This May, just a week before graduation, I was able to sit down with a few MBA 2008s and ask them what advice they have for prospective students considering applying to Stanford.
All responded that the application process was a very rewarding experience that helped them learn a lot about themselves. And, they say, "be yourself." Don't second-guess what you think the admissions committee might want to hear.
Members of the MBA Class of 2010 have been arriving all week long and are settling in at the Schwab Residential Center and elsewhere on campus and the surrounding area.
This afternoon, I was able to join my colleagues in Student Life for a few hours to help greet the 2010s and to distribute various resource packets including welcome letters, class schedules, and course readers.
While the 2010s are beginning their personal two-year journey at Stanford, we have already started talking to potential applicants to the MBA Class of 2011.
If you're thinking about applying to Stanford, or just want to hear more about the Stanford MBA Program, I encourage you to sign up for one of our worldwide information sessions.
In a few days, I will post some advice the graduating 2008s have left for you.
Ciao,
--Rita
Ah...June. For most admissions officers, it is our favorite month of the year. After we post our final decisions, we get the same feeling you may have had the moment you finished your last final exam at university. We have a chance both to reflect on the amazing stories our candidates have shared and to celebrate the conclusion of our last round.
Within days of our decision deadline, though, we quickly shift our attention to our next goal--that of producing a new application. Usually, you would see us huddled in conference rooms in marathon meetings throwing around potential new essay and recommendation questions to see which ones might stick.
It is with great pleasure that I announce our new 2008/2009 essay questions are posted at http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/admission/essays.html
But is with even greater pleasure that I tell you it has been our easiest June ever!
This year's essay and recommendation questions are really the result of a journey that began over three years ago. Derrick Bolton, the Director of MBA Admissions, and I worked with experts in the field of leadership assessment from all over the world. We wanted to develop a set of questions that would stand the test of time--that would effectively elicit only the information most critical to our assessment criteria.
The 2008/2009 questions have changed little from last year; based on our satisfaction with the thousands of essay responses we read last year, we only made slight refinements.
Let me summarize why each of them is meaningful to our committee:
Essay A: What matters most to you and why?
This question helps us learn about your ideals and values. They set the context for how you see the world. They are your guideposts when you make any decision from what type of job you pursue to what type of culture you will create in leading an organization.
Essay B: What are your career aspirations? How will your education at Stanford help you achieve them?
This question helps us understand your professional dreams and from where your passion comes to achieve them. We also get a glimpse of what skills or knowledge you think you need to develop to reach them.
Essay C: Please answer two of the questions listed below.
1. Tell us about a time when you built or developed a team.
2. Tell us about a time when you felt most effective as a leader.
3. Tell us about a time when you tried to reach a goal or complete a task that was challenging, difficult, or frustrating.
4. Tell us about a time when you went beyond what was defined, established, or expected.
We all have important stories to tell. We want to share moments when we have achieved great things or helped to shape the world around us. Essay C lists four potential questions (or prompts) to help you identify which are the two most important stories you have to tell us. The prompts themselves are not as important as the stories that they bring to the surface.
Good luck completing your application this year. I hope my "confessions" have given you a little more insight into the journey you are about to begin.
Kirsten Moss
Director of Evaluation
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Dean Bob Joss, speaking in Hong Kong last month, explained that senior managers of major organizations are the key to solving global problems including poverty, pollution, and infectious disease.
All these problems are so huge that they need to be addressed by large groups of people under the guidance of extraordinary and inspiring leaders.
Said Joss: "The selection [of employees], the development of team work, the giving of feedback, the growth of people are the hardest things to achieve because all people are different; it's not a technical problem to be solved. It takes a lot of emotional intelligence, and that's a hard thing for people to develop. It's much easier to develop technical and cognitive skills."
To boil it down to elevator pitch length: emotional intelligence (sometimes called EQ) combined with leadership skills will drive global innovation. The conundrum is that teaching leadership EQ is tough. Doing it well is the business school equivalent of scaling Everest.
Back when I was a student, the mainstay of our EQ training was Interpersonal Dynamics, the infamous but incredible course lovingly known as Touchy Feely. The teaching of leadership at the GSB has evolved since my day and now, in addition to the ever-popular Touchy Feely course, encompasses a multi-modal strategy that includes role-playing, interactive lectures, small group discussions, and coaching. Then there's the executive challenge, the event that brings together first year MBA students and notable alumni for a real-world exercise in managing the pricklier issues that confront CEOs every day.
Last night, I was watching the Leadership in Focus video vignettes that the Center for Leadership Development and Research (CLDR) has created to facilitate leadership training. The vignettes portray managers discussing topics such as implementing change, making good decisions, and building teams. Not all the managers chose the optimal alternatives or achieved success.
These video cases are not explicitly about leadership EQ, but EQ inevitably creeps in. As I watched these videos, I realized that I was reacting more to the interpersonal vibes emanating from the managers than to the content. Some of the managers were able to step outside their own perspectives and understand the issues, personal and professional, that others were facing. Others were unable to make that transition to the point of seeming downright callous. I found myself disagreeing with their choices and thinking: "glad that's not my boss." Their lack or inability to connect with and inspire their subordinates led to rifts that could not be easily mended.
Here at the Stanford GSB, our innovative leadership training challenges students to question their assumptions, to step outside the boxes they have constructed for themselves, to reach out to others, and to embrace a broader understanding of the world around them, both literally and figuratively. The two-year MBA program enables students to begin a process of self-examination and transformation that will allow them to become the kind of innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who will change the world. Part of our mission at Stanford.
For more information on the CLDR, see http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/cldr/
--JoAnne Goldberg
We are excited to share with you that a group of first year Middle Eastern students have joined forces to establish the Middle East and North Africa Club (MENA) at the GSB.
Given the role the MENA region is playing in today's business environment, we felt the need to build bridges between the GSB and this region.
Accordingly, with the support of the GSB, we established MENA in January 2008 with the purpose of promoting the Middle East at the GSB through speakers and recruiting events, and promoting the GSB in the Middle East through admission and alumni events.
We welcome the Class of 2010 and the Middle Eastern admits in particular.
If you are a Middle Eastern admit or prospective student, we encourage you to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the GSB.
-- Marwan Bejjani, MBA Class of 2009
GSB Middle East and North Africa Club Leaders
I am a GSB alumna who works in admissions with Derrick, Rita, and the rest of the team.
In addition to reading your amazing applications, we're always looking for new ways to reach prospective applicants and let them know about our program.
Because attracting more women to the Stanford GSB has been a longstanding goal, we decided to launch a conference oriented to prospective women applicants.
MBA Admissions would like to invite you to join us on Saturday, May 17 for XX Factor: WOMEN+LEADERSHIP, and revel in a day of information and interaction.
After breakfast and a keynote address from alumna Trae Vassallo, MBA 2000, (she began her career as an engineer working for IDEO and ran a successful startup before becoming a venture capital partner), we will meet with recent alumnae and current students, engage in class simulations with GSB professors, and learn about admissions, financial aid, and career opportunities. There is no charge for this full day event.
XX Factor will focus on the value of the business school experience and the options available to women who have the MBA degree.
Whatever your background, whatever your dreams, the Stanford GSB will help you achieve your highest aspirations.
Yes, there are still a few glass ceilings out there, but the MBA education will equip you with the tools to break through those barriers and start to change the world.
Get more information and register for the conference at http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/mk/xxfactor_2008/index.html
And if you have any questions, email us at xxfactor@gsb.stanford.edu
See you there,
JoAnne Goldberg
The Arbuckle Cafe at the Stanford GSB will be celebrating Earth Day, 22 April 2008, as Low Carbon Diet Day.
In conjunction with Bon Appetit, a Palo Alto-based catering company, Arbuckle will be providing a low carbon menu all day.
You may be asking, "What is a low carbon diet? It sounds like a low carb diet...so does 'low carbon' mean fewer carbohydrates?"
No, not really. Actually, the menu won't change that much compared to other days, but the source of the food will be different. Usually, the cafe imports food from outside the Bay Area so as to be financially competitive. But on 22 April, the cafe will use local produce as much as possible to reduce the carbon emission from transporting the food.
We can cut carbon while enjoying seasonal fresh ingredients from local farms! It is great for our body and for the earth.
This is one example of the GSB taking small but firm steps to address environmental challenges, part of our commitment to helping change the world.
Tomomi D
Congratulations to Professor J. Michael Harrison, who was elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his fundamental contributions to stochastic networks and financial engineering.
Prof. Harrison--the Adams Distinguished Professor of Management--has developed and analyzed stochastic models in several different domains related to business, including mathematical finance and processing network theory.
His current research is focused on call-center management, dynamic pricing, and revenue management.
This years' Entrepreneurship Week at Stanford University takes place from 22 to 29 February 2008.
The event is organized by the Stanford Entrepreneurship Network and was an enormous success in 2007, with standing room only at every event.
Almost all events are free and open to the public. For details visit http://eweek.stanford.edu
Ciao,
--Rita
Brianna from Maryland asked if I could post Dean Joss' interview because she (and probably many of you) missed the live broadcast (see my post dated 3 Feb 2008).
I'm happy to oblige. Listen to a streaming version of the show.
The list includes a great variety of music and during the interview Bob shares the story of how his piano teacher allowed him to play songs more appealing to a teenager such as "Pine Top's Boogie Woogie." During his 7 years in Australia Bob became very fond of Australian music and so "Waltzing Matilda" and "I Still Call Australia Home" made it on to his list as well.
Enjoy,
--Rita
I thought you might enjoy this short video (about 5 minutes long) which features several MBA students talking about their experiences during their Service Learning Trips.
Ciao,
--Rita
Tomorrow's interview with Dean Bob Joss should be a lot of fun. In addition to talking about his responsibilities and the new GSB campus, Bob will reveal just what he rocks out to on his iPod.
When: Monday, 4 February 2008
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Where: http://kzsulive.stanford.edu
Let me know what you think!
Ciao
--Rita
My name is Angie Wilcox, and I have the coolest job at the GSB.
As the Assistant Director for Student Activities in the Student Life Office, I advise all 60 of our student organizations, including the MBA Student Association.
Since I am the resident expert in all things extracurricular, I get to spend a lot of time with the leaders of the GSB Traditional and Featured Events--the biggest student-led events of the year.
The GSB hosts six Traditional Events annually:
--Black Business Student Association (BBSA) Conference
--Challenge for Charity (C4C) Weekend
--GSB Gives Back Charity Auction
--GSB Show
--Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) Latino Leadership Banquet
--Women in Management (WIM) Banquet
This year is a big one for the BBSA--it is the 25th anniversary of the organization and of their annual conference (the longest-running at the GSB). The student planning committee has been hard at work putting together an entire weekend of activities (25-27 April 2008) to commemorate this special occasion. It will include not only the annual conference, but also an alumni/student happy hour to kick off the weekend, and a gala dinner after the conference. It promises to be an educational, inspiring, and especially FUN weekend!
Featured Events are student-proposed and student-led conferences, symposia, or banquets that focus on a specific industry or topic of interest to GSB students and alumni. The events change from year to year, but one thing remains the same--they are always a great opportunity for our students to learn from and network with top business and management professionals (many of them GSB alumni!).
There are three Featured Events this year:
--Education Symposium
--Health Care Banquet
--Principal Investment Conference
The Principal Investment Conference is right around the corner (13 February 2008). The GSB community is really excited about it, and with good reason--over 45 senior investment professionals from leading hedge fund, private equity, real estate and venture capital firms are coming to campus for this event. The agenda includes a gala dinner, 2 networking receptions, 4 keynote speeches, 8 panels and over 35 roundtables. Check it out at http://sa-gsb.stanford.edu/clubs/pic/
--Angie
I'm very excited to announce a new fellowship opportunity made possible by the Mohammed bin Rasheed Fellows Program:
The fellowship--which will cover tuition, room and board, travel, and course-related fees--aims to support youth from across the Arab region who are interested in studying management, finance, or leadership at the graduate level. The fellowship stipulates that within 2 years of graduation, fellows are required to return to the Arab region to work for at least 2 years in the public or private sector.
Up to 5 fellowships will be awarded annually to candidates from the Arab region admitted to the Stanford MBA Program.
For complete information about eligibility and the application process, visit www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/financialaid/types_aid.html and www.mbrfoundation.ae
Ciao,
--Rita
Happy New Year! I imagine many of you are busy putting the finishing touches on your application for Round 2.
With the deadline for Round 2 rapidly approaching (7 January 2008) I wanted to let you know that the quickest way to get your last minute questions answered is by calling us at + 1 650.723.2766 (we'll be back from Winter Break on Wednesday, 2 Jan 08).
Best wishes for the coming year,
--Rita
Reading applications has been very exciting and I'm looking forward to Round 2!
First of all, reading applications is a thrill. You are sharing with us your dreams and aspirations and they are an honor to read. With particular regard to what you aspire to be, I would like to share some thoughts on Essay B, which asks: What are your aspirations? How will your education at Stanford help you achieve them?
While the questions appear straightforward, they seem to cause some angst and a bit of confusion amongst applicants. Essentially we want to know what your hopes and dreams are for the future, and then how an MBA at Stanford will play a role in helping you achieve these. In other words, what do you want to be when you grow up and how can the GSB help you make that a reality?
There are three specific points on which I want to focus, all of which fall under the prevailing theme of "there is no right answer."
1. Be authentic. Your answer's authenticity will be evident. We don't judge what you aspire to do. What we want to know is that you've thought about this and how Stanford could play a role in your life.
2. Think Cardinal. Each of you has a unique set of achievements and goals, and these inform your desire to attend Stanford in different ways. Be sure to present a thoughtful account of why you are interested in Stanford and what role the GSB will play in preparing you for the future.
3. Get to the point. Please don't feel you need to repeat or recap information already present in other parts of the application. Since you don't have much space, using a page to reiterate accomplishments from your resume is not recommended.
Remember, your answer is the right answer!
With best wishes,
Erin Kellerhals
I wanted to let you know the dates of our winter break:
The Stanford Graduate School of Business will close from 24 December 2007 through 1 January 2008.
We will try and answer emails during that time but it may take longer than one business day to get to your emails. We'll be back in the office 2 January 2008.
Best wishes,
--Rita
During a recent staff meeting we reviewed our experiences hosting information sessions in an ongoing effort to perfect them. While we made a list of things to consider for improvements, we realized that you, our audience, are key to the experience and hence you can play a major role in making the info sessions better.
The goal of our information sessions, whether they take place in China, India, Turkey, or here on campus, is to give you an opportunity to meet us in person so you may share your questions and concerns. While we give you an overview of the Stanford MBA Program, we usually encourage you to interrupt and to ask questions. However, we have found that the typical patterns is for you to wait with your questions until after the session has ended. As a result, we end up answering the same questions over and over (serially).
A much better system would be for you to pose your questions during our presentations so that the answer can be appreciated by the entire audience. This would allow us to actually cover more topics during the sessions as we get the most commonly asked queries out of the way for everyone.
We look forward to trying this new approach starting with your next info session.
Ciao,
--Rita
We've gotten lots of questions from you about exactly how many interviews we conduct.
Since 2002, we have extended between ~950 and ~1200 interview invitations annually. For the 2007 intake, we interviewed ~1,050 candidates. The total varies based on both the number of applications we receive and the quality of those applications.
We've provided a range of 800-1200 because I typically begin the year thinking that we should only interview about 800 (but fail miserably to do so, as you can tell from the previous paragraph). Since you typically use last year's figures to gauge this year's chances, I felt it would be misleading to say 1,100 or 1,200 when there was a chance we'd finish the year at only 800. Hence the range.
Why ~800? There's no magic to that number except that at ~800 interviews, we'd be able to offer admission to ~60% of candidates interviewed. When I talk to our students and alumni, they say it just feels better to know that you are more-likely-than-not to be admitted after the interview. So that's been my aim for the past couple of years. Your applications are so phenomenal, however, that we want to meet far more than 800 of you! And your applications always will determine the ultimate number of interview invitations.
Let me reiterate that the information in my 1 November 2007 post is accurate: we will send many interview invitations in December and even into January. If you haven't received an interview invitation yet, please don't worry. There's plenty of time.
Think of it this way: the period between 22 October 2007 (when applications were due) and 24 January 2008 (when decisions are due) comprises nearly 14 weeks. Subtract two weeks for the interviews to occur and you have 12 weeks. We're just finishing week six of that 12-week period and will be reading files well into 2008. As we read files we will continue to extend interview invitations. Some days we might invite only two or three people to interview, while other days we might invite 20 or 30. No matter when you receive your invitation, it means the same thing: we consider you a very competitive applicant.
--Derrick
First, congratulations to all of you who submitted your applications in Round 1!
Many of you have asked whether there is a relationship between the timing of your interview invitation and your chance of admission. You'll find the "what" and "why" of interviews on our website in Interviews and the Director's Corner, so I'll focus on the "when."
Please be assured that your likelihood of admission bears no relationship to when you receive your interview invitation; the timing of your invitation simply depends on when we review your file - and there is no pattern to application review.
Interviews for Round 1 applicants start as soon as possible after the application deadline - typically early November - and last through mid January. In fact, we began emailing Round 1 interview invitations yesterday.
We expect to send Round 1 interview invitations pretty regularly, every business day or so, through mid December. Even during Stanford's winter shutdown (24 December 2007 through 1 January 2008) we continue to read feverishly but tend to bundle invitations and send them every few days. (One reason for the bundling is that our building is unheated for the entire shutdown and we are thin-blooded Californians!)
We hope to send almost all interview invitations by 11 January, though some will go out later. We also may ask some of you to join the waitlist without an interview.
No matter when you receive your invitation to interview, you have the same chance of admission as any other candidate.
I hope this is helpful. Back to my files or 'flat friends'!
Derrick
