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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 18 Sep 2015, 11:28
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Butterflies
Any thoughts on the 750/400 split between Essays A and B?? I'm trying to finalize my drafts and find that my split is more like 550/600. Would that be a problem??
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Length
Your answers for both essay questions combined may not exceed 1,150 words (1,200 words if you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs). Each of you has your own story to tell, so please allocate these words between the essays in the way that is most effective for you. Below is a suggested word count, based on what we typically see.
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/m ... als/essays

In my opinion, try limiting your essay to the count. However, if you cannot make it and feel that your essays are very strong and each line is supporting your end message, don't stress out. Take note of GSB's use of "may" instead of strong words such as "can". I still think you can cut words. Good luck.
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 18 Sep 2015, 14:12
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That would absolutely not be a problem. I've definitely had clients split the essays out in similar ways to yours in the past. If they reeeeeaaaalllly wanted #1 to be 750 and #2 to be 400, they would've made those hard limits. Best of luck!

Butterflies
Any thoughts on the 750/400 split between Essays A and B?? I'm trying to finalize my drafts and find that my split is more like 550/600. Would that be a problem??
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 18 Sep 2015, 14:16
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Most of my clients are within 5% of the total limit. So yes, going over is fine, but I'd try to keep it to less than 5% if you can... definitely not more than a total of 10% over. They're most likely only going to eyeball the length, not run a word-counting program on it. :)

Here's a post I wrote about how to cut essays down even further that you might find helpful:

https://www.stacyblackman.com/2015/08/31 ... ba-essays/

Best of luck!

Bombardeiro
I am exceeding the word count by 7%, should I worry?

On the other hand, I am having a lot of trouble with the describe yourself in 20 words.
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 18 Sep 2015, 19:53
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I switched a couple of teams with the same employer I have been for past three years. Anyone knows how if I need to add separate jobs in the application data form under employer for each of the teams although all of them was under the same group?

Thanks in advance!
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 18 Sep 2015, 23:54
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SBCErikaOlson
That would absolutely not be a problem. I've definitely had clients split the essays out in similar ways to yours in the past. If they reeeeeaaaalllly wanted #1 to be 750 and #2 to be 400, they would've made those hard limits. Best of luck!
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Thanks Erika, that is really helpful and reassuring.

I have two other quick questions - is it ok to use exclamation marks in essays or are they a no-no? How about don't and can't??

Any thoughts would be really helpful!
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 19 Sep 2015, 05:57
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Sure thing. Here are my thoughts:

1) Re: exclamation points, I would say to ask yourself whether you REALLY need to use one to emphasize the point you're making. If so, I would limit yourself to ONE (and only one) exclamation point per essay, or else it's going to be overdoing it and could come off as a little immature.

2) I think it's totally fine to use almost all contractions (I'm, I'll, can't, don't, etc), if that's how you'd normally speak. Your essays should sound like your speaking voice, within reason and without being TOO informal. Plus contractions help save on word count.

Good luck!

Butterflies
SBCErikaOlson
That would absolutely not be a problem. I've definitely had clients split the essays out in similar ways to yours in the past. If they reeeeeaaaalllly wanted #1 to be 750 and #2 to be 400, they would've made those hard limits. Best of luck!

Thanks Erika, that is really helpful and reassuring.

I have two other quick questions - is it ok to use exclamation marks in essays or are they a no-no? How about don't and can't??

Any thoughts would be really helpful!
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 19 Sep 2015, 06:10
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Assuming those were different roles when you switched teams within the same employer, then yes, you should separate each one out in the application form. You would keep the overall employer company name the same each time, but then switch the Position Title for each entry. That way you can add in detail for Responsibilities/Challenge/Sig Accomplishment for each role and let them know more about you than they otherwise would've if you didn't separate out each role. Also, for the "Reason for Leaving" for each position up until your current one (for that current position you should just leave "Reason for Leaving" blank), you can say why you made the switch--perhaps it was a promotion, you were asked to move to a new team, you sought out new skills in a different team, etc.

Good luck!

hustler222
I switched a couple of teams with the same employer I have been for past three years. Anyone knows how if I need to add separate jobs in the application data form under employer for each of the teams although all of them was under the same group?

Thanks in advance!
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 20 Sep 2015, 13:45
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On the professional experience portion of the application, if you have more than one position/title at a company, should they be entered in reverse chronological order like they would be listed on a resume? Or the other way around?
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 20 Sep 2015, 19:01
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Watermelon
On the professional experience portion of the application, if you have more than one position/title at a company, should they be entered in reverse chronological order like they would be listed on a resume? Or the other way around?
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I would recommend listing in reverse chronological order. Most application portals have automatically ordered positions based on the employment dates, or they at least allow you to manually order them once entered.

Unfortunately, it looks like you need to enter these reverse chronologically if you want them to appear that way.

Changing the order of mine as we speak.........
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 20 Sep 2015, 20:35
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Submitted my application. The wait is going be long for this one!
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 20 Sep 2015, 20:40
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I do want to give a shout out to Erika (@SBCErikaOlson) for taking time to answer our questions here, it made a difference, truly.
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 21 Sep 2015, 03:27
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Submitted my application. Fingers crossed!!
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 21 Sep 2015, 09:16
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Aww, thanks! Even though I applied 15 years ago (WHAT!?! #OLD), I do still vividly remember how stressful the process was and am happy if I could make it even a little bit less so for any of you out there. Now you just have to promise to let me know how things end up.

GOOD LUCK!

- e

MV23
I do want to give a shout out to Erika (@SBCErikaOlson) for taking time to answer our questions here, it made a difference, truly.
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 21 Sep 2015, 09:17
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Yep, reverse chronological order is the way to go.

Watermelon
On the professional experience portion of the application, if you have more than one position/title at a company, should they be entered in reverse chronological order like they would be listed on a resume? Or the other way around?
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 21 Sep 2015, 10:49
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SBCErikaOlson
Yep, reverse chronological order is the way to go.

Watermelon
On the professional experience portion of the application, if you have more than one position/title at a company, should they be entered in reverse chronological order like they would be listed on a resume? Or the other way around?
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Also, as an FYI, I had issues with the order of my positions within the same company and trying to re-enter them. I was told by the Admissions Office that as long as your dates/periods correct, Stanford's reviewing system will automatically order the positions in reverse chronological order.

I'm not advising to put it in any order, but just thought it would be worth noting.
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 21 Sep 2015, 13:00
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That's great info to get directly from the AdCom -- thanks for sharing!


aeropower
SBCErikaOlson
Yep, reverse chronological order is the way to go.

Watermelon
On the professional experience portion of the application, if you have more than one position/title at a company, should they be entered in reverse chronological order like they would be listed on a resume? Or the other way around?

Also, as an FYI, I had issues with the order of my positions within the same company and trying to re-enter them. I was told by the Admissions Office that as long as your dates/periods correct, Stanford's reviewing system will automatically order the positions in reverse chronological order.

I'm not advising to put it in any order, but just thought it would be worth noting.
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 21 Sep 2015, 13:52
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Hey guys, do you think they will disregard my application if one of my recommenders does not post his letter on time?
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 21 Sep 2015, 16:19
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Just submitted - dodged a bullet because on my last review I noticed that I had uploaded my essays where the Resume goes.

May the force be with me and you guys, always.
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 22 Sep 2015, 00:42
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MV23
I do want to give a shout out to Erika (@SBCErikaOlson) for taking time to answer our questions here, it made a difference, truly.
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I second that! Thanks Erika!

Submitted last night. Fingers crossed now! Good luck all!
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Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!! 22 Sep 2015, 01:59
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Submitted, hope i can get some positive news in Oct.
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