About

MBA Admissions Counselors

Susan Cera

Hi, I’m Susan Cera, Duke Fuqua MBA and former admissions committee member with more than 20 years of experience.

I’m the MBA Admissions Director at Stratus.

Let’s Talk!  

Learn More About Me

What My Clients Say About Working with Me

Because of the work with Susan, I’m fortunate to receive admissions to multiple M7 programs. You’d be lucky to have Susan in your corner during their application process!

MBA Class of 2027

I wish I had other schools to apply to other than my dream school, just to keep working with Susan!! Working with Susan was an absolute pleasure! Aside from the fact that she worked hard to help me put together the best application packet possible, she was extremely sweet and kind and would quickly calm any nerves I had about the application process.

EMBA Class of 2026

With her guidance, I was accepted to all three M7 schools I applied to. Beyond her expertise, Susan genuinely cares about her clients and is a true professional. I can’t recommend her enough!

MBA Class of 2027

Not only was Susan’s guidance instrumental in getting me admitted into a dream MBA program, but she was also my biggest cheerleader throughout this process. She is a remarkable person, who is deeply invested in your success. Bringing her on board for your MBA applications is the BEST decision you will make!

MBA Class of 2024

I couldn’t recommend Susan enough and feel extremely grateful I got to work with her during my MBA process! Choosing Susan is choosing a life-changing coach—the best investment of all time!

MBA Class of 2027

Susan is by far the choice you can and should make if your goal is to get into the best school possible.

MBA Class of 2024

I got into multiple of the M7s I applied to, and I’m pleased to say I will be attending HBS! All because of Susan.

Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2027

In Susan, you will find a warm and generous counselor, a trusted voice throughout the process, and a champion in your corner who will help you put forth the best application possible.
Susan is brilliant. She is kind but honest. If you want to give this process 110%, Susan is the one for you. She takes the phrase ‘going above and beyond’ to the next level. She has been an incredible guiding light for me in this process and did her job perfectly. I couldn’t recommend her higher and am so grateful I found her.
Susan is the person to work with if you want a consultant who truly cares about your MBA journey. If I ever had any doubts or concerns, Susan immediately supported me—helping me address them and find ways to alleviate them.

MBA Class of 2025

Without a doubt, Susan eliminated a lot of the stress and uncertainty that is part of the MBA application process. Working with her was an honor, and without a doubt she was an immensely meaningful guide through the application process.

MBA Class of 2026

Academic Background

  • Dartmouth College, AB in Economics and Computer Science
  • Fuqua School of Business, MBA

Experience

Admissions Consulting

Since 2015, I have coached clients from more than 30 countries who have been accepted to every top US and European MBA program and have collectively received millions in merit scholarships.

I was recognized by Poets&Quants as the #1 MBA admissions consultant in 2021 and have been ranked among the top consultants since.

Admissions Committee

I spent nearly a decade reviewing thousands of applications and interviewing candidates from every background as an admissions committee member at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Post-MBA

I worked in product management at Lotus Development and Open Market (a VC-funded e-commerce startup featured in a Harvard Business School case) and was one of the first ten employees at Upromise, where I wrote the initial requirements document (also highlighted in two Harvard Business School cases).

Pre-MBA

Before earning my MBA, I worked in economics consulting with a focus on antitrust litigation.

We’ll Work Well Together If…

  • You value candid feedback paired with genuine encouragement.
  • You are interested in social impact. I am truly intrigued by how technology can improve education, minimize food waste, and solve other day-to-day challenges.
  • Soccer is a passion of yours. I was the captain of Fuqua’s Soccer Club, played varsity soccer while at Dartmouth, and coached youth soccer for a decade.
  • You’re an avid swimmer. In 2025, I completed my first open-water swim, and I swim every morning when I have access to a pool.
  • You have a background or interest in software development, consulting, or technology product management. I have experience in all these areas.

My Recent Blog Posts

My Press Mentions

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