Blog:
Four Tips for Selecting the Right MBA Recommenders
June 5, 2025
Throughout the MBA application process, you’ll effectively put together a campaign based on your personal story making the case for why you should be accepted to your target school(s). Many people find it challenging to tell their personal story in a logical and compelling way within the limits of business school applications. Therefore, recommenders are…
Three Considerations Before Applying to MPP Programs
June 4, 2025
If you’ve already gotten a sense that a Master of Public Policy (MPP) program might be right for you and you’d like to start preparing for the application process, it’s time to ask yourself three essential questions: 1. How do you want to serve? Lots of students apply to policy programs because they have a…
June Pre-MBA To-Do List
June 2, 2025
If you intend to submit business school applications in Round 1, you have about 100 days until the first deadlines. The month of June is an exciting one because most MBA programs will release their deadlines and any changes in their essays. Bookmark our Deadlines page, which will be updated as new dates and essays…
Best Nonverbal Strategies for MBA Interviews
May 30, 2025
When we think about the work involved in applying to an MBA program, our minds often go straight to the essays. After all, they do take a considerable amount of time to write and finesse. However, nonverbal communication can make or break your MBA interview, as this type of communication can be even more meaningful…
MBA Application Rounds: When Should You Apply—Round 1, 2, or 3?
May 29, 2025
As top business schools start to release their application deadlines and essay questions, a common question we at Stratus hear is “When should I apply?”—or more specifically, “In which round should I apply?” Most schools have three rounds of MBA application deadlines: generally in September/October (Round 1 [R1]), early January (Round 2 [R2]), and April…
25 Questions to Ask Students and Alumni While Researching MBA Programs
May 28, 2025
Connecting with students and alumni is an important part of researching MBA schools. Business school is a considerable investment of time and money, so digging a few layers deeper by speaking to current MBA students and alumni at your programs of interest will help you find the right programs. Additionally, schools want to know you’re…
Tips for Your Michigan Ross Application Essays
May 27, 2025
Michigan Ross Application Essay Tips, 2025-2026 This year, Michigan Ross condensed its essay questions and added a note regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Let’s take a moment to discuss how you can best position yourself through your essays for this year’s applicant pool. Part 1: Career Aspirations What is your short-term career goal,…
Tips for Your Columbia Business School Application Essays
May 27, 2025
Columbia Business School Application Essay Tips, 2025-2026 Columbia Business School (CBS) has made minor changes to its essay questions for this year. August term applications have three rounds of deadlines (Round 1 is September 3, Round 2 is January 6, and Round 3 is March 26). There are two application deadlines for the January term…
Four Tips for Prepping Your Business School Recommenders
May 13, 2025
MBA letters of recommendation are a critical part of every business school application, but don’t panic! If you haven’t done so already, we at Stratus suggest that you start by reading our “Four Steps to a Five-Star MBA Recommendation.” Although recommendation letters are the part of your application over which you have the least control,…
Four Steps to a Five-Star MBA Recommendation
May 7, 2025
During my 15 years on a business school admissions committee, I read thousands of MBA recommendation letters. Every so often, in the best possible way, an MBA recommendation letter would STOP. ME. IN. MY. TRACKS. This kind of MBA recommendation letter had the power to change the trajectory of an applicant’s business school admissions journey,…
What Is an M7 MBA?
May 5, 2025
The M7 business schools are regarded as the pinnacle of excellence in MBA programs. Often referred to as the “Magnificent Seven,” they are top-tier choices for prospective MBA candidates, both in the United States and around the world. These institutions turn out prestigious alumni, including high-profile CEOs and global industry leaders. Graduates of the M7…
Five Tips to Build Your Quantitative Profile
May 2, 2025
Business school applicants are more diverse today than ever before. Throughout the last decade, business schools have worked hard to increase the range of industries represented in their classes. Last year, I worked with consultants, finance professionals, and engineers, but I also worked with applicants from nonprofits, sales teams, and conglomerated family businesses, as well…