Calling all Stanford Applicants (2016 Intake) Class of 2018!!

Don't panic. I've seen this happen to other people across many top schools.

My strong belief is that if a school is interested in you, they're interested in you, and a recommender not following the rules isn't going to be the reason they'd ding you--ever. If anything it's proof you didn't write the letter yourself, right? That's probably a bigger worry they have!

I honestly think that if they were impressed with your candidacy before reading the letter that they wouldn't hold your recommender's lack of following directions against you. If you get dinged, this won't be the reason. It'll be that it's really, REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY hard to get into Stanford and they only accept like 7% of applicants even though probably 80% are worthy of a spot.

I also believe that if they were truly concerned about anything in an otherwise impressive application, they would simply reach out to the recommender for a follow-up. I've never seen this happen, though. And I've personally worked with some clients who were totally screwed over by their recommenders (and still ended up in top programs).

Hope this helps you breathe a little easier today and in the coming weeks!

Was anyone here shortlisted as a Stanford Fellowship Finalist?

Don't panic. I've seen this happen to other people across many top schools.

My strong belief is that if a school is interested in you, they're interested in you, and a recommender not following the rules isn't going to be the reason they'd ding you--ever. If anything it's proof you didn't write the letter yourself, right? That's probably a bigger worry they have!

I honestly think that if they were impressed with your candidacy before reading the letter that they wouldn't hold your recommender's lack of following directions against you. If you get dinged, this won't be the reason. It'll be that it's really, REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY hard to get into Stanford and they only accept like 7% of applicants even though probably 80% are worthy of a spot.

I also believe that if they were truly concerned about anything in an otherwise impressive application, they would simply reach out to the recommender for a follow-up. I've never seen this happen, though. And I've personally worked with some clients who were totally screwed over by their recommenders (and still ended up in top programs).

Hope this helps you breathe a little easier today and in the coming weeks!

I had two views by "members who chose to remain anonymous", in the last few days and have been wondering if they were adcom.

Also curious to know what has happened to others.

How can you tell who viewed your profile? Do you have premium? Mine always shows up as anonymous.

Stanford GSB Will Interview 1,000 Applicants This Year

Once again, Stanford has given some clarity about the admissions process.

See below for an excerpt from the official email that Stanford sent out to Round One applicants today.

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Admission Process Dates

22 September 2015: Round 1 Deadline
Beginning on deadline day, the MBA Admissions Office prepares applications for review and distributes them to members of our team to read. Over the subsequent weeks, we review applications and decide which candidates will move to the next stage.

19 October through 17 November 2015: Interview Invitations
During this period, we will extend interview invitations daily via email. Interviews are by invitation only, and an interview is required for admission. We hope to interview roughly 1,000 applicants this application year.

If you are invited to interview, you will receive that invitation between 19 October and 17 November. If you have not received an interview invitation by 17 November, you will not be interviewed in this round.

17 November 2015: Application Status Update
On 17 November, you may log in to your online application for an update on the status of your application. At this stage, there will be three possibilities:
1. You have already been invited to interview, and will receive a final decision on 9 December. On 9 December you will find out if you will be admitted, denied, or offered a spot in the waitpool.
2. You were not selected for an interview, and your application is denied. This decision is final.
3. You are being offered a spot in the waitpool with the possibility of being invited to interview at a future date.

9 December 2015: Decision Notification Date
All official decisions will be released and available when you log in to your online application.

Rest assured there is nothing more you need to do to get our attention or improve your chances for an interview; your application speaks for itself. Out of fairness to all applicants, we don't consider information submitted after the application deadline.

Thank you!

Thanks in advance for your patience. During the coming weeks, we will review each and every application. Getting to know you and your fellow applicants takes time, but the result will be a tremendous Stanford MBA Class of 2018.

If you have questions, please contact us at +1.650.723.2766.

Thank you again for your interest in Stanford. We are excited to learn more about you.

Stanford MBA Admissions Office
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Very scattered throughout the weeks...no pattern to really follow. GSB is the most unpredictable. I know someone once got an invite on a weekend I believe.

Agreed - heard similar things.

Just feel it's a very long time they stretch these invitations over... going to be a long month of October and November.