Stanford’s MBA Gatekeeper On A ‘Heartbreaking’ GSB Myth

Kirsten Moss is the first person to hold the top admissions job at both Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB

Is an MBA as valuable today as it was when you earned your MBA in 1992? If so, why?

In 1992, I felt my MBA was important to help me reach “the next rung on the ladder” (even though I was not quite sure yet which ladder I would want to climb). We read cases about how leaders over the last couple of decades had built Fortune 500 companies, like Proctor & Gamble or General Electric. In my opinion, the MBA degree, and more specifically, the Stanford GSB experience, is more valuable now given our current business context. We are currently experiencing the fourth industrial revolution. If you look at the list of the top 30 unicorns, many of them were founded just miles from our campus and were created within the last three to five years. One thing should be abundantly clear that now, unlike any time in history, you can create and lead game-changing organizations, even very early in your careers. I encourage those with big dreams to learn how it can be done and step up to the plate.

Fundamentally, the GSB’s distinctive approach is that it expands your understanding of what is possible and gives you the confidence to believe you are capable of achieving it. The GSB is not preparing you to just take the next step on the ladder. Instead, it is about identifying the problems you most want to solve and developing the skills, learning, and experiences you need to take action. We are lucky to be in Silicon Valley, the heart of innovation, so you can learn from those who are currently leading this new revolution.

What Matters Most is one of the most iconic MBA essays ever. Could you give us a couple of examples of how recent admits addressed this question that especially resonated with you and your admissions team?

I can’t give you specific examples to protect the confidentiality of our applicants, but I can offer applicants a bit of advice. Effective leaders can articulate what they value. These values guide how they prioritize their efforts and build culture. Surprisingly, these values are likely already developed by the time we reach our early twenties. The best homework I can give to anyone who aspires to change the world is to reflect deeply on what they value and why. The true answer to that question can only be discovered by you. It is the best assignment we could ever give as it will help guide your trajectory from this moment forward.

Are there any misconceptions or myths about Stanford GSB that applicants might have that you would like to set the record straight on?

Yes, one misconception is that you have to be a unicorn to get in! Seriously, some of our students tell me that they almost did not apply because they did not come from a “top” university, or they were from the “wrong” industry, or their GMAT or GPA was “too low”. This is heartbreaking to me. We are trying to select a class who aspires to our motto of change lives, change organizations, and change the world. From my experience, I am clear that those who will live up to this motto do not come from a limited number of institutions, job roles, or GPAs. We look at what you value, what you aspire to do, how you think, the impact you have had, and the perspective you will bring.

Do you have any pet peeves about the MBA market? The overreliance on rankings by applicants? Gossip in community forums? Applicants who post their stats and application status on websites? 

I have consistently seen misinformation on community forums, so I worry that candidates who rely on their advice could, in fact, be hurting their chances of getting into the schools they would most like to attend. I believe that those who post are trying to be helpful, but the reality is no one really knows exactly why they were (or weren’t) admitted to a particular program. No matter which program you are interested in, I recommend you look to the school’s website for guidance on how to put your best foot forward.

When it comes to financial aid, Stanford has launched several new initiatives including a fellowship for students who commit to returning to the Midwest. Can you give us an update on this?

We are in the third year of offering the USA fellowship, which targets 12 states in the Midwest. We saw great attendance at our midwestern events this summer and are thrilled it is helping us to gain exposure to these candidates.

And finally, what’s the best advice you can give to an applicant today?

Do not talk yourself out of applying because part of your application does not fit some preconceived notion of what we look for or perfectly fit some statistical range on our website. Apply and discover through this process who you are and what you want for your future. We can’t wait to listen to your story.

DON’T MISS: MEET STANFORD’S MBA CLASS OF 2019 or WHY STANFORD GSB HAS BOOSTED MIDWESTERN APPLICANTS