Stanford’s “Why Stanford?” essay is one of the most consequential, and the most misunderstood essay questions.
On the surface, the prompt is straightforward:
“Why Stanford?”
Yet the admissions team has been explicit about what they look for in an applicant.
In the words of Stanford’s own former admissions director, Kirsten Moss (GSB blog, 2022):
“We want to know why our community, our courses, and our faculty are the right fit for you, and how you will make the most of the two years here.”
In other words, your task is not to prove that Stanford is excellent. That’s obvious.
Your task is to show:
• What you uniquely need for your career and leadership growth
• Why Stanford is the best place for you to get it, academically, professionally, and personally
• How will you contribute to the Stanford community in return
Why the “Why Stanford?” Essay is Different
Stanford GSB’s culture and pedagogy demand a deeper level of self-reflection than many other schools. Here’s why:
• Hyper-personalization: Stanford’s MBA is built around self-directed pathways. Beyond the core, there’s no fixed curriculum. You shape your own journey. The admissions team wants to see that you’ve researched the program in detail, not just scanned rankings.
• Scale and intimacy: The GSB class is around ~426 students, one of the smallest among top MBA programs. This smaller size intensifies collaboration and amplifies your presence in the community. You’re expected to be engaged, visible, and proactive.
• Silicon Valley ethos: Stanford’s proximity to the Silicon Valley isn’t just geographical. It permeates the school’s teaching philosophy: iterate, experiment, and challenge conventions. The essay is your chance to demonstrate that you’ll thrive in that environment.
The GSB wants candidates who have specific reasons for choosing Stanford over any other school.
The reasons should cover both intellectual interests and personal development goals.
Profiles – Case Study
1. Consulting Profile: Marcos (Why Stanford MBA)
2. PE/VC Profile: Nick (Why Stanford MBA)
3. Technology & Product Management Profile: Ana (Why Stanford MBA)
4. Marketing & General Management Profile: Katie (Why Stanford MBA)
5. Entrepreneurship / Social Innovation Profile: Jenny (Why Stanford MBA)
