Sloan Master's Program

The application deadline for 2010-2011 academic year is December 15, 2009. The Sloan academic year begins August 23, 2010, and ends July 6, 2011 (after the International Study Trip).

Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $102,375; some increase is expected for 2010-2011. In addition, living and incidental expenses for Sloan participants and their families may range from $30-70,000 depending on circumstances. Additional budget information is in the Apply section.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans only. The GSB provides private educational loan funds to self-funded U.S and international students, and federal educational loans to US citizens and permanent residents. All self-funded Sloan Fellows will be required to contribute a portion of their income and assets towards the cost of attendance.

Yes. All our applications are submitted online. Click here for the online application.

If sponsored, Sloan Fellows must have a written recommendation from the chief executive officer (or a designee) of their sponsoring organization. In addition, two other confidential written recommendations are required. These should be from individuals who have been directly responsible for evaluating your managerial performance and potential.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to visit a Sloan core class and to meet with the director or associate director for an interview. Please call Sally Pierce at 650.723.2149 to schedule a visit to campus.

Citizens of most other countries are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), but the rest of the application process is similar to that for United States citizens. We take into account when essays in English may not be in the candidate's first language. At the same time, we need evidence that you have the language facility to comprehend rapidly spoken English (to ensure maximum benefit from classroom discussions) and have strong English reading skills to keep up with the volume of required course reading.

All applicants must submit results from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) with their application for admission. Applicants may schedule to take the test at computer testing sites in most countries. As soon as the GMAT is completed, an "unofficial" score will be provided. Applicants must note this score on their application for admission. An official score must also be mailed to the Sloan office by the GMAT service. Information about the GMAT is available online at www.mba.com. Tests taken prior to August 2004 are not valid.

If English is not your native language, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Participation in class discussion is required and can significantly affect the Sloan Fellow's ability to succeed in the program. It is essential that each Fellow be fluent in both spoken and written English. TOEFL information and registration are available at online at www.ets.org/toefl.

If you took the paper-based test, you may leave the scores blank on your application form; however, please write in the month and year you took the exam. You must take the GMAT or TOEFL (for certain international applicants) before you apply for admission.

You may include your unofficial scores on your application form. Official score reports should be sent separately. Note that your unofficial GMAT scores will not include the AWA (analytical writing score). You may leave the AWA score blank on your application form.

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.

The academic year is divided into three quarters plus a September orientation program that includes three short courses. Sloan Fellows must complete a series of core courses during Autumn Quarter. In addition, Fellows take a minimum of four elective courses. Participants interested in a specific independent research topic may substitute a project for one elective course; the Sloan Fellow works with a faculty member whose expertise and interests match the project.

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, presentations by business leaders and students, and role-playing. The process is highly interactive and Fellows are expected to contribute vigorously to class discussion.

To be awarded the Master of Science in Management degree, Sloan participants are graded on their coursework and must maintain satisfactory academic standing. Sloan Fellows receive a final grade in each course. Grades are not posted at the GSB and information on grades will not be transmitted to any sponsoring organization without authorization of the Sloan Fellow. Details of the grading criteria are provided on entry to the Program.

Sloan core courses are required. In addition, approximately 100 elective courses are offered each year. Sloan Fellows may select elective courses in Winter and Spring quarters under a competitive bidding system created to cope with the high demand for some specific classes. Some electives are not offered every year and course content may change from one year to the next. In addition to written descriptions, faculty describe their upcoming elective courses at lunchtime sessions presented before each quarter's registration process begins.

The academic program begins with a two-day orientation at the end of August. This is followed by the September Term, a required portion of the program that is a refresher for the basic tools to be used throughout the program. For more information, see the 2009-10 academic calendar.

The required core curriculum assumes no prior knowledge of business. However, the core courses do require a comfort with, and facility for, quantitative concepts as well as basic skills using a computer spreadsheet program. If you do not have a strong quantitative background and basic computer skills, you may wish to take a calculus or statistics course before you enroll and familiarize yourself with a spreadsheet program. At the May Orientation you will be given Excel and Accounting workbooks to be completed over the summer, along with instructional materials in Excel and Accounting.

There are four study trips during the program. These trips are a required part of the academic curriculum—unless special arrangements are made with the Sloan Program director.

The study trips offer Sloan Fellows a unique opportunity to meet with leaders in business and government to discuss leadership challenges and strategies. Domestic study trips include Silicon Valley, the Pacific Northwest, New York City and Washington, D.C. The Fellows go on one international trip to countries in Asia, Latin America or Europe.

In recent Sloan classes, 60% of the Fellows come from outside the U.S. representing approximately 20 different nations. Many participants have lived and worked in more than one nation, and many who hold U.S. passports also have experience working internationally.

Most of our competitive applicants have completed the equivalent of the U.S. bachelor's degree (16 years of education, including primary and secondary schooling) and many have advanced degrees.

Enrolling students are issued an I-20 or IAP-66 form (with which students apply for either an F-1 or a J-1 visa) through Stanford University. Detailed information will be sent upon your admission to the Stanford Sloan Program.

Stanford housing is available to Sloan Fellows; applications are due in early May. Assignments are made by lottery but typically all Sloan Fellows have been assigned Stanford housing. On-campus housing is suitable for single Fellows, couples, and couples with children.