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The Stanford Graduate School of Business (Stanford GSB) asks applicants to submit two personal essays – these are challenging, introspective, and revealing. Of the two, Essay B: “Why Stanford?” is often the hardest to nail. This essay is about showing the admissions committee that you understand the Stanford GSB experience, and that you’ll bring something meaningful to the community in return.
In this expert-backed guide, we’ll break down five tactical strategies as well as Stanford GSB essay examples, outlining strategies to help your essay stand out and reflect deeply on what matters most to you – and why Stanford is the place to help you amplify that impact.
Read: Stanford GSB MBA: Acceptance Rate, Deadlines, Cost, Requirements, & Program Overview
Why the "Why Stanford?" MBA Essay Matters So Much
At Stanford, your essays aren’t filler; they are the application. Many applicants underestimate how much weight the admissions team places on the authenticity and clarity of their story.
The Stanford MBA program isn’t looking for cookie-cutter candidates with flawless resumes. They're seeking self-aware leaders with career goals rooted in purpose, who will use the Stanford GSB experience to build new skills, change organizations, and make a significant impact in their industries or communities.
The “Why Stanford?” essay (aka Essay B) is your chance to:
- Show deep alignment with the Stanford GSB mission
- Demonstrate that you’ve done your homework on the MBA program
- Articulate what you hope to gain from and contribute to the community
Expert Tip: Most applicants treat Essay B like a generic “Why this school?” response. Don’t. Use it as proof that you’ve done real reflection and know what you need next in your growth.
Read: The Different Types of MBA Programs—and Which One is Right for You
The 5 Expert Tips for a Winning "Why Stanford?" Essay
1. Reflect Deeply Before You Write
Great Stanford essays are deeply introspective. Before writing a single word, ask yourself:
- What life experiences or moments shaped my path?
- What personal values do I want to carry into my leadership journey?
- What kind of person do I want to become, and why is attending Stanford critical to that?
Stanford’s MBA and MSx programs use Essay B to see how well you understand yourself. The best answers reflect a genuine voice and show how the GSB experience will help you close the gap between who you are and who you want to be.
Example: A former product manager wrote about growing up in a rural farming town where financial literacy was almost nonexistent. She described how her early exposure to economic hardship shaped her drive to build fintech tools for underserved communities, and how the Stanford MBA program’s connection to Silicon Valley innovation was key to bridging the gap between mission and scale.
The story wasn’t flashy. But it was deeply personal, clearly motivated, and perfectly aligned with the GSB’s ethos of values-driven leadership. Use your past as context, but keep the focus forward-looking.
2. Align With Stanford’s Unique Culture and Offerings
This essay isn’t just about fit, it’s about intentional fit. You need to show the admissions committee that you’ve researched Stanford’s offerings specifically and can connect them to your personal and professional goals.
Don’t just name-drop courses or clubs. Instead:
- Talk about how Stanford’s location in Silicon Valley fuels your entrepreneurial ambitions.
- Reference GSB-specific initiatives, like the Arbuckle Leadership Fellows or the Center for Social Innovation.
- Show how the Stanford MBA will help you gain new skills you can’t get elsewhere.
Example: One applicant described his desire to tackle food waste using AI-powered supply chain tools. He connected this goal to Stanford’s Startup Garage, Professor Stefanos Zenios’ healthcare design class, and the strong alumni network in agritech startups. He didn’t just say “Stanford is innovative” – he proved he understood how and where he’d plug in.
Tactical Tip: If you’re also applying to the MSx program, explain your interest in both programs and how each aligns with your timeline and leadership development.
3. Tell a Story Only You Can Tell
Admissions officers read thousands of essays. The best ones don’t sound like essays at all: they sound like conversations.
To stand out:
- Choose a central theme that ties your essay together (e.g., resilience, mentorship, innovation)
- Use up to three examples from your personal life or career to illustrate your motivation
- Be honest about the extenuating circumstances affecting academic or work performance, but keep the focus on growth
Example: An engineer from India described leading a team during COVID-19 to pivot a manufacturing line to build ventilator parts. What stood out wasn’t the project, but how she mentored junior staff, struggled with self-doubt, and realized she wanted to become a leader who builds both products and people. She tied this to the GSB’s leadership curriculum and the Arbuckle Leadership Fellows.
Avoid listing achievements. Instead, show how your background or life experiences shaped your goals, and why Stanford is where you want to take the next leap.
4. Write with Clarity, Purpose, and Energy
Stanford essays have no strict length, but the suggested word count is 400 words for Essay B. That means every word must carry weight.
Tips for a successful essay:
- Write with intention: strong verbs, crisp structure, and emotional honesty
- Don’t overwrite. Fewer words, more meaning.
- Use a natural tone. Avoid overly formal or academic language.
- End with a forward-looking vision: How will you use the Stanford GSB experience to lead with purpose?
Example: A social enterprise founder focused on expanding access to affordable housing tied his goals to Stanford’s Impact Fund, Social Innovation Fellowship, and the MSx programs. Use Essay B option to explain how flexibility and focus could accelerate his post-MBA goals.
Pro Tip: Avoid phrases like “Stanford is a top-ranked business school.” They already know that. Instead, focus on what the Stanford MBA program uniquely offers you, and what you uniquely offer back. Stanford cares more about your “why” than your “what.” Show the central theme of your goals, not just your next job title.
5. Review, Revise, and Get Feedback
No one writes a final draft on the first try. Once you’ve written your "Why Stanford?" essay:
- Set it aside for 24–48 hours
- Proofread and edit your strategies line by line
- Share it with mentors, coaches, or trusted peers
- Ask: Does this sound like me? Does it reflect deeply on my goals and values? Does it clearly connect to Stanford GSB?
One successful applicant cut 120 words from her final draft after realizing her second paragraph was repeating points made elsewhere. The result? A sharper, more emotional close that highlighted her self-awareness and left a lasting impression.
Revise ruthlessly. Your goal isn’t to impress; it’s to connect. Your successful essay may be your simplest one: clear, vulnerable, and deeply intentional.
Final Thoughts: What the Admissions Committee Wants to See
The Stanford GSB application isn’t about being the most impressive candidate on paper. It’s about being the most thoughtful. With the two required essays – especially Essay B – you have a rare opportunity to show your self-awareness, depth, and potential.
Use that space well. Write clearly, reflect deeply, and be honest about why attending Stanford matters to you. And remember: a powerful essay is one that only you could have written.
Need expert feedback on your Stanford essays? Leland’s 1:1 top MBA admissions coaches include former Stanford GSB admissions officers and top admits. They’ll help you refine your story, strengthen your essay, and bring your voice to the forefront. Work with a Stanford GSB coach here.
See: The 10 Best MBA Admissions Consultants
Read these articles next:
- 7 MBA Essay Tips to Make You Stand Out
- How to Prepare a Recommender Prep Doc for Your MBA Applications
- Stanford MBA Interview Prep Guide: Overview, Questions, & Tips
- MBA Requirements: What You Need to Apply (and What Top Programs Really Look For)
- MBA Application Timeline: What to Do and When to Apply (Month-by-Month Guide)
FAQs
How to write the Why Stanford essay?
- Highlight the experiences, achievements, and challenges that have shaped your character. Emphasize how these experiences have influenced your values and decision to pursue an MBA at Stanford. Be authentic and let your passion shine through your writing.
What does Stanford look for in MBA applicants?
- In their application, Stanford seeks to learn about how you think, how you lead, and how you see the world. They base their evaluation on your whole application and take into account factors such as your background, experiences, perspectives, aspirations, values, and accomplishments.
Why is a Stanford MBA the best?
- Prestigious Reputation: Stanford GSB is consistently ranked among the top business schools globally, known for its rigorous academic standards and influential faculty.
- Innovative Curriculum : The program emphasizes experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
- Strong Entrepreneurial Focus
Why should I apply to Stanford?
- Academics are the first and foremost reason to join the university. Stanford consistently ranks among the most competitive colleges to gain admission. Stanford University's campus has extraordinary professors, brilliant students, and an achievement-focused attitude.
How do I stand out with my Stanford application?
- Applicants with well-written Stanford supplemental essays, strong SAT scores, and a solid Stanford interview rise to the top of the pack.
