Apply to the Stanford MBA Program

The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) has invited applications for the Class of 2019 (entering Fall 2017). Stanford's MBA program has been ranked at no#2 by US News & World Report 2017, no #5 by 2016 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings and no#4 in QS Global 200 Business Schools Report- US & Canada MBA ranking 2015/16.

Application deadlines

Selecting an Application Round

Candidate can apply in any one of the above three rounds. It is advised to apply when the ‘application is as strong as it can be’. According to the school, “If you plan to apply in round one or two, we strongly encourage you to apply in round one. Over the last few years, the number of applications we receive in round two has increased, making it more competitive. Do not rush your application, but submitting it earlier is better. While we admit outstanding individuals in all three rounds, there are some advantages to applying in either the first or second round, including:

• The ability to receive an aid award from the Financial Aid Office prior to the date by which you must respond to your offer of admission.
• Ample time to complete preliminary quantitative and/or language coursework prior to arrival on campus.
• Access to the on-campus housing lottery and/or Schwab Residential Center housing.
• Sufficient time to complete the visa application process (international students).
• Attendance at Admit Weekend (there is no Admit Weekend for round three).

Evaluation Criteria

Stanford is renowned for a holistically evaluation of every application. They take into account factors such as background, experiences, perspectives, fit with GSB and its MBA Program, aspirations, values, and accomplishments. Other criterions, as mentioned by GSB, include:

• Intellectual Vitality
• Demonstrated Leadership Potential
• Personal Qualities and Contributions
• While there is no single academic or professional background most suitable for the MBA Program, admitted candidates tend to have sound analytical skills and strong performance in managing programs, processes, or people.
• Diversity in the MBA class because Stanford GSB's collaborative educational process leverages students' diverse backgrounds to deliver a range of perspectives and approaches to real-world problems.

Application requirements and eligibility

• Educational background & Academic Degrees
• Awards and Honors
• GMAT & GRE: Candidate must have taken GMAT or GRE on or after the following dates to be considered valid -

• English Language Proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, & PTE scores 

•  Employment History + one-page resume 
• Three letters of reference: Two professional/workplace references (at least one recommendation from your current, direct supervisor) + One peer reference
• Personal Information & Activities
• Essays: Two personal essays and one short-answer essay for the Class of 2016 are –

- Essay 1: What matters most to you, and why? (750 words)

- Essay 2: What do you want to do — REALLY — and why Stanford? (450 words)

• (Short-Answer Essay) Answer one of the three questions below. (400 words)

- Tell us about a time in the last three years when you built or developed a team whose performance exceeded expectations.

- Tell us about a time in the last three years when you identified and pursued an opportunity to improve an organization.

- Tell us about a time in the last three years when you went beyond what was defined or established.

•  Non-refundable MBA Program application fee of $275

Check the complete and detailed list of requirements and apply here.

Interview

After meeting all the above requirements, shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews:

Fees & expenses

A rough estimate of the cost of attendance, including tuition and other expenses, for a first-year MBA student (MBA1) for the current nine-month academic year (16 Sep 2016 - 14 Jun 2017) is: