Mr. Supply Chain Data Scientist

Everyone knows that Stanford is the toughest MBA program in the world to get into. It’s 6% acceptance rate is the lowest for any prestige MBA and its 734 average GMAT score is also the highest class average for any school. But I think Mr. Supply Chain Data Scientist has a good shot, even though he lacks an Ivy League or near Ivy undergraduate background. Here’s why: His 3.9 GPA in a triple major and his online master’s in data science from Johns Hopkins shows he has the right stuff in academics. More importantly, though, his background at a Fortune 500 defense contractor would add to the class’ diversity. There are few applicants to Stanford with this background. And his extras line up perfectly with Stanford. To wit, Founder of small non-profit (helps recent immigrant families adjust). His post-MBA goal also makes sense. Truth is, not enough Stanford MBAs go the MBB route to make these firms very happy. Still, Stanford is a tough nut to track. So my 25% odds essentially say that Mr. Supply Chain has four times the 6% acceptance rate average of getting a shot. Good luck.

Hello Mr. Supply Chain Data Scientist! Krista Nannery from mbaMission here. You remind me — I need to get back onto Reddit and dole out more opinions!!

Because I am a data junkie (used to do HR analytics), I have worked with a number of data scientists over the year and b-schools can’t seem to get enough of them. Add in your GPA, GMAT, and Head of Student Government and this is going to be a really fun process for you! But GSB is a tough nut to crack — if you’re not successful, remember it’s not you! It’s them. For someone like you, I’d double the average acceptance rate and put your odds in at 10 to 15%. I know that doesn’t sound great but it actually is!! I would like your goals to be more exciting and aspirational than MBB though. Go beyond just saying MBB. What types of projects will you work on? What will your specialty be? If it’s something data-related, what types of problems do you want to solve?

I know you want to stay on the West Coast so add Haas for sure. I’d also love for you to throw CBS and Wharton into the mix. I think you have a great shot at all those programs.

Good luck with the corgi! And with your apps!