Stanford Graduate School of Business is trying to get to know you through your application essays, interview, and recommendation letters. They are trying to learn how you think and make decisions, what drives you, and motivates you, and what are your passions and goals. What’s your approach to leading other people, what are your values, and the things that matter most to you? How do you respond to different challenges, and how do you influence others? What kind of initiatives have you led? How did your background shape you? Please read more here.

While the average GMAT score is 737, many candidates get denied with a higher score and many get admitted with a lower score. For more on how Stanford views the GMAT read here.

The average GPA for Stanford Graduate School of Business is 3.76. There is no minimum GPA requirement for an MBA candidate. The GMAT or GRE can help “compensate” for a low GPA. Working with an experienced MBA Admissions Consultant can help as well. Please read more here.

While the average work experience for MBA candidates is 5 years, some exceptional candidates get admitted right after college or with very little work experience.

There are some advantages to applying to business school in either Round 1 or Round 2, like the access to the on-campus housing lottery including Stanford Graduate School of Business Residences. There may be a slight advantage in applying to business school in Round 1, but not worth rushing an application for it.

No specific industry, function, or background is preferred over another when applying to a business school. Stanford GSB is more interested in the impact you have had in your workplace than in the name or stature of the organization.

At least one of your recommendations should be from your current direct supervisor. The title or background of the recommender is much less relevant than what they can say about you. Pick someone who knows you well through significant, direct involvement with you within the last three years. Someone who will provide detailed anecdotes and examples to support their assertions, and is sufficiently enthused to spend time writing a thoughtful letter.

An MBA is worth it if it puts you on a career trajectory that was impossible before. Beyond the business education, an MBA at a top school like Stanford GSB can expand your network, perspective and provide access to new career opportunities.

Both Harvard and Stanford are the top universities in the world. They have consistently ranked at the top of MBA program lists. The right question to ask is which one is better for you? There are many differences in the size of the class, the culture, the courses, the location, and the weather.

The total average compensation for Stanford MBA graduates was $257,563 in 2022. This sum includes base salary, sign-on bonus, and expected performance bonus.