You must have at least a college bachelor's degree to apply. While Stanford does not have a minimum GPA requirement, most successful applicants have strong grades. More than GPA, Stanford is looking for success of any kind in their academic career.
The students should list any awards they have received, including academic, sports or community involvement awards. They must submit unofficial transcripts and academic histories going back to high school with the initial application. Stanford will request the official transcript later in the application process.
Unlike many MBA schools, Stanford does not require any previous work experience to enter its program. Stanford accepts applications from college seniors and recent graduates as well as those who have graduated in the past and gained professional experience.
Though work experience is not required, students must still submit a resume outlining any experience they may have, including part-time jobs, volunteer work or school-related work, such as tutoring.
Applicants must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score with their applications. For the score to be valid, they must have taken the exam within five years of the MBA program application deadline.
While Stanford has not set any minimum GMAT or GRE score, successful past applicants have generally performed very well on these exams. The median GMAT score for applicants in 2010 was 730.
Applicants must have three people each submit a letter of reference on their behalf, registering them as part of the online application. They will then receive a notification from Stanford on how to proceed and submit their letters.
The letter writers must be able to attest to the applicant's character, work habits and intellectual abilities. Two of the reference letters must be from people who have directly supervised the student in a work, volunteer or community group capacity. The third letter must be from someone who has worked with her as a peer, such as a fellow team, group or project member.
Applicants must submit three essays with their applications. On two of these essays, they must outline what is important in their life and career aspirations. On the third essay, they must give examples of instances where they have overcome difficulties, excelled in a situation or made an impact on an organization.