OK-
Inspired by forcefeed's terrific HBS debrief, I thought I'd post some thoughts on the Stanford experience. Keep in mind, Stanford's process is pretty unpredictable, and I come into the B-school application experience from a pretty unusual background. So, take what I say with many grains of salt
I eventually want to write an "Evolution of My B-School Pursuit" post. However, if I want to match up to the incredible example set by ncprasad and others, it'll have to wait 'til later.
One more thing (and I'll expand on this when I write that other Evolution post)- thanks so much to everyone here. This really is an amazing community.
EssaysEssay A. What matters most to you, and why?The most infamous essay question of 'em all. There’s no way I can offer any sort of magic standardized approach here. As many others have said, I think this question requires a lot of introspection and honesty. Write what you really feel, as long as you can substantively back it up in some way.
Essay B. What are your aspirations? How will your education at Stanford help you achieve them?There’s some debate as to whether you should try to link essays 1 and 2. Again, I think this is a very personal choice. In my case, I was able to link them because it flowed logically. I spoke at length about particular courses and programs at Stanford that would help me achieve my goals. I certainly also stressed the new curriculum. As a non-traditional applicant, the individualized/flexible approach is really ideal.
Essays C. These essays are a bit more straightforward. Don’t have anything particularly noteworthy to say here.
One note in general about the essays- there was a fair amount of consternation about the page limits. Obviously, I'm only one applicant. But I did hew closely to the page limits, using Times New Roman 12 and MS Word's pre-set margins and spacing. I'm generally a pretty concise writer (sometimes too concise!), so I was able to get everything I needed in that format. I have no idea whether that made a difference.
InterviewI don’t think I’ve heard of a really nasty/confrontational Stanford GSB interview. Most take a pleasant and conversational tone. You should have a clear idea of why you need an MBA (no different from any other interview), and you do have to have a pretty clear idea of “Why Stanford." My interviewer pressed me a bit on those points. When I was able to answer them, he switched into selling mode. He was incredibly enthusiastic and did a great job getting me excited about the GSB… I walked out of the interview realizing that Stanford had clearly moved up to no. 1 on my personal B-school list.
Visits, etc.I don't think these are as important at Stanford as they are at Haas, Sloan, etc. I’ve never been to the GSB, and I attended a single information session prior to the application deadline. After getting an interview, I did talk to some alumni in my extended network. However, most of my knowledge of Stanford came from a thorough search of the website (there’s a ton of info there). As long as you can clearly answer “Why Stanford?” in your essays and interview, you should be fine.
SummaryAs Stanford’s process is probably the most idiosyncratic of any of the big schools, I can’t offer any one-word advice analogous to the “leadership” sought at HBS, or the “fit” at Wharton. I’m not exactly sure what the GSB Adcom is looking for. Probably the best general advice I’ve seen comes from a controversial source: Sandy on the B-Week forum. Yeah, I know he can be crass and bullying. But he often knows what he’s talking about. When he refers to Stanford, he often talks about “saving the world.” I really think Stanford’s looking for that sort of ambition in whatever you do.
I hope this has been helpful. Obviously, I'll do my best to answer any questions anyone might have.
24 Jan 2008, 12:15
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