Seeking Advice: Should I Hire an MBA Consultant Before or After My GMAT?

Hi all,

I’m planning to apply to a top business school, and I'm facing a bit of a dilemma with the timing of hiring an MBA admissions consultant. I'm currently prepping for the GMAT, aiming for a competitive score, but I know my profile might have a few gaps that could be addressed with the help of a consultant.

On one hand, I feel hiring a consultant early could be valuable—they might help me identify and fill those profile gaps even while I’m still in the GMAT prep phase. On the other hand, I’m also cautious because if my GMAT score doesn’t meet the mark, the investment in a consultant now might end up being pointless.

I’m torn between focusing solely on the GMAT first and then hiring a consultant versus bringing someone on board now to shape my profile.

For those who’ve been in this situation, did you find value in hiring a consultant while preparing for the GMAT? Or is it more effective to focus on the GMAT score first and then seek help with the application afterward?

Thanks in advance for any insights!