The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, and its application process is highly competitive. A key component of the Stanford GSB application is the essay section, which provides applicants with the opportunity to showcase their personality, experiences, and goals. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the Stanford GSB essay questions, offer tips and advice on how to approach each question, and provide examples of successful essays.
Understanding the Stanford GSB Essay Questions
The Stanford GSB essay questions are designed to help the admissions committee get to know each applicant on a personal level. The questions are carefully crafted to assess an applicant’s motivations, values, and goals, as well as their ability to think critically and communicate effectively. For the 2022-2023 application cycle, the Stanford GSB essay questions are:
- What matters most to you, and why? (750 words)
- Tell us about a time when you had to navigate a difficult or uncertain situation. What did you learn from the experience, and how has it shaped your approach to challenges? (400 words)
- Optional: Think about times when you've created a positive impact, whether in your professional or personal life. What were your responsibilities, and what were the outcomes? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? (400 words)
Approaching the First Essay Question
The first essay question, “What matters most to you, and why?” is an opportunity for applicants to share their values, passions, and motivations. To approach this question, applicants should start by reflecting on their personal and professional experiences, and identifying the things that truly matter to them. This could be a personal value, a professional goal, or a social cause. Once applicants have identified what matters most to them, they should explain why it is important, and how it has shaped their decisions and actions.
For example, an applicant who is passionate about sustainability might write about their experiences working on environmental projects, and how these experiences have shaped their values and motivations. They might explain how their passion for sustainability has led them to pursue a career in sustainable business, and how they hope to use their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the world.
| Key Elements | Examples |
|---|---|
| Personal values | Sustainability, social justice, innovation |
| Professional goals | Starting a sustainable business, working in renewable energy, pursuing a career in social impact |
| Experiences | Working on environmental projects, volunteering for a social cause, starting a business |
Approaching the Second Essay Question
The second essay question, “Tell us about a time when you had to navigate a difficult or uncertain situation,” is an opportunity for applicants to showcase their problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to learn from failure. To approach this question, applicants should think about a specific experience where they faced a challenging situation, and how they navigated it.
For example, an applicant who worked in a startup might write about a time when the company faced a major setback, such as a failed product launch or a significant loss of funding. They might explain how they worked with their team to develop a new strategy, and how they learned from the experience to become a more effective leader and problem-solver.
When approaching this question, applicants should focus on the following key elements:
- Context: Provide background information on the situation, including the challenges and uncertainties faced
- Action: Explain the actions taken to navigate the situation, including any decisions made or strategies developed
- Outcome: Describe the outcome of the situation, including any successes or failures
- Reflection: Reflect on what was learned from the experience, and how it has shaped their approach to challenges
Approaching the Optional Essay Question
The optional essay question, “Think about times when you’ve created a positive impact, whether in your professional or personal life,” is an opportunity for applicants to showcase their achievements and contributions. To approach this question, applicants should think about specific experiences where they made a positive impact, and how they achieved it.
For example, an applicant who volunteered for a social cause might write about their experiences working with a team to develop a new program, and how they helped to implement it. They might explain how their contributions led to positive outcomes, such as an increase in fundraising or an improvement in community engagement.
When approaching this question, applicants should focus on the following technical skills:
- Leadership: Explain how they led a team or initiative to achieve a positive impact
- Collaboration: Describe how they worked with others to achieve a common goal
- Problem-solving: Explain how they developed and implemented solutions to challenges
- Communication: Describe how they communicated their ideas and plans to others
What are the most common mistakes applicants make when writing their essays?
+Some common mistakes applicants make when writing their essays include not being authentic, not providing specific examples, and not showing how their experiences and skills align with the Stanford GSB program.
How can applicants make their essays stand out?
+Applicants can make their essays stand out by being authentic, providing specific examples, and showing how their experiences and skills align with the Stanford GSB program. They should also use clear and concise language, and make sure their essays are well-organized and easy to follow.
In conclusion, the Stanford GSB essay questions are an opportunity for applicants to showcase their personality, experiences, and goals. By approaching each question with a clear understanding of the key elements and technical skills required, applicants can create a compelling and effective essay that showcases their strengths and achievements. Remember to be authentic, provide specific examples, and show how your experiences and skills align with the Stanford GSB program.
