Before Spring, most MENA-based applicants could only hire global consultants, often based in the United States. This leads to suboptimal results, as consultants who are unfamiliar with local markets will have difficulty helping applicants bring out their best in essays and interviews. Furthermore, global consultancies do not address systemic challenges typical to the region, such as access to financing and GMAT/GRE training. Spring believes admission consulting is a localized business; it takes MENA-based consultants to assist MENA-based applicants.
Our estimates suggest that MENA students currently make up 2% of students in top MBA programs, whereas their nations consist of 6% of the global population. According to our analysis, lack of opportunity awareness, access to financing, and application assistance are the top three issues cutting MENA's MBA representation by 66%. This is where Spring comes into play, bridging the gaps between the region’s top talent and the best business schools around the world.
From 2009 to 2019, the Middle East's Internet penetration rate tripled, rising from 29% to 67%. Disruption is taking place across the region, with traditional industries such as oil, gas and commodities giving way to a more digital economy. With innovative ideas, management skills, and access to international markets, MBAs from MENA can help the region seize these opportunities and leapfrog economically.
Spring aims to significantly increase the share of MENA students in top MBA programs. It does so by providing applicants across the region with top marketing and consulting services cultivated at INSEAD business school and in Israel’s high-tech industry. The consulting process is complemented by advice from +20 school-specific consultants. These are all alumni of the top programs across the world, ensuring the best possible match between applicant and school.
Spring places a special focus on service localization. Thus, in addition to application advice, it also consults on MBA financing, including scholarship opportunities and loan applications. Additional emphasis is put on optimization of test scores, with the company providing informal advice on GMAT/GRE preparation solutions across the region as well as online. Finally, Spring offers in-person meetings in seven cities in MENA, ensuring that its admission advice is tailored to applicants' genuine needs.
