You are currently browsing the Essays category.

June 3, 2026
The University of Washington (UW) Foster School of Business attracts candidates who are not just accomplished leaders in both their personal and professional lives but also individuals who seek a collaborative, innovative culture and possess an innate desire to solve the most challenging problems of our time. Outstanding application essays require deep introspection and a…

June 2, 2026
Get ready to write! INSEAD has one of the longest sets of required essays of any top MBA program — they definitely demand that you put in the time to prove your interest in the program. Additionally, you’ll need to record three short videos and perform a live written assessment for the video component of…

May 29, 2026
Not only does Wharton’s admissions committee want to know that you have a clear professional plan that you can begin actualizing once you arrive on campus, they also want to be convinced that Wharton is your top choice. So, thoroughly do your homework on the school before you start writing: talk to students and alumni,…

May 15, 2026
August term applications have three rounds of deadlines (Round 1 is September 9, Round 2 is January 5, and Round 3 is March 29). There are two application deadlines for the January term program (Round 1 is June 17, and Round 2 is August 13). All CBS applicants must submit three essays and two short-answer responses….

October 6, 2025
While contemplating how to present yourself to MBA admissions teams, are you staring at a blank page and thinking, “I don’t have a unique story”? If so, you’re not alone. When applying to top MBA programs, one of the most daunting tasks can be crafting a compelling personal narrative. In fact, it’s the number-one reason…

September 22, 2025
When applying to top MBA programs, you’ll likely encounter an “optional essay” as part of the application process. It can be tempting to skip this section, especially if you feel your application is already strong. But should you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on your circumstances and the specific guidance provided by each school….

September 12, 2025
In today’s competitive admissions climate, a successful MBA application requires significant time, planning, and self-reflection. One of the most important elements of that application is the essay, which is where you set yourself apart. The right essay can have a positively transformative effect on your profile—and, with it, your admissions decisions. Given our decades of…

August 13, 2025
Essays are a key piece of your MBA application. Some business schools give you very few words to tell your story, while others have no word limit. Some have one essay, and some have many. But regardless of a school’s approach to essays, there are some essay mistakes that could help derail your entire MBA…

August 5, 2025
Yale SOM Application Essay Tips, 2025-2026 Yale School of Management (SOM) is keeping the same three essay prompt choices it used last year: SOM invites you to choose the prompt that speaks most to you, so pick the question that you think will allow you to best communicate your character and values. There is no…

July 24, 2025
A huge change is happening at UNC in January 2026 as Stephen D. Bell Hall will become the home of the school’s MBA program and major renovations will begin on the school’s current home in the McColl Building. Given these significant changes, it is no surprise that UNC Kenan-Flagler has also made the biggest update…

July 23, 2025
UCLA Anderson Application Essay Tips, 2025–2026 UCLA Anderson stands out among MBA programs because of its location in a large city with many different industries, its collaborative culture, and the flexibility it offers to customize your business school experience. Anderson looks for applicants who embody the school’s three pillars: sharing success, thinking fearlessly, and driving…

July 23, 2025
Texas McCombs Application Essay Tips, 2025–2026 This year, Texas McCombs has rolled out a brand new set of essay prompts. According to McCombs, the revised questions “are purposefully designed to elicit thoughtful and introspective responses that reveal your motivations, values, and aspirations.” The McCombs application is your chance to show the adcom how you will…
Learn how Stratus’s team approach can help you get accepted to your top-choice business schools. Start with a FREE consultation with one of our Admissions Counselors. Our team is ready to dive into your goals, answer your questions about your profile and the application process, and help you boost your appeal to admissions committees!