Stanford Graduate School of Business Admissions Director Provides Insight into Admissions Process
In a recent post to “Ask the School Experts,” the official website of the GMAT, the head of admissions for the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) shared his take on what admissions committees are really looking for from prospective applicants.
Stanford GSB Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions Derrick Bolton explains that the MBA admissions process at most schools includes two separate processes: evaluation and selection.
Evaluation involves reviewing each application and assessing candidates in many areas. “We look for the most promising students in terms of intellectual distinction and professional merit,” Bolton writes, adding that this judgment is based on all of the information available – not just a single factor like college grades, essays, GMAT scores or any other element.
Though every school has its own admissions criteria, most are looking for candidates who exhibit intellect and leadership – a desire to learn and curiosity about the world combined with demonstrated ability to make a difference, Bolton says.
As for evaluating intellect, schools look toward scores and transcripts as a foundation. “But your approach toward your education is as important as your ability,” Bolton stresses. In evaluating leadership, admissions committees assess an applicant’s impact on the people and organizations around you and how those experiences impact you, according to Bolton. “Your leadership potential emerges through aspects including but not limited to athletics, community service, extracurricular activities, internships, research projects and part-time and full-time employment,” he writes.
The second process admissions committees must go through in creating an MBA class is selection. “Having evaluated each application, Admissions Offices then are faced with the difficult decisions of crafting a class: determining which candidates to admit among those evaluated as highly qualified,” he writes, adding that there are many more qualified candidates than there are places in an MBA program.
It’s not as easy as just eliminating candidates with weaknesses, Bolton says. “In an effort to create an engaging student community, we select those applicants who, collectively, represent a breadth of background, talent and experience,” he writes. “The reasons some applicants stand out more than others are not easily categorized, since excellence itself does not come in uniform dimensions.” This means that the selection process, by its very nature, is subjective.
“Complete your application authentically,” Bolton advises prospective applicants. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to shape your application to fit what you think an Admissions Committee is looking for because too often applicants think that view is narrower than it is, he cautions.
“Have confidence in what you have achieved. Be faithful to your passions. Trust in what you aspire to accomplish,” he urges. Look at the application process as an opportunity to truly explore your values and envision your potential, Bolton says.
Read Bolton’s complete Ask the School Experts submission.
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