{"id":43788,"date":"2018-10-28T06:30:07","date_gmt":"2018-10-28T13:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=43788"},"modified":"2018-10-25T02:25:19","modified_gmt":"2018-10-25T09:25:19","slug":"stanford-msx-application-application-essay-tips-deadlines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/stanford-msx-application-application-essay-tips-deadlines\/","title":{"rendered":"Stanford MSx Application Application Essay Tips & Deadlines"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Stanford<\/p>\n

Both the relatively complex MSx application form and your resume will establish you as a leader in your organization (and possibly even your domain), and that\u2019s essential to be a qualified MSx applicant<\/a>. Hence, you don\u2019t need to, and shouldn\u2019t try to, prove your qualifications with these essays. In reviewing current and former MSx student profiles, one thing stands out: they\u2019re vibrant. They shine. They have impact, not just because of solid career strategies and impressive results, though that\u2019s part of it. They are propelled forward by qualities of character: passion, courage, energy, curiosity, commitment, rigor, vision, big thinking, heart. These essays are your opportunity<\/a> to reveal your own special character and clarify how it will add to the mix. You\u2019re already a substantial leader organizationally. To shape the future, you must have something to say, a point of view, a distinctive voice \u2013 so don\u2019t hesitate to take a stand in these essays.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stanford MSx Application Essays:<\/h2>\n

Our essay questions are meant to be straightforward, not trick questions. This is an opportunity for you to share reflections on your life and career and further describe your aspirations. (Your answers to the two essays questions combined may not exceed 1,200 words.<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Stanford MSx Essay #1<\/h3>\n

What matters most to you, and why?<\/p>\n

To really hit a home run with this essay, you need to bare your soul, at least a bit; take a risk, be open and probing about some essential aspect of yourself. That doesn\u2019t mean the topic must be about your personal life, though for many applicants it is. You could, for example, discuss a political belief that truly drives you, and if it\u2019s that strong, it will reflect your deepest values and relate to your significant experiences. I do suggest using a topic that has some profound meaning to you and that will allow you to ground this essay in your experience. Ultimately, it\u2019s your experience and how you \u201cprocess\u201d or synthesize it that will be a key part of this essay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes my clients worry when facing this question that their most intuitive topic isn\u2019t \u201cunique\u201d \u2013 to which I say, it will be by the time you\u2019re done with the essay, if you delve deep into your experience and deliver your message via detailed anecdotes and frank reflection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t make this essay overly or overtly strategic; that ends up feeling superficial and manipulative given the topic. One straightforward approach is to structure the essay as a story, with reflection and insight at various pivotal points.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last, don\u2019t forgot to explicitly address \u201cwhy\u201d your chosen topic is what matters most to you. The explanation need not be long, and the \u201cwhy\u201d may already be obvious from the bulk of the essay. But do still address it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stanford MSx Essay #2<\/h3>\n

Why this program now? What are your personal and professional objectives, and how will the Stanford MSx Program help you achieve them?<\/p>\n

I suggest starting with your professional objectives \u2013 include specific details about position, company, anticipated responsibilities, etc. Equally if not more important, however, is why<\/strong> <\/em>you want to pursue this position\/role<\/a>: what motivates this projected career path, what impact you aim to have. This information will invigorate the essay and turn a competent essay into a compelling one. It ideally will get the adcom excited about being a part of your career journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Toward the end of this section, add a specific point or two about your personal objectives for attending this program \u2013 this part of the question also reflects the program\u2019s emphasis on holistic growth, and your application should respond to that emphasis. Personal objectives need not be divorced from professional ones \u2013 often, development of a given trait or capability will benefit various aspects of one\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do be explicit about \u201cwhy now\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s an especially important point for mid-career professionals pursuing a full-time program. If you are being sponsored, you can include aspects of that condition as context; if you are shifting career focus, your answer to why-now may be more complex, e.g. market conditions combined with career factors.<\/span><\/p>\n

In discussing how the program will benefit you, be specific: describe what skills and knowledge you need, and how the program meets those needs. Also refer to the structure, culture, and special features of the program, detailing how they will support you and your goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional Information<\/h3>\n

If there is any information that is critical for us to know and is not captured elsewhere, include it in the \u201cAdditional Information\u201d section of the application. Pertinent examples include:<\/p>\n