If you’re looking for an MBA applications consulting company, you want one that will give you the best chance of success and good value for your money. People often recommend Stratus Admissions Counseling as a top choice because they offer complete packages and work with clients as a team. I’ve been very active in the MBA admissions process for years, so I think sharing my view from the inside would be nice.
This review aims to give people thinking about getting to Stratus an honest and detailed picture of what to expect from them. It will help you decide if their services are right for you or if you should choose another MBA consulting service.
Pros & Cons in Short
Stratus Admissions Counseling does have some excellent points, but it also has some significant problems.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Stratus uses a unique team-based approach where several experts work together on each client’s application. | The comprehensive packages offered by Stratus can be pretty expensive, with prices ranging from $5,900 to $21,300 |
| If a client isn’t accepted to any of their chosen schools in Round 1, they will support applications to two additional schools in Round 2 at no extra cost. | The complete deals offer personalized help, but the hourly coaching services might not provide the same level of custom help. |
| Many of Stratus’s counselors are alumni of top business schools and former admissions officers. | The process with Stratus is thorough and involves significant time investment. |
So, Stratus Admissions Counseling has a lot of services and a team of expert counselors. However, I think the experience they give isn’t always reliable and costs too much. Admit Advantage might give you better value for your money if you want personalized, high-quality advice. If you wish for the safety of a well-known company, Stratus might be a good choice. However, it might not be up to par if you want stability and personal attention throughout the application process.
What Are The Main Services of Stratus Admissions Counseling?
Stratus Admissions Counseling offers a range of MBA admissions consulting services, primarily focusing on comprehensive packages that promise to cover every aspect of the application process.
As I know from general practice, many companies promise the moon and stars, but you need to know whether these promises translate into tangible results. Stratus claims to offer a team-based approach, which sounds impressive on paper, but in practice, this approach has its drawbacks, especially when consistency and individual attention are paramount.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
Stratus Admissions Counseling offers various packages to guide MBA applicants through the application process:
- Introspection exercises. This service helps you dig deep into your goals and strengths.
- Personalized strategy creation. Experts develop a unique application strategy tailored to your profile.
- School selection and brainstorming. This service can assist with choosing the right schools and generating essay ideas.
- Resume and recommender strategy. Experts fine-tune your resume and advise you on the best recommenders.
- Interview preparation. StratusAdmissionsCounseling.com offers mock interviews and feedback sessions to prepare you for the big day.
For those who don’t need the whole package, Stratus also offers hourly packages that allow clients to pick and choose specific services. Additionally, they provide specialized services such as JD/MBA admissions consulting for those targeting dual-degree programs.
While these packages appear thorough, some clients have reported that the experience can feel disjointed, particularly when different team members are involved at various process stages.
Who Is on Their Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
Stratus Admissions Counseling employs knowledgeable individuals, many of whom are graduates from top business schools like Harvard and Wharton. They have former admissions officers on their team, which is reassuring. However, as someone who has been in this field for a while, I’ve seen that having a prestigious background doesn’t always equate to being a good consultant.
For example, one reviewer on Reddit pointed out that while their consultant had an impressive resume, they felt the advice was generic and lacked the personal insight to make their application stand out.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Stratus provides extra services like MBA ding analysis for reapplicants and MBA early edge for those planning ahead. These are good in theory but can be hit-or-miss in practice.
For instance, one would expect deep, actionable insights in the ding analysis. Still, according to feedback on forums, some clients felt the analysis was too superficial and didn’t provide the strategic overhaul they hoped for, especially compared to Stacy Blackman.
Do They Have Any FREE Services?
StratusAdmissionsCounseling offers free consultations and webinars, which is a nice touch. However, these freebies are more of a teaser than anything substantial. The free consultation, as reported by some users on Trustpilot, often felt more like a sales pitch than a genuine attempt to assess the candidate’s needs and goals. It’s hard not to feel like you’re being funneled into their most expensive packages regardless of your needs.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
Stratus’s pricing is on the higher end of the spectrum. Their comprehensive packages can cost anywhere from $5,900 to $21,300, depending on the number of schools you’re targeting. They offer a “four-school guarantee,” which sounds good, but this only kicks in if you aren’t accepted to any of your top choices. A money-back guarantee or partial refunds for unmet expectations would be more client-centric.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
StratusAdmissionsCounseling.com has received many positive reviews online, but if you dig deeper into platforms like Reddit and Yelp, you’ll find a different story. Some clients have complained about feeling like just another number, with their consultant being unresponsive at crucial times.
One Reddit user even mentioned that their consultant “disappeared” for several days before the application deadline. Another reviewer noted that while their initial sessions were promising, the quality of feedback and support declined as they progressed. This inconsistency is a red flag, especially when dealing with MBA applications.
Areas of Stratus Admissions Counseling That They Should Work On
Below are some of the issues I’ve noticed, which might be deal-breakers for those considering Stratus Admissions Counseling services for grad school admissions:
- Clients have said that the quality of service varies, especially as they move through the application process. Early phases may be good, but regularity wanes over time, which is a problem as due dates get closer.
- Some users have said that the feedback they got was too general and didn’t help them stand out in a crowded application pool, even though the process is team-based.
- The results of their services don’t always live up to the high prices they charge.
- When clients are moved around between team members, they may feel like no one is involved in their success.
- The free meeting often feels like a sales pitch, pushing clients toward more expensive packages instead of getting to know their needs.
When you put so much time and money into something as important as your MBA application, these problems can become highly significant.