Stanford GSB School Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Here is everything you need to get into Stanford Graduate School of Business.

This guide is designed to help you make a decision about whether Stanford GSB is a good fit for you. In it, we give an overview of the school and its MBA program, including location, information about the MBA community, and ranking. We then give you a detailed look into the MBA course, including program offerings, extracurricular activities, and post-MBA opportunities. 

This guide also includes a wealth of resources that will strengthen your Stanford GSB application, including essay guidelines, interview advice, and letter of recommendation planning support.

We know this guide will be helpful for you and your MBA journey, and we wish you the best in your decision and application process! If you have any questions after reading this, please feel free to contact us.

 

Stanford GSB School and Program Overview

Photo courtesy of @stanfordgsb on Instagram

Location: Stanford, California

Located 35 miles south of San Francisco, attending Stanford GSB means you will be in the heart of Silicon Valley, where countless cutting-edge companies started by GSB alumni are located. At Stanford, you will be immersed in a diverse community of brilliant minds while having access to many opportunities to explore beautiful natural sites as well as urban opportunities. 

While getting around in Northern California without a car is not as easy as on the East Coast, there are certainly a good amount of public transportation options available in addition to car rentals. Additionally, Stanford provides the Marguerite Shuttle, which will take you nearly everywhere you need to go, whether it’s to a class at the far end of campus, shopping, restaurants, transit connections, or to run errands.

Because of California’s particularly high cost of living, costs for rent can be expensive. Luckily, Stanford provides a range of housing options that are available at lower-than-average prices than off-campus accommodation. In 2023, the on-campus accommodation costs range from around $1200 per month/person for shared living situations to $2500 for an apartment that can house a family with children.

Overall, GSB’s location is one full of opportunities and unique experiences, but you will have to reflect on whether a campus-centric experience, versus a more urban one, matches your needs and desires.

 

GSB’s Community

GSB is known for admitting leaders who are insightful, humble, and passionate about changing the status quo. Although every member of the Stanford GSB student body is incredibly accomplished, students do not tend to brag about their achievements. GSB’s admissions committee seeks applicants who simultaneously demonstrate impressive experience but also show humility and team spirit. As a result, the school’s alumni are known for being extremely helpful to current students in offering advice and connections for career success.

Photo courtesy of @stanfordgsb on Instagram

GSB, and Stanford as a whole, are known for innovation and disruption, which makes sense given the school’s ties to Silicon Valley. As a result, students are immersed in a culture and opportunities to develop new ideas and reduce fear of failure.

Class Size and Demographics

Out of 6,190 applicants for the Class of 2025, 431 were admitted and accepted spots at GSB. 

46% of GSB’s Class of 2025 are women, 50% are students of color, and 36% are international. The demographics of American students are listed in the table below:

Photo courtesy ofgsb.stanford.edu 

GSB’s Class of 2025 hails from 55 countries, with 53 languages spoken on campus. 

In general, GSB tends to admit applicants with 5 years of work experience and outstanding test scores. The average GMAT for the Class of 2025 was 738 and the average GRE was 164Q, 164V. 

 

Tuition

Currently, annual tuition at GSB is $79,860. 

With living expenses included (assuming a moderate lifestyle), that number goes up to $126,465 for an individual (and $152,157 for a married student).

Photo courtesy ofgsb.stanford.edu 

Note that GSB has a range of financial aid options, from need-based scholarships and fellowships to summer internship stipends, available for those who cannot afford these costs.

 

Scholarships and Funding

Stanford GSB offers tuition assistance that is granted on the basis of financial need. Stanford’s financial support is available for both international and American students. 

According to Stanford GSB, “All students are expected to contribute a portion of their income and assets to funding their Stanford MBA. Students are encouraged to repay consumer debt before applying for financial aid at Stanford GSB. The difference between the cost of attendance and the expected student contribution is then covered by a combination of fellowships and loans. Stanford GSB fellowships will be awarded based solely on your demonstrated financial need.” The average award is approximately $42,000 per year, or $84,000 total. 

Stanford also offers fellowships for students with specific backgrounds, such as the BOLD Fellows Fund, which is given to students that demonstrate financial need and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, Stanford’s flagship scholarship program, the Knight Hennesy Scholars program, which offers full-tuition and special leadership development for 100 students across Stanford’s multiple schools.

For information on how to get company MBA sponsorship, see our guide or visit this page. 

To search for third-party scholarships available for MBA candidates, click here.

For US nationals seeking federal loans, visit the US government website for financial aid. For private loans, see this list to see what firms are offering the best rates.

For international students interested in loans, we recommend the following institutions: Mpower Financing, Juno, or Discover.

Program Length

Stanford’s MBA is a two-year program. It is only offered as a full-time program, and there are no one-year options available.

Ranking

Across multiple ranking sources, GSB is consistently placed at the top. Financial Times has Stanford at #6 globally for all MBA programs, while it is ranked in 6th place by US News.

 

Employment Information

Another important consideration to make when deciding whether any business school is right for you is the MBA’s ROI – where graduates go and how well they succeed. You want to ensure that the investment you make in your MBA, both in terms of time and money, gets you the career boost you’re aiming for!

The first key indicator of the school’s preparation and reputation is how many students receive job offers immediately after graduation (this is usually within three months). Secondly is the median base salary, which shows the value that employers see in candidates as a combination of their previous experience and skills and knowledge gained during the MBA. Employers are willing to pay candidates more when they can trust that the MBA has provided them with solid leadership skills. We provide the median base salary for all MBA graduates, but we also recommend looking at GSB’s latest employment report to see detailed post-MBA salary information for your industry.

You will also want to consider each school’s career services and any resources they offer to support your post-MBA success. Part of the investment you make towards your MBA includes ensuring that you are getting the help you need to prepare for interviews, salary negotiations, and network-building. We include information about GSB’s career services below.

Key Statistics

Of those that sought employment after completing their MBAs in 2023, 89% received an offer within three months. The top two functions that graduates pursued were finance (34%, median base salary of $192,000) and general management (29%, median base salary of $175,000). 

Photo courtesy ofgsb.stanford.edu

The median base salary for all graduates was $182,500, and the median signing bonus (which 49% received) was $30,000, making GSB graduates the highest-paid MBAs of all time in 2023.. 

93% of graduates received jobs in North America, 50% of them ending up on the West Coast. 

 

Employment Services and Resources

GSB also offers excellent career services to support students and alumni in their post-MBA journeys. Stanford’s Career Management Center helps students create a customized career plan, develop their hard and soft skills, make strategic decisions, and achieve their career goals. Graduates also have access to the Center’s support.

Key resources that students and alumni can access include career and life design group workshops, personal career advising, and interview preparation. GSB also provides employer networking events and a comprehensive job board for both students and alumni. 

 

Is GSB Right for You?

Now you’ve got the basics of what GSB is all about. Before you read on to the details of Stanford’s MBA program, you may be wondering if the school is really right for you and your situation.

Our team here at Ellin Lolis Consulting is always excited to support our clients in deciding which MBA is right for you. From mapping out your business school brand and objectives to planning your visit to your top-choice schools, we get to know you so we can offer you the best support along each step of the decision-making process.

Learn more about our all-in consulting services here!

 

Academics at Stanford GSB

Now you’ve got the basics of what Stanford GSB is all about. Before you read on to the details of Stanford’s MBA program, you may be wondering if the school is really right for you and your situation.

Considering the fact that you can only do one MBA, choosing where to apply is the most important decision you will make during your application process. 

Though there are many components to a successful business school application, it’s important to know what you want out of your MBA. One of the most important aspects of an MBA program is academics. After all, you’ll spend most of your time in the classroom, preparing for class, or studying for exams!

In this section, we go into depth about just what you can expect during your Stanford MBA. 

 

Curriculum

GSB’s MBA curriculum is focused on preparing students to develop and, eventually, implement big visions for their careers. As a result, the curriculum is highly personalizable.

During the first year at GSB, students focus on gaining general management knowledge and global exposure. Through the core courses offered during this time, students are exposed to practical experience and detailed feedback on their management approach and style from classmates and leadership coaches. Students have the opportunity to make choices in many of the core courses, calibrated to their own skills, experience, and goals.

Photo courtesy of @stanfordgsb on Instagram

First-year MBA students are also required to participate in and complete one Global Experience to fulfill the Global Experience Requirement (GER). During the GER, students learn about, practice, and develop their global management skills

Year two is when GSB students really have the chance to customize their academic experience through electives (which will be almost all courses during this year), seminars, a joint or dual degree, and courses at other Stanford schools. While Stanford’s electives are constantly updated according to changes in the business environment, the social sector, and students’ interests, elective topics include: entrepreneurship, global/strategic management, political economics, healthcare, education, and energy.

 

Joint Programs

For students interested in studying at the intersection of business and other fields, there are many options available at GSB – in fact, around 20% of GSB students pursue joint or dual degrees. 

The school offers six joint degree programs designed to prepare individuals for complex and interdisciplinary leadership challenges: the JD/MBA, MA Education/MBA, MPP/MBA, MS Computer Science/MBA, MS Electrical Engineering/MBA, and MS Environment and Resources/MBA.

Alternatively, MBA students can pursue a dual degree with any graduate program at Stanford. (Note: as with joint degrees, students can only pursue one additional degree while in the MBA program.)

 

Notable Faculty

Peter Wendell, co-professor of Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital, is the founder and managing director of Sierra Ventures. He has also been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the top 100 technology venture investors in the United States. 

Baba Shiv is one of the most loved professors by GSB students and teaches the popular course The Frinky Science of the Human Mind. He is known for his work on the role of emotions and psychology in shaping business decisions and experiences. He also focuses on innovation and entrepreneurial leadership in companies from Silicon Valley startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Jennifer Aaker is a leading expert on how purpose and meaning shape individual choices and how technology can positively impact well-being. Her work has been published in leading scientific journals and featured in reputable outlets such as The Economist and the New York Times.

 

Pedagogy

Instruction Style

In general, there are three primary teaching styles: case studies, experiential learning, and lectures. Stanford’s MBA combines all three, emphasizing the importance of an adaptable instruction approach depending on the course’s topic and objectives. Thus, Stanford GSB faculty members select the teaching method that’s best for each subject.

Lecture-style learning is provided in select courses as well as by inviting global thought leaders and innovative executives who participate in speaking events throughout the year. Cases are also studied in most of the MBA’s available courses.

Additionally, there is a wide range of experiential learning opportunities available to GSB students. This includes global experiences and internships, as well as the Social Entrepreneurship Program and Stanford GSB Impact Fund.

Labs

GSB has a number of labs and research initiatives that allow students to pursue projects in their particular areas of interest during their MBA studies.

The Behavioral Lab is an interdisciplinary laboratory that supports students in conducting research that uses human participants for topics from organizational behavior and behavioral marketing to behavioral economics.

Other labs and initiatives include the Cities, Housing, and Society Lab, which brings together students, faculty, and industry/government stakeholders across disciplines to look into how geographic place, labor markets, and public policy influence households’ economic lives and inequality, and the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab, which focuses on digital technology and social science research to improve the effectiveness of leading social sector organizations. 

International Study Programs

As mentioned above, all MBA students are required to complete a global experience.

One option to fulfill this requirement is the GMIX, aimed to provide experience with a new culture, business environment, and social norms. Within GMIX, students spend around four weeks during the summer working on a project for a sponsoring organization or other project focused on an individual’s specific interests. 

Next, there is the Global Exploration program, where students spend a quarter in an intensive group-learning experience run by student leaders in groups of 20-30 students. During the Global Exploration, students examine a challenging global issue by talking with a diverse array of stakeholders, from CEOs and small-business owners to government officials. 

For a more academic global experience, GSB students have the opportunity to participate in the Stanford-Tsinghua Exchange Program (STEP) in partnership with the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in Beijing. In this program, students gain knowledge and experience doing business in China while collaborating with Tsinghua MBA students on academic projects. 

If students want a more personalized global experience, GSB provides the support and resources to create a tailored project, such as a global internship or independent study project.

 

Networking and Extracurricular Activities

The quality and extent of any business school’s community and network are key to assessing how the MBA will support your goals and objectives. While the MBA’s academic offerings are certainly one of the most important considerations, the influence and support of others connected to the school are one of the most influential aspects of getting an MBA.

Photo courtesy of @stanfordgsb on Instagram

In clubs and extracurricular activities, you will meet others who can expand your perspectives, give you innovative ideas, and potentially become future business partners. When exploring each school’s extracurricular opportunities, see whether there are activities that align with your goals, values, skill gaps, or general interests.

As for the school’s networks and alumni community, some programs have stronger connections than others. You will want to consider whether the school has good connections to the regions and/or industries that you are aiming for and whether or not alumni networks exist where you are headed post-MBA. Not only will this be a chance for you to stay connected after graduation, but it can also get you lifelong career support and opportunities.

 

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

With plenty of clubs and extracurricular activities available for GSB students to participate in, there are many ways to refine leadership, networks, and skills while studying at Stanford.

Photo courtesy of @stanfordgsb on Instagram

Whether you are interested in networking with others from your region or social group (e.g. Latin American Student Association, Black Business Student Association, Women in Management Club), exploring your industry further (e.g. Venture Capital Club, Social Impact Club), or simply finding others with similar personal interests (e.g. Basketball Club, Epicureans @ the GSB), there are certainly a number of clubs that fit your profile and objectives.

 

Networking and Alumni Opportunities

In addition to experiencing GSB’s tight-knit student community, MBA students and grads have access to the school’s one-of-a-kind alumni community. GSB’s alumni network has more than 30,000 members and over 60 global chapters. As the school’s website says, “They are generous with their time, supportive of your efforts, and famously responsive.” 

Whether you are a student or alumni, you also have access to the GSB Connect network, where you can find and connect with other members of the GSB community who have volunteered to speak with one another about their career goals. Using GSB Connect, you can connect with alumni who may be in the industries or companies that you are aiming to be in, seek mentorship, or even find career collaboration opportunities.

 

Summary: What Makes GSB Special?

Apart from being a consistently well-ranked school with an excellent reputation among employers, there are a few key aspects that make GSB unique:

• Dedication to preparing change-making leaders: As one of the most rigorous MBA programs out there, Stanford’s MBA develops already outstanding students into leaders with the skills to manage both small and large organizations that solve key problems in business and society. As Yossi Feinberg, the John G. McCoy–Banc One Corporation professor of economics and senior associate dean for Academic Affairs at Stanford GSB, says, “Stanford MBA students care passionately about making a positive impact. We are dedicated to empowering them to be purposeful and principled leaders who will change lives, change organizations, and change the world.”
• Employability and salary: GSB is known for its excellent recruitment statistics, given its excellent reputation among employers, as well as the high salaries that MBA grads earn after completing the program.
• Innovative and dynamic curriculum: Stanford’s MBA has a uniquely dynamic curriculum that is constantly evolving in relation to the latest developments in technology and society. As a result, students are exposed to innovative teaching methodologies and topics that prepare them to face the most cutting-edge issues in business and beyond.

 

GSB resources to get you admitted 

Now that you know just about everything there is to know about GSB and its opportunities, you may be considering applying. Luckily, our expert team at Ellin Lolis Consulting has a wealth of GSB-specific resources to make your application stand out and succeed. We’ve compiled them below:

GSB Essay Analysis

Receiving thousands of applications per year, and with an acceptance rate of 7%, Stanford GSB is one of the most difficult MBA programs to enter. 

This guide, which includes tips from our expert essay editing team, will help you use your Stanford admissions essays to stand out. You’ll find an analysis of who GSB is looking for, the essay questions, and what to (and not to!) do. We’ve also included sample essays. All in all, using this guide will ensure you give your Stanford application your best shot.

Access the guide here.

GSB Interview Prep

The Stanford interview is one of the most sought-after – and most difficult – interviews to land in the business school world. Luckily, we’ve created this exclusive guide to help you prepare for a GSB interview that stands out among the competition.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up not only our best tips from our interview team but have also included sample GSB interview questions.

Access the guide here.

Our MBA Resource Center is the perfect tool to start – or improve! – your Stanford application. In our MBA Resource Center, you get access to:

• Dozens more successful GSB essays
• An exclusive essay brainstorming guide
• Letter of recommendation guides and templates
• Résumé templates 
• Additional resources like interview mocks and sample interview essays 

ur MBA Resource Center is the tool you need to turn an average application into an outstanding application that earns you a spot at GSB! 

Our clients get admitted to Stanford GSB

If your eyes are set on GSB, you may be wondering about how you’ll prepare and execute a successful application. As one of the most selective MBA programs out there, getting admitted to GSB is no easy task. Luckily, Ellin Lolis Consulting is here to offer our comprehensive expertise to you.

From brainstorming your ideas for your essays to negotiating your scholarships, our all-star team ensures that you get exactly the support and guidance you need along every step of the application process.

Don’t just take our word for it – take a look at the following testimonials from some of our clients who were admitted to GSB:

Landing a spot at Stanford GSB is no easy task. Now is the time to make sure your accomplishments truly shine. 

Ellin Lolis Consulting began with one mission: provide the best possible service to our clients and get them the best possible results. We know that applying for an MBA can be a difficult, long process, but our goal is to take away as much of the stress as possible by acting as your ally in the process. 

So if you need much more than just a few comments on your essay but instead want focused help shaping how you present your life’s greatest hits to one of the world’s toughest critics, you can count on us. 

That’s why we have a 98.9% success rate. We love digging deep into your story, finding what makes you unique, and sharing your accomplishments and why you belong at GSB, all without losing your voice.

 

Additional GSB resources to help you secure your spot

While preparing your MBA application, the following resources created by Ellin Lolis Consulting will help you ensure you are not just doing everything right but developing an outstanding and competitive application.

Deciding and Planning 

• How to Decide Where to Apply to Business School
• Your Complete Timeline for MBA Application Success
• How to Create Your Business School Brand
• When Should You Start Preparing Your MBA Application?
• MBA Application Rounds: When Should You Apply?
• 3 Key Ways MBA Consultants Help You Build a Better Application Strategy

Writing your Essays and Résumé

• Your Complete Guide to Writing Winning MBA Essays
• How to Choose Your MBA Essay Stories (webinar)
• How to Write an MBA Goals Essay that Lands You an Interview
• 3 Reasons MBA Consultants Are Critical When Identifying and Telling MBA Essay Stories
• How to Use Storytelling to Write Standout MBA Essays
• How to Highlight Uniqueness in Your MBA Essays
• How to Discuss Failures and Weaknesses in Your MBA Essays
• How to Write an MBA CV

Letters of Recommendation

• How to Choose the Best Recommenders for Your Application
• How MBA Consultants Can Help you Obtain Better Letters of Recommendation
• How to Secure MBA Letters of Recommendation

MBA Interview Prep

• How to Be an Interview Rockstar and Leave a Great Impression
• The 5 Toughest MBA Interview Questions and How to Ace Them
• 5 Critical MBA Interview Mistakes Non-native English Speakers Make (And How to Stop Making Them)
• Ask These Questions During Your MBA Interview
• 3 Key Ways MBA Consultants Can Help You Prepare for Your MBA Interviews
• The 3 Most Common MBA Interview Mistakes (and How to Avoid Making Them) (webinar)

After Getting Accepted

• You’ve Just Been Accepted to Business School! Now What?
• MBA Application Fundamentals: What To Do After You’re Admitted

 

Get expert help

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to the Stanford GSB MBA.

I know that applying for an MBA can be a difficult, long process, but arming yourself with information about your top-choice programs, planning ahead, and finding your application ally can take away as much of the stress as possible in the process. 

So, whether you need help developing your Stanford essay or guidance shaping how you present your greatest hits to one of the world’s toughest critics, you can count on my amazing team and me.