Barbara Coward

Barbara Coward is an admissions strategist with an insider’s perspective on how MBA decisions are actually made—helping candidates see what’s possible, clarify their story, and pursue their goals with confidence.

Admissions Strategist with an Insider Perspective

Barbara Coward helps MBA applicants see what’s possible—and present themselves in a way admissions committees can understand and support.

She brings a rare, 360-degree view of MBA admissions. Before founding MBA 360° Admissions, Barbara worked inside MBA admissions offices on two continents, recruited candidates globally, built marketing programs for business schools, and advised MBA applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.

That insider experience allows her to guide candidates with clarity about how admissions decisions are actually made—how applications are read, discussed, and evaluated in context.

A Broader View of What's Possible

Early in her career, Barbara viewed top business schools as distant and inaccessible. Later, after working in admissions and meeting graduates from programs she once admired from afar, she saw how often capable professionals limit themselves based on assumptions, incomplete information, or uncertainty about belonging.

Today, her work is driven by a simple belief: professionals with potential deserve informed guidance about their options—and support in pursuing them.

For some clients, that means targeting the most competitive MBA programs in the world. For others, it means identifying programs that align better with their goals, careers, and lives. In every case, Barbara’s role is to expand perspective, not impose direction.

Honest Guidance. Real Support.

No Judgment.

Barbara is known for being direct, thoughtful, and deeply supportive.

She will tell candidates when a path will be challenging—and then help them pursue it with strategy and confidence. She does not judge aspirations or push applicants toward any particular type of program. Her focus is on helping each client make their application as strong and credible as it can be.

Clients often come to Barbara accomplished but unsure how they will be perceived. They leave with clarity about their story, confidence in their positioning, and a sense of control over the process.

Strategic Partnership at Every Stage

Barbara works with candidates throughout the admissions journey—from short, targeted essay or strategic reviews to comprehensive end-to-end MBA application support.

Whether a project is brief or ongoing, her approach is collaborative, rigorous, and grounded in trust, helping candidates gain clarity and confidence at each step.

She is also the author of It’s Not About You, which captures her admissions philosophy and helps applicants understand the process from the committee’s point of view.

At its core, Barbara’s work is about connection: helping candidates feel seen, supported, and capable of pursuing opportunities that can be truly life-changing.