After doing a free consultation with several MBA admissions consulting firms, I was immediately sold on working with Stratus because of their unique team approach using a primary consultant, a secondary strategist, school specific reviewers, and proofreaders in their comprehensive package.

Donna, my primary consultant, was absolutely wonderful. She encouraged my desire to apply to several M7 dream schools despite my lackluster GRE scores, and she guided me on how to handle some very difficult roadblocks that occurred during my application process including getting laid off. What sets Donna apart is her unwavering commitment to her clients' success. She was always available to answer questions, provide encouragement during stressful moments, and offer strategic advice, even with my 6-hour time zone difference.

The results speak for themselves – with Donna's guidance, I received offers from multiple top-tier MBA programs, including one with a scholarship. For anyone considering MBA admissions consulting, I wholeheartedly recommend Donna Bauman and Stratus Admissions Counseling. The investment in their services is truly an investment in your future, providing you with not just expert guidance, but also a supportive partner committed to your success.

Read More

Strengths:

Experienced industry experts, supportive and encouraging team, conscientious and detail-oriented approach to projects.

It was an absolute privilege to work with Susan from Day 1 of my MBA application journey. Having been highly recommended by my brother, I knew I was in capable hands, but the experience far exceeded my expectations. The MBA application process, with its inherent highs and lows, can be really daunting. However, Susan not just made it enjoyable, but a rewarding experience overall.
To begin with her technical expertise is nothing short of remarkable, as evidenced by her consistent track record of success. With a deep and nuanced understanding of the application process, she helped me shape my personal narratives in a way that resonated really well with admissions committees. Throughout this journey, I experienced tremendous growth both personally and professionally, much of which I attribute to Susan’s insightful guidance. Her thought-provoking questions prompted me to reflect on my aspirations and experiences more deeply, ultimately sharpening my perspective, and I am sure this will come in handy in the future as well.
What truly sets Susan apart though is her genuine investment in your success. She cares deeply, and this sincerity is evident in every interaction I had with her. I felt an unwavering sense of trust and support throughout the process.
In short, Susan is a remarkable consultant and a trusted advisor, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had her by my side during this pivotal phase of my career.

Read More

Working with Lisa was nothing short of a revelation. From the very beginning, she did more than just guide me—she unlocked the story within me, helping me see strengths I hadn’t fully realized. Her approach wasn’t about plugging details into templates; it was about digging deep, understanding who I am, and turning that into a compelling narrative that stood out.

Lisa was relentless in her pursuit of excellence. Whether it was brainstorming hidden gems from my past, refining my resume to make it sharp and concise, or giving precise, honest feedback on my essays, she always knew how to push me just hard enough to get the best out of me. And she did all this while being a constant source of support, calm, and clarity. Her dedication to my success was palpable, and it made all the difference.

If you're looking for someone to just check the boxes, move along. But if you want a partner who’ll get in the trenches with you, challenge your thinking, and help you present the best version of yourself, Lisa is the one. Thanks to her, I not only got accepted, but I walked away from the process with a clearer sense of who I am and where I’m headed.

Read More

Jennifer was such a fantastic partner on the MBA application journey. As a first-gen student, I was looking for guidance on the process from start to finish. I was also seeking help in bolstering certain parts of my application to balance out potential weak spots. Jennifer not only kept me on track but also instilled confidence along the way (especially when my confidence in myself was wavering!). Stratus’s process of having multiple eyes on each part of your application was invaluable, as it ensures your story and goals are cohesive. I ended up with several admits, all with scholarship - the investment in Stratus was certainly worth it!

Read More

Joe did an excellent job helping me shape my key stories and refine my profile for b-school admissions. I felt like the essays I wrote working with Joe were some of the best pieces of written work I have been able to produce and I think this is a testament to Joe's ability. Joe was incredibly effective at working with me to tease out the key details in my stories to help me draft compelling essays.

Additionally, Joe was able to help me prepare for my interviews by providing insight into the interview process and walking me through the key differences at each school.

With Joe's help I was offered admission to three top schools, two of them being Ivy League schools, and was fortunate enough to be offered scholarship money at all three.

Read More

I highly recommend Stratus and their consultants, especially Susan, who was instrumental in my success. Susan's guidance was invaluable, helping me secure admissions to several M7 schools. Her expertise and personalized approach made a significant difference in my application process. If you're considering deferred admission, Susan is the consultant you want. Her insights and support were crucial, and I couldn't recommend her more highly. Stratus, with Susan's help, exceeded my expectations and played a pivotal role in achieving my academic goals. Trust Stratus and Susan for a seamless and successful admission journey and especially if you are looking for deferred admissions help.

Read More

Working with Jennifer was the best decision. When I decided to apply to business schools, I had no idea where to start the daunting process. Upon starting with Jennifer, I instantly felt better about the path forward. In every step of the way, I could always count on Jennifer to provide guidance. She was always willing to hop on a call to consult, answer a last minute email, or provide an encouraging word in the height of stressful moments. On top of all of this, she was genuinely invested in my success and future. Jennifer truly is the best, and I highly recommend working with her if you are considering starting the MBA application process.

Read More

Going into the MBA application process, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. A colleague recommended I speak to Susan for an introductory conversation, and I immediately knew that she was the right person to guide me through this journey.

I can honestly say that it was solely through Susan's guidance that I could display my best, truest, authentic self in my applications. Right from the get-go, Susan worked tirelessly to draw out my essence. Her approach to do so was very unique- we spent months together on the early introspection exercises, peeling through the layers to understand my core personality. We then strengthened my narrative to create a strategy and brainstormed essays, while simultaneously working on other parts of the application (updating the resume, recommender memos, etc.).

Susan's commitment to her clients is unwavering. She was with me every single step of the way- right from the early discussions, to preparing for interviews, to writing waitlist updates, to negotiating scholarships and ultimately making a decision on which the right school for me would be.

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. As said, I simply cannot recommend Susan highly enough for anyone that is considering an MBA. Bringing her on board for your MBA applications is the BEST decision you will make!

Read More

Melisa's is a true testament and exceptional blend of personalized support and genuine encouragement. From the very first call I had with Melisa about my MBA application, I could truly feel that the person on the other side knows her stuff and really wants the best outcome for you. From the outset, Melisa prioritizes getting to know you better on a personal level, fostering an environment of trust and openness. This approach made me feel that the application process is not just about ticking boxes but about authentically representing one’s personality and strengths. With Melisa's guidance, I was able to confidently put my best foot forward, knowing that my application is a true reflection of who I am. Throughout the journey, Melisa remains consistently supportive and cheering, demonstrating her sincere desire for nothing but the best, making the application process enjoyable. I would highly recommend working with Melisa if you are in the process of submitting your application for an MBA program.

Read More

Transitioning from solider to civilian and returning from the east Africa region, where I was deployed with the Army, to NYC, posed unique challenges, especially as an MBA hopeful.

My path led me to pursue an MBA at Georgetown University, my dream school, with a focus on social impact, particularly in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Throughout this transformative journey, the support and guidance I received from Stratus Admissions Counseling, especially from Sophie Hilaire, were unparalleled.

Sophie’s approach was not only professional but also incredibly empathetic. She understood the nuances of my Army background and helped tailor my application to highlight my strengths and unique experiences. Her insights were invaluable, especially in articulating my transition and future aspirations in the social impact space.

Thanks to their dedicated assistance, I am now set to begin my MBA at Georgetown University.

I highly recommend Stratus Admissions Counseling and Sophie Hilaire to any prospective student seeking a partner who offers more than just admissions strategy but a truly personalized plan towards achieving their educational/career goals.

Read More