What are they looking for? An easy way to figure this out is to look at the leadership grid of the recommendation form for that school (on CA). Let’s use GSB as an example.
Through this I showed my WL client how he needs to get some points on the board regarding mentorship- “Identifies potential in others; inspires others to develop by providing feedback, mentoring/coaching, and identifying new growth opportunities as well as supporting their effort to change”
Given that GSB feels they are the most transformational MBA program out there, it makes sense they would be looking for this.
And then you look for ways to establish this quality without making it completely obvious you're doing it to get into Stanford. Preferably something that leverages your current knowledge or current communities. Also important, that you come out of it with an anecdote or 2 you can share in their 2000 character update box.
In sum: assess their criteria, evaluate your weaknesses, find a way to act/achieve a result soon and provide an update - but don’t make it too wildly obvious you are only doing this for the coveted admit. It should be an extension of something already present in your profile.
#mba2026
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