How to Get into Stanford MBA (2024): A Detailed Guide

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Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), located in Stanford, California, has developed tremendously through the years and is considered one of the world’s best business schools. Established in 1925, Stanford GSB provides students a transformative experience, rigorous education, and diverse student life. Attending the school, for many, is a dream come true.

However, given its considerably competitive nature and association with prestige, some applicants are unsure of the best way to improve their chances of admission. 

This article will highlight all the components Stanford GSB requires in its application process and provide tips to improve your application’s quality for the best admission chances.

Stanford GSB Acceptance Rate: 6.9%

The acceptance rate at Stanford GSB is 6.9%, which indicates that around seven out of 100 applicants are admitted to the school. Because Stanford GSB is extremely competitive, prepare a strong application early and submit it on time. 

Here is a table showing the schools' acceptance rates, which should give you an idea of how competitive Stanford GSB has been over the past few years.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Stanford GSB

Gaining admission to Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is incredibly challenging due to its highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate typically around 6-7%. The school seeks exceptional candidates with outstanding academic records, demonstrated leadership, diverse experiences, and a commitment to making a difference.

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What is Stanford GSB Looking For In Applicants?

Stanford GSB evaluates applications using a holistic process that considers applicants' backgrounds, experiences, and accomplishments. They look for curiosity, initiative, problem-solving skills, leadership potential, resilience, collaboration, and a global perspective. 

Stanford GSB also values diversity and encourages applicants to reflect authentically on their identities, values, and aspirations. Stanford GSB aims to admit candidates who will actively engage in the classroom, contribute positively to the community, and make a difference beyond the school's walls.

Stanford GSB Admissions Requirements 

Although Stanford GSB doesn’t have a minimum GPA or GMAT score, keep in mind because the school is very competitive, the test scores will be high. Here is a list of Stanford GSB’s admissions requirements. Ensure you have all of the application materials ready before the deadline! 

• $275 application fee
• Undergraduate transcripts
• Test scores (either the GMAT or GRE)
• TOEFL, if applicable
• Work experience
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• Two personal essays
• Short answer question (optional) 

Now that you know how to get into the Stanford GSB MBA program, you’ll know what to expect during the application process. 

Stanford GSB Application Deadlines

Here is a table showing the various Stanford GSB application deadlines to ensure you don’t miss one. 

Source: Stanford GSB

Stanford GSB Regular Decision Deadline

Stanford GSB has three rounds of application deadlines. The next round of applications are due April 9. 

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Stanford GSB

The Stanford graduate business school application has various components; therefore, proper planning is the first key to success. Documents such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of intent may take time to collect.

Because of this, you should begin gathering information up to a year before the application submission date. These methods are the best way to ensure all information is correct with the best application quality in mind. 

Apply Early 

The best time to apply would be in the first two rounds of the application process. While round 3 is an option, this round is usually a lot more competitive, making the chances of admission lower than if you were to submit your application in the first two rounds.

In the third round, admissions committees have already gotten the opportunity to picture what the entering class will become. Therefore, in this round, they’re deliberately searching for applicants who stand out from the applicants they have seen prior. More specifically, they are looking for students coming from underrepresented groups.

Collect Honest Letters of Recommendation 

Character traits and unique qualities could easily be used to your advantage when gathering information for your application. You may fall short in test scores and GPA, but your essays and letters of reference could quickly remedy this. The best letters of reference must keep in mind that more words are not necessarily better.

These letters should be a concise and honest example of your character as an applicant, exemplifying all of your best qualities that align with the traits Stanford is looking for in a prospective student. By building a relationship with your recommenders, you have the power to increase the authenticity of these letters of reference.

Some structural tips would be to avoid using acronyms and exclude internships, which would fall under work experience for your letters of reference. But, a concise letter that recounts the times you have displayed leadership and worked toward your aspirations will more than suffice. 

Shine In Your Essays

As previously mentioned, two short essays are required in the application asking "What matters most to you and why?" and "Why Stanford?". These essays are an opportunity to showcase your personality and achievements along with your academic success.

While it is a very open-ended question, it can be used to your advantage as an applicant in your MBA essay. Your Stanford GSB essay is what sets you apart from the sea of applicants, giving you the best opportunity to demonstrate the broad perspective and open-mindedness the admissions committee is seeking.

For the best essay, you can list your accomplishments, provide anecdotes, and highlight achievements that influenced you as a person. They are looking for how your experiences and travels impacted you as a person, and want to see how you flourished in situations that may have required flexibility and leadership skills.

Stanford GSB Essay Prompts

Stanford GSB requires its applicants to answer two essay prompts so they can learn more about them. Here are the essay prompts you’ll be required to answer: 

• What matters most to you, and why?
• Why Stanford?

The word limit for these essays is 1,050 words. Stanford recommends the first essay be around 650 words and the second 400. 

Applicants also have the option to answer a short answer question. Here is the prompt:

• Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others?

Stanford emphasizes that the optional short answer question is not mandatory, and you’ll not be reprimanded if you don’t answer it.

Stanford GSB Interview

Stanford GSB's interviews aim to assess candidates' fit for the program and allow applicants to learn more about the school. Conducted by alumni or admissions staff, interviews focus on past actions and meaningful experiences. While an invitation is positive, it doesn't guarantee admission. Interviews are structured discussions and may be conducted remotely or in person.