Mr. Marine Corps

First off, let me personally thank you for your service to our country. I have the utmost admiration for those who have given so much of themselves to protect and defend our country values and ideals. I really wish I could give you better news about your chances at Stanford, though. With a 600 GMAT and a degree in fire administration from Liberty, you are dead on arrival at the GSB. Consider this: In Stanford’s MBA Class of 2020, there are only four vets, two from the U.S. Army and two from the U.S. Navy and one of them graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Stanford’s super low acceptance rate makes it hard for even those who check every box on the application. The only way to overcome your odds there is to have a truly unique story. Your chances at other schools are obviously much better, particularly Michigan Ross which, by the way, would also be a reach. Unless you have a unique story, I would scrap your plans to apply to these highly selective schools: Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Wharton, and Yale. Instead, I would use Ross and Tuck as stretch choices and look at other very good MBA programs ranked in the 20th to 30th range that would allow you to achieve your goals. Sorry to deliver this news to you.

Gunny: As a Marine myself, Semper Fi! Despite the amazing leadership experiences you have, your GMAT score is just not high enough for Stanford GSB, especially given they have the lowest acceptance rate and highest average GMAT score among the very best business schools in the world. Also, your number of years of work experience is more than average so that’s another hurdle you’ll have to overcome. But then again, I was 36 years old when I applied to business schools successfully so we never say never. However, given your curent profile, just realistically, Stanford GSB is highly unlikely.

Hey Mr. Marine Corps. Thanks for posting. Krista Nannery from mbaMission here.
I’ve worked with a lot of military applicants over the years, a few with your level of experience. They were successful at top programs but they also had great GMAT/GRE scores. So I’d really recommend that you invest the exam and take it at least once if not two more times. Perhaps consider switching to the GRE…my clients who are scoring at your level on the GMAT often find the GRE easier.

Stanford is tough for anyone — you really have to be the best of the best here. If you can get yourself to the 680 level, I think schools like Ross, Tuck, UNC, Cornell, USC all become possible. My suggestion to you — you have one of the BEST networks out there! Contact the Vet clubs at some realistic target programs and start collecting data from current military students on stats and chances.

I hope that helps!
Krista