Stanford University
"I decided to pursue an MBA early in my career because I wanted to develop my business skills, learn tangible frameworks, and grow the entrepreneurial passions within me.
Attending the Stanford GSB certainly exceeded my expectations as I interacted daily with a phenomenal group of accomplished corporate and social leaders."
Nader Mikhail, MBA 2007
Engagement Manager
McKinsey & Co
"After much deliberation, I chose to attend the Stanford GSB immediately following my college graduation. I saw the Business School as a place where I could develop and hone my leadership and management skills, as well as get a head start on my career. The tools I have acquired here, both in and out of the classroom, will be valuable and applicable to all aspects of my life."
Wes Swank, MBA 2005
Managing Director
Hayman Advisors, L.P.
Can I apply as a college senior?
We encourage college seniors to consider applying to the MBA Program.
Detailed information for college seniors considering business school can be found at http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/admission/college_seniors.html
I am a college senior. What type of recommendations should I have? Can I ask my professors?
We want to know about you—your achievements, your leadership ability, experiences that significantly influenced how you work with others, and other details that paint a strong picture of your accomplishments and potential.
We strongly suggest that you have your letters of reference written specifically for this application—generic or outdated letters typically do not strengthen an application.
College seniors may use a direct supervisor from a summer, part-time, or internship experience.
Alternatively, you may ask someone who oversaw you in an extracurricular, volunteer, or charitable activity.
You are welcome to submit a recommendation from a professor, but academic letters of reference generally are not helpful in our evaluation. Academic recommendations are acceptable if you worked with the recommender as a teaching assistant, researcher, or in a similar capacity.
Detailed information for college seniors considering business school can be found here http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/admission/college_seniors.html
I'm a college senior or recent college graduate. Whom should I ask to write my letters of reference?
You may use a direct supervisor from a summer, part-time, or internship experience. Or you may ask someone who oversaw you in an extracurricular, volunteer, or charitable activity.
You may submit a recommendation from a professor, but academic letters of reference generally are not helpful in our evaluation, unless you worked with the recommender as a teaching assistant, researcher, or in a similar capacity.
As a college student, is there a preferred undergraduate major that I should choose to prepare for my MBA education?
There is no "ideal" undergraduate major for business school; therefore, choose a major that you find interesting and engaging.
MBA students have majored in everything from economics to religious studies.
Since business school curricula will assume a solid foundation in quantitative skills, you may want to take at least a couple of classes in economics, math, statistics, and/or science (i.e., courses that will sharpen your analytical reasoning skills).
If your schedule precludes you from taking these courses, you might consider taking evening or distance-learning quantitative courses from a local university or college.
While in college, you may wish to pursue an honors project or do a senior thesis.
While the topic you choose may not seem to be directly relevant to an MBA, it can demonstrate to an admission committee that you possess intellectual vitality and initiative.
Detailed information for college seniors considering business school can be found here http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/admission/college_seniors.html
College Seniors
We encourage college seniors to consider applying to the MBA
Program.
We will offer admission to college seniors who present superior academic credentials and outstanding evidence of leadership potential through extracurricular and community activities.
If you are a college senior and feel you would benefit from obtaining fulltime work experience before enrolling, you may defer enrollment to September 2011 or September 2012.
The Committee on Admissions also may offer deferred admission to college seniors whom we feel would better contribute, grow, and learn in the MBA Program after obtaining full-time work experience.
Qualities We Seek in Undergraduate Applicants
- Extensive leadership demonstrated through activities, research, or work experiences.
- Superb academic credentials
- Maturity and self-confidence
- An ability to articulate why you wish to attend business school now
Direct Enrollment
Consider attending business school immediately following your university program if:
- You feel ready to pursue your MBA.
- Your academic background, extracurricular experiences, summer work experiences and personal aspirations, combined with an MBA, will put you on a managerial career track.
- You know you want to pursue a career path such as marketing, sales, finance, or general management in which an MBA could provide you the opportunity to develop valuable skills, gain knowledge and a competitive advantage.
Deferred Enrollment
Exceptional college seniors who prefer to work for one or two years before enrolling may defer admission. You select on the application the year in which you would like to enroll.
This may be a good choice if you are unsure of your professional path and would like to explore an industry. In addition, certain industries—private equity and biotechnology in particular—tend only to recruit MBA candidates with pre-MBA experience in that field, or with specialized knowledge. Management consulting firms also typically prefer MBA candidates with work experience.
If you are interested in pursuing a career path in one of these fields, deferring for a couple of years may be a strategic decision.
If you choose to defer enrollment, we expect you to work full-time during the deferral period. Pursue opportunities that enable you to build your skills and knowledge, expand your perspective, and develop professional judgment and self-confidence.
Advice for Undergraduate Applicants
- Take the GMAT or GRE in your junior or early in your senior year.
- Pursue opportunities for independent research, such as lab work, seminars, and theses.
- Take courses in mathematics—such as calculus, microeconomics, or statistics—to strengthen your quantitative exposure.
- Take an accounting course to understand the language of business.
- Take logic courses—such as computer programming, philosophy, and physics—to refine your analytical capabilities.
- Read the Wall Street Journal, Economist, and Financial Times to understand the business environment and learn about industries, careers, and organizations.
- Explore professional pursuits through challenging summer internships. Cultivate strong relationships with supervisors and mentors, and seek out opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge.
- Investigate different careers to refine your goals. Sites like WetFeet offer a wealth of information about organizations and professional fields. Talk to friends, or relatives who work in your field of interest.
- Even if you intend to enroll in an MBA program directly after graduation, participate in your college’s recruiting process to learn about careers, organizations and industries. It’s smart to have options.
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