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May 30, 2026
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…
May 29, 2026
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…
May 29, 2026
Not only does Wharton’s admissions committee want to know that you have a clear professional plan that you can begin actualizing once you arrive on campus, they also want to be convinced that Wharton is your top choice. So, thoroughly do your homework on the school before you start writing: talk to students and alumni,…
May 20, 2026
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…
May 15, 2026
August term applications have three rounds of deadlines (Round 1 is September 9, Round 2 is January 5, and Round 3 is March 29). There are two application deadlines for the January term program (Round 1 is June 17, and Round 2 is August 13). All CBS applicants must submit three essays and two short-answer responses….
May 13, 2026
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,…
May 7, 2026
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,…
May 4, 2026
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…
May 1, 2026
As the weather gets nicer and you look forward to summer, it might be harder to focus on your business school applications. There’s so much you can be doing in May to make it easier on yourself in the coming months—so you can enjoy your summer and still be ready for R1 deadlines! Here are…
April 28, 2026
Perhaps the very best podcast I have listened to that offers insight for future business leaders is an HBR IdeaCast episode with Guy Raz. In this episode, Raz discusses the three qualities that hundreds of business founders and leaders of successful organizations have in common: they create a culture of collaboration, encourage risk taking, and allow for…
April 1, 2026
Every spring, I speak to aspiring business school students who are content to wait until the essay prompts are released in June to start working on their applications. However, I find that the most successful candidates take a long view on the application process. Before the weather gets really nice and you can be enjoying…
March 31, 2026
When you decide you need an MBA to take the next step in your career, how do you choose where to apply? Even the strongest MBA candidates—who have competitive test scores, solid GPAs, and impressive work experience—face uncertain admissions odds. Acceptance rates at top programs are often in the single digits, and no profile is…
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