Susan Cera
MBA admissions consultant and former Duke Fuqua application reader
| Hourly rate range | $80 to $230 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Professionals |
| Experience | 11 years coaching |
| Practice | Cera Coaching, LLC |
Susan Cera is an MBA admissions consultant who helps young professionals build strong business school applications. She spent 10 years reading applications at Duke's Fuqua School of Business. She then spent 11 years at Stratus before starting Cera Coaching, LLC in 2020. Her clients have been accepted to schools such as Stanford GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, INSEAD and London Business School. She now takes clients applying in Round 2 or for deferred enrollment.
What Susan helps with
Susan helps MBA applicants find their story and choose the right schools for their goals.
- Telling a clear personal story in an MBA application
- Finding what makes an applicant stand out
- Exploring possible career paths before applying
- Choosing the best schools for your goals
- Applying in Round 2
- Applying for deferred enrollment
Who Susan works with
Susan works with MBA applicants from around the world, mostly young professionals. She is currently taking clients who apply in Round 2 or who want deferred enrollment.
Background and qualifications
Susan started in consulting, then went to business school to change direction. She built on her computer science background and worked as a technology product manager. She worked at an established company, at a firm that went public, and as one of the first 10 employees at an angel-funded start-up. She then read applications at Duke's Fuqua School of Business for 10 years. After that she spent 11 years at Stratus guiding MBA applicants. Since January 2020 she has run Cera Coaching, LLC as president.
Susan Cera pricing
Programs and services
- One-on-one MBA application coaching
- Leland+ resources and recorded sessions
Susan Cera reviews
Susan Cera has a 5.0 out of 5 rating from 98 reviews on Leland, as of September 2026.
The CoachVouch take
A former Duke Fuqua application reader who has also worked as a technology product manager and start-up employee.
Best for MBA applicants who want help shaping their story and are applying in Round 2 or for deferred enrollment.
Common questions
How much does Susan Cera charge?
Coaching with Susan runs $80 to $230 an hour. Message Susan from this page for an exact quote.
What does Susan Cera help with?
Susan Cera helps with telling a clear personal story in an MBA application, finding what makes an applicant stand out, exploring possible career paths before applying and choosing the best schools for your goals.
Does Susan Cera have reviews?
Susan Cera has a 5.0 out of 5 rating from 98 reviews on Leland, as of September 2026.
Which application rounds does Susan Cera take clients for?
Susan is only taking clients applying in Round 2 or for deferred enrollment.
Has Susan Cera worked on admissions from the school side?
Yes. She read applications at Duke's Fuqua School of Business for 10 years.
How do I contact Susan Cera?
Send Susan a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.