I started using Stratus Consulting in Spring 2017 with the goal of applying by Fall 2017 for Round 1.

tl:dr Stratus was incredibly helpful. The introspection templates, essay feedback, and school guidance gave me insight into a process I was new to. Like anything, you get what you put in, and money isn't enough. But if you are really willing to work, Stratus will take that effort and focus it into a top application for your top schools. It worked here as I was recently admitted to the Stanford Graduate School of Business with an undergrad GPA below 3.0 and a GMAT score of 710.

More detail:
Stratus helped to frame my experiences in a way that not only helped me pick the best ones to share, but to craft my own goals/trends through them. Like most of you, I imagine, I am going to business school to make a specific move in my career. That move isn't coming from no where but has showed itself throughout my early career. That is easy to say but often very difficult to show in 250-750 word essays while also getting the tone, grammar, and writing style down. So firstly, Stratus was crucial in helping my instrospection process occur early and thoroughly.

Take that introspection and turning it into essays is difficult, however. Nonetheless, my Stratus advisor helped me do just that. We must have gone back and forth (I chose a package that had them help me with two schools, but ultimately I applied to 9) at least 10 times on each schools essays. She always provided helpful insight, guidance, and was not afraid to challenge my assumptions. Additionally, when the time was right, my Stratus POC gave my essays to others on her team to get additionally invaluable feedback.

For me, I tend to procrastinate and with work, personal life, and building a side business, I knew that if I didn't commit to an investment like Stratus, I would not be able to stick to a timeline to apply with high quality essays. I ultimately applied R2 (wanted/needed to get my GMAT score up) and Stratus stuck with me through the entire process. I highly recommend them to students who are ready to work, excited about business school (and other graduate schools, btw), and know they need a little fire to keep them going through the long haul.

Overall, I am happy with my decision regardless of what school I got into, but certainly ecstatic that I was afforded this opportunity to attend Stanford. My advice: if you are going to commit to this process, go all in. Commit. The worst feeling you will have from this process (worse than the long GMAT hours of studying) is realizing at the end of it that you could have done something more. Don't let that happen. Act now, organize, and make 2018 your year to do this! Good luck!

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Experience during the program

This place is better than I expected...

Honestly, in trying to be incredibly critical, I have very little negative to share, and absolutely 0 substantial negatives to share. The professors, classmates, and facilities are incredible. I catch myself often in disbelief about what a diverse place this is, both in terms of the people here and the opportunities available.

To get more specific: there are classes on topics that are not only cutting edge, but often pushing the edge, especially in terms of leadership development and entrepreneurship. I often find myself having to choose between a great way to spend my time and an incredible way to spend my time.

A few examples: the GSB impact fund gives students a chance to invest real money in companies all the while learning what it takes to conduct due diligence on a company/building portfolio companies.

Another example of the network: since I have been here (just over 3 months), there have been numerous opportunities to work with alumni on interesting projects in new fields, where they would welcome fresh perspectives and encourage students using it as an opportunity to learn. I specifically got set up so I have a project this December in HI on a topic I am interested in but have no formal background in. Of course I am going to work my tail off, but the point is the network helped me find the opportunity.

There are many more examples, but most importantly I have come to realize how beautiful of a time this is to explore what are the things one wants to spend your life doing, and how to use business to help you do that (and hopefully help you help others to do the same).

**Finally, I want to make note that I am willing to help others by reviewing their essays. The "What matters to you most and why" question is something talked about a lot here, and I may be able to help you frame it so your message is clear. Reach out if interested and we can talk.**

About professors, classes and curriculum

Organization Behavior with Frank Flynn is an incredible class focused on how to make organizations effectively innovate, grow, and change.

Optimization and Modeling is a fantastic course. I leave it every week wondering how I moved through the business world without the skills it has taught me thus far.

About job placement process

I am recruiting down a more nontraditional path.

Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
Schools contribution (5.0)
Classmates rating (5.0)

Strengths of the program:

Curriculum, Classes, Professors
Student body, diversity
Location

Best fit at this program:

Consulting
Finance
Investment Banking
Tech
Entrepreneurship
Management

Can be improved:

Student body, diversity
Specialization in a particular area (e.g. Finance, Consulting, Healthcare, etc)

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Magoosh provided some of the best video explanations out there. I was able to go from a 610 to a 710 in 6 months (I am not a quant guy either) from this program. I supplemented it with EmpowerGMAT, which has a lot more tactics, but Magoosh was still my base for studying, reviewing, taking notes, etc.

In addition, their lessons are fantastic for those who want to start from square one and grow. If you have the time and capacity to stick to their provided schedule and really focus on learning from the ground up, Magoosh is going to treat you well.

I strongly recommend this service to anyone and encourage you to stick to a plan (1, 3, or 6 month).

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