. A definite must read!

      Very useful, 7. April 2000

This book gives great pointers...which helped me stir me in the right direction (and admitted to 3 top 5 programs...also it should be noted that if you really like the book, the author is also hireable as an independent consultant.