A Stanford GSB education starts long before you reach campus. It begins with the decision to look inward and share your story.
Before you Begin: Evaluation Criteria
The GSB’s mission is to develop principled, insightful, and innovative leaders. We look for students who will engage in the classroom and make a positive impact on campus and beyond.
We evaluate each application as a whole — considering your experiences, accomplishments, perspectives, values, and aspirations — to understand how you think, how you lead, and how you see the world.
Education
Your education section shows your intellectual engagement and readiness for a rigorous, analytical curriculum. We look beyond any one data point and consider the many ways you have demonstrated curiosity, growth, and your academic aptitude.
- For admission to the GSB we require a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. If you studied outside the U.S., the Education section of our website can help you understand what qualifies as an equivalent degree.
- Upload unofficial copies of your transcripts with your application and we will only request official copies if you’re admitted.
- If your university taught any undergraduate courses (other than foreign language classes) in a language other than English, you will need to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE unless you subsequently completed a graduate program taught exclusively in English.
Test Scores
Enter a valid GMAT or GRE score when you submit your application.
Test scores are just one part of your application — we consider them alongside your professional background, experiences, and educational context. All applicants must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score, and some applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency through the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS.
- There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score. GSB students apply with a wide range of scores, and we evaluate each application based on its unique context.
- We have no preference between the two tests, so choose the test that works best for you!
- You only need to report one test score on your application and it has to be from the same test sitting. For example, if you have taken a test multiple times, please only enter the score you want the admissions committee to consider. We do not superscore.
- Some applicants will have to take an English proficiency test. If your undergraduate program was taught (in whole or in part) in a language other than English — unless you’ve since completed a graduate degree taught exclusively in English.
Important Note
For the 2026-2027 application cycle, if your score expires before June 1, 2027, send us your official scores through the score reporting center when you submit your application. They may arrive after the application deadline.
Activities & Interests
In this section share what you care about, how you engage with your communities, and what motivates you beyond your core professional role.
- Use this section to give us a glimpse into where and how you spend your time outside of your primary job responsibilities. If it matters to you, it matters to us.
- Use the full activity name before an acronym, the same letters can mean different things in different settings.
- If you are applying for deferred enrollment, list any internships (paid or unpaid) or part-time work during college or graduate school in the Professional Experience section.
Professional Experience
The professional experience section helps us understand how you’ve applied your skills and created impact in real-world settings. We look for the contributions you’ve made, the challenges you’ve taken on, and how you’ve grown.
- Consider completing this section early in your application process. Gathering details like previous compensation, dates, titles, and responsibilities may take some time.
- We do not prefer any particular industry, function, or background. Instead, we focus on the impact you’ve had—what you’ve accomplished, how you’ve developed your leadership and teamwork skills, and how you’ve made the most of your opportunities.
- If you’re applying for deferred enrollment, any internships - paid or unpaid - or part-time work during college or graduate school should also go under Professional Experience.
Your Resume
This section gives us a snapshot of your professional journey, educational history, extracurricular leadership, and awards. Share the experiences, roles, and accomplishments that have shaped your career so far.
- Your resume should be standard letter sized (A4/ 8.5” x 11”). Be mindful of font size, margins, and spacing to keep it legible.
- Focus on achievements, not responsibilities. Help us understand what you have done in this role and beyond.
- Show the How. While outcomes help us understand what you accomplished, your process helps us understand the insights, actions, and behaviors that contributed to your success.
- You can capture impact both quantitatively and qualitatively. Providing context is key to understanding both.
- If there are meaningful details you’d like to share that don’t naturally fit on your resume, you’ll have several opportunities throughout the application to tell us more.
Letters of Recommendation
Your letters of recommendation help us understand how you lead, collaborate, and grow through the eyes of those who know your work best.
- Choose recommenders who can speak to how you lead, collaborate, and grow—they should know your work well enough to provide specific examples
- If you don’t have traditional supervisors (family business, deferred enrollment, etc.), consider alternatives like clients, board members, professors, or supervisors from internships or volunteer roles
- Double-check recommender email addresses before submitting—they cannot be changed once entered, and accurate contact information ensures a smooth process
Essays and Short Answer Questions
Your GSB essays are an opportunity to tell us about yourself, your values, and aspirations in your own voice. They help us understand what drives you, how your experiences have shaped your perspective, and the impact you hope to make.
- You may write up to 650 words for the first essay (“What matters most to you, and why?”) and up to 350 words for the second essay (“Why Stanford for you?”). We often read effective essays that are written in fewer words.
- For applicants applying jointly to both MBA and MSx programs, you may write up to 350 words for the third essay: (“How will you enhance the MSx community?”).
- Use the Additional Information section to share any important details not covered elsewhere — such as extenuating circumstances, relevant academic experiences, or why you are not using a current supervisor as a recommender. This section should not be used as an additional essay.
Review
Before submitting your application, take the time to review everything carefully. Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting. Also take a moment to make sure your application reflects who you truly are — your experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. A strong application gives us a complete and authentic picture of you, so it’s worth a final look to make sure nothing has been left out or understated.
Have a specific question? Share it with us through the form below, your questions help us understand what applicants most want to know.