Tips For Stanford GSB’s 2022-2023 MBA Essays

Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) is incredibly selective. The program, which ranks number one in P&Q’s “Top Business Schools” ranking, follows its mission, “Change Lives, Change Organizations, Change the World,” to heart and seeks out top-tier candidates who can fulfill that ethos.

Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently discussed Stanford’s 2022-23 MBA essays and offered insight into what admissions officers are looking for and how applicants can best position themselves for success.

ESSAY A: WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU, AND WHY?

For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?

Blackman says Essay A is all about what motivates you and why. Motivations, according to Blackman, can range from personal history to big-picture goals.

“This essay should not be explicitly career related (and the most persuasive essays are likely not career oriented at all),” Blackman says. “However, some of your themes will likely continue in the following essay, which may focus more on your career. For example, you may have a personal passion that also has led you into a related career aspiration. Your character should shine through, and ideally, introspection and honesty carry through the entire set of essays. To generate ideas, try brainstorming for a few days. Ask friends and family what values they see you demonstrating in your life and choices.”

To gather ideas, Blackman recommends applicants to start with some journaling and self-reflection.

“Review your personal history for ideas,” she says. “When you look back at your life, what do you admire and regret about your choices? Are there moments in your life that have led to a change in direction? Who has impacted your decisions? These are the kind of questions to ask yourself as you brainstorm topics for this essay.”

ESSAY B: WHY STANFORD?

Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs.

When approaching Essay B, Blackman says it’s important to specifically list out the reasons why you want to attend Stanford GSB.

“Stanford GSB wants to know your aspirations will be uniquely satisfied by the program. As a result, school research will help you explain how academics and community matter to you,” Blackman says. “Be as specific as possible to provide evidence that you have done your research. Have you met current students and alumni? Who are the professors you are excited about? What are the unique programs? Is Stanford’s culture appealing to you, and why? Think about using specific examples, like the career path of one particular alum you admire.”

Similar to Essay A, it can be helpful to do some self-reflection on where you see yourself post-MBA.

“Envision your life in twenty years,” Blackman says. “Where do you live? How do you spend your days? What is your favorite activity? Does this vision fit into your career aspirations? Don’t be shy about your ambitions. Once you have identified your dream career, make sure an MBA is a big part of achieving your plans.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, P&Q

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