Strengths:

See review

Would make the product better:

Drawbacks:

While this didn’t affect me personally, it’s worth noting that Stratus’s process can feel a bit more hands-off compared to other services. Some peers of mine who used different consulting services received more hands-on support, such as counselors calling reviewers, drafting letters of recommendation for them, and offering more consistent guidance. For me, this wasn’t necessary as I am a Type A, structured planner, but if you are someone who needs more hand-holding or a higher level of support to stay on top of deadlines, it’s something to consider.

Review:

I worked with Sophie Hilaire throughout my MBA admissions process, and I can honestly say that I made the right choice in selecting her as my counselor. I had explored a number of different counselors and services, but Sophie stood out for a few key reasons.

First, my background was non-traditional, and I was proud of that. I had a unique blend of management consulting experience and service as a Peace Corps volunteer. I needed someone who would help me craft a narrative that authentically captured my story without sounding too polished or formulaic. I wanted essays that felt personal and alive, rather than structured or cookie-cutter. From the very beginning, I knew Sophie was the right fit. She immediately understood the balance I sought—helping me express my experiences in a way that was both genuine and compelling.

The MBA application process, to me, requires deep introspection. You need to be able to clearly explain the motivations behind your career choices and future aspirations. That’s why I was drawn to Sophie: not only did she have the expertise, but her personal journey also reflected the kind of introspection I was hoping to achieve. Sophie’s life story is incredibly inspiring—she served in Afghanistan, summited Mount Everest, and eventually retired to a farm in rural Kentucky. Her experiences are a testament to a life lived with purpose and reflection.

In an introspective exercise, Sophie shared an example of how her sabbatical from McKinsey to hike Mount Everest changed her perspective on life. She described how reaching the summit gave her a profound realization—that true success wasn’t about climbing the corporate ladder, but about finding peace and fulfillment. Sophie’s ability to reflect so deeply on her own journey made me trust her even more as a coach. To guide someone through the introspection required for MBA applications, you need a coach who has already done that work themselves. Sophie is that person. She will not let anything but the most authentic version of yourself shine through in your application.

About Stratus’s Process and Package:

The Stratus admissions process worked well for me. While Sophie was my main counselor, I also received additional support from another expert who helped me with career pathing and school selection. After writing each essay, Sophie would review a few drafts with me, and then the essay would be passed on to a school-specific reviewer and a proofreader. This process ensured that each essay received thoughtful feedback without becoming overly scrutinized.


Final Outcome:

Thanks to Sophie’s guidance and the Stratus process, I was accepted to five MBA programs (Yale, Tuck, Wharton, Kellogg, and Haas), with full-ride scholarships to three of them. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received throughout this journey.

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Strengths:

Stratus cared deeply about my MBA journey and provided invaluable guidance that significantly improved the strength of my applications.

Would make the product better:

Nothing

Stratus was phenomenal, I worked with Sophie and I couldn't be happier with her work as my consultant. I did numerous free consultations and was not comfortable with other companies. I trusted that Stratus actually cared about me as an applicant and was interested in helping me. The relationship did not feel transactional, and I legitimately believed that my team cared much more about my outcomes than they did simply making a paycheck. I cannot recommend this firm or my consultant highly enough. My results were exceptional because of this team and I certainly attribute a portion of my success to their support. Amazing working with them!

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I truly could not be happier with my experience working with Melisa to prepare my MBA applications. For me, the most difficult part of the process was telling my story in the most compelling way. In this area, Melisa was an absolutely invaluable teammate, and I was amazed to see that by following her lead through the grueling but rewarding Stratus method, we arrived at a narrative that I was really proud to present. Melisa always followed up on my questions in a timely fashion and with insightful responses. And on the rare occasion that she wasn't certain about an answer to a question, she'd do the homework to track down the person who did have the answer, always making sure that I had all the information I needed.

Apart from her incredibly valuable expertise, Melisa was an absolute joy to work with! Without fail, she showed up to all of our interactions with infectious optimism and a big smile.

Thank you so much, Melisa!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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