I absolutely loved my experience at StratusPrep. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get accepted by top MBA programs in the US. Personally, Stratus has helped to me to get into my dream school, a top top MBA program.

My primary counselor was Donna, and my senior strategist was Susan. I initially signed up for the four school package. Then I added three more schools in R2.

Reasons why I really enjoyed working with Donna

1)She was extremely responsible and fully committed to my success. Her average turnover time was about 24 hours. She was incredibly responsive even throughout the holiday seasons.

2)She took the time to get to know me as a person. I felt that I was being treated as a friend or a family member. One example to demonstrate that, she actually suggested that I should not waste my money to apply to the seventh school on my list (which was another safety school) when I was accepted by my dream school, even though she would make less money as a result. I also met her in person when I was visiting UNC. She showed me around town and bought me lunch before my interview.

3)She is remarkably knowledgeable about UNC and Kellogg. I mean she is a great counselor for any schools, but you are specifically interested in these two great schools, she is definitely the person to go to. She had worked on the admissions team at UNC for many years. Nobody knows UNC better than she does! As a Kellogg alum who had interviewed applicants in the past, she knows how to prepare you for anything.

4)Donna did not pressure me into anything. From selecting schools to writing the essays and to deciding which school to matriculate (Yes, I am very lucky to have two great options so far), she was there to help me evaluate the pros and cons, and it was essentially up to me to make the decision.

Reasons why I am glad I chose Stratus

1)Their 4+ school guarantee made me feel secure about spending this amount of money, even though I was lucky not to end up using it. Like I mentioned before, you can choose any schools for this guarantee to work. Counselors at Stratus will not force you to apply to safety schools if you don't want to.

2)The secondary viewer was particularly helpful at helping me identify possible weaknesses that I had missed. It was like having two counselors to help me at the same time for the price of one.

3)My senior strategist Susan knew every school inside and out. Even though I did not work with her directly, she helped me to build the framework in my every essay.

I would recommend StratusPrep to anyone who is serious about MBA applications and personal growth.

I think Stratus has its own standardized way of coaching people, but my strategists in particular are very responsible and experienced. I chose to work with Donna because she is a veteran in business school admissions, so is my senior strategist Susan.

Donna has been always available when I had new ideas and wanted to run it by her. Her timely feedback and suggestions were extremely constructive and realistic. I felt like she is invested in helping me not only to getting into my chosen MBA but also my long-term success.

The result is that I got accepted to all the schools that I applied to, with financial help. I am very grateful for Donna and Susan. I am glad that I placed trust in them.

I have already recommended Donna to my friends who are currently applying to MBA. Good luck to everyone! Well, maybe you don't need it if you have Donna and Susan helping you.

Hello, from Ithaca! I am Mani. I worked at a top Analytics firm in India before b-school and my goal was to get into consulting after my MBA from a top US university.

The first step was to decide whether to take the help of a consultant and after talking to friends and students I decided to take help. Taking a consultant is personal choice. I took one as I thought it would add value and the competition from India is very high. Choose your consultant carefully and trust her or him once you start the process. (I worked with Rajdeep Chimni at www.admissionsgateway).

I found it helpful to start 6 months before and outline an exhaustive plan leading up to the deadlines so that I could map everything out and there was no rush. This helped me submit applications in R1 rather than scrambling later on. One advantage is that you can see the round 1 result and act accordingly in R2. It also allows you to take more risk as you have more time to do applications.

The second part was building the resume. I suggest you customize your resume as per the goals. Everyone knows the STAR format but there are different levels of implementation depending on whether you understand the 'situation' of the work you are doing. My resume took 22 iterations but from there my stories were set and I learnt how to portray myself both on paper and in an interview.

Next, was the outlining of the goals. Usually you have an overall goal but please look into the specifics like which industry, how to align this with your overall profile or if you are a career changer what skills do you currently have. I would say talk with the maturity of someone who is 3 months into those goals rather than someone who wants to do something but has not totally researched it.

Keep your personal style in the essays and customize each essay to the school. Do not use the same essays if you think the prompt is similar. Whet your essays once even after you have whetted them. Even my optional essays were tailored to the school I was applying to.

Thanks to the Admissions Gateway team for helping me meet my goals. These are some tips I learned and hope they help you. The last thing is that you should continuously improve from each application and interview, absorb the feedback and become better. This build up will lead you to good results in the end. Admissions Gateway has a great track record for top-15 MBA admissions and I highly recommend them.

Best of luck,
Mani

I had the pleasure of working with Donna Bauman from Stratus. I selected her as a consultant because of her extensive expertise as an admissions professional. The admissions perspective was key in helping me narrow exactly how I wanted to tell my story and what areas of my professional experience to focus on.

Donna was patient with my last-minute changes and was a constant presence throughout the process. Stratus matches applicants with an additional layer of review with school-specific consultants (typically alumni) to help applicants perfect their essays and prepare for interviews.

I am overall very happy with Stratus and the results they helped me achieve. I was admitted to an M7 Business School with mean-level numbers. It's a bit on the pricey side but the constant, calm presence and expertise of several consultants throughout the process is really worth it. Strongly recommend.

Stratus Admissions was exactly what I was looking for in a MBA admissions consultant. I originally signed up for the two school package with Donna Bauman and could not have been happier with my selection.

Overall, everyone from the senior strategists to the sales team makes you feel as if you are their only client. My admissions consultant, Donna, was wonderful throughout the R1 and R2 admissions process. She really pushed me to dig deep and encouraged me to slow down, reflect, and put my best application forward. During the application process, Donna was there for my every question and always available to bounce ideas off of, even on the weekends! The thoughtfulness of Donna's feedback and advice throughout my business school application process really made me feel as if I were her only client.

Additionally, what I really found unique and beneficial about Stratus was the team-based approach whereby a senior strategist and school-specific reviewer were available to share their expertise, rather than just be isolated to a single consultant.

This fall, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a M7 MBA program. I highly recommend Stratus Admissions if you are considering applying to a MBA program. Although costly, the benefits gained from having someone to continually motivate and push you to put your best work product forward throughout the grueling admissions process are priceless.

I had a rudimentary idea of what I wanted to write about, but working with my Stratus Prep Counselor elevated my essays to a higher level and helped me craft a unique story that wove together my passions, experiences and goals. Beyond the technical aspects, my Counselor helped me maintain sanity through the stressful MBA admissions process and gave me invaluable advice and inspiration when I needed it most. Ultimately, I was invited to interview at 7 of 8 schools and was accepted into my preferred program. I firmly believe that Stratus Prep strengthened my candidacy tremendously.

I would strongly recommend my consultant Paul Bodine who helped me with my MBA application.

I could hardly believe it when I received the admit phone call from Stanford GSB. So excited!!! I contacted Paul in November because I had read and really liked his book. I used both his "all-in" and hourly service for my round 2 MBA application. I was admitted to Stanford GSB and Chicago Booth (with $40k scholarship), and got waitlisted at HBS. Paul provided tremendous help in almost all aspects of my application - from school selection, essay editing to the data section review and the mock interview. His deep expertise and insights was crucial to the success.

I hope this review is helpful to anyone applying to business school and wants to make the best possible decision to be successful: hire Bill at Stacy Blackman Consulting. It's that simple.

I was actually working with another consulting company and felt out of control. I had hired them several months in advance with the thought that I would slowly work on my three applications, no rush, no panic. But I was not making progress and felt like I just was not getting the type of direction I needed, I was not sure of my essay topics or even that sure of my schools. Everything felt half baked. When a friend mentioned that she was working with SBC and was very happy I decided what the hell, hire them for a few hours and see what they could do. I started working with Bill and he literally rescued me from the flames. The difference was so obvious - he added clarity to my application, guided me in picking out schools and coming up with topics to use in my essays. We had a great conversation where I hung up knowing what to do. I had focus and direction instead of utter confusion and chaos. So one step at a time, we worked together and created great apps. By then I was down to 5 weeks until deadline and in a panic. But Bill was calm and cool and responsive. Every time we spoke or emailed I made progress and things moved in the right direction, at a good pace.

In five weeks we exchanged hundreds of emails and went through 30+ essay drafts - cant really believe it.

The approach we took was completely different from what I was doing before. There was a strategy behind the whole story and it really reflected me. In the end I pulled off a hat trick with acceptances to three schools! As Bill knows, he has my eternal gratitude.

Thanks to Paul my wife and I got admitted to our dream school - Tuck School of Business - with scholarships.
While some consultants refuse to work with couples, because of the daunting odds they face at top 10 schools, Paul enthusiastically agreed to help us. Right from the free introductory call, we felt comfortable working with Paul: he is very insightful, professional and his feedback was always on point.
Paul answered every question we had and provided valuable support throughout the application process. Most importantly, he helped each one of us mine our lives for interesting stories and pivotal events, helped us create a successful application strategy and guided us through its execution.
If you want to stand out among thousands of incredibly talented applicants from all over the world and increase your chances of getting into a top business school, you should reach out to Paul right away!
We also benefited a lot from reading Paul's book "Great Applications for Business School". This book contains detailed guidance to every step of the application process and is a must-read for any MBA applicant.
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I would like to provide a review for Paul Bodine (www.admitify.com), who helped my wife and me get into Tuck School of Business together, with scholarships.
While some consultants refuse to work with couples, because of the daunting odds they face at top 10 schools, Paul enthusiastically agreed to help us.
Right from the free introductory call, we felt comfortable working with Paul: he is very insightful, professional and his feedback was always on point. Paul answered every question we had and provided valuable support throughout the application process. Most importantly, he helped each one of us mine our lives for interesting stories and pivotal events, helped us create a successful application strategy and guided us through its execution. If you want to stand out among thousands of incredibly talented applicants from all over the world and increase your chances of getting into a top business school, you should reach out to Paul right away! We also benefited a lot from reading Paul's book "Great Applications for Business School". This book contains detailed guidance to every step of the application process and is a must-read for any MBA applicant.

I STRONGLY recommend Poonam Tandon at myEssayReview
https://myessayreview.com

I first signed up only for Poonam's resume review, but after working with her on my resume, I knew I could trust her with working on my three essays. I liked how I could choose individual services, and the pricing was very reasonable and the plans were flexible. I read all the others' testimonials and their experiences working with Poonam, and I got a good feeling that I could make a convincing essay that told my story well. With a low GMAT score, I knew I had to give my application an edge.

Poonam greatly cared about me as a person and an applicant, and was able to extract the points that were effective in my essays. At times when my content was insufficient, she pushed me to think harder in my past and get the material out on text. It was precisely this kind of help that made my essays have a differentiating factor and a coherent story. Not only did her advice make the writing better, it also crystalized what I wanted to convey in the first place.

In addition to understanding me and my strengths, Poonam nicely picked up points in my story that I didn't think were so significant. She arranged them and crafted them elegantly without losing my original intent. I was truly satisfied with the final essays.

Although the deadlines for the schools that I was applying to were approaching fast, Poonam's response time was SUPER fast and never late - I don't know how she does it, but it was truly magical and assuring to have feedback on time when I was racing against the clock.

My overall experience of working with Poonam was GOLD STAR EXCELLENT. After her consultation and essay reviews, I got accepted from Aalto University with 100% full tuition scholarship, Illinois Institute of Technology with $45K scholarship, and also Central St. Martins. I chose to attend Aalto
University. I would definitely recommend her services to anybody who needs and wants a consultant who puts in the time and care into your applications.

Dream School Admit (https://dreamschooladmit.com/)
It was my third GMAT attempt and I got the score of 650. I wasn't very confident of applying, but wanted to go ahead and apply as I knew I won't be able to attempt GMAT once again. I knew I needed help and advice and I started searching for consultants. I came across many consultant companies on GMAT club. I read testimonials and started writing mails to them. I spoke to the representatives/owners of around 7 companies. Some of them were charging exorbitant fees and some were not willing to listen properly to my needs.
I wasn't convinced and my further search landed me on Quora. I got to read some interesting testimonials on Quora about Arvind of DreamSchoolAdmit (https://dreamschooladmit.com/) and I thought of giving it a try. I contacted Arvind and the best thing about Arvind is that he first listened to my MBA needs. Before jumping into the prices and package, Arvind helped me craft the story. After we finalized the story, I decided to engage with him for the application and interview process.
Ranging from reviewing and editing my essays, resume, and even the guidance on video essays, every advice of his helped me not only in putting out the best possible version but also a great learning for me as I was getting to know more about myself in the process. Arvind reviewed my Resume 8 times to bring out the best Resume for Adcoms. Arvind had worked closely with Adcoms and so, he knew exactly what kind of questions can be asked. Once invited for interview, you can't afford to do a blunder in the interviews. Arvind made sure that I deliver best and after 4 mock interviews, I was able to answer any question confidently.
Having Arvind at my side throughout the application process was a confidence booster for me, as he didn't let me think down even once. He believed in my talent more than I did myself. This is my first testimonial for anyone and I strongly recommend Arvind Arun of DreamSchoolAdmit (https://dreamschooladmit.com/) for the best possible help you can get in the nominal prices. I got an offer from Schulich and awaiting from 1 more college.

I can't thank Arvind from Dream School Admit enough for helping me out with my essays and interviews.
Having a low GMAT score was a major concern for me. I did try to get in touch with couple of consultants before I spoke to Arvind, but was unconvinced. But when I spoke to Arvind for the very first time, he very keenly listened to my story and conundrum. I knew it then and there that it was Arvind who could help me achieve the impossible. I could clearly remember the number of essay iterations we had before we concluded the final essays for each school. He also helped me with the interviews. Arvind knows his job extremely well! I eventually received admit from McMaster and am awaiting result from another University. I can vouch for Arvind as the guidance/expertise he helps one with is rarely found with any other consultants.
If you are looking for a consultant to help you out with your essays and interviews, Arvind is the man! I thank him for all the support he provided throughout

Here's the link: https://dreamschooladmit.com/

I have heard great things about MBA Mentor. It's started by a recently graduated LBS MBA student who connects you with current students/alumni of your targeted schools and those students help you with essay editing and mock interview. You could check out their website: mbamentor.org

Hope this helps!

In today's competitive job market, the decision to pursue higher education, particularly a Master of Business Administration (MBA), can be a pivotal point in one's career trajectory. With its promise of increased earning potential, broader career opportunities, and enhanced skill set, the MBA has become a cornerstone for many professionals aspiring to excel in the business world.

Let's delve into the concrete reasons why obtaining an MBA could be the game-changer you've been seeking:

Salary Surge:According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), MBA graduates command substantially higher salaries compared to their counterparts with only a bachelor's degree. Recent GMAC surveys reveal that the median base salary for MBA graduates in the United States surpasses $115,000 annually, marking a significant contrast to the approximately $65,000 earned by bachelor's degree holders.
Expansive Career Avenues:Extensive research by the Financial Times (FT) underscores the vast array of career opportunities that open up for MBA graduates. The multifaceted nature of MBA programs, often complemented by networking events, internships, and robust career placement services, empowers graduates to secure coveted positions across diverse industries and roles globally.
Entrepreneurial Edge:While not every MBA alumnus embarks on an entrepreneurial journey, a substantial number do. Reports from Babson College on global entrepreneurship reveal that over a quarter of MBA alumni worldwide have ventured into entrepreneurship. The comprehensive skill set acquired during MBA studies equips graduates with the acumen and resilience required to navigate the challenges of launching and sustaining a successful business.
Global Vision:In an era of globalization, businesses operate within an increasingly interconnected landscape. MBA programs, with their emphasis on international business, cross-cultural communication, and global strategy, prepare graduates to thrive in diverse markets. Data from QS TopMBA suggests that a significant portion of MBA students gravitate towards programs with an international focus, reflecting the demand for global perspectives in today's business environment.
Leadership Cultivation:Leadership development lies at the heart of many MBA curricula. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students hone their leadership, team management, and decision-making skills. Research by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) highlights that MBA graduates are more likely to ascend to leadership roles within organizations, underscoring the program's efficacy in nurturing future business leaders.
Job Security and Adaptability:Amidst economic uncertainties, individuals armed with advanced degrees like an MBA often enjoy greater job security and adaptability. Surveys conducted by prominent firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Deloitte emphasize the value placed by employers on the analytical prowess, critical thinking abilities, and adaptability of MBA graduates in navigating evolving market dynamics.

In conclusion, the decision to pursue an MBA is not merely an academic endeavor but a strategic investment in one's future. The compelling data and insights gleaned from reputable sources underscore the transformative potential of an MBA in propelling your career to new heights. Whether you seek to ascend the corporate ladder, chart your entrepreneurial course, or navigate the global business landscape, an MBA equips you with the tools, network, and mindset to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.



Need help to start your application journey?

The Admission Concierge is a boutique-sized MBA consulting service by former director of admissions. We specialize in top-ranked MBA programs (U.S. Canada and Europe). Unlike large consulting firms, our focus is on you – We offer truly personalized and tailored guidance that goes beyond the conventional, or cookie-cutter methods, ensuring your journey to admission is uniquely crafted for success. We understand the hard work and introspection that goes into crafting a compelling application for a highly competitive program, even for candidates with outstanding academic and professional backgrounds. Therefore, we are deeply invested in maximizing your potential through the entire process, from school selection to crafting a persuasive application highlighting your uniqueness to interview prep.