The number one business school in the world, Stanford GSB has seen growing demand by applicants this year, which is predicted to increase further with the continued economic turbulence.
Every year, the admission committee of the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University evaluates more than 9,000 applications. To prospective applicants, the numbers look intimidating: Stanford GSB acceptance rates (around 6%) are the lowest of all business schools. In fact, it’s almost twice “easier” statistically to get into Harvard Business School.
Unfortunately, this fact alone scares applicants away from applying to the top business school in the world. They tell themselves things like: “I will never get a high enough GMAT”, or “You have to be a superhero to get accepted. I’m too…normal”.
Many of those left in the game are the high achievers, who dare to apply because they are confident about their high credentials. They have a high GMAT score, high GPA, work experience from a top brand, went to the top schools, and so on.
This self-selection dynamic is driving the averages higher and higher over time.
Perhaps it even makes sense that those who don’t dare to dream shouldn’t get admitted anyway. But before you give up in advance, remember:
- Those averages don’t reflect what the school is actually looking for in applicants
- If you don’t apply, your chances are truly zero
- Most people who pursue a dream, get there with hard work, intelligence and persistence. Not by chance.
Think about some of the most successful people that you know. Did they necessarily have the top grades in their class? Many times it’s the underdogs who win. Pushing their way up with grit, getting up from the ground after failures, learning and improving.
Leadership skills, teamwork, the ability to inspire and influence others, making an impact on your organization… Those are the kind of attributes that the admissions team is after, and they have nothing to do with GMAT or where you come from.
Do your research, talk to current students and Alumni, reach out for feedback and advice from those who made it. GSB Coach MBA admission consulting expertise is working with “normal” applicants and helping them shine like unicorns.
If Stanford is your dream and you are concerned that it’s “out of your league”, please don’t give up in advance. Ignore the statistics and apply.
