Strengths:

The structured, methodical process that takes the guesswork out of the application and helps surface your strengths, weaknesses, and personal story into a compelling MBA vision.

I can't recommend Jennifer Jackson enough as an MBA admissions consultant. Thanks to her guidance I was accepted to 3 M7 schools + scholarships. I felt that Jennifers greatest strength was her empathy - she really cares and takes time to understand your unique story/circumstances. I was reassured by the critiques/constructive feedback I received from her because I knew she was challenging me to do better and create the best application possible. I used an hourly package with Stratus and I felt it was a great mix of structured activities, while still giving me the flexibility to pay for the pieces I needed most. I can't recommend Jennifer enough and think she is among the best MBA admissions consultants.

Read More

Strengths:

Great support and peace of mind getting an expert to review all essays. Good templates that strategically position your essay in the best way possible

Would make the product better:

Add more feedback in the essay. Even if you think the essay is perfect, having more feedback is better so it feels like we're getting more value out of the service

I used the hourly services and working with Jennifer was a great second-look at my work from an expert and provided peace of mind knowing I was doing my best. She was very supportive throughout the process and had quick turnaround time as we were approaching deadlines. Her templates were helpful as we were strategically positioning my essays to stand out. For areas I asked for more help in, she would target her reviews towards them. As an hourly client, I felt like she was fair with her use of time and directed her time to the most important parts of my application

Read More

Susan was a wonderful consultant who clearly cared about my story and application process. Applying to MBA programs can be quite hectic, stressful and overwhelming. Susan made the process straightforward and exciting.

Even from our first conversation, it was clear that Susan has deep expertise on the application process and that she takes time to help you understand your own strengths, weaknesses and story. Applying to MBA programs calls for introspection and for salient communication of your background. Susan is an excellent guide who helps you pull at the threads that make you, you. Without a doubt choosing Susan was the best choice I made in the application process.

Read More

I came to Melisa with a list of schools I wanted to target and an idea of the story I wanted to tell throughout my applications. She was able to help me tighten up that story and tailor it to specific schools, providing incredibly insightful suggestions and tweaks. She also demonstrated a great deal of interest in my success, checking in frequently and offering ad-hoc tips to go along with her structured feedback. Not to mention, she is a blast to talk to and seems like a really great person. I would recommend Melisa to anyone seeking to apply to an MBA program.

Read More

Initially, I wasn't going to hire a consultant to help with my application process. I felt that I could do it on my own. However, along the way, I encountered roadblocks and wasn't sure how to tell my story in the fullest way. I wanted to capture the depth and richness of my experiences. I decided to work with a consultant on an hourly package to supplement where I was in the process.

I am SO glad that I decided to work with Stratus. From my intro call alone, I knew working with Sophie would be a fruitful partnership. She helped me draw out the best qualities in me and showcase my unique background. She provided very clear, actionable feedback, which helped me finalize my essays in no time. It definitely helped that we got along and I felt she understood me. I felt supported throughout the entire process. Best decision on my application journey!

Read More

With the help of Stratus, I applied to 3 M7 schools, one top 15 school, and was accepted to all with scholarship (one with a full-ride). My consultant, Sophie, helped me build my application from the bottom up. I had an 7-hour package with Stratus, yet I felt as if I had one of the top-tier comprehensive packages that go for thousands of dollars more. I think the reason for this is the reflective exercises and activities that helped illuminate how I was going to stand out via my essays. With Sophie, I also built a rock-solid resume that became the backbone to my applications.

During our calls, I felt heard and respected. I was seen as an individual, and not a profile. Other consultants may lead you to feel insecure or uncertain about a part of a profile, but I never felt that with Sophie and Stratus.

Read More

Erik was a huge help at every stage of the process - he was very responsive throughout and always responded quickly with insightful suggestions for improvement.

Getting in to my first choice school wouldn’t have been possible without his advice and support. Would definitely recommend!

Read More

I had the privilege of working closely with Susan for my 2+2 MBA applications with a deadline in April 2023. Susan played a pivotal role in guiding me through the entire application process, from the initial ideation phase to crafting a compelling MBA narrative and presenting it convincingly. Her support was marked by thoughtfulness, honesty, and unwavering availability whenever I needed assistance.

One standout aspect of Susan's support was her offer to provide input and guidance to my recommenders. This was a significant help in ensuring that my recommendations aligned perfectly with my application goals. Susan also helped me to differentiate between a standard job resume and an MBA-focused resume. She made several subtle but impactful adjustments to my application that I would have easily overlooked on my own.

I cannot recommend Susan highly enough. Her deep understanding of the MBA application process is unparalleled, and her dedication to her clients is truly commendable. Even after the application process concluded, Susan has maintained regular contact and offered to meet in person, demonstrating her genuine care and commitment. Susan is not only a remarkable coach but also a wonderful person, and anyone fortunate enough to have her as a coach is truly lucky.

Read More

Jennifer was an outstanding resource during my admissions process. Beyond being a friendly face during a stressful time, Jennifer provided invaluable admissions knowledge, strategy, and assistance during the essay writing process. Stratus' tools for extracting and shaping my story were extremely helpful, and Jennifer's ability to quickly understand my background and goals was incredible. She provided great feedback throughout the essay writing process as well as concise and thoughtful edits to ensure that I was communicating most effectively and within the word limit. Jennifer was also extremely responsive and always replied quickly to my countless emails, no matter how small the question. I was super excited to be admitted to my top two choices of the early MBA programs I applied to and could certainly not have done it without the help of Jennifer and the Stratus team.

Read More

As a Deferred Programs applicant, I was unsure of whether it would be worth the effort / money to engage with a consultant. After chatting with a lot of other consultants, I find myself immediately gravitating toward Susan’s radiating passion for her work and her students. I was also affirmed by her candid feedback on my profile and her realistic assessment of my chances. These characteristics - passion, candidness, and optimism - remain constant throughout my interactions with her after I purchased an hourly service.

I am so grateful that I did decide to hire a consultant. We first worked together to come up with my key themes and a strategic plan, which Susan played a significant in helping me articulate. During the essay editing process, Susan was responsive and provided thoughtful feedback for every draft. There were moments when I grew frustrated with my writing, but Susan was persistent and encouraging in helping me craft a compelling narrative that accurately portrays myself. When it came time for interviews, Susan was my biggest cheerleader. Beyond helping me with mock interviews, she would send me a note before my every interview. To note, throughout my engagement with Susan, she has always been efficient with the hours I purchased.

Eventually, I got into 3/5 schools I applied to and I could not have asked for a more professional, helpful, and compassionate advocate by my side than Susan.

Read More