Stanford GSB Deadlines, Essays & Analysis (Class of 2014, Starting Fall 2012)

DEADLINES

ESSAYS

• Essay 1: What matters most to you, and why?
  • The best examples of Essay 1 reflect the process of self-examination that you have undertaken to write them.
  • They give us a vivid and genuine image of who you are—and they also convey how you became the person you are.
  • They do not focus merely on what you’ve done or accomplished. Instead, they share with us the values, experiences, and lessons that have shaped your perspectives.
  • They are written from the heart and address not only a person, situation, or event, but also how that person, situation, or event has influenced your life.

• Essay 2: What do you want to do—REALLY—and why Stanford?
  • Use this essay to explain your view of your future, not to repeat accomplishments from your past.
  • You should address three distinct topics:
    • your career aspirations
    • the role of an MBA education in achieving those aspirations
    • and your rationale for earning that MBA at Stanford, in particular.
  • The best examples of Essay 2 express your passions or focused interests; explain why you have decided to pursue graduate education in management; and demonstrate your desire to take advantage of the opportunities that are distinctive to the Stanford MBA Program.
• Essay 3: Answer two of the four questions below. Tell us not only what you did but also how you did it. What was the outcome? How did people respond? Only describe experiences that have occurred during the last three years.
  • Option A: Tell us about a time when you built or developed a team whose performance exceeded expectations.
  • Option B: Tell us about a time when you made a lasting impact on your organization.
  • Option C: Tell us about a time when you generated support from others for an idea or initiative.
  • Option D: Tell us about a time when you went beyond what was defined or established.

Your answers for all of the essay questions cannot exceed 1,800 words.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

For Your 2 Professional/Workplace recommenders

1. Please comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant. If applicable, briefly describe the applicant’s role in your organization.
2. How does the candidate’s performance compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
3. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
4. Please make additional statements about the applicant’s performance, potential, or personal qualities you believe would be helpful to the MBA Admissions Office.

For Your Peer recommender

1. Please comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant. If applicable, briefly describe the applicant’s role in your organization.
2. Describe how the candidate has generated support from others for an idea or initiative.
3. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
4. Please make additional statements about the applicant’s performance, potential, or personal qualities you believe would be helpful to the MBA Admissions Office.

All 3 of your recommenders will also be asked to assess you on some competencies and character traits that contribute to successful leadership. » Leadership Behavior Grid (updated for Class of 2014)