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March 2, 2026
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…

February 3, 2026
If you are reading this thinking, “I’ve got lots of time before the Round 1 2026–2027 deadlines,” think again! Although September may seem far away, preparing now for Round 1 applications will enable you to develop a well-thought-out and comprehensive application by reflecting on your story and creating the strategy to pull out all of…

January 5, 2026
As you flip the calendar to 2026, 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….

December 1, 2025
With Round 2 MBA deadlines just around the corner, it’s crunch time to perfect your applications. At Stratus, our team-based approach helps applicants tackle every component strategically – from resumes and essays to recommendations. To help you maximize your chances of success, I have asked Stratus’ experienced counselors to share their top insights for Round…

November 3, 2025
early-January deadlinesAs you contemplate your next steps, here are six questions you should be asking yourself. Your answers could be “Yes,” “No,” or “I’m not sure yet!” 1. Am I at peace with my standardized test score? –On average, incoming students at the top MBA programs have four to five years of post-undergraduate professional experience….

October 1, 2025
As many aspiring MBA students are wrapping up Round 1 applications or anxiously awaiting a coveted interview invite, perhaps you are wondering where to begin! Do not worry. If you use your time wisely, you can complete several applications to submit before Round 2 MBA deadlines this January. Here is what you need to be doing in…

September 2, 2025
Your recommenders play a crucial role in your application, providing insights into your professional capabilities and potential for success in an MBA program. By September, you should have already identified your recommenders and briefed them on the process. Now, give them a final reminder and check in to see if they need any additional information…

August 4, 2025
In the final stretch of the MBA application process, one of the most impactful actions you can take in August is to draft and share your essays with trusted individuals and ask for their feedback. Whether it’s mentors, colleagues, or friends, gaining different perspectives can help you refine your narrative, ensure clarity, and highlight your…

July 1, 2025
. If you’re preparing to apply to business school, you’re likely pretty overwhelmed by all there is to do, but it helps to lay out the tasks in steps to keep all the moving parts together. Here are some things you should do in July: 1. Revise your essay outlines. For each school, put all…

June 2, 2025
Deadlines pageNow, what else should you be doing in the month of June? 1. Solidify your short- and long-term goals. For your short-term goal, specify the type of role and either a sample company or an industry in which you want to work (e.g., “I want to work as a product manager in a fintech…

May 1, 2025
Consider your short- and long-term goals and determine whether you NEED an MBA to reach those goals. Start by answering the questions “Why an MBA?” and “Why now?” Then think about what you need to gain from an MBA, such as cross-industry exposure, soft skills, leadership skills, and cross-functional exposure. Also, consider some key themes…

April 2, 2025
Before the weather gets really nice and you can be enjoying the outdoors and engaging with friends and family, take the time NOW to prepare for your Round 1 MBA applications this fall. Earning an MBA should be a transformational experience. For two years, you will develop your skills, knowledge, and relationships to take your…
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!