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Six Keys to Successful MBA Application Essays

Six Keys to Successful MBA Application Essays

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…

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Tips for Your Consortium Application Essays

Consortium Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 The Consortium’s mission is to increase representation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in top MBA programs and throughout the US workforce. For more than 50 years, The Consortium has provided a streamlined application process to leading business schools. The Consortium’s ranks continue to grow with the addition…

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Three Tips as You Consider the ROI on an MBA

Three Tips as You Consider the ROI on an MBA

In its most recent Application Trends Survey, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reported that application volume at graduate management education programs dipped by 5% between 2022 and 2023. This may lead some to question their confidence in their return on investment (ROI) for an MBA degree. However, a 2023 GMAC survey reported that 90%…

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Showcase Your “Spike Factor” in Rotman MBA Application Essays

Rotman Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 Rotman is all about “spike factor,” asking you to use 500 words to explain your “spike” and offering you the option to upload up to three of your “spikiest” pictures to support your claims. On campus, you can feel the excitement and positive momentum of this program firsthand. From the…

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September To-Do list for Round 1

September is a crucial month for MBA applicants targeting top programs. It’s the final stretch before Round 1 deadlines, and there are several key tasks to complete to ensure your application is polished and ready to go. Here are some essential things to focus on this month: 1. Put the finishing touches on essays. Your…

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The Best MBA Programs for Real Estate

The Best MBA Programs for Real Estate

An MBA with a focus in real estate can help hone your skills across development, property law, and market analysis. Those graduating with a focus in real estate might go on to work as a real estate or community developer, at a construction company as a project manager, or at commercial real estate lenders or…

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MBA Application Timing: Should You Apply in Round 1 or Round 2?

Over the next two weeks, we will hit the Round 1 MBA submission deadlines for Harvard Business School, Wharton, Michigan Ross, London Business School, Stanford GSB, Yale SOM, INSEAD, Northwestern Kellogg, Columbia Business School, and Berkeley Haas. In addition, UVA Darden and Duke Fuqua have Early Action deadlines within the week. And before the end of September,…

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Tips for your Oxford Saïd Application Essays

Oxford Saïd Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 Oxford Saïd business school takes great pride in being part of a “world-class university, tackling world-class problems.” The school attracts a diverse student body made up of individuals from all areas of life who are motivated to drive change and turn ideas into action. The program’s main 250-word essay…

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Should I Consider a Master in Management or Master in Management Studies?

Should I Consider a Master in Management or Master in Management Studies? 

Are you a liberal arts or engineering major who is interested in accelerating your career in business? Did you miss out on taking introductory courses that would prepare you for roles in consulting, banking, or general management? Are you an international student who wants to mitigate risk as you look to secure your first job…

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Should I Consider a Master’s Degree in Finance?

Are you aiming for a job in a competitive finance area like investment banking, research, consulting, or investment management but don’t want an MBA, at least for now? If so, consider applying for a Master of Finance (MFin/MSF) degree. There is high demand for skilled finance professionals, and this degree can prepare you for a…

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Eight Myths Busted About Applying to Business School

Eight Myths Busted About Applying to Business School 

As you consider pursuing an MBA, you will hear different advice from friends, family, and current students/alumni about the programs you are targeting. Read on as we at Stratus dispel the myths that many applicants hear throughout the application process to set your mind at ease! 1. “R1 applications don’t come out until June/July, so…

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Eight Tips for Female Chinese MBA Applicants

Eight Tips for Female Chinese MBA Applicants

There are more women in the MBA pipeline from China than from anywhere else in the world. Although GMAT testing is down worldwide, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reported that 16,431 women in China took the GMAT in 2023, representing a whopping 67% of all Chinese GMAT testers. By comparison, 8,345 women from India…

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