Admission Criteria for MBA Program

Stanford GSB:
What Are We Really Looking for?

We're looking for outstanding individuals, and the very qualities that define you make the GSB a
stimulating place to learn.

We recognize that what happens to your application after you submit it to Stanford may seem
mysterious. It need not be. Here, we attempt to share with you what we consider when we
evaluate applications.

As we build the class, we seek the most promising students in terms of intellectual distinction
and professional merit. We base this judgment on the totality of information available. No single
factor —whether your college performance, essay, test score, interview, letter of reference, or
work experience—is decisive.

We consider each application holistically, and take into account factors such as your background,
experiences, perspectives, fit with the GSB and its MBA Program, aspirations, values, and
accomplishments.

We evaluate each applicant in the context of the application year and are guided especially by
three primary admission criteria of intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and
personal qualities and contributions.

Assumptions

A few basic assumptions underlie our approach.

First, just as no two Stanford MBA students are the same, no two Stanford MBA applicants are
the same either. This means we must pay careful attention to the particular circumstances of each
applicant.

Second, we believe that past actions usually are the best predictor of future performance.

Third, we believe that how you have developed your talents is as important as what you have
actually accomplished.
Fourth, 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.

And finally, we look for diversity in the MBA class because we believe that the GSB's
collaborative educational process leverages students' diverse backgrounds to deliver a range of
perspectives and approaches to real-world problems. We define diversity in the broadest possible
terms, encompassing (but not limited to) educational and professional background, personal
experiences and goals, culture, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and
nationality.

We Evaluate All Applicants In Three Areas

Intellectual Vitality

One of the ideas or themes that is central in our minds as we evaluate an application is your
intellectual vitality.

You can demonstrate this in many ways, not simply through grades and test scores. In other
words, your attitude toward learning is as important as your aptitude.

Because the Stanford community believes in the power of ideas to shape the future, we want to
see your passion, dedication, and genuine interest in expanding your intellectual horizons
throughout your application.

We look for evidence of the kind of curiosity and passion that will allow you to spark a lively
discussion in class and continue that conversation during coffee with a faculty member, walking
back to the Schwab Residential Center with a classmate, or over dinner with alumni.

Another consideration is the initiative with which you seek out opportunities that enhance your
knowledge. We want to understand your willingness to "suspend disbelief"—by mastering
concepts that may not be immediately relevant to your intended career, to carve your path in
ambiguous environments, and to support the School's goal of developing knowledge that deepens
and advances the practice of management.

Demonstrated Leadership Potential

Another factor that is primary in our minds as we read your application is your demonstrated
leadership potential.

In short, we try to understand your character and your professional competence.

Your personal character matters not only because integrity is the cornerstone of any academic
community, but also because of the vast responsibility our society reposes in leaders of
businesses and social-sector organizations.

As a result, we look for evidence of behaviors consistent with your ideals, even under difficult
circumstances—a sort of directed idealism.

We want to understand your personal motivation and convictions, and your ability to confront
complex, unfamiliar issues with good judgment.

We envision you defending your position with vigor and respect to a peer advocating a different
view.

We also try to uncover the ways in which challenges to your beliefs may have changed some of
your perspectives and reinforced others.

In understanding your competence, we look for both leadership experience and potential. In
doing so, we don’t limit ourselves to your professional life. Neither should you. We look at your
background for evidence of your impact on the people and organizations around you, and the
impact of those experiences on you.

Learning about your activities, experiences, interests, and aspirations helps us discover your
potential contributions to Stanford and to society.

We imagine you working with a group of students and faculty to design a new multi-disciplinary
course on ethical issues in life sciences or leading the Principal Investing Conference.

We look for evidence of your desire to leave a legacy in the organizations you serve throughout
your career, inspiring and motivating your colleagues.

We consider your awareness of what you do well and the areas in which you can improve; your
group and interpersonal skills; and your commitment to utilizing fully your opportunities and
available resources.

These qualities will help you to shape your own experience as a student, and will influence your
ability to shape the future as an alumna or alumnus.

Personal Qualities and Contributions

A third major concept that we consider is the perspective that you bring to the Stanford
community—your personal qualities and contributions.

In a world that often rewards conformity, the Stanford community thrives only when you share
your individual experiences and perspectives.
As a result, the strongest applications we see are those in which your thoughts and voice remain
intact.

To understand how you will contribute to and benefit from the Business School community, we
want to know about you: your experiences, beliefs, your passions, your dreams, your goals. Will
you revolutionize the Energy Conference, take the Global Management Program in a different
direction, or be the dissenting voice in a classroom discussion?

Take time to reflect on who you are, and have confidence in yourself. We always remember that
there is neither an "ideal" candidate nor a "typical" Stanford MBA student. You should
remember this, too.

Yes, our community includes students who have pursued incomparable opportunities. This
doesn't mean that something remarkable (either positive or negative) must have happened to you
to be a strong candidate. In fact, most Stanford MBA students have excelled by doing ordinary
things extraordinarily well. It is what you make of an experience that matters to us, not simply
the experience itself.
Harvard Business School (HBS)
Genuine business talent cannot be narrowly defined. Instead of looking for an "ideal" candidate,
HBS invites MBA applicants who exhibit a variety of skills, accomplishments, and
temperaments. The true common characteristics of our students are demonstrated leadership
potential and a capacity to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.

Indeed, to create the most stimulating environment possible for all students, we consciously
select a diverse student body, one that not only reflects a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and
nationalities, but a wide range of personal interests and professional ambitions.

A Habit of Leadership

We recognize — and welcome — leadership that may be expressed in many forms, from college
extracurricular activities to academic or business achievements, from personal accomplishments
to community commitments. We appreciate leadership on any scale as well, from organizing a
classroom to directing a combat squad, from running an independent business to spearheading
initiatives at work. In essence, we are looking for evidence of your potential - a portfolio of
experiences, initiatives, and accomplishments that reflect a habit of leadership.

Capacity for Intellectual Growth

Harvard Business School is a demanding, fast-paced, and highly-verbal environment. We look

for individuals who will thrive on sophisticated ideas and lively discussion. Our case-based
method of learning depends upon the active participation of prepared students who can assess,
analyze, and act upon complex information within often-ambiguous contexts. The MBA
Admissions Board will review your prior academic performance, the results of the GMAT or
GRE, and, if applicable, TOEFL IBT and/or IELTS, and the nature of your work experience.
There is no particular previous course of study required to apply; you must, however,
demonstrate the ability to master analytical and quantitative concepts.

Engaged Community Citizenship

So much of our MBA experience - including the case method, section life, and student-organized
events - requires the active collaboration of the entire HBS community. That's why we look for
students who exhibit the highest ethical standards and respect for others, and can make positive
contributions to the MBA Program. The right candidates must be eager to share their
experiences, support their colleagues, and teach as well as learn from their peers.
Please note that there is no minimum work experience requirement for the MBA Program.
Successful candidates are able to demonstrate strength in the criteria outlined above, regardless
of their number of years of work experience. They include college seniors with significant
leadership experience, as well as individuals with as little as one to two years of full-time work
experience.

It is important for you to assess your own readiness when deciding when to apply.