Stanford Graduate School of Business is perhaps one of the most selective business schools. It is also one of the most sought after schools. What is it that Stanford seeks in an applicant? Do your essays represent you well? Do they capture the "intellectual vitality", " demonstrated leadership potential" and "personal qualities and contributions" that the admissions committee wants to see in an applicant? Here are some exclusive Gurome tips to get you started on those all important Stanford MBA application essays:

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

Tips: Deep introspection is the key to getting this essay right. Think about all the moments, incidents, and people in your life that have impressed upon you since your childhood and made you the person you are today. The "why" in this question is as important as the "what" because through the "why", you can illustrate your engagement and intimate involvement with what matters to you the most.  What the admissions committee wants to gauge through this essay is the "human element" in you that goes beyond academics and professional accomplishments. Although this essay is a personal essay, what you write should resonate with your career aspirations and long-term goals. Be sincere in your approach and provide examples to substantiate your point.

Essay 2: What are your career aspirations? What do you need to learn at Stanford to achieve them? (450 words)

Tips:  the best way to approach this essay is to lay down your career aspirations or goals right at the beginning. You can then talk about the steps you have already taken and the steps that you need to take towards accomplishing those goals. The second part of the essay is as important as the first. To answer the second part of the essay you need to have some insight into Stanford's MBA curriculum, student activities, clubs, and then discuss how best you plan to leverage each of these. Avoid copying and pasting information from the school's official website, instead go on a campus visit, establish contact with Stanford GSB students and learn how best you can align your interest with what Stanford has to offer.

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. (300 words each)

Tips: A clever selection of the options here can help you narrate a comprehensive picture of your accomplishments. Depending on the options you pick, the essays can seamlessly merge and become one complete story. Try to bring out facets of your personality that have not been covered in the earlier essays

Option A: Tell us about a time when you built or developed a team whose performance exceeded expectations.

Tips: Select your example carefully. A little background (why, when) is necessary before you go into the "how". If the performance can be measured in terms of increase in sales figures, percentage cost savings, etc., include them.

Option B: Tell us about a time when you made a lasting impact on your organization.

Tips: A great way to approach this essay is to focus not on the accomplishment but on what motivated you to define a process or bring about a change, and how it impacted the organization. What the admissions committee is looking for through this essay is the applicant's ability to take initiatives and effect changes.

Option C: Tell us about a time when you generated support from others for an idea or initiative.

Tips: Through this essay, the admissions committee is trying to gauge your leadership potential. It is critical to lay out your vision first and then discuss how you motivated a team or convinced the management to adopt a novel or a not-so-popular idea. It is important to note that the example you choose can be non-work related also.

Option D: Tell us about a time when you went beyond what was defined, established, or expected.

Tips: Here again, focus more on the quality of experience rather than the end result. Discuss what led you to take the initiative or the plunge. You can also use this essay to talk about something you have done for the community.

You know you have the right kind of background and the right kind of story, yet you cannot structure your thoughts well. Let Gurome's team of expert admissions consultants guide you with the Stanford MBA Application Essays and the Admissions Process. Sign up today:

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