General info | Academics | Campus life | Admissions | International students
General
What is the Stanford Graduate School of Business Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship?
The Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship is an intensive four-week entrepreneurship program exclusively for current students engaged in graduate-level studies outside the field of business.
What will I gain from participating in the Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship?
The Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship offers current graduate students a unique opportunity to develop the aptitude for taking an idea and creating a successful venture. During this rigorous program, participants gain the academic training and interpersonal skills vital to a successful career in business.
Will participating in the Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship help me get into Stanford's MBA program?
This program is designed to introduce students to the foundations of business, with particular emphasis on entrepreneurship. While the content of the program should deliver a sense of what to expect from an MBA program such as Stanford's, admission to this program and admission to the Stanford MBA program are unrelated.
When do classes begin?
The program begins with a mandatory opening event on Sunday, June 20. Classes begin on Monday, June 21. The program concludes on Friday, July 16 with a closing celebration and certificate presentation.
Who can I contact for further information?
For more information about this program, please contact:
Aimee Slobin
Assistant Director, Programs and Marketing
GSB Executive Education
Phone: 650.724.4336
Email: slobin_aimee@gsb.stanford.edu
Academics
Could you describe the curriculum?
The program is designed with short modules within the four-week program. These short courses cover all the general management disciplines: accounting, finance, economics, strategy, operations, marketing, organizational behavior, non-profit, negotiations, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The information in these courses will be foundational and assumes no previous coursework in business-related subjects.
How is the program organized?
The program is organized with two academic sessions Monday through Friday morning. After lunch, students participate in additional academic sessions and special sessions on topics ranging from negotiation to leadership and organizational behavior. Later in the afternoon there are workshops and guest speakers from a variety of Silicon Valley companies in various stages of business development.
Who teaches in the Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship?
The program is taught by the same outstanding faculty who teach in Stanford's MBA program. Our faculty has consistently received the highest marks from students for their diverse teaching methods, their thought-provoking insights, and their passion for education.
What teaching methods are used?
Courses throughout the entire academic program are taught using methods that vary by the individual faculty member and the material being taught. These include lectures, discussions, case studies, computer simulations, group projects, and presentations by business leaders, and/or combinations of these methods.
Do I receive grades or course credit for the program?
The Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship is a non-credit program, and grades are not given. Students who successfully satisfy program expectations will be awarded a certificate endorsed by the Graduate School of Business. Participants are expected to attend all classes and have full participation in projects, workshops and all other required program activities.
Will there be homework or outside reading?
Be prepared to spend approximately 2-3 hours per day outside of class on homework/outside reading. Advance materials and pre-readings will be made available to you approximately one week prior to the course start. This time commitment is in addition to the time you will be expected to spend meeting with your project team.
Campus life
Who will be in class with me?
A significant number of the participants in the Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship will be current Stanford graduate students, while others will come from top institutions around the world. They have diverse educational backgrounds, areas of interest, and achievements.
Where do I live while attending the program?
The Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship does not provide housing for Stanford graduate students. If you are in need of accommodations for the duration of the program, please contact Stanford Graduate Housing. For non-Stanford students, we can arrange on-campus housing for an additional $2,100 on top of the tuition cost.
I have a disability. Will I be accommodated?
Stanford is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. During the application process, please request any necessary accommodations.
What should I wear?
Attire for the program is casual. Participants are asked to dress business casual for guest speakers and workshops. Two events will require formal business attire - our closing event and your final presentations. For these events you should dress as if you were attending an interview. On evenings and weekends you may want to wear more casual clothing (shorts, jeans, t-shirts, etc.). While Stanford enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate, San Francisco can be foggy and chilly so bring a sweater or jacket and dress in layers.
What is there to do on campus?
Lots! There is always a flurry of activity on the Stanford campus. Whether you are interested in theater, sports, lectures, or student activities, you will find a wide variety of options to pique your interest. You can check out Stanford daily events at events.stanford.edu/.
Admissions
When is the application deadline?
Application Deadlines:
Apply by February 15, hear a decision by March 15
Apply by March 15, hear a decision by April 15
Please contact Aimee Slobin at slobin_aimee@gsb.stanford.edu if you have any admissions questions.
Students are urged to apply as early as possible. Since the Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship is a competitive program, we encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity. International students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to allow time for appropriate visa preparations.
Can I apply online?
Yes, all applicants must apply online. Click here to apply now!
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is an application fee of $40 which is non-refundable.
How much does the program cost? What does my fee cover?
Program cost for non-Stanford students ONLY:
2010 cost without housing = $7,600
2010 cost including on-campus housing = $9,700
Both options (with or without housing) include tuition, some course materials, program travel, some meals, excursions and events. In addition to opening and closing events, a light breakfast and full lunch will be provided at the Graduate School of Business from Monday through Friday. The $2,100 cost difference covers on-campus housing and does not include any additional meals other than those specified above.
Current Stanford Grad Students ONLY: Please refer to the Stanford Students section of this website for more specific information regarding your tuition.
Do you offer financial aid?
Stanford and Citibank currently offer a competitively priced educational loan for Summer Institute participants. This is the only loan that Summer Institute participants may use for tuition assistance. Please note that the student must apply for the loan within five days of acceptance into the program. Details of the loan are available on the following website:
Citibank CitiAssist Loan
Who should write a letter of recommendation?
You must have one letter of recommendation from someone who has taught you in the classroom. The second letter of recommendation may come from another professor, faculty advisor, or from someone who has supervised you in a work setting. At least one of your references should be able to speak to your entrepreneurial ambitions and promise. Recommendations should be from individuals who have been directly responsible for evaluating your academic or work performance and potential. You are required to submit both recommendations with your application.
Do I need to have an idea for a business venture?
No, you are not required to have a business idea to apply. Applicants may choose to include a business idea in the application essay. All admitted participants will also have the opportunity to submit an idea prior to the program start . The program is designed to help participants develop the analytical and practical skills critical to successfully launching their ideas.
Do I need to take the GMAT to attend the Summer Institute for Entrepreneurship?
No, GMAT scores are not required as part of the application process.
I can't get an official transcript by the deadline. What should I do?
You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application package and request that your school send an official transcript to us as soon as possible.
For International Students
Are non-United States citizens treated any differently in the admissions process?
Citizens of most other countries are required to submit proof of English proficiency, but the rest of the application process is similar to that for United States citizens. If applicants require a visa to attend the program, we also require a copy of the applicant's passport and documentation of financial eligibility (for visa processing purposes). Applicants requiring a visa are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow time for appropriate visa preparations.
What is "documentation of financial eligibility"?
Financial eligibility or support can be certified in any one of the following ways:
- A copy of your, your parent's or your sponsor's bank statement confirming that you have the required funds.
- A letter from a bank stating your or your parent's current account balance.
- A letter of guarantee of financial support from your government or other sponsoring organization.
Financial documents must be dated within the past 60 days and should be in English or be an official translation (for example on official bank stationery).
What type of visa will I need to attend the program?
We suggest you obtain a visitor visa (B1) or a visa waiver (if your country participates in the program). The international office considers the SIE a business education program, therefore a B1 visa is applicable.
General Visa Information
http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions/questions_1253.html
Visa Waiver Information
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
B1 Visa Information
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html
Do you require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
Participation in class discussion is required and can significantly affect the participant's ability to succeed in the program. It is essential that each participant be fluent in both spoken and written English. If English is not your native language, you must submit proof of English proficiency. For proof of English proficiency, an applicant may submit any one of the following:
- An adequate TOEFL score dated within the last 24 months. Information and registration are available online at www.toefl.org or by email at toefl@ets.org
- A degree from an American high school, college, or university.
- A letter from a college or university that you are currently attending stating you have a full course load and that English is the primary mode of instruction.
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