Long story short. I signed up a consultant after some considerable research and expenditure.



Through the onboarding process they get back to me with shortlisted schools and turns out my target schools are their dream schools and my dream schools are unattainable and so forth.



Since I made the payment I decided to go ahead with the schools that they decided. Except for 1, the other 3 schools they recommended didn't excite me at all.



But I didn't want to go with just what they thought so I went ahead and applied to the schools I wanted all along (Cambridge, Imperial, LBS).



Now, one of the schools they didn't want to work with me on, ESADE, got back with an interview invite.



My dilemma is this. I used some of the material they prepared for me but it was largely my own application. I'm kinda hopeful for Cambridge and Imperial.



Can someone tell me if I'm in the wrong here? If I don't accept any offers from my consultant recommended schools and go ahead with my applications am I liable for using their material in anyway?



PS: I'm aware it's a naive question but I just can't get this feeling out of the way. Thanks for considering my post so far!

[Edited by happyheretic on Jan 13, 2024]

It's your life. Of course you can apply anywhere.

A consultant should play the role of offering guidance and advice, but none of this should be binding, as all the decisions are ultimately up to you. They simply provide some extra info so that you can make an informed decision.