Stratus Admissions Counseling | MBA Admissions Consultants

I worked with Sophie Hilaire throughout my MBA admissions process, and I can honestly say that I made the right choice in selecting her as my counselor. I had explored a number of different counselors and services, but Sophie stood out for a few key reasons.

First, my background was non-traditional, and I was proud of that. I had a unique blend of management consulting experience and service as a Peace Corps volunteer. I needed someone who would help me craft a narrative that authentically captured my story without sounding too polished or formulaic. I wanted essays that felt personal and alive, rather than structured or cookie-cutter. From the very beginning, I knew Sophie was the right fit. She immediately understood the balance I sought—helping me express my experiences in a way that was both genuine and compelling.

The MBA application process, to me, requires deep introspection. You need to be able to clearly explain the motivations behind your career choices and future aspirations. That’s why I was drawn to Sophie: not only did she have the expertise, but her personal journey also reflected the kind of introspection I was hoping to achieve. Sophie’s life story is incredibly inspiring—she served in Afghanistan, summited Mount Everest, and eventually retired to a farm in rural Kentucky. Her experiences are a testament to a life lived with purpose and reflection.

In an introspective exercise, Sophie shared an example of how her sabbatical from McKinsey to hike Mount Everest changed her perspective on life. She described how reaching the summit gave her a profound realization—that true success wasn’t about climbing the corporate ladder, but about finding peace and fulfillment. Sophie’s ability to reflect so deeply on her own journey made me trust her even more as a coach. To guide someone through the introspection required for MBA applications, you need a coach who has already done that work themselves. Sophie is that person. She will not let anything but the most authentic version of yourself shine through in your application.

About Stratus’s Process and Package:

The Stratus admissions process worked well for me. While Sophie was my main counselor, I also received additional support from another expert who helped me with career pathing and school selection. After writing each essay, Sophie would review a few drafts with me, and then the essay would be passed on to a school-specific reviewer and a proofreader. This process ensured that each essay received thoughtful feedback without becoming overly scrutinized.

Drawbacks:

While this didn’t affect me personally, it’s worth noting that Stratus’s process can feel a bit more hands-off compared to other services. Some peers of mine who used different consulting services received more hands-on support, such as counselors calling reviewers, drafting letters of recommendation for them, and offering more consistent guidance. For me, this wasn’t necessary as I am a Type A, structured planner, but if you are someone who needs more hand-holding or a higher level of support to stay on top of deadlines, it’s something to consider.

Final Outcome:

Thanks to Sophie’s guidance and the Stratus process, I was accepted to five MBA programs (Yale, Tuck, Wharton, Kellogg, and Haas), with full-ride scholarships to three of them. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received throughout this journey.

I cannot recommend Melisa highly enough! Over the past year, she was an absolute game-changer in helping me achieve my dream of getting into Columbia Business School. From the very first conversation, it was clear that she was deeply invested in my success. Melisa took the time to understand my unique background, experiences, and aspirations, and she worked tirelessly with me to craft an application that truly reflected who I am.

Her expertise and knowledge of the MBA admissions process are unparalleled. Melisa provided insightful feedback on every aspect of my application, from my essays to my resume to my interview preparation. She pushed me to dig deeper and tell my story in a way that was authentic and impactful. Her guidance not only strengthened my application but also gave me the confidence to present the best version of myself.

What really sets Melisa apart is her personal touch. She genuinely cared about my journey and was always available to answer questions, provide encouragement, and offer support. I never felt like just another client—she made me feel like a priority every step of the way.

If you are looking for an admissions consultant who will go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals, look no further than Melisa!

I started this process with almost no business experience, almost no math or econ classes under my belt, and a 40th percentile GRE quant score. I got into Columbia; what more can you say?

I worked with Jennifer on an hourly basis and her feedback was helpful. She always responded within 2-3 business days and provided clear feedback where requested. Most importantly, she was comforting and supportive to have during this process.

I absolutely loved working with Donna as my admissions consultant throughout my MBA application process. I did a free consultation with a number of consultants/organizations before speaking with Donna, and I couldn’t be happier that I chose to proceed with Stratus and specifically Donna. I was really impressed with Stratus’s team based approach and excited that my school choices, essays, etc. would be reviewed by Donna, a secondary strategist, school-specific reviewers, and proofreaders, allowing me to consolidate multiple perspectives before making decisions. I also knew that I would likely be spending hours with my admissions consultant and Donna’s positivity, knowledge, and commitment to her client’s made this an easy decision.

I started the MBA application process relatively early, so it was amazing to work with Donna well before essay questions were released, as she helped me explore my past experiences to determine my key goals and how those aligned with different MBA programs. I wouldn’t have thought to relate one of my college internships to my dream job post-MBA without her, in order to articulate a strong story in my applications. Together, we created a strategy, refined ‘my story’, worked on multiple iterations of my essays/resume, and prepared for interviews. Throughout this process, Donna was extremely responsive, shared amazing guidance but allowed all words/stories to remain authentically ‘me’, and answered the many, many questions that I had with deep expertise and knowledge in all things MBA. Donna also encouraged me to apply to top-tier programs that I thought were beyond my reach and provided consistent encouragement when I felt worried/stressed.

With Donna’s guidance from an end-to-end perspective, I got into 3 M7 programs (Booth, Kellogg, and Columbia) and all 5 of the other schools that I interviewed for (Yale, Tuck, Fuqua, Stern, and Cornell), including multiple scholarships, and I couldn’t be happier. If you are looking for an admissions consultant, you cannot go wrong with Donna and Stratus.

I truly don’t know if I could have achieved my phenomenal results without Sophie’s support. She cared deeply about my journey and did an amazing job supporting me throughout this process. I cannot recommend her enough.

I truly could not be happier with my experience working with Melisa to prepare my MBA applications. For me, the most difficult part of the process was telling my story in the most compelling way. In this area, Melisa was an absolutely invaluable teammate, and I was amazed to see that by following her lead through the grueling but rewarding Stratus method, we arrived at a narrative that I was really proud to present. Melisa always followed up on my questions in a timely fashion and with insightful responses. And on the rare occasion that she wasn’t certain about an answer to a question, she’d do the homework to track down the person who did have the answer, always making sure that I had all the information I needed.

Apart from her incredibly valuable expertise, Melisa was an abolute joy to work with! Without fail, she showed up to all of our interactions with infectious optimism and a big smile.

Thank you so much, Melisa!

In transparency, I shopped around by taking free 30-minute consultations with about a dozen shops, but I ultimately ranked Susan as my first choice and decided to work with her. Susan is a seasoned professional and has several years of real MBA adcom experience, having reviewed thousands of applications. These credentials were important considerations for me as I was deciding who I wanted to work with. Moreover, she seemed to be the most knowledgeable and she knew exactly what she was talking about. From career planning to EC recommendations to application strategy to essay writing, she did it all. The introspection exercises were also really helpful – she helped me craft the unique stories, narratives, and themes that I showcased in my application. None of this would have been possible without her. I got into multiple of the M7s I applied to, and I’m pleased to say I will be attending HBS! All because of Susan.

Your MBA tuition, living, and other related costs will likely exceed $200K over 2 years – not to mention, the opportunity cost of being out of the workforce. This is one of the most important life decisions you’ll make. You need to put your best foot forward, otherwise you’re starting off with a handicap. Work with Susan!

I have a nontraditional background that to me, just seemed like life. Donna helped me see that each step I took was the best step I could’ve taken, and helped me reflect that across my essays. From brainstorming on strong points from my childhood to capturing my professional accomplishments, Donna helped me show the highlights of 20+ years. Not only that, Donna helped me refine points in my resume to better shape the narrative the reader got from the bullets.

Her partnership didn’t conclude when I submitted my applications. I shared with her my interview invites and she offered to help me prep. Her years of experience being an Admissions Officer and helping applicants similar to myself helped me connect on a deeper level with my interviewers. We had so much success together, that I had the great problem of weighing multiple offers with scholarships. Donna also helped me view my options from a different lense and ask key questions to different offices to fully grasp what each institution could offer me throughout the 2-year MBA program.

I would recommend Donna 11 times out of 10.

After doing a free consultation with several MBA admissions consulting firms, I was immediately sold on working with Stratus because of their unique team approach using a primary consultant, a secondary strategist, school specific reviewers, and proofreaders in their comprehensive package.

Donna, my primary consultant, was absolutely wonderful. She encouraged my desire to apply to several M7 dream schools despite my lackluster GRE scores, and she guided me on how to handle some very difficult roadblocks that occurred during my application process including getting laid off. What sets Donna apart is her unwavering commitment to her clients’ success. She was always available to answer questions, provide encouragement during stressful moments, and offer strategic advice, even with my 6-hour time zone difference.

The results speak for themselves – with Donna’s guidance, I received offers from multiple top-tier MBA programs, including one with a scholarship. For anyone considering MBA admissions consulting, I wholeheartedly recommend Donna Bauman and Stratus Admissions Counseling. The investment in their services is truly an investment in your future, providing you with not just expert guidance, but also a supportive partner committed to your success.

It was an absolute privilege to work with Susan from Day 1 of my MBA application journey. Having been highly recommended by my brother, I knew I was in capable hands, but the experience far exceeded my expectations. The MBA application process, with its inherent highs and lows, can be daunting. However, Susan’s blend of competence and empathy transformed it into a profoundly rewarding experience.

Her technical expertise is nothing short of remarkable, as evidenced by her consistent track record of success. With a deep and nuanced understanding of the application process, Susan helped me shape my personal narratives in a way that resonated really well with admissions committees. Throughout this journey, I experienced tremendous growth both personally and professionally, much of which I attribute to Susan’s insightful guidance. Her thought-provoking questions prompted me to reflect on my aspirations and experiences more deeply, ultimately sharpening my perspective.

Moreover, what truly sets Susan apart is her genuine investment in your success. She cares deeply, and this sincerity is evident in every interaction. I felt an unwavering sense of trust and support throughout the process.

In short, Susan is a remarkable consultant and a trusted advisor, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had her by my side during this pivotal phase of my career.

Working with Lisa was nothing short of a revelation. From the very beginning, she did more than just guide me—she unlocked the story within me, helping me see strengths I hadn’t fully realized. Her approach wasn’t about plugging details into templates; it was about digging deep, understanding who I am, and turning that into a compelling narrative that stood out.

Lisa was relentless in her pursuit of excellence. Whether it was brainstorming hidden gems from my past, refining my resume to make it sharp and concise, or giving precise, honest feedback on my essays, she always knew how to push me just hard enough to get the best out of me. And she did all this while being a constant source of support, calm, and clarity. Her dedication to my success was palpable, and it made all the difference.

If you’re looking for someone to just check the boxes, move along. But if you want a partner who’ll get in the trenches with you, challenge your thinking, and help you present the best version of yourself, Lisa is the one. Thanks to her, I not only got accepted, but I walked away from the process with a clearer sense of who I am and where I’m headed.

Jennifer was such a fantastic partner on the MBA application journey. As a first-gen student, I was looking for guidance on the process from start to finish. I was also seeking help in bolstering certain parts of my application to balance out potential weak spots. Jennifer not only kept me on track but also instilled confidence along the way (especially when my confidence in myself was wavering!). Stratus’s process of having multiple eyes on each part of your application was invaluable, as it ensures your story and goals are cohesive. I ended up with several admits, all with scholarship – the investment in Stratus was certainly worth it!

Susan is by far the choice you can and should make if your goal is to get into the best school possible. I only applied to 2 schools (Kellogg and Fuqua as a non-traditional applicant towards the end of R3 with a bad undergrad GPA, good GMAT, interesting work profile but not much extracurricular involvement outside of work) and got into both, which I HEAVILY CREDIT SUSAN for.

Here are the main points that stuck out about my wonderful experience working with her:
1) Incredible at drawing out the stories that matter and helping you understand your experiences to craft a profile. She doesn’t just make things up – she’s phenomenal at asking the follow-up, probing questions that make you realize the value and connection in your experiences. She really armed me with all of the “tools” I needed to write interesting essays by not only drawing the best experiences out of me, but also curating the ones that could cohesively tell the story that mattered most to the profile I was trying to create for my specific schools.
2) Absolutely zero judgement. I came in with a lot of concerns about my profile, and Susan was phenomenal at making me feel comfortable enough to truly go deep on those concerns to figure out how to address them. You can’t work with someone who you can’t be honest with and Susan was amazing here.
3) Her prep work pays dividends. She has a system for preparing the information needed to get you through applications, interviews, and negotiations. TRUST IT! All of the work she had me do in her process made actually writing the essays a smooth process. It wasn’t just for essay writing though – all those efforts paid it forward in the interview prep and follow-up processes as well. I was applying while still working full time and she was incredibly understanding of that, while still being that nudge to keep me on pace that I needed. You still have to put in the work, but if you’re not willing to do that then why are you applying and looking for an MBA consultant?
4) She will be honest with you. There were things I didn’t need to be as worried about as I thought, and things I needed to take into consideration that I wasn’t. It won’t always be the answers you want to hear, but it’ll be honest and in your best interests. I think one of the hardest things in finding a good MBA consultant is feeling like they are maximizing your chances at what is achievable without giving false promises. Susan told me what I needed to hear, and clearly it worked.
5) She genuinely cares. I really cannot emphasize this enough. Throughout the process, she really tried to get to know me as a person. We shared laughs on calls, she connected me to admits she had worked with who could help me with questions or even meet in person on visits, and even dropped me off at the airport once. If that’s not important to you, consider what you would do for a friend you care about and if that makes for a more trusting and genuine relationship.

All in all, you can’t go wrong working with Susan. If you have any chance of getting into a school, she’ll find it and make it the smoothest process imaginable!

As someone who was applying a bit later in the game, I really appreciated that Jennifer provided me the proper focus and schedule to complete every single aspect of the MBA application process. She was able to cut through the noise and make sure that I was focusing on the most important parts. Unlike other consultancies, I enjoyed that other members of the Stratus team were involved in my application – it made me feel that the entire team was invested in my success.

I was referred to her from a friend and 10/10 would recommend to anyone pursuing an MBA!

Melisa played an instrumental role in my MBA application journey. From our very first meeting, it was clear that she was committed to providing an exceptionally thorough and personalized approach. Her deep understanding of the admissions process at the school I was applying to, as well as her up-to-date knowledge about the testing industry were invaluable and made me trust her implicitly.

What truly set Melisa apart from other counselors I’d met with was that she encouraged me to be my most authentic self. She didn’t just help me navigate the application; she guided me in uncovering and showcasing my most unique strengths and experiences. This focus on authenticity was both refreshing and empowering, and it definitely helped me stand out to the admissions committee.

Overall, Melisa was a source of unwavering support and confidence during what for many is an extremely stressful process. Her constructive feedback and encouraging words provided me with the assurance I needed to put my best foot forward. I wholeheartedly recommend Melisa to anyone seeking a compassionate and highly knowledgeable MBA admissions counselor.

I just wrapped up the 2024 Deferred MBA application cycle and am incredibly grateful to have worked with Jennifer throughout! When I began researching MBA coaches in the fall, Jennifer immediately stood out for her dedication, experience, and knowledge. She believed in me from the very start, which made a huge difference whenever I felt unsure of myself. With her support, the entire process was smooth and far less stressful. She spent countless hours helping me brainstorm my personal strategy, was always available for last-minute calls, and responded to emails promptly. Stratus provided excellent materials that helped me craft my applicant story, and Jennifer pushed me to be genuine, clear, and cohesive. I truly could not have gotten into my top programs without her guidance, and I would highly recommend her to anyone applying for an MBA!!

I had the pleasure to work with Susan on 6 schools as a deferred applicant and she did a great job providing support and resources. I ultimately got some amazing options and that is all thanks to her. Could not recommend her enough!!

I wish I had other schools to apply to other than my dream school, just to keep working with Susan!!

Working with Susan was an absolute pleasure!
Aside from the fact that she worked hard to help me put together the best application packet possible, she was extremely sweet and kind and would quickly calm any nerves I had about the application process.

I quickly realized that I had picked the absolute best in the business and the investment was worth every cent because of Susan!

I have no doubt that picking Susan is what made the difference in my acceptance and I would pick her every time if I had to do this again!!

10 out of 10 in everything!

Thank you so much Susan!

Dom helped me with my JD/MBA applications, and I will be attending an M7/T14 program with a great scholarship despite having a GPA well below both schools’ medians/averages. Coming from a legal professional background, I did not know anyone with an MBA, so having Dom, who has a JD/MBA himself and is familiar with both worlds, was tremendously helpful. He was able to understand my goals better since he is a practicing attorney, while at the same time providing insights from the MBA admissions perspective. Dom is not only helpful but also responsive – he provided valuable feedback and edits and worked with me during the holiday season so I could submit my applications on time. He also helped with interview prep and came up with difficult questions so I felt fully prepared during the real interviews. Overall, I enjoyed working with Dom and highly recommend him.

When I started my MBA process, I spoke with several consultants. Susan immediately stood out due to her obvious dedication to my process, interest in my story and circumstances, and her expert knowledge of the schools and applications.

Without a doubt, Susan eliminated a lot of the stress and uncertainty that is part of the MBA application process. She took the time to hear out my concerns and understand the nuances and driving factors of my story. Working with her was an honor and without a doubt she was an immensely meaningful guide through the application process.

Going into the MBA application process, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. A colleague recommended I speak to Susan for an introductory conversation, and I immediately knew that she was the right person to guide me through this journey.

I can honestly say that it was solely through Susan’s guidance that I could display my best, truest, authentic self in my applications. Right from the get-go, Susan worked tirelessly to draw out my essence. Her approach to do so was very unique- we spent months together on the early introspection exercises, peeling through the layers to understand my core personality. We then strengthened my narrative to create a strategy and brainstormed essays, while simultaneously working on other parts of the application (updating the resume, recommender memos, etc.).

Susan’s commitment to her clients is unwavering. She was with me every single step of the way- right from the early discussions, to preparing for interviews, to writing waitlist updates, to negotiating scholarships and ultimately making a decision on which the right school for me would be.

Not only was Susan’s guidance instrumental in getting me admitted into a dream MBA program, but she was also my biggest cheerleader throughout this process. She is a remarkable person, who is deeply invested in your success. As said, I simply cannot recommend Susan highly enough for anyone that is considering an MBA. Bringing her on board for your MBA applications is the BEST decision you will make!

I had the pleasure of working with Susan and her support was truly invaluable. From day one, Susan’s honesty helped me address my opportunity areas effectively. I was overwhelmed after missing Round 1 and felt the pressure as Round 2 deadline approached. Susan’s strategic guidance made all the difference; I applied to five schools in Round 2 and received four acceptances. Her continued support led to more success in Round 3, where I applied to two schools and got accepted into both. Susan kept me on track and helped me craft a compelling story that stood out. I was accepted in both of my M7 dream schools. Couldn’t be happier about the outcome.

Melisa’s is a true testament and exceptional blend of personalized support and genuine encouragement. From the very first call I had with Melisa about my MBA application, I could truly feel that the person on the other side knows her stuff and really wants the best outcome for you. From the outset, Melisa prioritizes getting to know you better on a personal level, fostering an environment of trust and openness. This approach made me feel that the application process is not just about ticking boxes but about authentically representing one’s personality and strengths. With Melisa’s guidance, I was able to confidently put my best foot forward, knowing that my application is a true reflection of who I am. Throughout the journey, Melisa remains consistently supportive and cheering, demonstrating her sincere desire for nothing but the best, making the whole application process very enjoyable. I would highly recommend working with Melisa if you are in the process of submitting your application for an MBA program.

I came to Melisa with a list of the schools I wanted to target and a general idea of the story I wanted to tell throughout my application. She was able to help me craft that story in essays, including tightening it up and tailoring it to appeal to specific schools. Along the way, she was highly engaged, checking in about my progress and results, and providing ad-hoc advice about the application process. I felt that Melisa genuinely cared about my outcomes and was just as excited as I was!

I am certain that my successful admissions process to Yale SOM, UCLA, NYU, and UW Foster, as well as the scholarships I received, are largely due to Susan Cera’s exceptional guidance. Susan provided direct, insightful advice rooted in her extensive experience with MBA admissions. She took my profile and background, which I initially perceived as average, and helped me refine and present my story in a unique and impactful manner.

Her guidance was invaluable in shaping my essay responses and preparing me for interviews. Susan’s support gave me the confidence to successfully apply to schools I would never have considered before working with her.

I have already recommended Susan to friends and will continue to do so for anyone seeking an outstanding MBA admissions consultant. Her support was truly transformative, and I will be forever grateful for support. Truly the best money I have spent throughout the entire MBA process.

I worked with Susan Cera in the spring semester of my final undergraduate year, hoping to secure a spot in the deferred MBA program at Harvard Business School. During my search for the right application support, I took consultation calls with many of the leading firms in the MBA admissions consulting space. Early in my prospecting stage, Stratus – and, by extension, Susan – differentiated itself by focusing the introductory call on me, the potential customer. Most consultancies in the introductory call took the position of “Let me sell you on cold facts, hard numbers, and formulaic approaches that we use with people who have your background.” Stratus was more interested in “Who are you? What brings you to the life decision you’re about to make? What story do you want to tell? What is the mission that you’re on?” They call it the 360 degree-approach; I’d also call it “human-centered” admissions counseling. Susan took notes throughout our entire call, asked thoughtful questions, and closed our discussion with the reassuring facts I needed to choose her firm.

My time working with Susan was punctuated with many more memorable moments like that. When I shared updates with her on my application journey (receiving interviews, sitting for GMAT/GRE etc.) or scholastic journey (important presentations, graduation), she was always the first to send me notes of encouragement. During our application strategy calls, she went to great lengths to make sure that I told MY story; to her, I was more than another MBB consultant with “extras.” As my materials became due, Susan worked with impressive speed & attention-to-detail to give me incisive, yet constructive feedback. I have no doubt that, without her help, I would not have succeeded in submitting the volume of applications that I had committed to. I was admitted to more than half of the M7 schools.

In the end, I was admitted to Harvard Business School’s 2+2 program. It was one of the happiest days of my life and I chose only to share the initial moments of raw emotion following my admissions decision with a few people. Of course, Susan was one of the first folks I called! I’m more than satisfied with my Stratus experience. I gained a seat in Harvard Business School’s classroom in a few years and a career-champion in Susan Cera for much longer!

From our very first call, I knew that working with Susan would be the right choice for my MBA applications, and I am so glad I did! Coming from a non-traditional background, I wasn’t sure how to position myself and share my story in the best way possible. One of my personal goals was to make the daunting application process a positive experience, and I strongly believe Susan was crucial in making it so.

Susan immediately put my worries at ease and was a constant source of comfort throughout the application process. I needed the most support during the strategy development phase, and Susan helped me analyze all aspects of my background to ensure I was putting my best foot forward. It was also great to have someone who I could talk candidly about the process or any concerns I had. Susan was always honest, approachable, understanding, and knowledgeable.

In the end, I was admitted to one of my top schools and will be starting in the fall! I am so excited to start my MBA journey, and I cannot thank Susan and the Stratus team enough for helping me get there!

My MBA application experience with Susan was not only successful, but helped instill confidence within me throughout the journey. Aside from always being available with insightful feedback, Susan also showed great investment in my success and path towards finding the right school. She spent ample time helping me establish the foundation for my application story and continued to refine and improve it throughout. I would highly recommend working with Susan and Stratus to any of my peers and could not be happier with my decision!

I had the privilege of working with Joe Farr and the Stratus team for R2 applications to the Class of 2026 intake, earning acceptance to my dream MBA program, as well as admittance to multiple other Top 10/15 business schools. This is truly a feat I could not have dreamed of prior to beginning my collaboration with Joe. Working with Joe was a massive blessing, and I am truly grateful I decided to do so.

From the onset and throughout the entire process, Joe demonstrated genuine, unwavering support and belief in my MBA aspirations. Before we worked together, I was anxiety-ridden over the entire MBA application process – so much information about applications exists online, that I found it difficult to discern fact from fiction. Joe was attuned to this, and helped me develop the confidence and motivation to work through any prevailing uncertainty by providing exceptional guidance through every question I had (and I had many!).

Joe was more than a consultant – he was the best mentor I could have asked for throughout the MBA application journey. We worked through an extremely holistic approach together, a process that included identifying crucial lived experiences and developing a genuine sense of career goal direction. Joe is a strategist at heart, tremendously gifted at asking the right thought-provoking questions that help you consider and reflect on your sense of self – I truly believe that this was critical to crafting meaningful responses to application essay questions.

Joe is also undoubtedly a master communicator. In MBA applications, every word used counts – and Joe truly challenged me to extract meaning from every sentence and every word to ensure that I communicated my ambitions and fit for programs with passion, meaning, and purpose.

Balancing work demands with MBA applications is inherently challenging, yet I wholeheartedly believe that working with Joe not only made it possible, but also made it enjoyable. I learned so much throughout the process, and always felt as though I had a very strong support team in Joe and Stratus. Joe is amazingly responsive to emails and Zoom call invites – he always made me feel like a priority, and was always available to ensure that I had the resources and perspectives to keep moving forward with my applications.

Joe is a top professional and an absolute expert in the MBA applications space. To anyone who is serious and motivated to pursue a top MBA program, I highly recommend working with him and the Stratus team to ensure that you put your very best foot forward for these highly competitive programs.

Initially, I wasn’t going to hire a consultant to help with my application process. I felt that I could do it on my own. However, one month (!!) before the deadlines, I realized I wasn’t sure how to tell my story in its entirety. I wanted to capture the depth and richness of my experiences.

I am SO glad that I decided to work with Sophie. From our intro call alone, I knew that it would be a fruitful partnership. She helped me draw out my best qualities and showcase my unique background. She provided very clear, actionable feedback, which helped me finalize my essays in no time. It also helped that we got along and I felt she understood me. I felt supported throughout the entire process.

Best decision on my application journey! Thank you so much, Sophie!

I came to Susan in early December (!!!) for R2 applications. I was dealing with a family emergency that had pushed me from R1 apps deep into R2, but I was determined to apply in R2. Despite her full roster, she listened to my story and wanted to help me, so she took me on for 3 applications. She ended up working with me on all 8 schools I applied to. I got into 6 schools (3 M7s) R2 with substantial scholarships, and am matriculating at HBS in the fall! I interviewed other counselors who told me everything wrong with my app and tried to talk me into applying to safety schools as a priority (i.e. – telling me I wouldn’t get into the better ones, so I shouldn’t spend my time on them), which made me feel like my goals were impossible. But from the get-go, Susan was kind, motivating, and positive, and she worked hard to help me frame my non-traditional background. I strongly feel that working with Susan was the best investment I could have made during my application process.

Sophie is nothing short of amazing. She took me in last minute (2 months before deadline) and helped me create an accelerated plan to get my scores and essays and questions together and I don’t think I could have gotten into my M7s without her help. I was coming in with a 3.0 GPA and a bottom 20% GMAT, and it was through my interactions with Sophie that I was able to help capture my story and really define the goals I wanted out of my MBA. Other consultants from other companies tried to pigeonhole me into top 20 programs, but Sophie believed in me and gave me so much of her time so I could put my best food forward. I really couldn’t have made it without her. She was calm, super fast with feedback, and just a nice source of support going through this stressful process. Thank you Sophie for everything and for helping me get into Kellogg!

Making the decision to work with Susan at Stratus Admissions was by far the best decision I made in my MBA application journey. From our first conversation, I could tell Susan was deeply invested in my success and that she would be my biggest cheerleader – all of which proved to be true. Her expert guidance, tailored advice, and unwavering support were instrumental throughout the process. Susan’s personalized approach instilled confidence in me, ensuring that my application authentically represented my story & aspirations while aligning with the values of my target schools. Susan is honest and helped me to address any potential red flags with my application head on. She was by my side for every step of the process from learning about me and my story on a deep level to essays, resume updates, interviews, and even in my decision making process & scholarship negotiation. I am immensely grateful for Susan’s expertise and genuine investment in my success. With Susan’s help, I was able to gain admission into multiple schools with generous scholarship packages and will be attending my dream school in the fall – a school that was a major stretch and was more of a dream before I met Susan who helped to make it a reality. If you’re applying for MBA programs, Susan is without a doubt THE one to work with!

With Sophie’s help, I applied to 3 M7 schools, one top 15 school, and was accepted to all with scholarship (one with a full-ride). Sophie helped me build my application from the bottom up. I had an 7-hour package with Sophie, yet I felt as if I had one of the top-tier comprehensive packages that go for thousands of dollars more. I think the reason for this is the reflective exercises and activities that helped illuminate how I was going to stand out via my essays. With Sophie, I also built a rock-solid resume that became the backbone to my applications.

During our calls, I felt heard and respected. I was seen as an individual, and not a profile. Other consultants may lead you to feel insecure or uncertain about a part of a profile, but I never felt that with Sophie.

Working with Jennifer was the best decision. When I decided to apply to business schools, I had no idea where to start the daunting process. Upon starting with Jennifer, I instantly felt better about the path forward. In every step of the way, I could always count on Jennifer to provide guidance. She was always willing to hop on a call to consult, answer a last minute email, or provide an encouraging word in the height of stressful moments. On top of all of this, she was genuinely invested in my success and future. Jennifer truly is the best, and I highly recommend working with her if you are considering starting the MBA application process.

After doing the initial 30-minute chat, I knew Melisa would be an incredible thought partner to help with my MBA journey. From the early stages of crafting school lists to the final stages, including navigating the waitlists, Melisa was so helpful! During the process, she served as a great sounding board, pushing me to improve my application and providing invaluable insight into the MBA application process and minds of admissions committees. Always responsive to my many, many questions/emails and always willing to provide feedback in a supportive but critical way. Nothing but great things to say!!

Sophie is the MBA counselor you need if you’re driven, ambitious and want to give your best shot to colleges you consider beyond your dreams

Results: Going to Stanford – Admitted to 3 M7s, waitlisted at 2 other M7s.

Background: I’m an Indian applicant from the most ‘overrepresented’ demographic there could be.

I had exploratory calls with 14 different counselors, both locally and beyond. Within the first 15 minutes, Sophie helped me identify strengths in my application that everyone else (including me) had overlooked. From the outset, I knew working with her was going to be one of my best decisions.

I’ve identified some dimensions one can evaluate MBA counselors on, and shared my experience with Sophie on each below:

1. Empathy – Producing great essays for top colleges needs you to be honest with yourself and dive deep into your personal story. This will often mean revisiting parts of your life that make you uncomfortable. It is thus important to have a counselor who you trust discussing your vulnerabilities with. In this regard, Sophie has a unique talent for instantly creating a safe space when she senses what you’re discussing means a lot to you. At the same time, she knows how to deliver constructive criticism, and you’ll get the hint when it feels like you’re trauma dumping an essay for no good reason. Because of these open conversations with her, I felt confident in sharing these stories in my applications. It was because of her that I was able to discuss many aspects of my life in essays and interviews that I’d have simply swept under the rug working on my own.

2. Approachability – Sophie exudes warmth and energy when you talk to her; she’s super easy to work with. There were several times I struggled to explain problems I faced in expressing some ideas. Even when I was unable to put my finger on what was bugging me about an essay I wrote, she seemed to understand exactly what I was struggling with and gave perfect advice on how I could approach it differently. Such intuitive insights from her were responsible for several step shifts in the quality of my essays.

3. Mindset – Sophie has a winner’s mindset. She isn’t there to just do a job, she is committed to your success. There was not a single moment in the entire process where she didn’t match or exceed my pace. The bottleneck was always how much effort I was willing to put in. Turnaround times were great and she was always available for calls when I needed. Not once did I find myself sitting idle because I was waiting to hear back from her. Further, she isn’t someone who’ll leave you with ‘passable’ work. She was willing to iterate with me until I fine-tuned each essay to perfection, until it got to a point I looked at the essay and was sincerely amazed at what I’d created.

4. Influence – Applying to top MBA colleges will always be an exercise in mental fortitude and grit. While you are the only person responsible for managing your motivation, an indifferent counselor can certainly make things difficult. Someone who doesn’t believe in you will make you fight uphill in a battle where odds are already stacked against you. Sophie, on the other hand, is a natural leader who engages with you on a personal level. I needed to write 17 distinct essays in 2 months working full time, applying only to ‘stretch’ colleges. Naturally, there was a moment or two filled with self doubt, but it usually took just one casual conversation with Sophie before my motivation meter was back to full. When taking on a challenge as monumental as this, she’s the kind of partner you need in your foxhole.

6. The myth, the legend – I could go on for hours about how great she is at MBA counseling. But that’s not even a tenth of how awesome Sophie is. Her visible stats are already impressive (Army, Wharton, McK). But the more you learn about her, the more reasons you’ll keep finding to fanboy over. Through the bulk of your applications, you’ll probably be interacting with your counselor more than your colleagues, maybe even your family. Why not work with someone who’s not only a great counselor but an endlessly inspiring, interesting person as well?

7. Process and logistics:
Sophie’s process is extremely well curated and, in my opinion, nearly perfect. It’s efficient, and minimizes yield loss to make sure you’re always working on something that’s setting you up for success on the next thing. I’ve detailed the steps below:

Introspection – The introspection phase made me dive deep into my life story, with two crucial outputs:
– Defining my personal brand: by understanding myself better, I was able to define who I am in a way that was easy for others to understand – with enough examples to back it up.
– Identifying skill gaps: I already had a good idea of why I was doing an MBA. But through the introspection phase with Sophie, I was able to dive several layers deeper. By the end, I had nuanced answers for each skill gap in neatly defined bullets highlighting why it was a gap, why I needed to fill it and how the MBA would help me.

School research –
Same as before, I already had a good idea of why I was picking the schools I was applying to. But Sophie helped me dive many levels deeper. For every school, I was able to 1 – find exact resources to fill my gaps across several dimensions (curriculum, culture, resources, etc.) and 2 – speak at length about how I would make the school a better place given the skills I had. And because of the work we did earlier, this was a lean process with zero waste. Whether it be a conversation with an alumni or scouring the website, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to understand.

Essay feedback –
Each essay went through multiple iterations of feedback and modification until both of us felt it was the best it could be. The process was fairly efficient with minimal yield loss. For each essay, I drafted an outline and discussed it with Sophie. Based on her feedback, I’d go back to the drawing board and redraft / modify my essay. We would iterate on this step by step, gradually condensing down to word limit.

Interview prep –
After the introspection, school research, and essays, I felt positively thrilled going into the interviews. Most of my groundwork was already done. The only remaining bit was to structure my behavioral stories, which was fairly straightforward. Sophie helped me do mocks for the interviews and gave actionable feedback to improve each time. By my second interview I felt ready as a tank – I was prepared for everything that could be prepared for, leaving my mind free to genuinely enjoy the conversation with my interviewers and be ready for any curveballs. A lot of how your interview goes ultimately depends on how confident you’re feeling with yourself. As a result of all the work we’d done in the preceding months, I was as confident in my interviews as I should have been.

Summary:
Sophie was the difference between my success and failure in this process. Thanks to her, I was able to create applications that I know were the best I could do – which is what really matters. If you work with her, I am confident this is the feeling you’ll walk away with as well.

I could not have been as successful as I was in my MBA application journey without Lisa’s help! From the very beginning of the process, Lisa provided me with helpful and much needed guidance on all aspects of my application.

What most impressed me was that she took the time to get to know me as a person and fully understand my future goals before ever putting pen to paper on any of my essays. This helped me polish my overall story, and built trust that enabled Lisa to provide very direct feedback whenever my work was not hitting the mark.

Stratus also provided second readers for my essays, which was invaluable. These second opinions mirrored the way applications get read in real life by the admissions officers, and challenged me to address any blind spots within my work.

With Lisa’s help throughout the busy application season, I ultimately gained admission to 7 MBA programs, many of them with scholarship offers! I am certain I would not have been as successful without her advice along the way.

As a younger applicant who does not come from a quantitative background, Donna helped me find ways to market myself to my chosen schools and believed in me through the process. Beyond just the Stratus protocol, Donna’s empathy and thoughtfulness helped me reflect on my background and really hone in on my reasons for pursuing an MBA. Her guidance helped when I was waitlisted and has led to me being accepted to my top choices with scholarships as well. I would highly recommend partnering with Donna. It truly is a partnership!

Susan and her team were extremely supportive throughout my application process. I have recommended Stratus to multiple friends and family members looking for MBA consultants.

I had the privilege of working with Melisa throughout my year-long journey of applying for a PhD program (started out to apply for an MBA and changed my mind midway). From the outset, her expertise and personalized approach stood out, as she invested time in understanding my unique background, research interests, and career aspirations. Over the course of the year, her commitment to my success was evident in the meticulous review and revision of my personal statement, ensuring each aspect was polished to perfection. Her unwavering support extended beyond the technicalities of the application process, offering valuable emotional encouragement during the highs and lows of life (i.e., layoff) and the application process. Her timely responses (always within 24 hours), genuine enthusiasm, and continuous support transformed what could have been an isolating experience into a positive and motivating journey.

In essence, I wholeheartedly recommend Melisa to anyone embarking on the path of applying for graduate studies, as her expertise, clarity in thought, personalized approach, and steadfast commitment makes her an invaluable asset in the pursuit of a successful application.

Choosing Stratus, and specifically Susan Cera, has proven to be a life-changing decision. Initially torn between two options, resounding recommendations from Susan’s previous clients gave me the confidence to move forward with her – a decision that exceeded all expectations.

We started off by delving into the intricacies of my past experiences, meticulously exploring every detail relevant to my business school application. What initially felt like a chaotic stream of stories and reflections was expertly curated by Susan, weaving together pertinent details to create a narrative that not only showcased my breadth as an applicant but also articulated a coherent story of my journey and distinctive qualities that set me apart from the crowd.

Her guidance was instrumental in forming a cohesive strategy, pinpointing areas of development to address through an MBA and identifying key themes that authentically portrayed my character and career trajectory. Throughout numerous iterations and feedback sessions, Susan remained steadfast in her commitment to refining and polishing each aspect, steering me back on course even when I veered off track.

We also completely remade my resume, with each word meticulously selected under her guidance, drawing from her extensive experience as an admissions committee member at Duke Fuqua. Further, once I got to the interview stage at my first choice school, Wharton, Susan arranged for a mock interview with a colleague—a Wharton graduate—who provided invaluable insights and tailored guidance specific to Wharton’s interview process. Each step of this journey, from brainstorming sessions to interview preparations, was marked by Susan’s dedication to excellence, ensuring that the final product was nothing short of exceptional, which in turn led to my being accepted to Wharton. I cannot overstate the impact of her guidance, and I am immensely grateful for her role in helping me achieve my aspirations.

Susan absolutely lives up to her legendary reputation! I started the business school application process feeling unsure about the real reasons I was applying. Through Susan’s methodical approach of introspection and reflection – I was able to craft a compelling and honest vision regarding what I hoped to gain from an MBA. Seriously, I can’t believe how useful these exercises have been even outside of the application process. These reflection activities allowed me to tackle the applications with confidence!

As daunting and stressful as the application process seemed (especially for someone as type A as myself), Susan made it feel remarkably easy. She created a detailed timeline of tasks for each of my target schools, allowing me to feel comfortable at every step of the way. More than that, Susan provided the necessary feedback and encouragement I needed throughout the entire process. With Susan’s help I was able to gain multiple full ride scholarship offers from T10 schools (something I previously did not think was possible)! I have to credit Susan’s guidance and support for getting me into an amazing MBA program!!

I really enjoyed working with Melisa and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an MBA admissions consultant. She made the whole application process so much more approachable and pleasant. I felt at ease knowing I had her support and guidance throughout this journey: I felt like she was truly in my corner and wanted what was best for me. She was very generous with her time, patiently answering my (many!) questions, and taking the time to really get to know me, my values, and my goals, so that we could ensure my application was as strong and authentic as possible.

Melisa helped me with everything from my resume to preparing my recommenders to essays to interview prep. It was clear that she is incredibly knowledgeable about all things MBA admissions, and she was always very timely and thoughtful in her comments and guidance. I also really appreciated that Melisa went above and beyond, providing holistic mentorship beyond the application itself, such as by pointing me towards career opportunities for post-MBA and connecting me with others with shared interests.

In the end, with Melisa’s help I was able to get into both of my dream schools, and had a very difficult decision to make! I am really grateful for all of her support, and would choose to work with her again in a heartbeat.

Before meeting Susan, I truly believed there was no way I could get into a top 20 business school. However, Susan not only had a clear and structured process to help identify key and unique traits but she also helped me to regain my confidence and pride in my accomplishments to date. She helped to dig up all my accomplishments including ones that I never thought were significant. She patiently helped me revise my CV 10 times with no complaints but the mere justification that she wanted it to be absolutely perfect. She helped me navigate standardized testing anxiety and reminded me that scores are just a small part of the entire application. Susan made navigating the tricky application process easier by providing tips & tricks that someone completing an application on their own would never know. It is no question that part of the reason I got into the schools I did was thanks to Susan and her team! If you are applying to grad school working with Susan and stratus is worth every penny.

Coming from an Indian male engineering background, I was not sure if my story would really stand out in an uber competitive applicant pool. Donna was very reassuring and first off made me believe in myself. Donna has a lot of experience with respect to Indian applicants, having screened thousands of Indian applicants resumes. She helped me understand my motivation for doing an MBA much better which gave me a different perspective and helped me narrate my story with a lot more conviction. From helping build my essays to preparing for interviews, Donna was a pillar of support throughout the process. With Donna’s help, I was able to get admits to multiple M7 schools, most importantly, my dream school – HBS!!

Thank you for everything Donna, and for anyone reading this and trying to make a decision on selecting an MBA consultant, I can confidently say that you can trust Donna. This is an important decision, and you cannot go wrong with Donna, no matter what your background is.

I worked with Jennifer Round 1 and did 3 school package. She was so helpful with everything from the brainstorming, to the writing and interview prep. Her friendly demeanor was so helpful especially when I was stressed about everything. She also was able to give school specific insights on exactly what each program wanted. I had a great experience and got into 3 M7 schools plus 2 other T10 schools.

From my perspective, my background was unexceptional and common among applicants. I wasn’t sure how to make my application stand out among a sea of other consulting applications. Donna helped me identify the underlying narrative connecting all of my life, academic, and professional experiences to this point. I could not have crafted such a thoughtful and compelling application on my own.

In addition, my work schedule demanded much of my attention. Donna was great at keeping me focused and ensuring I was consistently progressing towards application milestones in spite of this.

I fully recommend Donna to anyone intimidated by the MBA application process.

I made a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision to apply to MBA programs and wanted to do them right. I spoke with many consultancies and Stratus and Jennifer in particular stood out to me. I enjoyed her straightforward approach to the MBA applications and the process resonated with me. I purchased the 3-school package for 1 M7 and 2 T20 schools in Round 1. While I knew that I wanted an MBA, I had trouble pinpointing my reasons and applicable skills. We worked through many rounds of clearly outlining these goals, which made essay writing a lot easier. Jennifer was prompt and pointed with her feedback and was great about making time for my numerous random questions throughout the process. Halfway through the application process I realized I wanted to apply to dual degree programs as well, and she gracefully made the pivot with me to focus on the additional requirements. She also greatly helped with interview practice. In the end, I received acceptances to all 3 schools in Round 1, and I used the methodology and tools she gave me to apply to 2 additional schools in Round 2. I couldn’t have done it without Jennifer and would highly recommend her as not only an MBA consultant but a dependable partner throughout the MBA journey.