Mr. Future VC

Hi Mr. Future VC, Kristen from MBA Prep School here. As a “midwesterner by marriage” I like that you have found growth opportunities for yourself while staying connected to the needs of your home community. Making this personal to professional connection can go a long way in catching Stanford’s eye. Your undergrad academics and professional path certainly help, too! On paper you have the stats that the program is looking for. Of course, piecing those components together into a cohesive, compelling story is what demonstrates that you understand how all of these strengths are interconnected and set you up for success in your next act. Make sure you are clear about what you need to make the jump to VC and how it will enable you to make the kind of impact you are seeking. Stanford is so competitive that I am conservative for even the strongest applicants, but I think you have a good shot of catching their eye. Let us know if you need help!

Hi Mr. Future VC! This is Kate Richardson, Senior Admissions Consultant, weighing in on your profile. As you can see from the community’s odds, GSB is hard to predict! I do think you have many elements of a competitive profile there. Your personal story and commitment to community development/economic growth is admirable and will obviously align well with GSB’s mission. It sounds like you’ve had a strong upward trajectory by working at a boutique firm, and I like that you’ve gained international exposure and plenty of leadership roles. Your GPA/GMAT stats look great too. Aside from GSB being hard to predict, I would also think deeply about how you can show that you’re prepared to make the switch to a VC role, as it’s a notoriously tough field to break into. Obviously the school’s connections can help a lot, but make sure you are showing evidence of transferable skills and comfort with networking. Good luck!

Mr. Future VC – Thanks for posting your profile. Susan Cera here from Stratus.

I really like your chances at Stanford, especially since you are from the midwest which is an area of focus for Stanford with respect to recruiting and placement. Be sure to check out the Stanford USA Fellowship which offers a full scholarship to several students from the ‘midwest’ who intend to return to the midwest to encourage economic growth!

You have great stats and solid work. I applaud your commitment to mentorship and hope that you were engaged in similar activities during your undergrad to demonstrate ongoing engagement.

The key for you will be bringing everything together in a compelling narrative that connects your experiences to date through the GSB to your aspirations in VC (ideally back in the midwest). You also want to show how you have already changed lives and organizations and that, armed with an MBA from Stanford, you will be poised to change the world.

If I’ve missed anything about your profile, don’t hesitate to reach out for a profile evaluation.