Overview
Stratus Admissions Counseling is a solid choice for MBA hopefuls seeking comprehensive support. They’re great for those who want a team-based approach, with experts who’ve been in the admissions game since 2006. Their strength lies in personalized strategies and school-specific insights. Just keep in mind, their process might feel a bit hands-off for those needing constant hand-holding
✓ Pros
- Experienced consultants, many from top business schools and former admissions committee members
- Comprehensive services covering all aspects of MBA applications
- High client satisfaction ratings
- 4+ School Guarantee for applications to four or more schools
- Personalized strategy development and school-specific insights
- Recognized as #1 medium-sized MBA admissions consulting firm by Poets&Quants in 2024
- Offers comprehensive team-based approach with proven success
✗ Cons
- Higher price point compared to some competitors (starting at $6,300 for comprehensive package)
- Some clients report a less hands-on approach compared to other services
- May not be ideal for applicants needing constant guidance or hand-holding
- A few negative reviews mention consultants trying to fit applicants into templates
- Limited refund policy, which some clients have found frustrating
- Hourly rates ($430-$630) may be expensive for those needing only limited assistance
Other Ratings & Reviews
About Stratus Admissions Counseling
Stratus is a well-established player in the MBA admissions landscape. Since 2006, they have assisted thousands of applicants from over 50 countries in securing spots at top business schools worldwide.
Their team boasts extensive expertise, comprising former admissions committee members and graduates of top business schools. What distinguishes them is their team-based approach, where clients work with a primary counselor, MBA strategist, school-specific reviewers, and a proofreader.
In terms of pricing, Stratus is positioned on the higher end of the spectrum. Their full package starts at $6,300 for one school, or $7,300 with a senior strategist. Hourly rates range from $430 to $630. While not inexpensive, they offer a 4+ School Guarantee, which is a notable benefit.
Stratus provides comprehensive services, covering everything from introspection exercises to interview preparation and even scholarship negotiation. They are well-suited for serious applicants targeting top-tier schools who prefer a structured and thorough approach to their applications.
With a 9.9/10 client satisfaction rate and recognition as the #1 medium-sized MBA admissions consulting firm by Poets&Quants in 2024, Stratus is certainly worth considering for those aiming for the top MBA programs.
Expertise & Track Record
Stratus Admissions Consulting is a prominent player in the MBA admissions landscape. Their team consists of former admissions committee members and graduates from top business schools, providing them with valuable insider knowledge.
Their consultants possess extensive program-specific knowledge, with firsthand experience at virtually all top 20 MBA programs. They also offer school-specific reviewers to simulate how actual admissions committees will evaluate applications, giving clients a significant advantage.
Their success record is impressive. Since 2006, Stratus has helped thousands of MBA applicants from over 50 countries secure spots at prestigious schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT Sloan, Columbia, and INSEAD.
Stratus Admissions Consulting’s team-based approach sets them apart in the MBA admissions consulting landscape. Their process is designed to provide comprehensive support and multiple perspectives throughout your application journey:
1. Primary Counselor: More than just an application guide, this person serves as your mentor throughout the admissions process. They’re your main point of contact, offering personalized guidance and support.
2. MBA Strategist: This additional expert provides feedback at crucial stages, ensuring you benefit from diverse viewpoints on your progress and goals. This dual-perspective approach helps refine your strategy and application materials.
3. School-Specific Reviewers: With consultants experienced in virtually all top 20 MBA programs, Stratus offers a unique “blind read” of your essays. This simulates how actual admissions committees will evaluate your application, providing invaluable insights.
4. Proofreader: As a final step, a dedicated proofreader ensures your application is polished and error-free.
By leveraging multiple experts at different stages, Stratus aims to maximize your chances of crafting a compelling, authentic, and polished application that stands out to admissions committees.
Products and Offerings
Stratus Admissions Counseling provides a comprehensive range of MBA admissions services designed to support applicants throughout the entire application process.
This includes:
- Comprehensive packages
- Hourly packages
- MBA Application Fundamentals and Strategy
- MBA Interview Prep
- MBA Early Edge (for those a year or two out from applying to programs)
- MBA Ding Analysis (for those who did not get into their desire program(s), this highlight actionable areas of opportunity for reapplication)
- JD/MBA Admissions Consulting
Their flagship Comprehensive MBA Admissions Consulting package covers a broad spectrum of services, including introspection exercises, strategy creation, school selection guidance, essay development, resume strategy, recommender coaching, interview preparation, and even scholarship negotiation tips.
Back to their key feature, which is their team-based approach – clients work with a Primary Counselor, an MBA Strategist, school-specific reviewers, and a proofreader. This multi-expert approach simulates how actual admissions committees evaluate applications, providing valuable insights and feedback.
In addition to their comprehensive package, Stratus offers flexible options such as hourly consulting and specialized services like Interview Preparation and Profile Development. They also cater to specific needs with Canadian-focused packages.
One notable benefit is their 4+ School Guarantee. If applicants don’t receive an offer from any of the four or more schools they apply to, Stratus will work with them on the same number of schools for free the following year. This demonstrates their confidence in their services and commitment to client success.
With Stratus, you’re getting a full-service experience that covers all bases of the MBA application process.
Pricing
When considering Stratus Admissions Counseling for MBA admissions support, it’s essential to understand their pricing structure. While they may not be the most budget-friendly option, they offer comprehensive services that many find valuable.
Their Comprehensive MBA Admissions Consulting package starts at $6,300. If you prefer to work with a Senior Strategist, the cost increases to $7,300, or $11,600 for a director-level consultant.
For those who prefer a more flexible approach, Stratus offers hourly consulting at rates between $430 to $630 per hour, with a minimum purchase of 2 hours. This can be a good option for applicants who only need targeted support.
Stratus also provides specialized packages, such as MBA Application Fundamentals and Strategy, in which a counselor guides you through a series of holistic introspection exercises over the course of 4-5 weeks in order to develop a personalized MBA strategy, starting at $2,885.
One notable feature is their 4+ School Guarantee. If you apply to four or more schools and don’t receive an offer, they will work with you on the same number of schools for free the following year. This demonstrates their confidence in their services.
It’s always a good idea to check their website for the most current pricing information, as rates can change. However, Stratus is clearly committed to helping applicants achieve success in the competitive MBA admissions process.est a personalized consultation to understand precise pricing for their individual application strategy.
Client Experience
What Clients Like
Many clients report on their success in getting into top MBA programs…
“I am so grateful for Jennifer’s support throughout the MBA application process. Her guidance helped me get admitted to HBS and several other Top 10 schools with significant scholarship money.”
–Beat the GMAT review, published May 2023
“I went back and forth on deciding to hire an admissions consultant but ultimately decided it was worth the upfront investment, and it more than paid off since I’ll be going to Booth with a $100K scholarship!”
–Beat the GMAT review, published April 2022
Clients had great experiences working with specific counselors and highlighted their level of expertise and commitment…
“During my time with Susan, I had the chance to start over with my MBA applications and use the Introspection exercises to really reflect on who I was, what my passions were, and why I ultimately wanted to get an MBA. She helped me identify themes that represented who I was and channeled these themes throughout my application, essays, and recommendations. There were certain experiences I shared with her that I had not considered highlighting in my application but she saw those experiences differently, which allowed me to share a unique perspective of myself. Susan also leveraged her network and her Stratus teammates, such as Melisa Prevost (huge shoutout!), to help connect me with the right resources and chat with previous clients about their MBA admissions journey.”
–Reddit user, posted May 2023
“Lisa’s background as a former admissions officer at Sloan was invaluable. She knew exactly which clichés to avoid and what would resonate most with the admissions committees. Her insights helped me craft a compelling, authentic application that truly reflected my story.”
–Poets&Quants review, published March 2025
What to Watch Out For
Some clients mention the rigid refund policy…
“The most frustrating part of my experience was their rigid refund policy. They refused to offer any form of refund.”
–GMAT Club review, posted April 2024
Additionally, some clients felt the experience was less hands-on than expected…
“If you’re looking for a very attentive consultant who will really get to know you and give you a lot of personal attention, I wouldn’t recommend Stratus Prep. But if you are someone who is just looking for someone to read everything through and tell you what to leave out or not do, they will do the job. Personally thought they were a bit overpriced for what I got, as well.”
–MBAinsight review
The Bottom Line
Stratus Admissions Counseling is best suited for serious MBA applicants targeting top-tier schools who prefer a structured, team-based approach. Their strengths lie in their comprehensive services, experienced consultants (many from top business schools), and personalized strategy development. They offer a unique 4+ School Guarantee and have received high client satisfaction ratings.
However, their services come at a premium price point, starting at $6,300 for a comprehensive package. Some clients have reported a less hands-on approach compared to other consultants, which may not suit those needing constant guidance. While many reviews are positive, a few negative experiences highlight the importance of ensuring their style aligns with your needs before committing.
