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Applying to the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) for an MBA is a significant step toward joining a global community of leaders and innovators. Renowned for its rigorous education and emphasis on leadership development, Stanford GSB attracts top candidates from around the world. To help you join this esteemed group, it’s essential to understand the 2024-2025 application cycle deadlines, requirements, and the admissions process. Stanford has released key application deadlines for the upcoming cycle, with precise dates for each round and final decision notifications. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of the Stanford MBA application deadlines, along with crucial insights on preparing a strong application to maximize your chances of success.
Read: Stanford GSB — MBA Program & Application Overview
2024-2025 Stanford MBA Application Deadlines and Decision Dates
Stanford MBA Deadlines
| Round | Application Deadline | Final Decision Notifications |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 10, 2024 | November 5, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 8, 2025 | April 3, 2025 |
| Round 3 | April 8, 2025 | May 29, 2025 |
*All application materials, including letters of recommendation and application fee payment, are due at 4 p.m. Pacific Time (PST) (7 p.m. ET) on the Stanford MBA deadlines dates.
Stanford Deferred MBA Deadlines
The GSB does not have an alternate deadline for deferred applicants. Prospective deferred candidates can apply in any of the above rounds, though most choose to apply in Round 3, which is April 8, 2025, for the upcoming cycle.
For more information on Stanford’s DMBA program, see Stanford GSB Deferred Enrollment Program.
Stanford GSB Decision Dates
- Round 1 – November 5, 2024
- Round 2 – April 3, 2025
- Round 3 – May 29, 2025
Stanford decision notifications are sent out via email to the address associated with the application. They will also post the update to the online application profile. Notifications are released on the date specified above, not earlier, and they will not accommodate requests for early notifications.
If you’re put on the waitlist, don’t despair! This is a signal that the school saw something in your application, and there are strategies to get off. Read The GSB MBA Waitlist Strategy for more info.
Stanford MBA Application Requirements
The Stanford MBA application requirements are designed for the admissions committee to evaluate an applicant’s academic background, professional experience, and personal qualities. To apply to the Stanford MBA program, you will need to submit the following application materials:
- Online application data form
- Unofficial transcripts from all universities attended
- GMAT or GRE scores
- A one-page resume
- Essay question responses
- Two letters of reference from current or former professional supervisors
- Application fee payment of $275
International students may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. It’s essential to note that the application requirements may vary depending on your background and circumstances. Ensuring you have all the necessary materials ready will help streamline your application process and increase your chances of admission to Stanford’s MBA program.
Which Application Round Should You Apply To?
Generally, the earlier the round, the better your chances of admission. Round 1 has more seats available than Round 2, and Round 2 has more seats available than Round 3, so with each round, the admissions committee gets increasingly selective. Whenever possible, apply in Round 1. The only caveat to that is if delaying the round you apply to significantly increases the strength of your application, then it may be worth it. For partnered applicants, it is important to apply during the same round, as this can have significant advantages.
Stanford GSB Round 1 Application Benefits
On its site, Stanford GSB specifies several other benefits of applying in Round 1 or 2 vs. 3, including:
- Time to complete any quantitative prerequisites
- Access to the on-campus housing lottery (Jack McDonald Hall and Schwab Residential Center)
- Additional time to complete the visa application process (for international students)
- Opportunity to attend Admit Weekend
- Only one application is required for MSx and MBA programs, rather than two separate applications
Get Into Stanford GSB With the Help of an Expert
To give yourself the best chance of admission to a top MBA program, we highly recommend working one-on-one with a coach. A coach can help you with your MBA plans, including your Stanford MBA application. They’ll be able to provide personalized tips and guidance that are customized to your background and goals. Below are some of our top coaches, browse all of them here.
Stanford GSB Application Overview (2024-2025)
To apply to Stanford, you will need the following:
- GMAT or GRE Score – Taken on or before September 10, 2019, for R1, January 8, 2020, for R2, and April 8, 2020, for R3.
- Essays – The prompts have remained the same: “What matters most to you, and why?” and “Why Stanford?”.
- Letters of Recommendation – GSB uses the Common Letter of Recommendation and asks you to request recommendations from your current direct supervisor and another from someone else who has supervised you.
- Academic Transcripts – Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some equivalent degrees from international universities are accepted.
- Application Fee – $275 non-refundable fee for traditional applicants; $100 for deferred candidates. Active US service members and veterans may be eligible for a fee waiver.
- Resume – You’ll be required to submit an up-to-date business resume.
- Personal Information, Awards, Activities – Miscellaneous information that you’ll be asked to fill out.
- Interview – About 10% of applicants are invited to interview. They are conducted by a GSB alumni or MBA admissions officer.
It is important to select target MBA programs and know their specific deadlines to ensure a well-planned application strategy.
Check out the deadlines for other programs:
- MBA Application Deadlines of the Top 25 Business Schools (2024-2025)
- Harvard MBA Application Deadlines (2024-2025)
FAQs
What are the application deadlines for Stanford’s MBA program?
- For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, Stanford GSB has three rounds. The first round deadline is September 10, 2024. The second round deadline falls on January 8, 2025, and the final round deadline is April 8, 2025. You can expect to hear back about decisions roughly two months after each deadline.
Is there an advantage to applying in Round 1 or Round 2?
- Applying early can definitely be beneficial. Earlier rounds tend to have more available spots, which can increase your chances of admission. You may also have a better shot at financial aid, on-campus housing, and more time to complete visa procedures if you’re an international applicant. Plus, early applicants can attend Admit Weekend events. That said, it’s important to make sure your application is strong and polished before submitting.
Can I apply to both the MBA and MSx programs at Stanford?
- Yes, Stanford allows you to apply to both programs. Your application will be reviewed separately for each program, so you don’t have to choose just one upfront.
When are interview invitations sent out?
- Stanford GSB invites candidates to interview by email, and the timing varies depending on the application round. For Round 1, interviews typically happen from late September through November. Round 2 interviews usually occur from mid-January to mid-March. Round 3 interviews are generally scheduled from late April to mid-May.
What happens after I submit my application?
- Once you submit, you’ll receive a confirmation email acknowledging that your application was received. The admissions committee will then review your materials carefully. If you’re selected, you’ll be invited to interview. After your interview, you’ll get a decision by the announced date. If admitted, you’ll receive instructions on the next steps to take.
Can I submit additional materials after the application deadline?
- Stanford expects all materials to be submitted by the deadline. Although you can update your application status portal with any new information, there’s no guarantee late submissions will be reviewed. So it’s best to have everything ready before the deadline.
