Blog:
When to Skip the GMAT for Top MBA Programs
July 3, 2025
The global coronavirus pandemic disrupted standardized testing, making it challenging for MBA applicants in some parts of the world to secure a seat in a testing center. As a result, test takers could also opt to take an online (at-home) version of the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA), but this was not an option for…
Tips for Your Duke Fuqua Application Essays
June 27, 2025
Duke Fuqua Application Essay Tips, 2025–2026 Please note: All information is subject to change. Duke Fuqua’s 2025 application deadlines have been released, and although the school’s essay questions have not been officially announced as of 6/26/25, our trusted contacts within the Fuqua adcom have confirmed that the prompts will remain the same. Duke Fuqua presents its applicants with one of the most creative, and…
What Is EQ, and Why Does It Matter for Future Business Leaders?
April 3, 2025
Business schools evaluate applicants holistically. Undergraduate performance—including major, grades, and standardized test scores—provide a glimpse into a candidate’s IQ. These measures allow admissions committees to assess applicants’ ability to handle the rigor of their program. But having a high GPA and a killer GMAT or GRE score doesn’t offer any insight into how a candidate…
Seven Things to Do in April for Round 1 MBA Applications
April 2, 2025
Every spring, I speak to aspiring business school students who are content to wait until the essay prompts are released in June to start working on their applications. However, I find that the most successful candidates take a long view on the application process. Before the weather gets really nice and you can be enjoying…
MBA Ding Analysis (or Why You Didn’t Get In)
March 25, 2025
Every year, after business school decisions are released, we at Stratus get an influx of requests for a “ding analysis.” These applicants want to understand why they were rejected by their top-choice MBA programs. To gain acceptance to a highly ranked business school, you need to both be a strong applicant AND submit a strong…
Future Business Leaders: Listen to These Podcasts!
March 18, 2025
Perhaps the very best podcast I have listened to that offers insight for future business leaders is an HBR IdeaCast episode with Guy Raz. In this episode, Raz discusses the three qualities that hundreds of business founders and leaders of successful organizations have in common: they create a culture of collaboration, encourage risk taking, and allow for…
How the Admissions Committee Builds an MBA Class
March 4, 2025
Find out who you are really competing against! One of the most popular questions that I get from MBA applicants is “How do admissions committees create a class?” The answer to this question is most easily explained through one of my favorite hobbies, cooking, and one of my favorite meals, jambalaya. For those of you who don’t…
Six Things to Do in March to Prepare for MBA Applications
March 3, 2025
Six months may seem like a long lead time for preparing business school applications, but a LOT more needs to be done between now and the September submission deadlines than just writing essays. If you weren’t following along last month, check out our February tips for preparing for your MBA applications. Think back to when you applied…
Can I Get into a Top MBA Program with a Low GPA?
February 11, 2025
If your undergraduate performance was dismal (read: a GPA less than 3.0), is there ANY hope of being accepted into an MBA program? Do the math! Stanford’s Class of 2026 has an average GPA of 3.75. If the school admitted you with a 2.7 GPA, it would have to admit SIX applicants with a perfect 4.0 to maintain…
Tips for International Candidates Applying to Top US MBA Programs
January 10, 2025
International candidates submit more than half of MBA applications, yet the international student population across the top 20 US MBA programs is roughly 35%. Do the math—it is super competitive. If you are an international candidate, here are ten things to consider as you prepare to submit your MBA applications: 1. Timing Most top MBA programs have…
January Tips to Prepare for Business School
January 2, 2025
As you flip the calendar to 2025, perhaps you are putting finishing touches on Round 2 MBA applications so you can attend your dream business school later this year. If that’s you, get back to work! But if one of your new year’s resolutions is to take the next step in your career, read on….
Tips for MBA Letters of Support
December 20, 2024
Anyone applying to business school knows that getting great recommendations will strengthen their candidacy. When selecting recommenders, you want to ask managers and mentors who will advocate for you and share specific examples of how you have contributed and made an impact in an organization. See our blog post, “Four Steps to a Five-Star MBA…