{"id":58142,"date":"2023-06-30T10:40:34","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T17:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-getting-into-stanford-gsb\/"},"modified":"2023-06-30T10:40:34","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T17:40:34","slug":"3-things-you-need-to-know-about-getting-into-stanford-gsb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-getting-into-stanford-gsb\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Things You Need To Know About Getting Into Stanford GSB"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nThe application to the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is the most comprehensive among top US MBA programs. Along with the usual application, resume, recommendation letters, and the application itself, there is the famously wide-open essay: \u201cWhat matters to you, and why?\u201d, as well as \u201cWhy Stanford\u201d and\u00a0 four more\u00a0 optional essays.\u00a0 This all adds up to a total word count of almost 1,850 words to make your case \u2014almost double of what Harvard Business School allows.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This can seem daunting if not exhaustive. It\u2019s actually an opportunity, according to Fortuna Senior Expert Coach Heidi Hillis. In a recent video chat with Poets&Quants\u2019<\/a> John Byrne, she shares three key tips for using every bit of this generous space to set yourself apart from the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1: Use the entire application.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cSo many people come in totally focused on that one essay, \u2018What matters to you and why.\u2019 People get hung up on it and think it\u2019s what the application is all about, but it\u2019s really so much more,\u201d said Hillis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI advise people to think about it almost like a work of art, with lots of layers, depth, color, and texture. You can use every part of the application to add that depth and color and texture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Byrne agreed: \u201cYou have an opportunity to paint a multidimensional portrait of yourself, so that no piece is redundant, but every piece adds value, and every piece works in your favor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0For example, you can take one of the bullet points on your resume and use one of the optional impact essays to go into depth and explain why it matters and why you think it sets you apart. If you know generally what your recommenders are going to say you can also use these essays to reinforce, but not repeat, the points they are making, adding yet another layer of depth..<\/span><\/p>\n

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2: Use that iconic essay to highlight your values and your leadership skills.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Along with a comprehensive application, Stanford has a deep and detailed view of what leadership is, Hillis says. \u201cThey ask recommenders to rate you on 12 different leadership qualities and provide five different rating levels. They have a very clear idea of what they are looking for. You have to help them find it.\u201d The essay where you explain what you value is an excellent place for stories that show your leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat brings me to another tip: Show, don\u2019t tell,\u201d Hillis adds. \u201cIf your message in that iconic essay is that you are really passionate about the environment and are going for a career that\u2019s going to help address issues in climate change, don\u2019t tell them that, show them by telling the story of when you were a child and something happened, or when something happened at work that really made you think about this.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you tell a story, try to take it to the next level, Hillis advises.\u00a0 \u201cAsk yourself, \u2018So what? What did I learn from that? How did I apply that to my next decision, how did it influence me to make my next career move?\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hillis gives the example of\u00a0 a former coaching client who wrote about how, during the pandemic, she spent an entire weekend developing a personalized trivia game to help her team feel more connected during a time of stress and isolation. \u201cAlthough it may seem small, stories like this help\u00a0 demonstrate who you are and how you lead, and \u2014critically \u2014the details help you stand out in the minds of the application readers and admissions committee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Be genuine and authentic.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A lot of people will start off trying to tell Stanford what they think Stanford wants to hear, Hillis explains. \u201cPeople will say, \u2018I read that Stanford really likes it when you say this, or when you say that.\u2019\u00a0 I will say, \u2018Stop that.\u2019 Really, just think about the question and answer it genuinely for yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What Stanford is looking for is that unique story that illuminates a unique person. \u201cThey are really constructing this incredibly diverse and talented cohort of 400 people, so they want to hear your unique story. Don\u2019t try to do what someone else has done. If it worked for someone else, don\u2019t assume it would work for you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This requires asking yourself some hard and deep questions, to get to the bottom of who you are and what motivates you to pursue a business degree. It\u2019s also about being honest and courageous enough to go to some places that are a little uncomfortable. Reflect on questions like: \u201cWhat are you still looking for?\u00a0 What are some challenges that you faced that you haven\u2019t really overcome?\u00a0 What failures have you had that taught you some lessons?\u201d Hillis says. \u201cThey want people who challenge themselves, who aren\u2019t going to glide through life, and they want to see that through your application.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hillis and Fortuna coaches offer more advice on getting into Stanford:<\/span><\/p>\n