What matters most to you, and why? (650 words - suggested)
In this MBA essay, Stanford basically wants to know - what makes you tick! By revealing your deepest values and thoughts to the MBA admissions team, you will be showing them what kind of person you are - and what kind of a future MBA student and business leader you would become.
Through this essay, the Stanford MBA admissions committee wants to see the person behind your academic achievements and professional accomplishments, so they can make a better decision if you are a good fit with the Stanford MBA program.
This challenging MBA essay forces you to delve deep into yourself, reflect and introspect and then articulate your findings for Stanford and give them a vivid and genuine image of who you are. So, ask yourself what you are most passionate about, what values you feel most strongly for, what dreams you yearn for most - basically what drives you!
Reflecting on your life choices and identifying the crucial milestones in your life will help you uncover the underlying themes about what really matters to you. Look back on significant personal and professional situations and try to analyze what decisions you made, how you thought and acted, and how you became the person you are. Do not just think about what you've done or accomplished. Instead, think about your values, experiences, and lessons that have shaped your perspectives. And don't forget to address the critical part of the essay - WHY!
You can structure this MBA essay focussing on your key beliefs and passions or make it as an introduction + life story essay or an anecdotes-driven growth and success story. Whichever route you take, your essay should be a personal, credible, and passionate portrayal of YOU. If you want to talk about others people, show how that person has influenced your life, but make sure the focus remains on YOU.
Give your best!
Why Stanford? (400 words - suggested)
Stanford is one the best business schools globally. They can cherry-pick MBA candidates from across the world. So you need to convince them - that you really, really need the Stanford MBA education to achieve your life goals.
To answer this MBA essay - you must first describe where you want to reach in your career and then devote a significant part of the essay to why you think Stanford MBA is the much-deed bridge to take you there. Make your answer very specific to your context and aspirations. The objective here is to demonstrate that your MBA application to Stanford is a reflection of your serious, passionate, and specific interest in the Stanford MBA program.
Think about the unique aspects of Stanford MBA that makes it attractive to you and how you would make the best use of incredible opportunities at Stanford, the academics, exposure, clubs, initiatives, network, location, and industry connections to realize your dreams.
Researching the school using online and offline means will pay rich dividends. If possible, and especially if you are based in the US, visit Stanford and attend information sessions and classes. You might be able to uncover unique aspects of the campus, culture, and program that will help your essays stand out from other applicants.Go for it!
Through all of the elements of your application, we believe that we get to know you well. Only complete this section if you have critical information you could not convey elsewhere on your application (e.g., extenuating circumstances affecting academic or work performance). Do not include essays, and please, be brief.
Please use this space judiciously.
If there are any shortcomings in your background, comment on them with intelligence, perspective, and credibility: giving vague excuses or blaming other people or circumstances for failures will be completely counter-productive. Explain the issue clearly and maintain a greater focus on the correction than the issue. Keep the essay concise and to the point.
Stanford MBA application requires you to submit a one-page resume along with details about your employment and academics. The typical MBA resume format consists of employment, education, and extracurricular details.
Unless you have a compelling reason, such as more than 10 years of work experience, please do not submit a resume that is longer than one page. MBA resume tips
In your Stanford application, you will be asked to provide two MBA letters of recommendation. One recommendation from your current direct supervisor (or next best alternative) at work, and one recommendation from someone else who has supervised you. Like many top business schools in the US, Stanford MBA application constitutes of letter of recommendation questions from the GMAC MBA letter of recommendation template.
If you are unable to provide a letter from your current direct supervisor, use your judgment in finding an alternative source for your recommendation — a previous supervisor, an indirect manager, a client, a member of your board of directors, or any other individual who supervises your work.
The strongest recommendations typically come from your workplace. You may select a recommendation from your professional, community, or extracurricular experiences. Having two recommendations from the same organization is fine. MBA LOR tips
As is the policy with most top business schools, Stanford MBA interviews are conducted only by invitation. Students typically would receive an invite 4-6 weeks after submitting their MBA applications.
If GSB invites you to interview, you will be matched with a member of Stanford interview team, which is made up of a small subset of alumni community and MBA admissions officers. Your interview will last 45–60 minutes and be conducted in English. MBA interview tips
