How to Stand Out as a Deferred MBA Applicant—From a GSB/HBS Admit
A Stanford and Harvard deferred MBA admit outlines his top tips for other applicants on how to create and submit the most standout, compelling business school application possible.
By Yash G.
Stanford MBA | Trained coach in MBA admissions with 15+ M7 Acceptances
Posted March 6, 2025
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Hi, I'm Yash G. I just graduated from the Stanford GSB and was accepted to both the Stanford GSB and Harvard Business School through their deferred MBA application programs.
Standing out as a deferred applicant is difficult – not only are schools deciding why they should admit you in the first place, but they are also deciding why they should admit you NOW.
Here are a few key tips on how to stand out as a deferred MBA applicant to these top schools.
1. Leadership, Leadership, Leadership
Given that deferred applicants have less experience to highlight, leadership experience is paramount to a strong deferred application. Leadership positions in student organizations, organizing committees of conferences, volunteering at non-profit organizations, etc. are great ways of showing leadership in college that will help you stand out.
2. An Entrepreneurial Spirit
Top deferred MBA programs aren’t looking for students who are fully formed – but they are looking for the highest potential applicants. One predictor for future success, especially at schools like Stanford and Harvard, is entrepreneurial spirit. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to start a venture-backed company when you are 18…but it does mean doing things in a different way. Organizing a new conference or club event, creating a new initiative at work, or launching your own blog or TikTok account are all ways to showcase your creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.
3. Tailored Recommendations from People Who Know You
Many deferred MBA applicants make the mistake of relying on recommendations from “name brand” recommendations. Instead of focusing on how impressive a recommender's title may be, instead focus on finding recommenders that can speak to your skillset, ambition, and qualities deeply. Additionally, finding recommenders that have distinct viewpoints on you (e.g. academic vs. professional, managing vs. being managed, etc.) is important to paint a holistic picture of your application.
4. Consistency in Your Brand
To stand out among hundreds of well-qualified deferred MBA applicants, your brand needs to be unique. Admissions officers need to have a clear impression of who you are and what you will do with an MBA. Even if you don’t have a 5 or 10-year plan fully thought through, create a consistent narrative for the admissions committee. Tie in your past experiences, full-time post-grad plans, MBA, and post-MBA plan to create a compelling narrative that showcases why you need an MBA and why the school needs you.
For more tips on deferred MBA applications or regular MBA applications – book a FREE intro call or coaching here. Best of luck on your journey!
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Written by Yash
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I graduated from Stanford's MBA program at the GSB in June of 2023. I am a successful deferred MBA and traditional MBA coach with more than 15+ clients receiving acceptances at M7 programs. including GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, Booth, Columbia, and Sloan for both deferred and traditional MBA applications. I can help with school selection, resume review, essay and application support, interview preparation (including mock interviews), and any other part of your application you may need help with. Before GSB, I was at the Boston Consulting Group for 3 years. Getting into business school as an ORM (South Asian male, consulting background, etc.), I focused on telling my story authentically and clearly. Going to business school was a dream of mine, and I found that being authentic, telling my story, and creating an application that was consistent were the keys to my success. At USC, I recruited for management consulting and can speak to the interview process and prep for all the big 3 consulting firms. I've interviewed and prepped dozens of successful MBB candidates in the past. I hope to help you achieve your dreams.
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Harvard Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Columbia Business School
