Blog:
Should I Write the Optional Essay?
September 19, 2024
When applying to top MBA programs, you’ll likely encounter an “optional essay” as part of the application process. It can be tempting to skip this essay, especially if you feel your application is already strong. But should you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your circumstances and the specific guidance provided by each school. Let’s…
Five Reasons to Pursue an MBA Along with the CFA Designation
September 18, 2024
Here are five ways an MBA and the CFA® Program work well together and can help you achieve your career goals in the investment industry. Earning a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter is indeed a time commitment: the average charterholder spends around 300 hours studying for each of three levels of the exam, and fewer…
Six Tips for the Wharton Team Based Discussion Interview
September 17, 2024
Congratulations on being invited to interview at Wharton! Making it this far in the business school application process is a huge win (fewer than half of applicants are invited), but preparing for the Wharton Team Based Discussion (TBD) presents new challenges. As you likely know by now, Wharton’s interview process is unlike any other MBA…
Is a Tech MBA for Me?
September 13, 2024
Technology is everywhere these days—and careers revolving around technology are the focus of many MBA programs. Although a general-management MBA will help you build strong management and business skills, if you are looking to pivot specifically into technology, there are tech-focused programs designed to help you get there. In addition, all tech MBA programs are…
Tips for Your Consortium Application Essays
September 10, 2024
Consortium Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 The Consortium’s mission is to increase representation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in top MBA programs and throughout the US workforce. For more than 50 years, The Consortium has provided a streamlined application process to leading business schools. The Consortium’s ranks continue to grow with the addition…
Showcase Your “Spike Factor” in Rotman MBA Application Essays
September 4, 2024
Rotman Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 Rotman is all about “spike factor,” asking you to use 500 words to explain your “spike” and offering you the option to upload up to three of your “spikiest” pictures to support your claims. On campus, you can feel the excitement and positive momentum of this program firsthand. From the…
MBA Application Timing: Should You Apply in Round 1 or Round 2?
August 29, 2024
Over the next two weeks, we will hit the Round 1 MBA submission deadlines for Harvard Business School, Wharton, Michigan Ross, London Business School, Stanford GSB, Yale SOM, INSEAD, Northwestern Kellogg, Columbia Business School, and Berkeley Haas. In addition, UVA Darden and Duke Fuqua have Early Action deadlines within the week. And before the end of September,…
Tips for your Oxford Saïd Application Essays
August 23, 2024
Oxford Saïd Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 Oxford Saïd business school takes great pride in being part of a “world-class university, tackling world-class problems.” The school attracts a diverse student body made up of individuals from all areas of life who are motivated to drive change and turn ideas into action. The program’s main 250-word essay…
Should I Consider a Master in Management or Master in Management Studies?
August 16, 2024
Are you a liberal arts or engineering major who is interested in accelerating your career in business? Did you miss out on taking introductory courses that would prepare you for roles in consulting, banking, or general management? Are you an international student who wants to mitigate risk as you look to secure your first job…
Should I Consider a Master’s Degree in Finance?
August 8, 2024
Are you aiming for a job in a competitive finance area like investment banking, research, consulting, or investment management but don’t want an MBA, at least for now? If so, consider applying for a Master of Finance (MFin/MSF) degree. There is high demand for skilled finance professionals, and this degree can prepare you for a…
Eight Myths Busted About Applying to Business School
July 30, 2024
As you consider pursuing an MBA, you will hear different advice from friends, family, and current students/alumni about the programs you are targeting. Read on as we at Stratus dispel the myths that many applicants hear throughout the application process to set your mind at ease! 1. “R1 applications don’t come out until June/July, so…
Eight Tips for Female Chinese MBA Applicants
July 29, 2024
There are more women in the MBA pipeline from China than from anywhere else in the world. Although GMAT testing is down worldwide, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reported that 16,431 women in China took the GMAT in 2023, representing a whopping 67% of all Chinese GMAT testers. By comparison, 8,345 women from India…