Blog:
The MBA Pathway to MBB Consulting
June 16, 2025
The first time I heard of McKinsey, I was in a container in Afghanistan. We were counting down the days until the end of our deployment, and some of us were pondering what life would look like once we left the Army. A friend told me all about McKinsey, and I decided that was my…
Tips for your UW Foster School of Business Application Essays
June 12, 2025
UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips, 2025–2026 The University of Washington (UW) Foster School of Business attracts candidates who are not just accomplished leaders in both their personal and professional lives but also individuals who seek a collaborative, innovative culture and possess an innate desire to solve the most challenging problems of our time….
Five Ways to Be a Compelling MPP Candidate
June 12, 2025
Applying to a Master of Public Policy program requires thoughtful self-reflection, strategic storytelling, and school-specific insights. Here are five expert tips to help your application stand out.
Tips for Your London Business School Application Essays
June 11, 2025
London Business School Application Essay Tips, 2025-2026 According to London Business School (LBS), what makes its program so unique and valuable is its continued business impact, global growth, and world-class people. LBS is particularly proud of its multinational students who hail from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds. The school’s application includes two mandatory…
MBA vs. MFE: How to Decide
June 6, 2025
Looking for a career in finance and think that you need an advanced degree to help you get there? Is the alphabet soup of program names confusing when it comes to choosing the best one to help you achieve your dream? Two of the most common paths are an MBA (Master in Business Administration) with…
Four Tips for Selecting the Right MBA Recommenders
June 5, 2025
Throughout the MBA application process, you’ll effectively put together a campaign based on your personal story making the case for why you should be accepted to your target school(s). Many people find it challenging to tell their personal story in a logical and compelling way within the limits of business school applications. Therefore, recommenders are…
Three Considerations Before Applying to MPP Programs
June 4, 2025
If you’ve already gotten a sense that a Master of Public Policy (MPP) program might be right for you and you’d like to start preparing for the application process, it’s time to ask yourself three essential questions: 1. How do you want to serve? Lots of students apply to policy programs because they have a…
June Pre-MBA To-Do List
June 2, 2025
If you intend to submit business school applications in Round 1, you have about 100 days until the first deadlines. The month of June is an exciting one because most MBA programs will release their deadlines and any changes in their essays. Bookmark our Deadlines page, which will be updated as new dates and essays…
Best Nonverbal Strategies for MBA Interviews
May 30, 2025
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…
MBA Application Rounds: When Should You Apply—Round 1, 2, or 3?
May 29, 2025
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…
25 Questions to Ask Students and Alumni While Researching MBA Programs
May 28, 2025
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…
Tips for Your Michigan Ross Application Essays
May 27, 2025
Michigan Ross Application Essay Tips, 2025-2026 This year, Michigan Ross condensed its essay questions and added a note regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Let’s take a moment to discuss how you can best position yourself through your essays for this year’s applicant pool. Part 1: Career Aspirations What is your short-term career goal,…