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Meet the new generation of power catamarans.

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Structural engineering by Gurit SP ensure composite designs that are strong and light weight.

Interior design penned by Vripack brings superyacht styling to the world of power catamarans.

With one of the widest beam in any of its comparable length category, we offer more square area both inside and out.

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Endless options from layouts to customized furniture to build the catamaran just for you.

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Of sustainable innovative solar yachting.

Sunreef Yachts is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls.

Each catamaran, motor yacht, and superyacht built is a bespoke creation. Every yacht is a vision brought to life, thoughtfully designed to deliver luxury, style and comfort.

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Sailing yachts, power yachts, superyachts, with a  360°  approach.

to eco cruising, they offer cutting-edge electric propulsion , naturally-sourced sustainable materials, smart energy management and new technologies including a patent-pending solar skin produced in-house.

Green Propulsion for Eco Catamarans

Renewable energy on yachts, energy efficiency on yachts, sustainable finishing materials.

Equipped with the world’s first and only composite-integrated solar panel system and using the industry’s lightest batteries, the Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans provide the best of autonomy and energy efficiency for environmentally-conscious luxury cruising.

The Sunreef Yachts Eco harvest power from the sun more efficiently than most solar catamarans. First in the world In-house pattented designed and manufactured by the shipyard, Sunreef Yachts’ solar panels are fully-integrated with the composite bodywork, vastly increasing the amount of solar power generated.

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Fernando alonso.

brand ambassador since: September 2021

Two-time Formula 1® World Champion Fernando Alonso commissioned a custom 60 Sunreef Power Eco catamaran with Sunreef Yachts.

brand ambassador since: June 2022

An unstoppable and passionate adventurer, Mike Horn has accomplished a series of groundbreaking expeditions including a legendary solo journey around the equator without motorized transport

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Creating History in Custom Yachting: Sunreef Yachts X Manutti

Hailing from Belgium, Manutti is a renowned outdoor luxury furniture brand founded by CEO Stephan

Sunreef Super Cat on the Rise: 100 Sunreef Power 2.0 Launched

Sunreef Yachts, the world’s leading luxury catamaran shipyard, proudly announces the 100 S

E1 Team Rafa & Sunreef Yachts Eco

A New Partnership begins Sunreef Yachts Eco joins Rafael Nadal’s E1 team as Official Partner. T

80 Sunreef Power Eco wins the International Yacht & Aviation Award

Sunreef Yachts Eco celebrated a spectacular victory at the International Yacht & Aviation Awa

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Since entering the industry in 1986, our driving force has centered around offering a quality and hassle-free ownership. We pride ourselves in having multiple repeat clients, which can only be achieved when dedication to customer service and lasting relationships are at the forefront of our company.

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Personal attention throughout every step of your yachting experience.

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Intimately connected with the most powerful brands & contacts in the industry.

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Satisfying all your needs & bringing you nonstop high-end service.

The Powercat Company was founded in 2009, when company CEO Richard Ford forged a relationship with the renown production boat yard, Horizon Yachts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Over the past decade, the range has grown to include the PC52, PC60, PC68 and a fully custom PC74. Richard and his team work closely with Horizon Yachts to design and produce these magnificently appointed PowerCats. Horizon operates at the cutting edge of technology and is considered one of the premier boat builders in the world.

The management and build team at Horizon are second to none. Their attention to detail and customer service has been an uncommon luxury.  I was in direct contact with the build team and project managers throughout. The Horizon team is talented, gracious, hardworking and diligent.  The continuous stream of performance throughout the build was astonishing to witness and be a part of.  Friendships and loyalty run deep at Horizon. 

If you want to be part of the future of midsize luxury yachting, contact Richard. You”ll be amazed!

The Powercat Company has continually kept the owners connected with annual rendezvous and we all feel a special bond and enjoy sharing our adventures. As owners we excitedly bring others aboard to witness the glorious fit & finish and just stepping aboard allows you to make that dream a reality.

Although we had previously owned a Horizon Powercat we had never built a boat from scratch. The US and Taiwan Horizon teams were very patient, professional and talented. They guided us through the build process and the myriad of details and decisions that needed to be made. The result is a one of a kind, high quality, beautiful yacht of our dreams.

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The Leopard Identity

Leopard Catamarans pushes the boundaries of catamaran design.

Evolving from 50 years of customer feedback, Leopard Catamarans has pooled their expertise with builders Robertson and Caine to design today's Leopard range: spacious, robust, performance-driven blue water cruising catamarans. As the worldwide distributor, we’re proud to say that over 2,500 Leopard cats have now been delivered all over the globe. 

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Sailing a New Leopard Home: Leopard 50 Atlantic Crossing

Builder of the 3500 PH and CC power catamaran

Getting started.

CPC formed when the opportunity came along for our team to acquire one of the best power catamaran hulls de signed to date.

Our first recreational model, the 3500 PH, will sit on a well-tried and tested design from the drawing table of Chris White. Chris started on this project in 2004 with Russell Hunt of Multihull Development, Inc. Production of, what eventually became known as the Buzzards 34 began in 2006. An accomplished multihull designer and world cruiser, Chris brought an overriding concern for offshore seakeeping, performance, and practicality. This is clearly seen in the resulting hull design. 

The design priorities included a smooth, flat ride, regardless of an afternoon chop kicking up, and a closeness to nature from both a shallow draft and a planet-friendly fuel economy. The Cape Power Cat 3500 PH has a distinctly “big boat” feel yet with the wide placement of her outboards, astonishing maneuverability, that with her manageable size guarantees easy handling.

Your boat, your choice.

Our semi-custom approach allows you to make some changes to create a perfect boat for your lifestyle!.

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Who Makes The Best Power Catamaran?

By Robert Bowman | Posted On Sep 15, 2022 Updated On May 03, 2023

The story of the evolution of the power catamaran can be broken down to a simple act of marital duty. it was the 1940's and Ray Leger loved to fish off of the California coast with his wife Evelyn. Ray had been a carpenter and capitalized on the booming Southern California housing market after World War 2, later using his skills and equipment to construct fishing boats. Evelyn would routinely suffer from seasickness, a problem that Ray needed to solve in order to keep fishing. Knowing that a catamaran offered greater stability, Ray set out to build one with outboard motors. The first one, an 18-foot cabin cruiser, was outfitted with twin 33hp outboards. By the 1960's, construction had moved to fiberglass hulls and the popularity quickly soared.

Today, power catamarans are among the fastest growing segments in the marine industry, as are sailing catamarans . A recent report shows that the global catamaran market as a whole is worth over $4 billion and has an annual growth rate of over 6%. That's nearly double what the average CAGR (compound annual growth rate) is for the boating industry in total.

The transition to power cats really came from charter customers in the Caribbean that would vacation on sailing cats in the BVI's for weeks at a time. The catamarans offered greater stability, but also an incredible amount of space on board thanks to the wider beams. But people on vacation enjoying the trip would end up using the small engines most of the time as sailing comes with a certain amount of effort. Now it's common to see power catmarans in charter in the Caribbean, as well as privately owned boats behind someone's house.

As more boaters get exposed to the benefits of power catamarans, the number of builders has grown as well. Power cat brands like Aquila Boats , as an example, weren't around in the early 2000's, but are now a common boat to see all over Florida or the Northeast. Prestige Yachts also just released their very first power cat into the market, the M48. Trying to claim that one power catamaran builder is the "best" among all of the others is a tough decision as there are many factors. If judged by number of units sold over the last 10 years, then Leopard is the best power catamaran builder in the industry. Looking at boats sold globally in the MLS over the last decade, Leopard Catamarans sold 40% more vessels than the second leading power cat builder, Fountain Pajot . Other notable power cat brands that led in overall sales were Endeavor, Lagoon, and Aquila.

(Below: On the extreme luxury power catamaran market, the Sunreef 80 is among the best.)

Video by: @NautiStyles

While the number of boats sold into the marketplace is a sign of strength in a builder, it also may not necessarily equate to 'being the best power catamaran' in terms of quality. Like with monohulls, there are varying degrees of both quality and price when it comes to the subsects of the power cat industry. Both Sunreef and Horizon Yachts have expanded into large luxury power cats that, even when more than 10 years old, can still command more than $2 million as an asking price.

One way to tell if the catamaran you're buying is well-recognized for its quality is to look at some of the recent award winners. Many of the editors of multi-hull focused magazines are experts in this category and have real-life experiences on dozens of different models. Here are a few notable ones:

• Fountaine Pajot MY4.S won the 2022 Multi-Hull of the Year Award for its category (36.1' and reaches 22 knots!)
• The Aquila 54 won 2021 Multi-hull of the Year 
• The Leopard 53 Power Cat won 2020 Multi-Hull of the Year
• The Lagoon 55 won the 2021 British Yachting Awards

(Below: The new Fountaine Pajot MY4.S offers a new 'sport top' style for the longtime catamaran builder.)

Whether you're purchasing a new or pre-owned power catamaran, its resale value is of the utmost importance. Nothing can stifle your enthusiasm when you are trying to sell your existing yacht only to have it sit on the market for a long time while diminishing in value. If this is of concern to you, the best advice is to stick with the more mainstream, reputable catamaran builders. Boats with odd layouts, underpowered engines, outlandish decor, and other out-of-the-norm equipment can cause your boat to sit on the market longer than anticipated.

The market demand has also improved in recent years. Over the last decade, power catamarans took roughly 330 days to sell. Almost a full year! Since 2020, however, that amount of time has decreased by 19%. Among the builders that sold within 100 days of hitting the market, Aquila, Endeavor, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, and Robertson & Caine were prominent. 

(Below: The Aquila 54 Power Catamaran has a tri-deck design with a beam of over 25-feet.)

At United Yacht Sales, we have over 250 experienced yacht brokers worldwide. Many have years of real hands-on experience with power catamarans, sailing cats, sailboats, and other similar vessels. We can assist you in the sale of your current yacht, or represent you in the purchase of a new one. Call us today at 1-772-463-3131 and we will connect you with the right sales professional that perfectly sits your needs and situation.

Also Read: Are Power Catamarans Good In Rough Water?

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Luxury Yachts For Luxury Buyers

ArrowCat Power Catamarans Unmatched Craftsmanship Meets Unyielding Spirit

Experience the thrill of the open water with unparalleled comfort and tailored craftsmanship. Whether you are cruising the coastlines or anchored in serene bays, your ArrowCat power catamaran is your gateway to a life of adventure and tranquility.

Introducing Our Newest Addition, The 20' Power Cat Center Console Model

We intentionally designed this model to be simple and plain – simple to take the boat out, simple to use and to maintain, plain by allowing you the flexibility to customize it according to your preferences.

ArrowCat 20cc

This 20-foot center console is built with strength and purpose, designed for ease and simplicity. Effortlessly take it out on the water, and enjoy straightforward maintenance and operation. Its clean, adaptable design allows for extensive customization, whether on your own or through a dealer.

Fully Planing Hull Design LOA: 19′ 4″ / 5.89 meters Beam: 8′ 4″ / 2.54 meters Draft: 10″ / 0.254 meters

Explore Our 32' and 42' Signature Cabin Models

Perfect for inshore and offshore cruising, long distance and overnight trips, cold off seasons and hot boating seasons, and much more. The ArrowCat 32-foot and 42-foot models provide an exciting and versatile experience on the water. Explore to see which one could best suit your boating lifestyle.

ArrowCat 320

Merging express cruiser elegance with catamaran stability, the ArrowCat 320 Coupe features a planing hull design for smooth, swift rides. Powered by twin outboard motors, it promises dynamic performance and exhilarating adventures on every voyage.

Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Wet Head Optional Tower Option LOA: 31′ 2″ / 9.5 meters Beam: 10’ / 3.05 meters Draft: 20″ / 0.508 meters

ArrowCat 420 Coupe

The ArrowCat 420 Coupe combines the luxury of an express cruiser yacht with the stability of a catamaran hull. Designed with a planing hull for agile, efficient navigation and powered by twin outboard motors, it delivers unmatched performance for your ocean adventures.

Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Full Head LOA: 41′ 9″ / 12.73 meters Beam: 14′ 9″ / 4.50 meters Draft: 18″ / 0.46 meters

ArrowCat 420 Flybridge

 This luxury express cruiser yacht boasts a catamaran hull for superior stability and a planing hull design that ensures efficient, agile handling. Powered by twin outboard motors, it offers robust performance. The addition of a flybridge enhances your view and enjoyment, making every journey unforgettable.

Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Full Head LOA: 41′ 9″ / 12.73 meters Beam: 14′ 9″ / 4.50 meters Draft: 20″ / 0.51 meters

Our Unique Design

Enjoy your boat year-round and stay warm and dry during cooler weather or overnight trips, while also having a comfortable and private space to retreat for whenever you need a break. Here are a few reasons why an ArrowCat power cat is an excellent boat to consider.

Catamarans have two hulls, which provide more stability in the water. They are less likely to roll or pitch, which means they offer a more comfortable ride, especially in rough conditions and for people who are prone to seasickness.

Power catamarans are typically more fuel-efficient than monohull boats of the same size. It requires less energy and yields more performance per HP. The two hulls create little to no drag or resistance to get on plane, resulting in greater fuel economy. Allowing for longer journeys with fewer refueling stops. 

Power catamarans have a shallow draft which means they can navigate diverse cruising grounds – beaches, islands, rivers, channels, and coastal areas with limited water depth. 

Express Cruiser

Cabin boats are designed with comfortable sleeping quarters and living spaces. They feature a sleeping space with a bed, a galley with a stove, sink, and refrigerator, and a head with a shower and toilet.

Cabin boats provide protection from the elements, such as wind, sun, and rain. This allows for comfortable cruising in a variety of weather conditions, as well as providing a haven during storms

Express cruisers are designed for efficient and fast navigation, offering higher speeds compared to traditional cruising boats. They usually have powerful engines that enable them to cover long distances quickly, making them ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.

Powered By Outboard Motors

Outboard motors can provide excellent performance and speed. They can often reach higher speeds than inboard motors of the same horsepower.

Outboard motors have a simple and standard design and are relatively easy to install, they do not require additional components such as a transmission, propeller shaft, couplings, and struts, that inboard engines do. They are easily assessable and cost less to maintain than inboard motors because they are mounted outside at the rear of the boat.

Outboard motors are often designed with features that make them easy to maneuver. For example, they can be tilted or rotated to provide precise control and handling in tight spaces and shallower waters.

About ArrowCat

Crafting Versatility and Adventure on the Water Since 2008

At ArrowCat, we believe in creating boats that are ready for anything. Our American-owned company builds versatile, multi-functional catamarans designed not just for a specific activity, but for a lifestyle that demands freedom and reliability. Whether you’re cruising, fishing, or exploring, our boats deliver superior performance in all conditions.

Trusted by seasoned mariners across coastal and saltwater environments, ArrowCat power catamarans embody the spirit of adventure and the promise of quality.

Learn More About Us

Experience A Smooth, Fast, And Stable Ride

Discover the unparalleled stability and speed of an ArrowCat power catamaran. Connect with our experts to schedule your sea trial today and experience the thrill firsthand.

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This equilibrium maintains speed when needed, ensuring secure passages, optimal operational economy, unwavering reliability, and zero-fuel serenity at anchor. 

The ocean connection bestows tranquility, adventure, and sustenance, fostering personal well-being and a vibrant lifestyle.

CUSTOM CATAMARAN ALUMINIUM YACHTS

Discover the ultimate in custom catamaran aluminium yachts with Cosmopolitan Yachts. Our passion for excellence shines through in every detail, from the cutting-edge hybrid diesel/electric propulsion system to the meticulous construction using top-grade materials and state-of-the-art technologies.

At Cosmopolitan Yachts, we take pride in delivering superior build quality and attention to every detail, ensuring unmatched durability, performance, and luxury. Our custom catamaran aluminium yachts are designed to excel in any environment, with marine-grade aluminium construction that provides strength, sturdiness, and resistance to corrosion for sailing in any water conditions.

Whether you’re looking for a silent electric boat or speeds of over 26 knots, our custom catamaran aluminium yachts offer ultimate flexibility in power and fuel efficiency. And with advanced hull forms and superior bow height, you’ll enjoy comfortable sailing even in seas exceeding 1.75m.

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with a custom catamaran aluminium yacht from Cosmopolitan Yachts. Let us help you bring your dream yacht to life with our superior build quality, attention to detail, and passion for excellence. Contact us today to start creating the perfect yacht for your needs and make unforgettable memories on the water.

HYBRID-ELECTRIC, HYDROGEN AND FUTURE BIOFUEL AND BIOGASES

At Cosmopolitan Yachts, we’re committed to creating custom catamaran yachts with the latest in propulsion technology. Our hybrid diesel/electric propulsion system offers ultimate flexibility in power and fuel efficiency,but we don’t stop there. We’re also exploring the use of hydrogen and biofuels as a more sustainable alternative for yacht propulsion and all our yachts are classified as “Hydrogen-Ready”. Hydrogen yachts or the use of biofuels and biogas could be the future of yachting, offering an even cleaner and more sustainable, self-sufficient energy source for powering your yacht.

Our dedication to sustainability and innovation means that we’re always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment while still delivering unparalleled performance and luxury. With the combined integration of the most advanced electric and hybrid technologies and, with the use of the next generation of fuels such as hydrogen, solar, biogas or biofuels,we can offer the perfect propulsion system to meet todays.

DISCOVER OUR YACHTS

New journeys await.

Discover the ultimate in durability and performance with our catamaran yacht range, designed to excel in any environment. with a robust aluminium construction and hydrid diesel/electrical propulsion system to make the most of the best technological advancements without any compromises.

THE WAY FORWARD

Equipped with either a conventional diesel or a hybrid diesel/electric propulsion system installed in both hulls, each with dual power inputs. This grants Cosmopolitan Yachts the ability to operate silently and emission-free as an electric boat at lower speeds, while still achieving speeds of over 26 knots. Complete redundancy and future proof.

A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT

To create the ultimate catamaran yacht, we have meticulously crafted every aspect with a keen eye for detail, to provide unparalleled performance and luxury. Our yachts are constructed using top-grade materials and state-of-the-art technologies, ensuring durability, comfort, and efficiency.

SUPERIORLY BUILT

The use of high-quality marine aluminium in our yachts not only provides strength and sturdiness but also ensures resistance to corrosion, making it perfect for sailing in various water conditions.

EXCEPTIONALLY DESIGNED WHIT A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT

We believe that every yacht should be a masterpiece, crafted with passion and dedication. Our commitment to quality and attention to detail is reflected in every yacht we build.

UNMATCHED COMFORT

The most spacious interiors, complete with luxurious to create an unforgettable sailing experience. The modern exterior design pays meticulous attention to every detail, including the placement of windows and other features that provide maximum comfort and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding water.

The yacht’s advanced hull form and superior bow height work in tandem to ensure comfortable sailing, even in seas exceeding 1.75m.

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Walk-around or full width cabin

Join the BRIX legacy with a recreational cat built to professional standards. Be it for fishing or cruising, each custom RecPro is distinctly tailored for adventure.

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BRIX Marine’s PaxCats deliver reliability and comfort for the most memorable excursions. Choose the sweetest ride on the water for up to 49 passengers and beyond.

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OUR LATEST LAUNCHES

BRIX Marine Launches the 5217-CTC “Quinn Starr”: A New Era in Whale Watching Adventures

About Alaska Whale Watching Alaska Whale Watching offers unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences from Auke Bay, [...]

BRIX Marine Launches the 4615-HTC LandingCat: Setting Sail to Alaska

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine announces the successful launch of the 4615-HTC, which has [...]

BRIX Marine and Ashbreez Boatworks Launch “Just 1 More”: A Continued Partnership of Marine Excellence

Anchorage, Alaska – BRIX Marine and Ashbreez Boatworks proudly announce the continuation of their successful [...]

BRIX Marine Delivers the 3513-CTC “Sovereign One” to the Puyallup Tribe: Advancing Shellfish Monitoring Capabilities

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine proudly announces the successful completion and delivery of the [...]

Behind the Scenes of the BRIX 4615-HTC: Advancing Maritime Operations with Purposeful Design

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine is excited to announce the forthcoming launch of the [...]

BRIX Marine Introduces the 3011-CTC Survey Boat “Lugudi Barana”

Port Angeles, WA – BRIX Marine, a pioneer name in the maritime industry, proudly announces [...]

Move Beyond Ordinary: BRIX Marine Launches the 3814-CTC ‘Hammer Cat’ with Starboard Walkaround for Unrivaled Offshore Adventures

Port Angeles, WA – BRIX Marine, a pioneer in maritime innovation, is thrilled to introduce [...]

BRIX Marine Delivers Kamohoali’i: 4014-CTC for Haleiwa Shark Tours

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine proudly presents Kamohoali’i, a state-of-the-art 40′ x 14′ Classic [...]

ABOUT BRIX MARINE

has earned a solid reputation for pioneering and crafting the world’s most rugged aluminum catamarans and workboats since 1991.

The company was founded in Canada and moved to Port Angeles, WA in 2001. We gained new ownership under Bryton Marine Group in 2017, which fortified the company’s focus on our Core Values and strategic plan for our future.

“Our team has developed strong momentum with our boat portfolios and customers. As we look to the future, BRIX Marine will honor the legacy we have built and move beyond to deliver exceptional custom boats,” said Perry Knudson, Managing Director.

BRIX literally means the scientific measure of sweetness in liquid. This translates well to the high-performance boats the company is known for. “BRIX is more than a sweet riding hull,” said Knudson. “Our custom projects begin with the first communication and the relationship continues after the boat is delivered. BRIX is committed to an owner-centric approach.”

BRIX Marine has another important target. “We want to be the best place to work in our community,” said Knudson. BRIX employs master level craftsmen in the disciplines required to build welded aluminum boats. The company invests in defining career paths and training employees to gain the skills needed to advance in their fields.

The BRIX team will broaden and diversify its portfolio of welded aluminum boats, known as being “first in cats.” The newly redefined custom recreational portfolio is in high demand, and BRIX Marine is bringing this same innovative approach to other key markets.

“Our luxury water taxi designs are raising the standards for passenger vessels as seen with the recent launch for Liberty National Golf Club. The research vessel  Bob & Betty Beyster  we delivered in 2019 earned a Workboat Magazine award as a Significant Boat of the Year. That design is reshaping our research vessel line-up,” commented Perry Knudson. “We have a lot of exciting things on the horizon. This new identity represents who we are and where we’re going.”

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We believe solutions exist to unique vessel demands, and we provide solutions to our clients every day, giving them the best possible opportunity to succeed on the water.

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LICIA C18 AQUANAUT

18m Power Catamaran

Project Aquanaut Open-Style sport catamaran designed by Officina Armare

24m Explorer Power Catamaran

Truly unique catamaran for great space and great comfort!

35m Explorer Motor Yacht

All requirements of adventure seekers are considered in the best size! 

45m Explorer Motor Yacht

Long range, Ocean-going vessel for all seas, all weather conditions!

Aquanaut Sport Catamaran

Project Aquanaut is a 60 feet Open-Style sport catamaran designed by Officina Armare with a purpose, in collaboration with U-Boat Worx. Aquanaut is an advanced multihull luxury speeder, combining a sporty yet elegant appearance and modern solutions, featuring a large deck space, open bar and Al Fresco dining areas located on aft deck and foredeck. Catamaran is equipped with dynamic inboard propulsion of 2x800 hp to offer an impressive speed potential of up to 45 kts and extreme stability at high speeds with the contribution of it's Deep-V hydrodynamic design.

Concept of the Aquanaut is heavily influenced by SUV's (Sport Utility Vehicles) in terms of stability, versatility and sense of exploration or adventure besides having plenty of storage for the toys such as surfboards, Seabobs and diving gear besides the Nemo submersible. The large deck space can be further expanded at anchor with bulwarks for a larger area to host parties or to simply enjoy the life at sea to the fullest.

Aquanaut can explore the deep seas all around the world, thanks to advanced technologies that support efficient submarine operations and its lightweight luxury private Nemo Submarine by U-Boat Worx.

Nemo can dive to a depth of 330 feet and able to reach a top speed of three knots under water. it can operate for up to eight hours before returning to base.

The large platform on the back for the submarine is equipped with hydraulics that can lower down the underwater craft when launching is required. The same space can be used as a lounging / entertaining area when the submarine is in water and it can be lowered to water level and become the beach club as well.

The foredeck features a large jacuzzi with a seamless sunbathing area and also second more intimate dining area for up to 4 guests.

For Sales Please Contact 

Model: LICIA C18 - AQUANAUT Exterior Desi gn: Officina Armare

Interior Design: Officina Armare

Class: CE 

Hull Material: Epoxy Composite Superstructure: Epoxy Composite  Dimensions Length Overall: 18 m  Beam: 7,7 m Draft (max): 0,75 m Displacement: 21,6 tonnes

Performance Engine: Volvo Penta IPS1050

Power: 2x 800hp @2300rpm Max Speed: 45 knots  

Explorer Power Catamaran

Licia Yachts culls the best of our aggregate 30 years of knowledge, expertise and craftsmanship in yacht design-building and sailing, in collaboration with Catamaran Center to develop and deliver a truly exceptional explorer power catamaran, the LICIA C24.

This power multihull will exhibit top performance with superlative comfort.  And it will be capable of covering 3200 nautical miles on powerful and fuel efficient twin Cummins engines that will boast of economy and ease of handling while delivering total 1410 HP.

Carbon reinforced structure and Aramid layered hull will provide peace of mind during Ocean crossings.

Innovative interior layout and finishes will speak volumes not only about luxurious comfort but also give you the sense of being in a larger yacht.

The Licia C24 has been thoughtfully planned to provide comfort and functionality in all areas for owners and guests.

An intuitive interior layout maximizes the sense of openness with curved aft deck sliding doors that make effortless transitions between indoor and out, formal and casual.

A skylight on the flybridge also enhances the ambient light in the circular conversation hub in the main saloon as do the full height glazing and panoramic windows that bring in natural light and voila! you’re transported elsewhere!

LIRE LA SUITE

Explorer Motor Yacht

Designed by award winning Unique Yacht Design, T-35 is an explorer motor yacht capable of cruising with an impressive long range, while providing expansive deck areas and comfortable and spacious accommodation for owners, guests and up to six crew.

With a spacious flybridge, alternative seating and sunbathing area on the foredeck and an innovatively designed aft cockpit and transom area which has been designed to create an informal ‘Beach Club’ feel there is also ample space to enjoy life on deck. A sizeable beam of 8.2m provides exceptionally generous accommodation, relaxation and entertainment areas throughout T-35.  Full height windows to port and starboard in the vast main cabin create a wonderful sense of space and light. Main deck saloon contains an excellent dining area with ample day-light. Guest cabins in the lower deck provides room for eight guests in two double cabins and two twin cabins. Guest and crew area is meticulously separated through main deck port side entrance and lower deck crew mess, which opens to three crew cabins.

Engine room and technical space has all the no-nonsense equipment, which is crucial for an explorer yacht. Caterpillar C-18 (2x715 HP) engines safely navigate the boat in remote areas in the range of 3,500 nautical miles with maximum speed of 13 knots.

Model: LICIA T35 Exterior Design: Unique Yacht Design

Naval Architect: Unique Yacht Design

Class: Rina Hull Material: Steel Superstructure: Aluminium

Length Overall: 35 m  Beam: 8,2m Draft (max): 2,4m Displacement: 280 tonnes

Performance

Engine: CAT C18 Power: 2x 715 hp Max Speed: 13 kts Range: 3.500nm @ 10kts

Project T-45 (148ft) is a three-deck, deep-sea, full displacement, transatlantic, steel hull and aluminum superstructure luxury explorer motor yacht, built for private use and charter. The 499 gross tonne yacht has large volumes and the shipyard has gone to great lengths to ensure she is extremely stable and seaworthy with low levels of noise and vibration yet extremely fuel efficient.

The main section of the lower deck houses the four guest cabins, two of which are VIP cabins each with a double bed and private bathroom, with the other two as twin cabins each with a private bathroom. The entire forward section is reserved for crew use, comprising comfortable cabins, again each with a private bathroom, and a large crew mess with entertainment systems and sufficient space even for cruises requiring a long stay on board. Going up, you return to the main deck where outside there is a sofa/sunbathing area to aft with small tables and a bar, which has visual contact with the interior salon through a large sliding door that allows the interior and exterior spaces to be combined into one.

The fully glazed dining area is located forward of the salon and has a table, seating 12 diners. The Owner’s suite is also on the main deck, occupying the full width of the hull and enjoying abundant natural light from the large side windows. The space covers a very large area and consists of two separate dressing rooms forward, a large central bed facing aft, a large bathroom area with a bathtub, a separate shower, private WC and access to the suite from the starboard corridor.

Engine room and technical space has all the amenities for an explorer yacht. Caterpillar C-32 (2x1300 HP) engines provides stamina and non-stop adventure in remote areas within 4,000 nautical miles with maximum speed of 16 knots.

Model: LICIA T45 Exterior Design: Unique Yacht Design

Length Overall: 45 m  Beam: 9,1 m Draft (max): 2,6 m Displacement: 480 tonnes

Engine: CAT C32 Power: 2x 1300 hp Max Speed: 16 kts Range: 4.000nm @ 11kts

Our facility in the Antalya Free Zone is 30 minutes away from Antalya International Airport (AYT). Antalya Airport is one of the busiest airport in Turkey and offers direct flights to major European cities. Our technical capacity provides one of the best infrastructure for the new build projects in the Eastern Med.

Antalya Free Zone

Konyaaltı, Antalya

Tel: +90 532 733 4825

info @ liciayachts.com

SALES OFFICE 

Local 324 - Port Ginesta

Castelldefels, Barcelona

Tel.: +34 610 755 797

[email protected]

• 27′ Gen 2
• 31′ AmeraCat
• Commercial Cats
• 27′ Gen II
• Fish Pictures
• Charter an AmeraCat
• Our Build Process
• Accessories

Recreational Catamarans

Recreational catamaran boats.

Here are some pictures of our different makes and models we have to choose from. Remember that all of our Power Catamarans are custom built to your specifications and are designed to be the best offshore fishing on the water! Our recreational catamaran boats are sure to satisfy you! With our unique design, we can build your catamaran boat just the way you want it.

We have Center Console Fishing boats that range from 25′ – 39′. All of our catamaran boats are designed to take on the roughest seas and give you the softest ride! We have a unique hull that is built with NO WOOD! We use high density foam and hand laid construction. To view each boat and the spec’s for each catamaran, please follow the links below.

• 25′ Single Engine AmeraCat
• 27′ Gen1 AmeraCat

If you are ready to take one of our offshore catamaran fishing boats for a demo, please use the form below to reach one of the owners. We are always there to answer any of your questions, and assist you in making the best choice in boat. Or use our Build Your Boat page to design your custom catamaran and we will get back to you with a quote. Don’t forget we will accept your old boat towards the balance of your new one, it takes the hassle out of trying to sell it yourself. We look forward to building your custom catamaran soon.

Contact us today for your recreational catamaran boat needs.

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Specifications:.

• Aprox. Dry Hull Weight- 2860 lbs
• LOA- 25′ 5”
• Beam- 8′ 6"
• Max HP- 350hp
• Fuel Gallons- 85 gallons
• Hull Draft- 15'
• STD Livewell Capacity: 45 Gal
• STD Fishbox Capacity: 200 Quarts
• Freeboard AFT:
• Freeboard Bow:
• Trailering Height: 
• Aprox. Dry Hull Weight-3340 lbs
• LOA- 27′ 2”
• Max HP- 600hp
• Fuel Gallons- 150/160 gallons
• Hull Draft- 14'
• STD Livewell Capacity: 50 Gal
• STD Fishbox Capacity: Approx. 300 Quarts
• Aprox. Dry Hull Weight- 4850 lbs
• LOA- 31′ 0”
• Beam- 9′ 10"
• Max HP- 800hp
• Fuel Gallons- 265 gallons
• STD Livewell Capacity: 60 Gal
• STD Fishbox Capacity: Approx 400 Quarts

Caught on an AmeraCat!

Privacy Overview

The Mother of All Maritime Links

John's nautical links list, page 31 of 47.

New or Changed Links

Multihulls:

• 2Hulls Inc. (Catamaran, power catamaran & trimaran broker dealers, Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
• Building the Aluminum Catamarans Osram VII and Osram VIII
• Advanced Multihull Designs (AMD, high speed passenger and vehicle ferries)
• African Cats (Builder of cruising sail and power catamarans, Amstelveen, the Netherlands)
• All American Marine (Aluminum Teknicraft catamaran work, passenger and pleasure motorboats, Bellingham, Washington)
• Alwoplast (Builder of large sail/power multihulls, repairs, Valdivia, Chile)
• AmeraCat Custom Catamarans (Builder of commercial or recreational offshore fishing catamarans, Ft. Pierce, Florida)
• American Proas, 1898-1998
• American Sail (Builder of Aqua Cat catamarans, Charleston, South Carolina)
• Aquidneck Custom Boat Builders (Construction, repair and refit of multihulls to 30' beam, composite or other materials, fabrication of composite components, Bristol, Rhode Island)
• The Arctic Ant Aeroboat (Amphibious tetramaran airboat for Arctic conditions, "Don't let the Arctic conditions stop you from doing what the Titanic couldn't, there are no weather conditions unaccessible for the Arctic Ant ," Larsmo, Finland)
• Aspen Power Catamarans (28-40', Burlington, Washington)
• Austal Group (Builder of aluminium vessels including fast ferries, patrol boats, cruise and live-aboard vessels and private motor yachts, Henderson, Western Australia)
• The Austin Outrigger Canoe Club (Lady Bird Lake, Texas)
• Aventure Catamarans (Power and sailing catamarans, Monaco)
• Bailey Custom Boats (Wooden pontoon boats, Statesboro, Georgia)
• Bell Composites, Inc. (Builder of Offshore Catamarans, Powercat motor catamarans, outrigger canoes, Jupiter, Florida)
• Bennington Pontoon Boats
• BoatSmith (Builder of cruising catamarans, West Palm Beach, Florida)
• The British A Class Catamaran Association
• The British Columbia Multihull Society (BCMS)
• Build a Catamaran (Catamaran building logs)
• Building a Woods design Pixie Catamaran in Uruguay (Jeremy Bernal builds a beach cat)
• The Canadian Dart Association (18' catamaran)
• The Canadian Sea Spray Association
• The Catamaran Company (New and used catamarans, sailing vacations, and catamaran services, Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
• Catamaran Cruisers (Fiberglass catamaran houseboats, Columbia, Tennessee)
• The Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan (CRAM)
• Catamaran Sailor Magazine ( ("A NEWSpaper that covers any and all news concerning beach cats")
• The Catapult Inflatable Catamaran Class Association
• C-Dory (Builder of TomCat � power catamarans, Auburn, Washington)
• Choy Designs (Multihull luxury yachts)
• Chris White Designs (Cruising multihulls)
• Coast Catamarans (Developer of the Coast 50 akuminum cruising catamaran, Marseille)
• Corsair Marine, Inc. (Ian Farrier-designed folding, trailerable trimarans, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
• Custom Fiberglass International (CFI, builder Isotope and Cheshire sailing catamarans, Durham, North Carolina)
• Cypress Cay Pontoons (Custom, luxury and fishing pontoon boats, Fort Wayne, Indiana)
• Dick Newick (Trimaran, catamaran & proa designs)
• The Dick Newick Proa Cheers (Third in the 1968 Transat)
• Dragonfly Sailboats (Folding trimarans 6-12 meters, Fredericia, Denmark)
• ElectraCraft (Builder of electric powered launches and pontoon boats, Westlake Village, California)
• Endeavour Catamaran Corporation (Cruising catamarans, Clearwater, Florida)
• Eric Henseval Yacht Design (Sailing multihulls, France)
• Far East Boats (Manufacturer of sailing multihulls, Jiangsu, China)
• The Farrier/Corsair Trimaran Discussion Group (Discussion of the multihull sailboats designed by Ian Farrier)
• Farrier Marine Inc. (Ian Farrier multihull designs)
• FishCraft (Builder of inflatable drift catamarans, Sisters, Oregon)
• Flaquita (Tacking proa for homebuilders designed by Joe Henry)
• Flats � Cat (Rough water-shallow water power catamaran)
• The Flying Proa (Article by William Alden from Harper's New Monthly Magazine , 1877?)
• Fritz Koschmann's Bolger Double Eagle (Building a catamaran eco-tour boat)
• Fulcrum Speedworks (Builder of UFO foiling sailing catamarans, East Providence, Rhode island.)
• Fusion Catamarans (Kits for 40' composite sail and power catamarans, Australia & Thailand)
• Gary Dierking's Outrigger Sailing Canoes Blog (Photos, drawings, and descriptions of outrigger canoes around the world, Gary's outrigger sailing canoe plans)
• The Gemini Catamaran Owners Association
• Gemini Catamarans (Cruising catamarans, Annapolis, Maryland)
• Godfrey Pontoon Boats
• Grabner (Maker of Happy Cat inflatable sailing catamarans, Haag, Austria)
• Grainger Designs (Raku sailing catamarans, Sensori power catamarans, custom and racing designs)
• Great Lakes Watercraft (Maker of MiniCat inflatable sailing catamarans, Takacat inflatable catamarans, Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario)
• Green Dream Boats (Builder of Solliner solar catamarans, Gdynia, Poland)
• Gunboat Multihulls (Manufacturer of large sailing catamarans, Wareham, Massachusetts)
• Harris FloteBote Pontoon Boats (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
• Harryproa (Plans, kits & professionally built Harry, Harrigami & Visionarry cruising proas designed by Rob Denney, Australia)
• Hartley Multihull Designs (Sailing catamaran and trimaran plans for amateur builders, New Plymouth, New Zealand)
• Harvey Golden's Thamakau Project (A skin-on-frame Fijian sailing proa)
• The Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association (HSCA, information and education on the culture of the Hawaiian sailing canoe)
• Henny van Oortmarssen Homebuilding the F-39 Trimaran Fram in the Netherlands
• Hobie (Manufacturer of sailing catamarans and trimarans)
• Hoewa�a Dallas Outrigger Canoe Club (Texas)
• Holopuni Canoes (Maker of paddling and sailing Hawaiian outrigger canoes, Tahoe City, California)
• How to Build a Timber Outrigger Canoe (FAO online pamphlet)
• Hydro Bikes (Pedal powered catamarans)
• l'Hydropt�re (Speed record setting hydrofoil trimaran)
• Incat Australia (Builder of wave piercing and conventional catamaran ferries)
• The International A Division Catamaran Association
• The International Small Catamaran Handicap Rating System (SCHRS)
• The International Tornado Association
• The James Dory Page (Building a Kurt Hughes 30' Cruising Catamaran)
• James Wharram Designs
• The Jarcat Catamarans Discussion Group
• John Shuttleworth Yacht Designs Ltd. (Multihulls, power and sail)
• Jutson Marine Design (Power catamarans, multihull sailboats, Vancouver, British Columbia)
• K-designs (Bernd Kohler's wing in ground effect and multihull vessels)
• Kelsall Catamarans (Designs 18-75')
• The Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club
• Kevlacat Power Catamarans (Buddina, Queensland)
• Kha Shing Enterprise (KSE, builder of Montefino catamaran motor yachts, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan)
• Kiribati Canoes (Proas)
• The Koehler Multihulls Discussion Group
• Kurt Hughes Sailing Designs (Catamarans and trimarans)
• Lagoon (Builder of luxury sailing catamarans, Bordeaux Cedex, France)
• LeisureCat & AussieCat (LeisureCat power catamarans, marketed in America as AussieCats, Bibra Lake, Western Australia)
• Maine Cat Catamarans (Builder of cruising sail catamarans, Bremen, Maine)
• Manitou Boats (Aluminum trimaran pontoon boats, Lansing, Michigan)
• Mehrrumpfboote (A German catamaran, trimaran & proa site)
• Metz Boats (Small multihull designs and kits by Klaus Metz, Munich, Bavaria)
• Michael Kabua's Riwuit (Toy sailing proa that won the Marshall Islands Independence Day race in 2000)
• The Microship Project (A trailerable cruising trimaran)
• Mike Waller Yacht Design (Stock and custom multihull designs, Australia)
• Mr. Smith's Amazing Sailboats (The high-speed hydrofoil and multihull designs of Bernard Smith: Aerohydrofoils, Monomarans, Fliptackers and Sailloons)
• The Multihull Association of South Florida (MASF)
• The Multihull Boatbuilder Page (A free exchange of building and design information for simple, efficient, economic homebuilt multihulls)
• The Multihull Centre (Multihull building and repairs, Millbrook, Cornwall)
• The Multihull.com Forums (Discusions on everything multihulls plus sailing meetings devoted to multihulls)
• Multihulls Magazine
• Multihull World ("Australasia's multihull magazine")
• MultiMarine (Used multihulls, multihull designs by Michael Leneman, Venice, California)
• Multi Winds International (Maker of the �lan � trailerable trimaran and Extreme � catamarans)
• M. u. H. von der Linden GmbH (Kits for Grainger and Schionning sailing catamarans, Schionning power catamarans, Wesel, Germany)
• The National Mosquito Catamaran Council (Australia)
• The New England Multihull Association (NEMA)
• Newick Nautical Designs (Dick Newick, stock and custom multihull designs, Sebastopol, California)
• New Wave Boat Company, Inc. (Maker of the Hydro Bike Explorer pedal catamaran)
• Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (Large power passenger catamarans, Freeland, Washington)
• Nichols Diversified Industries (Custom aluminum and steel power passenger catamarans and trimarans to 65', Freeland, Washington)
• Nickels Boat Works (Manufacturer of WindRider & Astus trimarans, Burton, Michigan)
• Noosa Cat (Power catamarans, Australia)
• The Northwest Multihull Association (NWMA)
• The Northwest Multihull Association Discussion Group (NWMA)
• The Norwegian Multihull Association (Norsk Flerskrog Seilklubb, the national class organisation for multihull sailors, including Hobie Cat)
• The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA)
• The Offshore Multihull Association (OMA, promoting offshore multihull classes at racing events around the world)
• On The Wire Back Issues Online (Ezine for Hobie sailors)
• Pacific Proa Company (Flying proas, Sausalito, California)
• Pantawee Marine (Builder of composite multihulls, both power and sail, up to 18 meters, Thailand)
• The Paper Tiger Catamaran International Association
• Paritet Boats (Manufacturer of high speed aluminum power catamarans, Moscow, Russia)
• Pedigree Cats Inc. (Custom multihulls 46-136', Raymond, Washington)
• The Polynesian Catamaran Association (Wharram catamaran admirers club)
• The Polynesian Voyaging Society
• Princecraft Boats (Manufacturer of aluminum pontoon boats, Princeville, Qu�bec)
• ProaBoat ("The web site for proa boat owners, builders, and designers")
• The Proa FAQ
• Proa File (Michael Schacht's online journal "focused on the multihull sailing canoes of the Pacific Islands as object lessons in sustainable design")
• Proa Web Sites (Linklist at Pacific Proa Company)
• ProPhish (Manufacturers of the WaterSkipper inflatable catamaran pedal boat)
• The Queensland Multihull Yacht Club (Brisbane)
• Q-West Boat Builders (Builder of catamaran passenger ferries up to 40m, Wanganui, New Zealand)
• Ranger Boats (Builder of pontoon boats, Flippin, Arkansas)
• Running Tide Yachts, Ltd. (Monohull and multihull designs with a mast-aft sailing rig and a 65' gamefishing sailing catamaran)
• The Sailrocket World Record Speed Sailing Attempt (A British hydrofoil proa)
• The San Francisco Outrigger Canoe Club (SFOCC, Hawaiian outrigger canoeing)
• Scott Brown Mutihulls (Broker specializing in used Wharram catamarans and other multihull sailboats, Landrake, Cornwall)
• SeaCycle (Pedal powered catamarans, Adrian, Michigan)
• The Searunner Design Parnership (John Marples and Jim Brown, cats and tris, sail and power)
• The Searunner Home Page (Fan page for Jim Brown's classic cruising trimarans)
• The Searunner Trimarans Owners' Association
• Sea Speed Aluminium Catamaran Design (Power catamarans, Brisbane, Australia)
• Schionning Designs (Sailing and power mulithull plans and kits, Tea Gardens, New South Wales)
• The Shearwater Catamaran Class Association
• Skinny Hull Magazine (Sailing canoes and kayaks, proas and similar style boats)
• SLO Sail and Canvas (Trampolines for production catamarans, San Luis Obispo, California)
• Small Trimarans (A sailing community for small trimaran enthusiasts)
• Solar Boats (Importer and distributor Solliner solar catamarans, Perth Western Australia)
• South Bay Pontoon Boats (Middlebury, Indiana)
• Starcraft Marine (Manufacturer of pontoon boats, New Paris, Indiana)
• The Stiletto Catamaran Network
• Stiletto Catamarans (Builder of small cruising catamarans, Columbia, North Carolina)
• Still Water Design, Inc. (Ultralight motor catamarans for low wake environments, Chelsea, Massachusetts)
• Sylvan Marine (Maker of aluminum pontoon boats, New Paris, Indiana)
• Taipan America (Taipan and Boyer A-Class catamaran dealer)
• The Taipan Catamaran Association Of Australia
• Taylor Pacific Proa - An Experiment in Variable Geometry (Designs by Douglas Taylor)
• Team Scarab Multihulls (Sailing trimaran plans by Ray Kendrick, Australia)
• Technicomposit (Builder of high perfpormance composite multhulls, Antibes, France)
• The Texas Outrigger Canoe Club (Surfside Beach, Texas)
• Tiny Dancer (21' windsurfer rigged proa by Ted Warren)
• TomCat Boats (Daysailing and sport cruising catamarans, Newmarket, Ontario)
• Tony Bigras' Cruising Catamaran Page
• The Toronto Multihull Cruising Club
• The Traverse Bay Outrigger Canoe Club (Traverse City, Michigan)
• U-Fab Pontoon Boat Kits (Pontoon boats, houseboats and floating docks, Ottawa, Ontario)
• The Unicorn Catamaran Class Association
• The US A-Class Catamaran Association
• The US Formula 18 Class Association
• Warren Multihull Designs (Ted Warren)
• WaveWalk, Inc. (Builder of paddled catamarans, Sharon, Massachusetts)
• The West River Catamaran Racing Association (WRCRA, weekly catamaran racing in Galesville, Maryland and on the Chesapeake)
• Weta Marine (Builder of sailing trimarans, North Shore City, New Zealand)
• Wharram Builders and Friends (A photo & discussion forum for Wharram design enthusiasts)
• Whitacre Catamarans (Semi-custom performance cruising sailing catamarans, Anacortes, Washington)
• The Windrider Trimaran Forum
• Woods Designs (Sailing catamaran plans for home and professional builders by Richard Woods)
• WorldCat (Builder of WorldCat, Glacier Bay Edition and Livingston power catamarans, Tarboro, North Carolina)

stanford essay mba mission

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2024-2025 Stanford MBA Essay Tips

Originally published on May 12, 2023. Updated on June 20, 2024.

Earlier this week, Stanford announced its application deadlines for the ’24-’25 admissions cycle and confirmed that its main MBA essay questions will remain unchanged next year.

Given the reflection and iteration required to craft a compelling Stanford application, it’s never too early to get started on the essays. As such, today we’re arming you with our best Stanford MBA essay tips. Read on to help get your brain churning!

Application Deadlines* for 2024-2025

• Round 1 applications are due on September 10, 2024
• Round 2 applications are due on January 8, 2025
• Round 3 applications are due on April 8, 2025

*Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time

2024-2025 Stanford MBA Essay Questions

• Essay A : What matters most to you, and why? For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?
• Essay B : Why Stanford? Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs.

Both essays combined may not exceed 1,000 words. Stanford GSB admissions recommends up to 650 words for Essay A and up to 350 words for Essay B.

Optional Short-Answer Questions

Note that Stanford’s application also includes two optional short answer questions, which we recommend clients complete.

• Think about a time in the last few years when you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? In the Essays section of the application, we ask you to tell us about who you are and how you think Stanford will help you achieve your aspirations. We are also interested in learning about the things you have done that are most meaningful to you. Using these optional spaces, perhaps you would like to expand upon a bullet item from your resume and tell us more about the “how” or “why” behind the “what.” Or maybe you have had an impact in a way that doesn’t fit neatly in another part of the application. You are welcome to share up to three examples (up to 1,200 characters, or approximately 200 words, for each example).
• We know that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories. With this space, we provide you with an optional opportunity to elaborate on how your background or life experiences have helped shape your recent actions or choices. (Up to 1,200 characters).

Where to Start

Before you think about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys, as the case may be), it’s critical to take the time to truly understand Stanford GSB and what it looks for in successful applicants. To us, the best encapsulation of this can be found in the GSB’s mission statement: “Change lives. Change organizations. Change the world.”

While many business schools aspire to educate leaders that will make a difference in the world, there is a reason that ‘change lives’ comes first in this motto. The GSB embraces a strong belief that change originates from people. People with different perspectives interacting, challenging each other, and ultimately joining forces to push the limits of what seems possible. No man or woman can create change in a vacuum.

In practice, we find that successful Stanford GSB applicants personify this mission statement by displaying the following characteristics:

• A belief that EQ and people are just as important as IQ and profits – While demonstrating impact is critical, Stanford GSB seeks those who deliver it through collaboration with and/or for the benefit of others.
• Strong self-awareness – The essay prompt says it all, Stanford GSB cares what matters to you and how it has influenced your choices in life. Scratching the surface of self-awareness is not enough; beyond articulating your emotions in a given situation, they want to see that you can connect situations to your core values and underlying motivations.
• A willingness to take risks – Change is impossible without some level of risk and change is the crux of the GSB’s mission. They want to see that you don’t let fear stand in the way of progress – for yourself and for others.

How Do I Uncover ‘What Matters Most to Me’?

Attempting to crystallize what matters most to you is incredibly intimidating! If you’re digging deep enough, figuring this out is not something that can be done in a day or even a week. That’s why starting early is critical.

• To begin, we love suggesting that clients read two great books, True North by Bill George and What You’re Really Meant to Do by Robert Kaplan.  Give thought to where you dream of taking your career (and life more broadly) and why.
• From there, it can be helpful to think back to each major decision you’ve made in your life and reflect on why you made the choice you did. Are there any commonalities?
• Lastly, think about influential people or events in your life stretching back to childhood. What or who has made you who you are and why?

Once you’ve done all this reflection (and written it down!), look for points of intersection and interrelation. Sometimes another set of eyes from a trusted friend or family member can be helpful here. More times than not, there is a common passion, motivation, value, or trait that connects what you’ve done in the past and what you hope to do in the future. This common thread can serve as your overarching theme and answer to ‘what matters most to you’.

Turning Your Theme into a Strong Stanford MBA Essay A

The essay itself should prove that this ‘thing’ is truly what matters most to you by laying out 2-3 stories and describing how they connect back to it. While the stories are typically told in chronological order, the essay should not read as your memoir. Be thoughtful and strategic, choosing only your most powerful examples.

Introduce Your ‘Superhero Origin Story’

Many times, successful essays begin with what we refer to as a ‘superhero origin story’. By this we mean the time in your life or experience that first brought your ‘thing’ (i.e., what matters most to you) into play for you. It is the defining moment that triggered a shift in your thinking or approach in a way that has stuck with you from then on out, influencing who you’ve become and who you hope to be in the future.

Show Your ‘Why’, Don’t Tell

The balance of Stanford MBA Essay A should focus on one or two other situations from your life since the ‘superhero origin’ where the thing that matters most to you influenced your actions or choices. One of these (or a third topical area if you have space) can be devoted to your vision of the future. You have space to further spell out your plans in Essay B, but you should lay out, in broad strokes, how your ‘thing’ influences where you want to take your life in Essay A.

Putting it All Together

Once you have the backbone of your essay in place, our advice is to go back and add stylistic nuances that demonstrate you possess the characteristics the GSB seeks. Describe interpersonal dynamics within each story and how you successfully navigated them. Layer in emotion and insights about yourself that demonstrate self-awareness.  Importantly, write so that the adcom feels your authentic passion for the topic you have chosen to discuss.

If this sounds difficult, that’s because it is. Writing a strong Stanford essay takes upfront investment in introspection and time to iterate (and then iterate again). It’s not uncommon for us to work through 10-20 drafts of this essay with clients because, even with professional help, that’s how long it takes to make it perfect.

Stanford MBA Essay B is Straightforward but Not ‘Easy’

Once you’ve outlined generally where you want to take your life in Essay A, Essay B is your opportunity to get tactical. Share your specific post-MBA goals and describe why an MBA and the GSB’s program in particular are necessary to help you achieve them.

Specificity and Personalization Are key

If someone could blindly read your Stanford MBA Essay B and think it applies to another MBA program, you are not being specific enough. If they could read it and think the ‘why Stanford’ you describe could help someone achieve different goals than those you are targeting, you are not personalizing your reasons sufficiently.

Writing a successful Essay B requires more than just perusing the GSB’s website for classes and its own description of why the program is unique. Talk to alums and current students, attend webinars, stroll campus if you can, and, critically, reflect on the specific skillsets (hard or soft) you need to build to achieve your most aspirational goals.

Overwhelmed? We get it – the Stanford GSB application is perhaps the most challenging MBA application out there. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to request a free consultation .

Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.

MBA Application Deadlines and Essays for 2024-2025

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Tuesday Tips: Stanford MBA Essay Tips for 2024-2025

The Stanford Graduate School of Business has announced the Stanford MBA essay questions for this year’s application. Today, we’re sharing our Stanford MBA essay tips to help you create a positive impression through your application materials. This year’s essays remain largely unchanged from previous seasons.

The admissions committee at Stanford has gained significant insight into applicants by asking, “What matters most, and why?” along with “Why Stanford?” These questions are simple, yet the answers are revealing. Also, the optional essay allows you to go beyond your resume and describe a time you had an impact.

What is Stanford Looking For?

“The GSB is looking for people who will make a big difference AND have a better shot than most in being able to execute. Stanford GSB students also seem to have this ‘X’ factor associated with them. Almost like an ‘unexpected’ trait, talent, or experience,” says a former GSB admissions officer now on the SBC team .

Many students are intimidated to apply to Stanford GSB for their MBA in light of its high ranking and competitive admissions numbers. However, here at Stacy Blackman Consulting, we have worked with hundreds of applicants over the years who have successfully gained admission to Stanford. We shared some of our successful applicants’ essential traits to help everyone get admitted to top-tier schools.

Our successful Stanford MBA applicants demonstrated real character. That means they have helped others and shown they share a sense of community. Also, they showed that they cared about the world beyond their material wants and needs in their essays.

As Stanford advises, “answer the question. Resist the urge to ‘package’ yourself into what you think Stanford wants to see. Doing so will only prevent us from understanding who you really are and what you hope to accomplish. The most impressive essays are the most authentic.” Therefore, these essays need to be personal and reveal your personality and what drives you.

Listen to B-Schooled Podcast Episode #152 : Spotlight on Stanford GSB

Understanding Stanford’s culture and academics will help you tailor your application. Before starting these essays, it will be helpful to speak to Stanford students and alumni. As you start your research online, it may be helpful to read stories from GSB students. You can begin with our former client, Natasha Malpani (pictured) .

Stanford MBA Essay Tips

Length both essays combined may not exceed 1,000 words. we recommend up to 650 words for essay a and up to 350 words for essay b. we often find effective essays that are written in fewer words., essay a: what matters most to you, and why, for this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. you might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you what people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives.

This Stanford MBA essay is about diving deep into what motivates you and why. Topics can range from personal history to big-picture visions of the future. This essay should not be explicitly career-related (and the most persuasive essays are likely not career-oriented at all). However, some of your themes will likely continue in the following essay, which may focus more on your career.

For example, you may have a personal passion that also has led you to a related career aspiration. Your character should shine through, and ideally, introspection and honesty carry through the entire set of essays. To generate ideas, try brainstorming for a few days. Ask friends and family what values they see you demonstrating in your life and choices.

What keeps you awake at night?

Keep a notebook by your bed so you can record your first thoughts upon waking up. Review your personal history for ideas. When you look back at your life, what do you admire and regret about your choices? Are there moments in your life that have led to a change in direction? Who has impacted your decisions? These are the kinds of questions to ask yourself as you brainstorm topics for this essay.

It is tough to write such an open-ended and challenging essay. To focus, use detailed and specific anecdotes. Clear examples will provide the reader with images and stories to understand your perspective. After reading hundreds of essays, the ones that have vivid stories in them stand out the most.

However, Stanford GSB specifically advises focusing on people and experiences that have influenced you. Accomplishments and achievements are great, but Stanford wants to know you . Don’t be scared of the challenging moments in life – often, self-awareness emerges from challenges. Whatever experiences you choose, it’s imperative to talk about why they impacted your life and your values.

Along with colorful examples, talk about how you felt, thought, and reacted both at the time and as you reflected later. The “why” will come from your reactions to your life experience or people who have influenced you and the resulting introspection.

Curious about your chances of getting into Stanford GSB? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session  with an SBC Principal Consultant. 

ESSAY B: WHY STANFORD?

Describe your aspirations and how your stanford gsb experience will help you realize them. if you are applying to both the mba and msx programs, use essay b to address your interest in both programs..

After explaining who you are, you will tell why your next step is a Stanford MBA. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx, make sure you can highlight the advantages of both programs for your situation. For example, you might have significant work experience and also see the benefits of attending a two-year program. Therefore, you could be interested in either option to achieve your goals.

The sub-questions for this essay cover both why you are interested in pursuing an MBA and why you specifically want to attend Stanford GSB for your MBA. Stanford GSB wants to know that your aspirations will be uniquely satisfied by the program. As a result, school research will help you explain how academics and community matter to you.

Create Your Winning Stanford GSB Application

Be as specific as possible to provide evidence that you have done your research. Have you met current students and alumni? Who are the professors you are excited about? What are the unique programs? Is Stanford’s culture appealing to you, and why? Think about using specific examples, like the career path of one particular alum you admire.

If the question seems too vast, take a few minutes to close your eyes and reflect.

Envision your life in twenty years. Where do you live? How do you spend your days? What is your favorite activity? Does this vision fit into your career aspirations? Don’t be shy about your ambitions. Once you have identified your dream career, make sure an MBA is a big part of achieving your plans.

Also, consider that Stanford likes to see applicants who dream big and have the credibility to achieve their goals. Be bold with your aspirations. Therefore write about global, big-picture issues you would like to solve. Not what your parents or partner want you to do, and not the next job on the corporate ladder. In particular, explain what you—with your unique background and values—want for your life.

Even though you should think big, don’t make the mistake of acting as if you are already perfect with no development needed. After all, you are a work in progress, and that’s appropriate. Remember that MBA programs want to help promising candidates reach their goals and be one step on an ambitious career trajectory.

Optional Short-Answer Question: Think about a time in the last few years when you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others?

This Stanford MBA essay focuses on an example of a time when you created an impact. Stanford is looking for people who have inner strength and drive. But also, Stanford seeks those who can influence others.

First, think about when you influenced a group. Perhaps you were a leader or a vital team member. Then, think about the positive results of that experience and how you contributed. Finally, describe how it was important to you. Ideally, this significance fits with your overall application themes in the primary essays. And hopefully, it also shows a new side to your candidacy.

The Stanford MBA application for the Class of 2027 is officially open. For more information, please visit the  Stanford GSB admissions  website. If you need guidance on your Stanford MBA application or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a  complimentary analysis  of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from Harvard HBS, Stanford GSB and every elite business program in the US and Europe.  These MBA Admissions Officers have chosen to work exclusively with SBC.

Just two of the many superstars on the SBC team: Meet Erin , who was Assistant Director of MBA Admissions at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) and Director of MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Meet Andrea , who served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.

Tap into this inside knowledge for your MBA applications by requesting a consultation .

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Stanford GSB MBA Essays: Prompts, Tips, & Examples

Craft compelling Stanford GSB MBA essays with our expert prompts, tips, and real-life examples.

Posted January 26, 2024

Featuring Charlotte W.

MBA Admissions Strategy Office Hours

Starting tuesday, july 9.

5:00 PM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is renowned for its rigorous and selective MBA program. As part of the application process, prospective students are required to submit essays that provide insights into their personal and professional backgrounds, as well as their aspirations. In this article, we will delve into the importance of Stanford GSB MBA essays , analyze the essay prompts, offer valuable tips for writing effective essays, and discuss common mistakes to avoid. Lastly, we will emphasize the significance of a final review and provide guidance on seeking feedback. Let's begin!

Stanford GSB MBA Essays Overview

Stanford GSB MBA essays provide a broader context for evaluating applicants by offering additional insights into their motivations, values, and goals. Admissions committees carefully review these essays to better understand an applicant's fit with the program, as well as their potential impact on the Stanford GSB community. Essays allow candidates to present their unique perspectives and highlight experiences that might not be evident through other parts of the application.

For example, imagine a candidate who has a strong academic background and impressive professional achievements. While these accomplishments are certainly noteworthy, they may not fully capture the candidate's personal journey, challenges faced, or the values that drive them. Essays provide an avenue for applicants to delve deeper into their stories, offering a more holistic view of their character and potential.

Moreover, essays give applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their writing skills , critical thinking abilities, and their capacity to articulate complex ideas. These are essential skills for success in business school and beyond. Admissions committees are not only interested in the content of the essays but also in the way candidates present their thoughts and ideas.

Essays play a crucial role in the Stanford GSB MBA application process. They offer applicants a unique opportunity to showcase their experiences, values, and aspirations to the admissions committee. Through essays, candidates can make a compelling case for their admission, supplementing the quantitative information present in their application form. Therefore, investing time and effort into crafting exceptional essays is of utmost importance.

What Stanford GSB Looks for in Essays

When evaluating essays, Stanford GSB seeks to assess an applicant's intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal qualities such as authenticity and self-awareness. Admissions officers also explore how candidates have transformed their experiences into valuable insights, showcasing their ability to contribute meaningfully to the MBA cohort.

Intellectual vitality is a key aspect that Stanford GSB looks for in essays. The program values candidates who have a curiosity for learning, a passion for exploring new ideas, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Through their essays, applicants have the opportunity to demonstrate their intellectual curiosity by discussing their academic pursuits, research interests, or innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Leadership potential is another important criterion that Stanford GSB evaluates in essays. The program seeks candidates who have the ability to inspire and motivate others, to navigate complex situations, and to make a positive impact on their organizations and communities. Essays provide a platform for applicants to showcase their leadership experiences, highlighting instances where they have taken initiative, influenced others, or led teams to achieve significant results.

Authenticity and self-awareness are highly valued qualities at Stanford GSB. Admissions officers are interested in understanding the genuine motivations and values that drive applicants. Through their essays, candidates can share personal anecdotes, reflect on their experiences, and provide insights into their core beliefs and principles. This level of self-awareness not only helps the admissions committee assess an applicant's fit with the program but also enables candidates to present a more authentic and compelling narrative.

In conclusion, Stanford GSB MBA essays play a vital role in the application process. They provide applicants with an opportunity to go beyond their academic and professional achievements, allowing them to present a more holistic view of their character, motivations, and potential. By investing time and effort into crafting exceptional essays, candidates can effectively communicate their unique perspectives and experiences, increasing their chances of securing admission to the Stanford GSB MBA program.

Breaking Down the Stanford GSB MBA Essay Prompts

Stanford GSB provides applicants with a set of essay prompts, designed to elicit thoughtful and reflective responses. Let's analyze each prompt to understand what the admissions committee is looking for:

Analyzing Each Prompt

1. Prompt 1: "What matters most to you, and why?" This prompt encourages applicants to reflect on their core values and motivations that have shaped their lives. It seeks to understand what truly drives and inspires them.

2. Prompt 2: "Why Stanford? Enlighten us on how earning your MBA at Stanford will enable you to realize your ambitions." This prompt aims to evaluate how well applicants understand the unique aspects of Stanford GSB and how they envision leveraging the program to achieve their goals.

4 Common Themes in Stanford GSB Prompts

Although the essay prompts may vary each year, there are recurring themes that tend to emerge:

• Self-reflection and personal values
• Leadership and impact
• Passion and authenticity
• Desire for growth and learning

Understanding these common themes can help applicants craft powerful and cohesive essays that align with Stanford GSB's values and philosophies.

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Tips for Writing Effective Stanford GSB MBA Essays

Writing standout essays requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you create impactful narratives:

Structuring Your Essay

Start with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader and clearly states your central theme. Develop the body of your essay coherently, using paragraphs to explore different aspects of your experiences and perspectives. Finally, end with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your main points and leaves a lasting impression.

Balancing Personal and Professional Information

While it is important to provide insights into both your personal and professional life, strike a balance to ensure that your essays are holistic and reflective of your overall candidacy. Be mindful of not reiterating information already present in your resume or other parts of the application.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Stanford GSB MBA Essays

As you compose your essays, watch out for these common pitfalls:

Overused Phrases to Avoid

Steer clear of clichés and generic phrases that fail to reveal your true character and unique perspective. Admissions officers seek authenticity, so express yourself in an original and genuine manner.

Pitfalls of Being Too Generic or Vague

Avoid being vague or overly general in your essays. Instead, focus on specific examples and provide concrete evidence to substantiate your assertions. Share stories that demonstrate your actions, impact, and growth.

The Final Review: Polishing Your Stanford GSB MBA Essay

Before submitting your essays, remember to give them a final review:

Importance of Proofreading

Read through your essays multiple times, meticulously checking for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Ensure that your thoughts flow logically and that your essay maintains a consistent tone and style.

Seeking Feedback on Your Essay

Share your essays with trusted friends, mentors, or admissions consultants to gain valuable perspectives. Constructive feedback can help you refine your essays and ensure they resonate with the admissions committee.

In conclusion, Stanford GSB MBA essays offer applicants a priceless opportunity to express their unique attributes, motivations, and aspirations. By understanding the importance of these essays, analyzing the prompts, incorporating valuable tips, and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft persuasive essays that enhance your chances of being admitted to this prestigious program. Remember, a well-written essay can be the differentiating factor that sets you apart from other candidates and propels you towards your goals. Good luck!

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How to Write the Stanford GSB Essays

Introduction ‍.

Now that you’ve decided you want to apply for an MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (Stanford GSB), you need to craft an application that will demonstrate your professional skills, experience, and academic record. You will also need to showcase your skills as a writer, your aspirations, and your individuality. 

The Stanford GSB essays are a crucial component of your Stanford application; they will illuminate your voice and authentic self to the admissions committee. Although writing the Stanford GSB essays can seem like a daunting task, this guide will help you understand, execute, and perfect your essays.

What are the Stanford GSB Essays? ‍

The Stanford GSB essays are two personal essays you'll complete as part of your application to Stanford. The infamous ‘ essay A ’ asks applicants, “What matters most to you, and why?” 

Stanford’s website encourages applicants to “ write from the heart ” and be genuine about what matters most to you and to make an argument for why it is so important. 

Essay B , on the other hand, asks applicants, “Why Stanford?” 

This essay provides the opportunity to describe your personal aspirations and how Stanford fits around them. 

Stanford also allows you to submit several optional short answer essay questions . These questions are completely optional and provide you with more words to discuss topics you may not have been able to address elsewhere in your application. The first prompt reads: 

“Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others?” 

This prompt allows you to provide up to three examples to discuss your resume further. 

The other optional short-answer Stanford GSB essay question asks you to:

“Tell us about a time within the last three years when your background influenced your participation in a situation, interaction, or project.”

This essay facilitates discussion about your background, like education, work, skills, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or gender identity. 

Stanford GSB Essay Length

Both Essay A and B together should not exceed 1,050 words. 

Stanford recommends writing no more than 650 words for essay A and no more than 400 words for essay B. Stanford asks that all essays are double-spaced and submitted in one document with numbered pages. 

For Stanford’s optional question A, you can provide up to three 200-word responses. You should write around 200 words for Stanford’s optional question B essay. 

This length constraint may seem restrictive, but being concise and adopting the “less is more” approach can make for a particularly effective essay. As Stanford notes, “We often find effective essays that are written in fewer words.” 

What Is the Purpose of the Stanford GSB Essays? 

The rest of your application includes everything you need to make a good impression: adequate work experience , high grades, a lengthy list of extracurriculars, and a stellar resume . 

Stanford understands that you are more than the sum of your total experiences and credentials laid out on these pages. The Stanford GSB essays humanize your application and demonstrate to the admissions committee what makes you unique. 

Stanford GSB Essay A

Essay A is a deeply personal and subjective essay. There is no such thing as a perfect topic to write about here. 

The question, “What matters to you most, and why?” is purposefully tricky to answer as it forces you to delve deep into yourself and choose something that is most important to you. That is easier said than done, especially when so many of us have many great things in our lives that are important to us, like our families, friends, and jobs. 

Some may take the route of writing about big-picture ideas like eliminating poverty, ending world hunger, or halting climate change. But essay A is not the space to write what you think Stanford wants to hear, and doing so would be doing yourself a disservice. 

Derrick Bolton, the former Stanford admissions director , said that your essay should “... be so personal that if you were working on it at 2 AM and accidentally printed a copy to your office printer, you would break out in a cold sweat, grab the keys, floor it and drive as fast as you could to the office to snatch the essay before anyone could read it.” 

Some applicants write about controversial or uncomfortable topics, whereas others write about how they want to impact the world, or how their weaknesses have helped cultivate their strengths. 

Ultimately, how you want to portray your individuality and what you choose to write about is entirely up to you. 

Stanford GSB Essay B

Essay B reflects your personal reasons for applying to Stanford. This writing demonstrates why Stanford is the best fit for you and how completing your Stanford MBA will help you achieve your goals. 

Although you have a tight word limit to explain why Stanford is the school for you, you want to be specific to show that you researched the school and program. You also need to explain how Stanford’s program is a significant stepping stone to achieving your career and personal goals. 

You should have an understanding of your industry and what your working life could look like post-MBA. The other purpose of this essay is to demonstrate how your admittance will enrich Stanford’s class. 

Stanford Optional Short Answer Question A 

The optional question A is focused on uncovering more about you beyond your resume. 

Specifically, Stanford is “... interested in learning about the things you have done that are most meaningful to you.” While you can write about your most impactful experiences in the Stanford GSB Essay A, this prompt allows you to go beyond your resume. 

Perhaps you didn’t have enough words to discuss your love of photography in Essay A. In that case, this optional essay allows you to discuss your contributions more fully. 

Of course, you shouldn’t use this essay to ramble on about why you love Stanford. Write about that in your “why Stanford essay.” Instead, answer the question’s main focus — what positive impact did you create, and what made it significant? 

Write about your impact on a situation and emphasize your skills and abilities that will help you achieve academic and professional success. If you can point to your stellar leadership skills, you will show you are ready for an MBA.  

Stanford Optional Short Answer Question B

Stanford’s optional short answer question B asks you to discuss your background. “Background” is purposefully defined broadly. So, you can write about almost anything, ranging from your socioeconomic status to gender identity. 

Perhaps you chose to pursue a part-time job in college because of your gender identity. In that case, explain how and why your background influenced your decision. Self-reflection is key here.

What Is Stanford GSB Looking for in the Essays?

Stanford’s admissions team uses your Stanford GSB application essays to get to know you beyond your academic achievements. 

Specifically, they want to read about your experiences and hear your “genuine voice.” Each Stanford MBA essay is designed to allow you to open up to the admissions committee. Being authentic is vital here; Stanford’s admissions officers can tell if you are not genuine in your responses. 

There is no “right” or “perfect” answer to Stanford’s prompts. As Stanford says, “... the best answer is the one that is truest for you.” 

Looking at Stanford example essays is helpful, as they show you how other applicants have written about their lives. But they are written by other applicants with different experiences. 

Reflect on your own experiences in your Stanford business school essay, and you’ll increase your chances of admission. 

Step-by-step Guide to Writing the Stanford GSB Essays

Writing the Stanford GSB essays can be a daunting task; you may be asking yourself, “How can I effectively convey all that I want to in so few words?” 

Writing an effective essay about yourself can feel challenging, especially with such a low word limit. These essays are quite different from essays you may have done as an undergrad, where long essays are part of the curriculum. 

Remember that these essays are designed to be challenging, and it’s OK to find them difficult. This step-by-step guide will help get you started and provide tips to write a great essay. 

1. Pick Your Topic 

The first step to any essay is to pick your topic. 

For the Stanford GSB essay A, the best course is to brainstorm; think about all the things that are important to you and why you consider them important. Also, think about your achievements and why you set out to achieve them. 

2. Create an Outline 

After you’ve compiled a list, you can narrow down your topic and begin writing. A bullet-pointed list outlining your Stanford MBA essay’s rough structure will help you develop an overall framework.

3. Start Writing 

You can build upon the points you want to touch on and use supporting points as the foundation of your essay. Your essay should be easily separated into three parts:

• Introduction 
• Body paragraphs
• Conclusion 

Your introduction will introduce the topic, the body paragraphs will provide evidence to support your writing, and your conclusion will wrap up your essay neatly. 

4. Create Your Introduction 

Your introduction should captivate the reader immediately. The introduction is often where candidates introduce a relevant anecdote. 

Many people find it helpful to complete their introduction after the main essay is complete. It’s suitable to begin with your introduction or dive right into the body of your essay.

5. Write the Body 

The body of your essay should provide specific examples related to your anecdote. You should discuss what you’ve learned or gained from your experience. 

6. Write Your Conclusion 

Your conclusion should summarize your main points and reference the future you want. It should also leave the reader feeling satisfied that Stanford will help you toward that future. 

1. Brainstorm Why You Want to Attend Stanford 

With the “why Stanford” MBA essay, because you already have your topic, you will want to work out your specific reasons for why Stanford is the school for you. 

Again, brainstorming reasons will help you develop the framework of your essay. Does the school culture excite you? Are you looking to make connections within Silicon Valley?

Jot down every reason you can think of to narrow down your argument. Similar to essay A, your essay should have an identifiable introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. 

3. Create Your Introduction

Your “why Stanford” essay introduction should immediately explain your interest in Stanford. Why is Stanford the school you want to go to? Alternatively, you can start writing the body of your essay first and return to the introduction after.

4. Write the Body 

The body of your essay should highlight some of your achievements and what you have learned from your experiences. You can also relate your background to classes offered in the program and how they would help you grow. 

5. Write Your Conclusion 

Your conclusion should leave the reader satisfied that Stanford is the only school for you. Be passionate, and be specific. 

For both essays, remember to revise, revise, revise. Your essays should be free of all grammar and spelling mistakes and should flow well. Be sure to read your writing aloud to see how it reads as this can help identify possible errors or substantive issues.

Stanford GSB Essay Examples and What Made Them Successful

Reviewing Stanford essay examples is a great way to understand how your writing should generally look, feel, and flow. Below are two compelling essay examples of Stanford GSB essays that worked. 

These are paragraphs taken from full examples of Stanford essays that worked and are not complete essays alone. To better understand the essays’ makeup, the introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs are labeled. 

Stanford What Matters Most to You and Why Essay Example

What matters most to you, and why?

Sample Introduction:

One evening during a winter break in college, I was driving home and saw my disabled neighbor on our street, slumped over in his driveway, sobbing. I jumped out of my car and ran. 

The ramp to his house was obstructed by a few recently dropped off packages, and he badly needed to use the restroom, having been stuck there for almost an hour. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and former breadwinner, dehumanized by his disability and utterly helpless in this moment. 

Sample Body Paragraph:

I’m driven by finding answers to the most complex, most challenging problems faced by humanity; the ones that are too daunting, or those that go unrecognized. I had to do something. 

So, I rallied a friend, and together we built a low-cost, AI-driven speech-recognition platform that enabled voice-activated control over electronic systems in a household, thus affording increased independence to individuals suffering from ALS and multiple sclerosis. 

It was an exercise in creativity and persistence, and quite daunting at the outset. But, in the end, our solution worked, and cost a fraction of a now commercially available solution like Alexa.

Sample Conclusion:

In the long run, by proving the benefits of AI-driven healthcare to the world, I want to build an enterprise that not only develops sophisticated technology that improves quality of life but also molds the underlying fabric of healthcare policy. 

Like Uber or Airbnb, I dream of leading an organization that fundamentally shifts the contemporary regulatory paradigm in healthcare to one that appropriately reflects both the medical and psychological needs of the modern patient.

We’re all companions on a journey through life; the same random forces that imbue me with good health compel countless others to live in a state of constant suffering. Humanity is a gift, and I have a social and moral responsibility to empower others to live life with passion, dignity, and hope. It is a mission I am dedicated to for the rest of my life.

What Made This Essay Effective?

• The beginning of this Stanford MBA essay sample immerses the reader immediately into the story the student is telling. The rich anecdote is an excellent starting point to lead the rest of their writing, and we instantly want to know more about their journey. 
• The student’s motivations and passions are illuminated and supported throughout the essay. 
• The student demonstrated how they have worked with their passions and motivations creatively to develop a tool to increase independence for individuals living with disabilities.
• The student’s conclusion articulates their long-term goal and restates their passion. The student explained how they plan to dedicate themselves to their cause and improve others’ quality of life.
• The essay leaves the reader satisfied due to its genuineness.

Why Stanford Essay Example

Why Stanford?

Example Introduction:

Silicon Valley is the cradle of global innovation, a melting pot of creators and visionaries. Its one-of-a-kind community paces the world in invention, creativity, and impact. Stanford is at the nucleus of this ecosystem. 

I dream of building a company that pushes the frontiers of AI to fundamentally reshape the global health paradigm, and the GSB MBA offers unparalleled opportunities to explore myself and my passions on that journey.

Example Body Paragraph:

One important lesson I have learned through my experiences as an inventor is the importance of creativity in navigating constraints and creating lasting impact. I once spent months in rural [Country], with limited materials and guidance, building a [medical device]. Only much later, following conversation with a colleague, did I realize I was intuitively applying design thinking and frugal innovation principles in solving challenges. 

I now want a structured education in accessible, cost-effective, and human-centric design through courses such as Design for Health, which will be invaluable in realizing my mission of improving the quality of life for the disabled.

Example Conclusion:

Steve Jobs once famously said that you can only connect the dots in hindsight. I plan to spend my future creating impactful, long-term change in healthcare. When I reflect on life down the road, I am confident I will see my time at Stanford GSB as the brightest dot along the journey.

What Made This Essay Effective? 

• The student immediately states why they’re interested in attending Stanford and discusses how they will fit into the school. 
• They discuss what they’ve learned in their experiences. This shows that they are mature, reflective, and self-aware. 
• They link their experiences to a specific course at Stanford. This shows that the student has researched the program and is excited about Stanford’s course offerings. 
• This is an exciting and confident conclusion. The student summarizes where they expect to be in the future and how Stanford will help propel them to that goal.

Top Tips for Crafting Memorable Essays 

You want to make sure that your essays stand out for their exceptional quality; it’s not enough to develop pieces that get your point across but come off as formulaic and uncreative. 

Below we have compiled a few top tips for Essay A and B to ensure your essays help you stand out in the best way possible. You can also use these tips if you are struggling to understand how to write the Stanford short essays.

Be a Storyteller

Stanford GSB admissions readers are looking for rich anecdotes and well-crafted stories in essay A . 

Your unique experience is important — and a story worth telling. These elements will entice the reader to want to know more about you and your passions. These stories can be emotional and humanize you and your aspirations to the admissions committee. 

Think about the central theme for your essay, and relay a supporting anecdote. Be sure to give context to help the reader understand why this topic is so important to you. Don’t be afraid to get personal . 

Watch the Length and Keep It Fairly Simple 

When you’re writing about yourself, it can be tempting to write pages and pages to make sure you’re getting your point across. After all, you’re the only expert on the subject! But keep things concise, easily digestible, and confident. 

This assignment is not the space to show off your long-winded creative writing skills and detailed description. It’s also not the space to impress the admissions committee by writing what you think they want to hear. 

Your writing shouldn’t have any frills that can dilute or muddle your answer. Remember to keep things simple, be genuine, and be confident — these are the best ways to set yourself up for success. 

Do Not Focus on Your Accomplishments 

Your essays are not meant to be an opportunity to expand or regurgitate your previous work experience. Your essays can highlight things that you haven’t already discussed. Your resume and letters of recommendation already summarize your professional experiences — this an assignment to show your vulnerability and thoughtfulness. 

If there is an accomplishment that encompasses your passions that you haven’t previously discussed, that is OK. Talk about a person, event, or place that has shaped you. Your essay should give the admissions committee a glimpse at the real person behind the accolades.

Do Your School Research 

Stanford GSB essay B calls for you to do adequate school research. Think about why Stanford is the perfect school for you, and let your research support you. Are there classes, clubs, events, or program elements that will help you realize your goals? 

Be as specific as you can to demonstrate that you have done more than casually surf the school’s website. Your research will help you craft a stellar essay. 

There are No ‘Right’ Answers 

There are no right or wrong ways to write both of your Stanford GSB essays. Your story is yours to tell in whatever way you see fit. If your writing honestly reflects your passions, motivations, and dreams, you are on the right track. 

If you feel yourself agonizing and poring over every line, your essays may not be your brand of “right” quite yet. It sounds a little scary to rely on your intuition and to open up, but you will reap the rewards. 

Stanford GSB Essay FAQs

Writing the Stanford GSB essays isn't easy. However, we’ve put together several questions and answers to help you write killer MBA essays. 

1. How do I submit my Stanford GSB essays? 

You should upload essays electronically in one document. Preview the document to make sure that the formatting of your writing does not change. 

2. What’s the best way to go about editing my essays? 

Beyond checking your essays for plagiarism issues and spelling and grammar mistakes, you should also reflect on your essays’ flow and voice. 

Read your essays aloud and see if they sound and feel right.  An unbiased professional opinion is the best way to polish your essays. The experience of a professional review of your essays would be priceless. 

3. What if I want to exceed the word limit on my essays to fit in everything I want to say?

Exceeding the word limit is not recommended. Stanford is looking for MBA candidates who can write concise and compelling essays about themselves and their aspirations. Try to stay within the recommended 650 words for essay A and 400 words for essay B. 

4. Am I allowed to receive feedback on my essays from consulting services? 

Yes. You are allowed to have your essays reviewed after completion — appropriate feedback is when omissions or errors are addressed and you correct them after. Your thoughts and voice should remain the same. 

Inappropriate coaching occurs when someone else has crafted any part of your essay for you. If this happens, your essays are no longer an accurate representation of you and violate terms. Your application will then either be denied or revoked. 

5. What are the optional essays? 

There are two additional optional essays that candidates can complete as part of their application. The first is, “Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others?” This essay gives you the chance to discuss your resume further. You can provide up to three examples for a total of 600 words, or 200 words per example. 

The second optional essay asks, “Tell us about a time within the last three years when your background influenced your participation at work or school.” This essay facilitates discussion about your background, like education, work, skills, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or gender identity. The word limit for this essay is approximately 200 words. 

6. Will it hurt my chances if I do not write the optional essays? 

The optional essays are just that — optional. If you feel that you’ve already addressed these topics in your application, there is no need. 

But if you want to expand on something that you may not have discussed already, feel free to complete these optional essays. Stanford has accepted applicants who have not completed these additional essays and has not accepted applicants who have completed them.

Excel on the Stanford GSB Essays, Ace the Application

Writing the Stanford GSB essays can be an intimidating task, but this guide should help you polish your essays to perfection. Remember to keep the purpose of both essays in mind as you write. Make sure that your writing is answering the questions that Stanford is asking. 

The step-by-step guide above can help you to complete your essay. The sample Stanford essays that worked illustrated above will help give you an idea of what makes a great Stanford GSB essay. The tips shared in the article will assist you in the memorability of your essay. 

Remember to tell your stories authentically and be genuine in your Stanford GSB essays, and you will be on the path to success.

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How to Write the Stanford GSB Essays: Analysis, Examples and Strategies That Work

POSTED ON 06/27/2022 BY The Red Pen

The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) looks for candidates with ambition, confidence and empathy to visualise outcomes that impact humanity and change the world. Ask yourself:

• Are these traits well represented in your application?
• How have you impacted communities or even countries?
• Do your interests and career trajectory demonstrate your intellectual curiosity?
• Does your resume reflect your demonstrated leadership qualities (whether through leading a team or enabling outcomes for organisations)?
• Do your personal qualities and achievements shine through during your diverse engagements with other individuals and society?

While applying, you need to speak of instances where you stood by your values, demonstrated a knack for building connections and made a lasting impact.

Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) Essay Analysis

A crucial part of the application process; Stanford GSB clearly defines what it expects from your essays . The essays section of the application page starts with a clear mission statement – “Essays help us learn about who you are rather than solely what you have done.”

Current Stanford GSB admission director Kirsten Moss once said, “The only common mistake I can think of is not taking the time to read the guidance we offer on our website and in the application.”

How to Tackle the Stanford GSB MBA Essays

Essay prompts – essay a.

“What matters most to you and why?” (Recommended Maximum Word Limit – 650 words)

Essay A is a challenge because it is open-ended. Unlike other schools, you are not expected to talk about what you will contribute to the school or why you want to pursue an MBA. In an interview , Kirsten Moss said that Essay A “…is the best assignment we could ever give as it will help you guide your trajectory from this moment forward”.

Tips on Brainstorming for the Essay:

1) Reflect deeply: John Dewey , the American philosopher and education reformist, said, “We do not learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience”. Writing this essay requires consistent and mindful reflection. A great habit to foster deep reflection is maintaining a journal where you note significant events, behaviours and values that have impacted your life. Start the process of reflection by thinking about positive and negative experiences in your life. Ask yourself:

• What was it like living that experience?
• Did it leave an impact on you?
• Did you learn a lesson that will stick with you for life?
• Did it result in a perspective shift for you?
• Think about the people involved – how has your relationship with them evolved?
• What impact did they leave on you and vice-versa?

For example, you may have experienced a pivotal moment as a child with the death of a beloved grandparent. While such an incident is bound to have an emotional impact, it may have also caused you to reflect back on the time you spent with the person and how you learned important life lessons that shaped your outlook and your core beliefs, thereby influencing how you interact with and interpret the world around you.

During such focussed self-reflection, carefully identify what matters the most to you. This is a tricky part. If you have not engaged in self-reflection for a while now – it is never too late. Making detailed notes of your journey will lead to the emergence of behaviour patterns and values that guide your actions and interactions. You now have the building blocks of your essay.

2) Write from the heart: Now that you have the essential elements to describe what matters to you – put pen to paper. The Stanford GSB admission committee’s advice is to write from the heart, which simply means that you need to be personal. Your self-reflection has shown you what values you hold dear and what matters to you. Now think about how it has shaped you and helped you evolve personally. Communicate what you are passionate about through examples and experiences and use them to illustrate your personality to the reader. By giving your thoughts direction, you will be able to write from your heart in a manner that gives your essay substance and a clear focus on the future.

3) Identify what matters most to you and tell them why: Think beyond the admission committee’s advice here. Now that you have identified what matters the most, you are ready to write from the heart. But, do not merely focus on TELLING the reader “why”. Rather, SHOW them why your essay subject matters to you. Instead of stating that you evaluate situations scientifically, you will be better served by providing an example of how you took your bicycle apart as a child, built simple periscopes in school and found solutions to a problem your peers were facing by breaking down the different elements of the problem. Building your narrative adds layers to the story with multiple examples that demonstrate the evolution of a core part of your personality. Examples from your life will bring immense depth to what matters most to you and make your assertions more personal and nuanced.

Suggested Essay Structure With Word Count Breakup:

For this essay, stating what matters to you should be around 50 words. To support your assertion, you need to use the rest of the allocated word count to provide examples from your life experiences. This is ample space to show an evolution of your thought with two or three critical examples. Use 50 words in your conclusion to indicate how you see the theme playing out for you in the future.

Essay Prompts – Essay B

“Why Stanford?” (Recommended Maximum Word Limit – 400 words)

1) Describe your aspirations: At this point, Stanford GSB knows you from Essay A; they now want to know your vision of the ‘future you’. In Essay B, talk about your career aspirations; what is your dream career? There should be a natural progression from the core value system you have described in Essay A to your post-MBA ambitions and why the school plays an integral part in this journey. Consider your aspirations from the lens of the impact you want to create. In a nutshell – be ambitious! For example, you may have spoken about how eradicating poverty is what matters most to you in Essay A. In Essay B, you should build on that thought to provide specific details of the impact you want to make – by finding a solution that provides employment to [X] million people in the Indian subcontinent and impacts the country’s GDP by [X] per cent.

2) State how the Stanford GSB experience will help you realise them: To answer this part of the essay, research the school to narrow down on what, for you, is the most compelling about the GSB experience. For example, researching the SEED programme may inform your ambition to participate and gain valuable insight into your vision of impact with your own long term entrepreneurial journey. Some key elements to keep in mind while researching the school are:

• What is the curriculum structure; what excites you about it?
• What specific classes appeal to you and how do they connect with your aspirations?
• Is the school involved in academic research in your area of interest?
• What other activities/clubs does the school offer that interests you?
• What did the alumni have to say about their experience at Stanford GSB?

If you are applying to both Stanford’s MBA programme and MSx (1-year master’s) programme, use Essay B to address your interests.

Use around 100-150 words to describe your ambition for the future and the rest of the available word count to describe specific resources in Stanford GSB that relate to specific elements of your post-MBA journey.

Finally, use the Additional Information section of the application or the three optional essays to:

• Explain extenuating circumstances affecting academic or work performance
• Expand on academic experience (e.g., independent research) not noted elsewhere
• Provide the admissions committee with additional examples of impact that could not be accommodated elsewhere. 

Do not mention these elements in Essays A and B. The two essays need to showcase you as a self-aware applicant willing to understand yourself better.

The Red Pen’s team-based approach will help you reflect meaningfully to present your case clearly to the Stanford GSB admission committee. Contact us here to begin your MBA admission journey.

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“What Matters?” and “What More?”: 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked)

The application essay questions for the world’s two most competitive MBA programs— Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)—are notoriously challenging.

Having helped hundreds of candidates gain acceptance to these elite business schools, Jeremy Shinewald of mbaMission and Liza Weale of Gatehouse Admissions, in partnership with Poets&Quants, have pooled their collective experience to now help you. Using a carefully curated collection of 50 successful essays for HBS and the GSB, they have broken down why each one worked and created a truly essential guide to crafting essays for these schools more confidently and effectively.

“What Matters?” and “What More?”: 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked) is a 190-page digital book offering the following:

• Actual HBS and Stanford GSB essays, submitted by past candidates who were ultimately admitted, along with expert commentary on the strengths (and sometimes weaknesses!) of each one
• Ten pairs of essays for HBS and the GSB, showing how the same candidate approached the two schools’ differing essay prompts
• Two essays by reapplicants, highlighting useful tactics for writing these essays the second time around
• Overviews and examples of four different approaches you can take to composing your essays: thematic, inflection points, single anecdote, and mosaic
• Best practices for each program’s essay question, such as how to handle word counts and what not to include in your essays

Click here to read an excerpt from the book, including one HBS essay sample and one GSB essay sample with our expert commentary.

Why Are the HBS and Stanford GSB Essay Questions So Challenging?

Currently, the acceptance rate for Harvard Business School is 10%, and the Stanford Graduate School of Business’ acceptance rate is a mere 6%. This means that getting into either of these schools is incredibly competitive. Your undergraduate experience, performance on a standardized test, and work history are just a few of the many elements the admissions committees consider. Your admissions essays are where you can truly stand out and differentiate yourself among a pool of superb applicants.

For at least two decades, the admissions committee at the Stanford Graduate School of Business has been challenging applicants with the straightforward essay question “What matters most to you, and why?” Candidates face this fairly simple prompt with seemingly limitless possible responses and a 650-word limit. 

In recent years, Harvard Business School’s admissions committee has adopted a similar approach, asking applicants some version of the following: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?” A s of the 2022–2023 application season, candidates have a little  less  leeway than in years past with respect to the length of their essay, now that the school has stipulated a 900-word limit.

The HBS and Stanford GSB essay prompts are both deceptively simple and intimidatingly broad. Yet the beauty of these essay questions is that you are in control! You are a unique individual, and this is your chance to show HBS and the GSB who you genuinely are and why you are an applicant worthy of admittance. The admissions committees are not seeking a certain type of candidate. Quite the opposite, actually! They want to get to know the real you, so through your essays, you want to forge a meaningful connection with the schools, presenting yourself sincerely and honestly.

How Can Our Guide Help You with Your GSB or HBS Essay?

The widely varying essays in this guide prove that no one definitive path to success exists. Some of the essays are pragmatic and straightforward, while others are more sentimental and incredibly creative. They were written by a diverse group of applicants representing all walks of life and a variety of industries, functions, and geographies. These successful candidates prove that the HBS and GSB admissions committees are open to a vast range of topics, experiences, styles, and voices.

Our guide serves as a critical resource in helping you determine the following:

• How formal (or informal!) should I be in my tone and writing style?
• How should I balance professional versus personal stories?
• How can I prevent my professional stories from sounding like a resume rehash?
• How should I change my strategy for the essays if I am applying to both HBS and the GSB?
• How do I make myself “likable” to the admissions committees of HBS and the GSB?

We are hopeful that the guidance, samples, and critiques in “What Matters?” and “What More?” will help you identify the best approach for sharing your strongest stories with these programs—and position yourself for success!

If you plan to apply to Harvard Business School or the Stanford GSB, this book is a must-have resource!

2024-2025 Stanford MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

Jun 24, 2024

• Who is Stanford GSB looking for?
• How should I answer the Stanford essay questions?
• Essay Length
• Make sure you get into Stanford GSB

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on August 20, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

With a mission to “ to create ideas that deepen and advance our understanding of management and with those ideas to develop innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who change the world ,” Stanford Graduate School of Business is at the top of many applicants’ list of dream schools.  

However, with increasing competition over the small number of spots at this haven for innovative thinkers, securing a place at Stanford is more challenging than ever. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Stanford GSB admissions essays to stand out . We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Stanford MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Stanford application your best shot. 

1. Who is Stanford GSB looking for?

“At Stanford, we strive to ensure that a diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, genders, political and religious beliefs, physical and learning differences, sexual orientations and identities is thriving on campus. Such diversity will inspire new angles of inquiry, new modes of analysis, new discoveries and new solutions … Our diversity ensures our strength as an intellectual community. In today’s world, diversity represents the key to excellence and achievement.” – Persis Drell, Provost, Stanford University

Every year, Stanford GSB’s admissions team selects around 400 students from over 6,000 applications for the honor of joining their prestigious MBA program. Though what “fits” at Stanford is constantly evolving, they do tend to admit slightly younger applicants (with an average of 5.0 years of work experience). Stanford also works hard to admit a highly diverse group of students. 

Applicants offered admission also tend to have outstanding GMAT scores (the average for the Class of 2025 was 738) or exceptional GRE scores (the average for the Class of 2025 was 164Q and 164V) .  

Nonetheless, that does not mean that Stanford looks simply for good test-takers. Instead, they want a talented, principled group of leaders who will use business to positively impact the world. 

According to Stanford’s Admissions team: 

If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering Stanford’s open-ended admissions essay questions. 

2. How should I answer the Stanford essay questions?

Writing any admissions essay is a tough task , however, Stanford raises the bar when it comes to presenting a highly challenging yet open-ended prompt. 

According to Stanford, here’s what they want to see in your admissions essays. 

Keep reading for a more in-depth look at how to turn this rather open-ended task into a standout essay! 

2.1. Essay A

Essay a: what matters most to you, and why.

For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?

Like most excellent admissions essays, this essay begins with in-depth brainstorming. 

Questions like “What matters most to you” are not questions we commonly ask ourselves on a daily basis, so the answer might not be readily apparent to you. 

During this brainstorming period, you should focus on retroactively connecting the dots and thinking about the future. What moments in your life did you feel most engaged or fulfilled? Have you overcome any challenges that marked your identity? What are your values ?

Regardless of which topic you choose, make sure it is genuine and that you can point to specific moments in your life during which you have acted on this value. This is not a purely philosophical essay in which you examine a core value. Instead, it is a picture of your motivations, intentions, and lessons as you have navigated your life’s many ups and downs. As I always tell clients, if you argue that what matters most to you is sustainability but you can’t provide a single example of acting to make your company or community more sustainable, perhaps you should go back to the drawing board or consider how to tweak your examples to tell a clearer, more compelling story.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or aren’t sure you’ve really identified the right path forward, family members and close friends can be an excellent resource to help you zero in on the best topic.

After you choose your theme, you must go about supporting it . This does not mean you should simply copy/paste examples from other essays. This simply won’t work for Stanford. 

Instead, carefully consider times when you clearly acted upon the core value you’ve presented. For example, if you state that being an independent thinker is what matters most, describe a time in your life when you went against the grain — and it paid off. 

In writing your examples, be sure not to lose your theme, as this essay must be a coherent exploration of how your life has centered around what matters most to you. 

TOP TIP : Striking upon a core value that GSB has never heard of before is almost impossible. The admissions committee has read thousands upon thousands of essays. Instead of standing out by choosing a unique (but perhaps under-supported) theme, choose the theme that genuinely demonstrates what you’re all about .

Lastly, be sure to make sure the essay includes you and your personality . The key to this is what we call voice . To help you demonstrate your voice, we suggest you keep the following tips in mind:

• While writing, imagine you were explaining what matters most to you to a good friend or family member. How would you explain it to them? Which words would you use?
• Explain the feelings and emotions you experienced during the events you are describing.
• Think about the tone you want to write in and how it reflects how you feel or felt about the experience you describe.
• Use sensory descriptors like how specific environments, events, people, or objects looked, smelled, tasted, felt, or sounded.
• It’s okay to use informal language (e.g. contractions, slang, exclamations, etc.) in this essay to reinforce your voice! While this is a formal essay, these elements are often a welcome addition.

2.2. Essay B

Essay b: why stanford.

Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs.

This question is essentially a goals essay , a common type of essay required of applicants at many elite business schools. 

In this essay, you have a big task. In around 350 words, you need to discuss:

• Any context from your past experience that helps underline your motivation for your goals
• Your specific-post MBA goals
• Why you believe an MBA is necessary to reach these goals
• How a Stanford MBA will help you reach these goals

Each of these elements must be included and must build off of each other.

We suggest beginning your essay with a hook or experience from your past that demonstrates your motivation or past experience with your target industry. For example, if you are looking to go into developing green technologies, you could write about your country’s current green energy capacity; your first experience with sustainability as a teenager; a past work project focused on applying technology effectively; or your experience with sustainable business practices. As long as the story underlines why you care about your goals, it can work as an effective introduction to your essay.

Second of all, many candidates think they do not need to specifically state their goals, or that it’s better to leave “their options open.” If you are applying to elite business schools, however, you must have and present absolutely clarity about your goals. 

Second, you should clearly demonstrate why you need an MBA . 

An MBA is not a catch-all degree that serves a purpose for all career paths. As such, you need to demonstrate that the goals you have set for yourself require the additional training an MBA can provide. 

Be thoughtful about this particular section. If you don’t need to improve in any meaningful way, you might be presenting the argument the admissions committee needs for why you can’t actually benefit from an MBA. 

Furthermore, if you show fluffy or unsupported reasons you need to hone your skills, you’ll also likely see your application tossed aside in favor of an applicant who was able to clearly demonstrate how they plan to leverage their time at business school. 

Third, show how Stanford can specifically help you grow in the areas you’ve identified. Mentioning that you want to go to Stanford because of its ranking or sunny California location will not cut it here. 

Instead, show that you understand the flexibility of Stanford’s curriculum and have done significant, thoughtful research into how the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom can help you grow. You should also definitely mention how you can contribute to the community. 

Unlike other goals essays, however, you should also keep the theme you’ve presented in your first essay in mind. If you write a goals essay that is completely at odds with what you’ve shown is most important to you in life in your first essay, this inconsistency will likely end your Stanford application journey. However, it is okay if they are not explicitly related.

Finally, if you are applying for the Stanford MSx program , you are given an additional 50 words to also discuss your interest in this particular program. 

2.3. Optional Essays

In addition to the two main essays, Stanford also has four optional short essays. These essays give you additional space to show off different elements of your profile and highlight areas you might not have been able to include in your What Matters Most and Why Stanford essays. 

2.3.1 Optional Impact Essays

Question: Think about a time in the last few years when you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others?

If you would like to discuss your contributions more fully, this section is the place to do so. Perhaps you would like to expand upon a bullet item from your resume and tell us more about the “how” or “why” behind the “what.” Or maybe you have had an impact in a way that doesn’t fit neatly in another part of the application. You are welcome to share up to three examples (up to 1,200 characters, or approximately 200 words, for each example).

Though these responses are technically optional, we highly suggest using this space to highlight professional or extracurricular achievements that you may not have been able to address in your What Matters Most essay. In particular, try to show a variety of achievements that complement your stories in other parts of your application and work to include stories with clear outcomes. 

2.3.2 Additional Context Essay

Additional Context: We know that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories. With this question, we provide you with an optional opportunity to elaborate on how your background or life experiences have helped shape your recent actions or choices. (1,200 characters) 

Stanford GSB values applicants who can contribute to its greater community and the educational experience for all. This question tests how prepared, willing, and capable you are to draw on what you’ve experienced thus far in life to contribute to a project, class discussion, or community or interpersonal challenge. For that reason, it’s important to keep in mind that they are not asking you to show a time when you offered input — instead, they want to see when something about your personal or professional background proved to be the key to winning the day. 

For example, one of our clients, Fabrizio, had a brother who had been unemployed for a long period of time, and he personally witnessed how demoralizing the lack of support he received during this period was. Then, when tasked with working on a workforce transition project at his consulting firm, he made sure to design initiatives that took into consideration how layoffs affect real people. In your essay, similarly look for a time when your previous experience or core values inspired you to take action. 

Keep in mind you must limit yourself to 1,200 characters including spaces . 

2.3.3 Additional Information Essay

Additional Information: We are deliberate in the questions we ask. We believe that we get to know you well through all of the elements of your application. Complete this section only if you have critical information you could not convey elsewhere on your application (e.g., extenuating circumstances affecting academic or work performance). This section should not be used as an additional essay. (1,200 characters

Stanford, like most top business schools, gives you space to explain any gaps or weaknesses in your profile. This should not be a place to discuss why Stanford should admit you, who you know from Stanford, or who you know from Stanford. It most certainly should not be a continuation of your Why Stanford essay. 

Furthermore, just because there is no stated word limit does not mean you should write more than is absolutely necessary here. In my opinion, if you’re writing more than 200 words you might want to revisit your essay to ensure every part is needed. 

If you’d like to learn more about what topics justify an optional essay – and how to write these essays – check out our post on the topic here . 

3. Essay Length (Essays A and B)

Your answers for both essays A and B combined may not exceed 1,000 words.

Each of you has your own story to tell, so please allocate these words between the essays in the way that is most effective for you. In our experience, the recommended 650/350 word length suggestions works very well. 

Looking for Stanford GSB MBA essay examples? Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here .

4. Make sure you get into Stanford GSB

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA essays is that candidates fail to tell compelling stories . This is important because if your stories are not compelling, they will not be persuasive. At the same time, they must be backed by strong examples that establish a track record of success and prove to the admissions committees why you belong at their school. 

Striking this balance between content and creativity can be tough, however, as succeeding means not only choosing the right stories but ensuring they are told in an optimal manner. 

This is why our iterative developmental feedback process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting helps you mold your message through the application of our storytelling expertise until it reflects exactly what makes your profile stand out and show fit with your target program. 

That’s the approach we took with Giulia, who was admitted to Stanford. In her words, “I will never forget when I told Ellin I wasn’t applying for my dream school because I was sure I wouldn’t be accepted. She encouraged me to apply, and in the end, I was accepted. 

The team is so well prepared to help the applicants with their specific needs. Above all, I felt I invested in mentoring and coaching, more than just help with the MBA process. Ellin and her team balanced perfectly dreaming with having my feet on the ground!”

Not only can you take advantage of our editing expertise through multiple edits – you can also benefit from it after a single review! If your budget is tight, our editors will be happy to help polish your text as much as possible and leave “bonus comments” so you can keep working on it on your own!

No matter how long we work with you, we will always ensure your essays shine . Sign up to work with our team of storytelling experts and get accepted.

5. Deadlines

Here are the 2024-2025 deadlines. You can access the online application here .

Stanford Round 1 Deadlines

Application Deadline : September 10, 2024

Interview Notification : Ongoing

Decisions Released : December 5, 2024

Stanford Round 2 Deadlines

Application Deadline : January 8, 2025

Decisions Released : April 3, 2025

Stanford Round 3 Deadlines

Application Deadline : April 8, 2025

Decisions Released : May 29, 2025

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20 great mba application essay samples (with links).

With elite business schools like Harvard and Stanford boasting acceptance rates as low as 10% and 6% respectively, every aspect of your application counts. While GPA and GMAT scores matter, your essay can be a game-changer. Recognizing its weight, we’ve gathered top-notch MBA essay samples, endorsed by admission committees from premier institutions. Dive in and let’s craft that standout application!

What is an MBA Application Essay?

What admission committee look for in an mba essay.

If you want to learn more, here is the complete guide on how admission committees process MBA applications.

20 Great MBA Applications Essays Samples

Now you have known that what makes a great MBA admission essay, the next step is to write one for yourself. Before writing, check out this list of expert-vetted MBA application essays that secured admissions to top-rated business schools in the world. Admission consultants have shared these samples and they can be helpful if you read and analyze them carefully. If you’re completely unsure about how to get started, there are also custom essay writing services that can help you structure your essay with the help of professional editors.

Sample 1: Leadership-focused MBA application essay

Sample 2: self-focused mba application essay .

If you are asked to write about your strengths, weaknesses, aims, and goals in your application essay, this sample will help you. The applicant who wrote this got accepted to the INSEAD business school. It doesn’t merely describe her strengths and weaknesses, but it presents a complete picture of herself as a person. It highlighted the events and incidents that shaped her personality.

Sample 3: Life-hardships-focused MBA application essay

Sample 4: continuous growth and learning-focused mba application essay.

This essay was submitted to Harvard Business School. The best thing about this piece is that the writer has explained her learning and professional development journey in a very sequential and engaging manner, which is truly admirable. A useful thing to remember about the MBA essays included in this list is that you can merge them into a single printable and perfectly formatted file with Sodapdf or another PDF editor. Having all of them stored in a single PDF is going to be quite helpful when it’s time to write your piece. But guess what? There are more examples to explore below, so let’s keep going…

Sample 5: Best MBA application essay for low scorers

Sample 6: a guitarist’s application essay for the mba program, sample 7: an engineer’s essay for mba application, sample 8: harvard business school mba essay, sample 9: wharton business school mba essay, sample 10: columbia business school mba essay, sample 11: stanford graduate school of business mba essay, sample 12: university of california business school mba essay.

This sample was taken from a pool of successful MBA application essays submitted to the University of California business school. Read it carefully and analyze its structure, words, and substance before you compose your own fantastic MBA essay.

Sample 13: University of OXFORD business school MBA essay

Sample 14: london business school mba essay, sample 15: a goal-oriented mba application essay.

Sometimes the MBA admission portal may demand an essay specifically focused on your future goals. In such a case, you must be very sure about yourself and must convey your goals and future directions based on your experiences and planning. Check out this sample to get an idea of how a successful candidate writes about personal goals.

Sample 16: Executive MBA essay

Sample 17: mba video essay, sample 18: short-answer-based mba application essay.

Some business schools require candidates to respond to short questions to get insights into their personalities and suitability for the MBA program. More or less, most of the questions revolve around the same theme. The key to success is to grasp the intention of the admission committee behind the questions and to stick to your identity . These successful answers submitted to the Tepper School of Business will help you in formulating your answers.

Sample 19: MIT Sloan School of Management

Sample 20:  michigan ross school of business mba program.

The Michigan Ross Business School asks a diverse range of questions from candidates to analyze their competencies from multiple perspectives. If Michigan Ross is where you intend to get your MBA, this essay submitted by a candidate who got admitted to the school’s MBA program will help keep you on track.

What Should be Included in the MBA Application Essay?

What makes a great mba application essay.

Do you want more tips? Here is a complete guide to writing a compelling MBA application essay.

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How to Write the Stanford University Essays 2023-2024

Stanford University was founded in 1885 by California Senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane, in memory of their son Leland Jr. It’s a private institution located in the gorgeous heart of the California Bay Area. The exciting buzz of start-up opportunities and entrepreneurial spirit permeates student life on campus, with an impressive offering of excellent STEM and humanities majors.

Stanford has become one of America’s most selective universities, with an admissions rate of 4.4% for the class of 2023. However, starting with the class of 2023, they have decided to stop releasing their admissions statistics . They have publicized that this move is “intended as a small step in reducing the outsized emphasis placed on the admission rates at U.S. colleges and universities.”

Other defining aspects include its status as the second largest campus in the world with over 8,000 acres , its undergraduate enrollment of 7,000 students , and ranking as one of the best colleges in the nation and world.

Stanford’s freshman application asks students to respond to 4 different short questions and 3 relatively longer essay questions as part of their admissions process. CollegeVine is here to provide detailed tips and examples to help you approach Stanford’s supplemental essays.

Read these Stanford essay examples to inspire your own writing.

How to Write the Stanford University Supplemental Essays

Short Response Questions (50 words)

• What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
• How did you spend your last two summers? 
• What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
• Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.
• List five things that are important to you.  

Essay Questions (100-250 words)

Prompt 1: The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.

Prompt 2: Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate — and us — know you better.

Prompt 3:  Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.

Before we dive into the specifics of how to answer each of these short prompts, remember that limiting your responses to only 50 words requires writing answers that are straightforward and direct . Be honest with what you write, but also think critically about the different aspects of your personality you are highlighting with each answer. Try to vary the responses so that they don’t all cluster around only one or two activities or themes.

While these answers won’t make your application, they could break it if you use any inappropriate content; be mindful of your audience by choosing tasteful responses. However, overanalyzing what you think the admissions officers want you to write misses the point of showcasing your individuality.

Let’s discuss each question individually.

Want to know your chances at Stanford? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Short Answer 1

What is the most significant challenge that society faces today (50 words).

For this significant challenge question, you might decide to go with a traditional answer but still put a creative spin on it. Avoid picking an obscure or arbitrary topic that is not actually a significant challenge, and also watch out for writing about an issue in overly vague terms. You could write about topics like gender parity, aging populations, skills development, or climate change, but be careful since those topics have the potential to become trite depending on how you address them.

Writing simply about the fact that the challenge exists is also less interesting than if you wrote something referencing momentum in terms of future change, or possibly even past decline. For example, in addressing a topic like pollution, you could talk about how your view is that you believe the greatest challenge will be spreading actionable awareness of the issue to overcome our current apathy, maybe with a brief suggestion on how that could be attained. Doing so would make your answer stand out more than just speaking too generally.

To give another example, if you talked about gender inequality, and suggested focusing on addressing the gender gap within STEM fields more specifically, you would be showing that you think proactively about trying to solve the issue without oversimplifying it. 

Short Answer 2

How did you spend your last two summers (50 words).

Writing about how you spent your last two summers should be pretty direct­­­ — anything you have been involved in is fair game, and showing a variety of interests is again advisable. For example, you could write out a list of the disparate activities like:

“I prepared for and competed in SkillsUSA’s National Skills and Leadership Conference, vacationed in California to visit my family, volunteered at my local food bank, started working at TJ Maxx, hiked with friends, went on family camping trips, tried new cupcake recipes, and helped run a STEM camp for girls.”

This mix of activities allows them to see that you participated in some resume boosters, but also had fun and didn’t just completely restate your activities list section. You could also choose to hone in on just a couple of activities and give them each a bit more explanation instead of solely listing activities. For example:

“Family vacations always feel too long and too short. I melt in the SoCal summer heat, but returning home to cool breezy Washington brings 30-hour retail work weeks, with interspersed respite at the local library. After just finishing SkillsUSA nationals, the challenge to engineer a new invention returns, energizing me.”

This conveys some of the same ideas with a slightly more narrative structure.

Try not to waste space with a lead-in sentence like, “For the last two summers, I have mainly spent my time doing…” because that already uses up 12 of your precious 50 allotted words.

Short Answer 3

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed (50 words).

If no historical events come to mind after thinking about this prompt for a few minutes, and you’re starting to question whether you learned anything at all in your high school history classes, doing a quick google search of top 100 historical moments is not a terrible idea. However, since many of your peers will likely employ the same strategy to identify their historical event, you should strive to select one that makes sense considering your unique profile and current interests.

For example, if you want to indicate your interest in the techy Silicon Valley, you could write about witnessing the process Hewlett and Packard went through starting their business from their garage because you loved tinkering through your own projects throughout high school. Or if you are interested in history or politics, this is a good place to easily select one of the thousands of moments to tie into your interest. For instance, you could write about the time when Washington rallied his troops and convinced them not to abandon the Continental Army late in 1776, even when things looked just about as bleak as they could get.

The specific moment you choose isn’t extremely relevant, but again remember that if you pick something obscure, it might not qualify as a “historical moment” and may need more than 50 words to describe and add a brief explanation. Here’s an example of incorporating a potential major interest in engineering while going for something out of the box :

“I have always been fascinated by the pyramids and Egyptian culture, although my perception of them has been greatly romanticized by my childhood obsession with The Mummy. I wish that I could have witnessed the pyramids’ amazing and mysterious construction to know the secret of their advanced ancient engineering.”

“When I was a little kid, I was obsessed with NASA. I always had glow-in-the-dark stars above my bed and rocketship sheets. I would love to see the moon landing (especially from the capsule) to experience the awe of seeing a new world.”

You don’t need to directly connect it to a personal reason or specific explanation like these examples did, but noting why you picked this moment allows your response to ultimately feel more memorable .

Short Answer 4

Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (50 words).

This prompt gives you a little more space to discuss one of your most meaningful extracurriculars from your activities list.

To pick an activity, think about the one that taught you the most, changed your perspective, or is most unique. If there’s something you haven’t been able to express in other parts of your application, this is your space.

Keep in mind that trying to write about multiple aspects of the activity will be difficult with only 50 words, and it can result in simply reiterating what will already be on your activities list. Pick just one aspect that was most important to you, and highlight that. Feel free to be straightforward rather than artsy, as you have limited space. Also, don’t forget to briefly address what you gleaned from the activity as opposed to simply describing what it was.

For example:

I developed a marketing and sustainability initiative for my family’s grocery store. We gave free monthly workshops on topics like composting and zero waste cooking on a budget, which grew our client base 120%, and spread important ideas. People are interested in living more sustainably; they just need accessible education .

Short Answer 5

List five things that are important to you. (50 words).

This short response question is asking for you to reflect on things that are most important in your life. Keep in mind that these things can be a physical object (like your phone) or a concept or idea (like family or friendship). It’s also important that the items you list relate to ideas that have been represented in the rest of your application to provide a cohesive message across all your application elements. If you were applying for an arts major at Stanford, perhaps you wouldn’t say an important item to you is your model rocketship in your room unless you have previously suggested that your artwork is inspired by space travel and celestial bodies. 

Some questions to help you brainstorm for this prompt include asking yourself: What things from my childhood or daily life bring me joy or purpose? If this thing was missing from my life, would I notice? Why is this thing important to me? What purpose does this thing bring to my life?

You should list out the things that are important to you from 1 to 5. When listing these items that are important to you, you can use any additional word space to briefly describe why the thing is important to you. For example, if you gave your faith as an important thing in your life, you could write “1. My faith: It gives me hope and strength in the face of adversity.”

Here are some additional tips for writing this essay:

• Be specific. Don’t just say that faith is important to you. Explain what makes your faith so special and why it is so important to you.
• Be genuine. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The admissions committee will be able to tell if you’re being fake.
• Be concise. This is a short essay, so you need to get your point across quickly and effectively.

Essay Prompt 1

The stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (100 to 250 words).

As you approach this first longer prompt, think back on all the hours you spent during class, after school during activities, or at home studying. Try to select an experience where you seriously felt that love of learning . Just writing about this idea or realization should make you feel like an extremely happy nerd (you are applying to Nerd Nation after all!). Whether you are someone who approaches standardized testing like it is a thrilling game, or someone who feels so excited after getting through a test that you poured countless hours into studying for, you can really highlight your own drive and intellect through this prompt.

For example, you could write some sort of introduction about deciding to self-study for the AP Physics C tests, then add some analysis like:

…I began to honestly enjoy learning all the new applications for the calculus concepts I had been learning alongside physics, previously unaware of just how intertwined they were. The relationship between position, velocity, and acceleration through derivatives and integrals tied everything together in a way that made so much sense it gave me chills.

After a few study sessions, I began to devour YouTube videos to prepare for the test, and each time I understood a new concept by learning it on my own, I felt more accomplished and intellectually independent. As I worked through practice problems and self-corrected my way across old exams, I felt driven to stop excusing or dismissing my mistakes, and to instead pull them apart by analyzing exactly why I had made them to target and avoid them in the future. This experience improved the way I study and showed me the value of truly mastering knowledge on my own.

This response shows an authentic passion for learning without overloading on narrative. Another solid example that takes a more creative response could look something like this:

“How do you make pianos?

In 4th grade, I entered and won PBS’s Curiosity Quest question contest, resulting in my co-hosting a Curiosity Quest episode at New York’s Steinway and Sons Piano Factory. There I realized for the first time what can be found beyond textbook teachings. I saw the palpable pride the factory had in the heritage that they displayed, and the stunning beauty of a legacy and its centuries of refined knowledge. After that day, it was as if my consciousness had awoken. I resolved to begin creating my own legacy. I spent early morning hours in front of my piano daily, determined to make it my art — all because my curiosity rewarded me with knowledge that expanded the depth and range of just how far I can strive in this world.

Theory of Knowledge teaches of knowledge’s paradox: The more we know, the more we don’t. In retrospect, TOK put into words what I’ve since sensed — this inexplicable duality of filling a void that is ever-expanding. What began as a simple question of how something was made laid the very foundation upon which I’ve grown to ask questions that dig deeper: Why is there more inequality today than a century ago? What, if any, measures can be taken to end the conflicts in the Middle East? How can I further my legacy through striving to address these issues?

And as always, my quest for curiosity will serve to dually nourish and enlighten me, expanding my world once more.

This response from a Stanford 2020 student majoring in International Relations shows the admissions office a thirst for learning without ever just overtly stating it, especially with tying in the childhood anecdote as an excellent hook.

As you approach your own essay, avoid using basic statements like “This made me excited because…” or “An idea that made me genuinely excited about learning was…” since your writing style is extremely important throughout this essay. Compare the two examples above syntactically to see why the essay becomes more engaging with the style of “show not tell” displayed in the latter.

As with all college essays, do not forget that the emphasis is on teaching the admissions officers something about you and why the idea or experience made you so excited; avoid spending too much time explaining the logistics or trying to use excessively flowery language.

Essay Prompt 2

Virtually all of stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate — and us — know you better. (100 to 250 words).

The point of this essay is to invoke the casual nature of roommate relationships and invite students to take a more relaxed approach to writing about themselves. It brings the application to life by asking you to write only about your own personality, which feels more open than other essays that ask you to answer a specific question like “Describe your community” or “Talk about a mentor who got you through a difficult time.” While answering both of those prompts still offers insight into who the author is, they are fundamentally centralized around another person or topic, which is why Stanford cuts straight to the chase with this prompt to actually get to know you better.

Stanford is looking for an extremely authentic 250-word portrayal of your character that could distinctly identify you from a crowd of essays. If you got to meet your admissions officer in person, and only had 60 seconds to pitch yourself without using anything from your activities or awards, what would you say first? If you were legitimately writing a letter to your roommate at Stanford, what would you want them to know about the prospect of living with you? If you imagine how your Stanford alumni interview might play out, what topics do you hope to steer towards?

Think deeply about these questions and first see if there is something meaningful that you want to convey, and look through Prompt 3 to see if it would best serve answering the question, “What matters to you, and why?” instead of this roommate prompt. If you do have a more serious answer, you can style the essay like a very formal letter or like a traditional 1-2 paragraph short essay without any of the letter gimmicks at all to stand out syntactically.

If you don’t think you have any important topics on the serious side that you want to specifically cover in the space for this prompt (an extreme medical condition, a family hardship etc.), you could also go for another popular tactic by creating a fun, miscellaneous essay.

This prompt can arguably be one of the most entertaining to write and read of all college supplemental essays because of the opportunity to present the admissions office with an amalgamation of weird topics. A previous CollegeVine guide encouraged students to explore their quirky side with this prompt by writing about unique hobbies or interesting personality oddities. It also advises staying away from things like politics (i.e., don’t indicate which party or ideology you tend to support, even through jokes or minor references, since you don’t want to step on any toes).

Don’t sweat too much over the exact way to put the essay in letter format. Starting with something like “Hi! I am ridiculously stoked to meet you!” or any other straightforward greeting that doesn’t sound too cheesy is totally fine. If you decide to, you can essentially make a bullet list of “fun me facts” if you want to include the maximum amount of content. Remember that this essay should be fun!

Since it is usually hard to come up with good material about your own diverse personality while staring at a blank computer screen, try keeping a note on your phone and adding to it gradually as you think of things throughout the day. Think about what you enjoy and jot down notes like:

I love Sandra Bullock movies. I wish I could stop biting my nails, and sometimes I do, but only until I take a test or watch a freaky movie. I hate doing my laundry and the song ‘Drops of Jupiter.’ I planned myself a Cutthroat Kitchen -themed birthday party last year because I love cooking contest shows. My favorite store is the Dollar Tree, and when I’m there I always feel like I’m getting too much stuff, but when I leave I regret putting stuff back. Before I go to bed, I like to watch clips from Ellen or Jimmy Fallon because I think it gives me funny dreams. I’m attracted to buying gift wrap even if I have no reason for it, a trait I inherited from my mom. I love chicken. I sleep like a rock and unfortunately, that means I need an incredibly loud alarm clock, but I also will never be bothered by late night noise, etc.

You can see by how long this section got just how easy it can be to talk about yourself once you get started…

Try to intersperse some facts that relate to activities you could do together or things that would be important for an actual roommate to know to stay true to the prompt. Juxtaposing random facts might not be the way to go if you feel they are redundant with your short answers or too all over the place for you. Putting together just a few key aspects of your personality and typical habits with more coherent elaboration on each and topping it off with a “Love, your future roomie” holds the potential to become an engaging essay as well.

Here is another example that shows a ton of personality and utilizes a list format:

Ahem…May I make a toast?

First off, I am so pumped to live with you. I don’t have a sibling, so this is as close as it gets! Also, I just wanted you to know…

• I’m an ENFJ. I’m not nearly as brilliant as Obama or Oprah, but I do fancy the idea of sharing traits with them! ENFJs are “focused on values and vision, passionate about the possibilities for people, tuned into the needs of others, and tend to be optimistic and forward-thinking” — sums up my personality I’d say!
• I free my mind by exercising and writing. Our campus’s fresh forestry is perfect for morning/night runs/picnics. It would be so fun if you joined!
• I’m one to stay up all night to chat over coffee and pastries. I’m also one to venture out and walk/bike ten miles for Polaroid pics and yummy eats. Yelp4lyfe.
• I have a passion for fashion. I love it because style is universal and uniquely personal (read Worn Stories). I have a blog dedicated to learning about global cultures/styles — can’t wait to study abroad!
• I’m so deeply humbled to be surrounded by exceptional, passionate people like you who are going to rock this world. I had visited Stanford three times before applying, and I had written on my secret blog during my 2nd visit that my heart felt so moved to call this place home one day.

Well, I couldn’t be happier to be home with you.

Name (or nickname)

While this is just one essay (and remember that there are many, many directions you can choose to take your own essay), you can see from this example that showcasing a variety of passions can highlight how multifaceted and genuinely interesting you are. A year from now, you might find yourself cracking up over how weird you sound while exchanging what you wrote with your actual roomie to procrastinate working on your p-sets or essays. We know we did!

Essay Prompt 3

Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to stanford university. (100 to 250 words).

This is a classic example of the Diversity Essay . Your response should focus on your personal background and how your life experiences or cultural traditions provide you with a unique perspective that has influenced your interests and character. Stanford is looking for what makes you unique and how you will share that uniqueness with their community.

Your response should directly answer the question at hand; however, remember to “show, not tell.” A personal narrative is one way to successfully highlight your potential individual contributions to Stanford’s community.

For example, instead of simply saying that you are hardworking and persist despite obstacles, describe a time where you displayed this skill. Perhaps you grew up in the central US where there are seasonal tornadoes and damage to property. You could share a story about how you help rebuild neighbors homes every year after the storms and how you have learned about the value in lending a helping hand to strangers. Or, if you want to discuss your deep connection and commitment to your culture, describe a particular event or custom that has meaning to you that most other applicants would not be aware of. Or maybe you have a strong commitment to sustainability—you could discuss a time you created an initiative to reduce food and plastic waste in your school cafeteria.

Beware that this question is similar to some Common Application prompts. Since the Stanford application is on the Common App, you should use this supplement as a means to communicate something new about yourself to the admissions committee, so avoid discussing topics that you’ve already covered. For example, if your Common Application focused on your analytical mind, consider using this prompt to discuss your compassion for others.

In the remaining space you have in the essay, tie your unique identity back to how you will contribute to Stanford’s campus. If you have a deep connection to your Native American culture, mention how you are excited to be involved with the American Indian Organization at Stanford. 

All in all make sure that the life experience, interest and/or character trait you are sharing in this essay is unique to you and provide evidence to support the unique self that you will bring to campus.

Is Your Stanford Essay Strong Enough?

Do you want feedback on your Stanford essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

If you create incentives for yourself to work on your Stanford University essays early and choose topics that you genuinely care about, then you will end up devoting much more time to them, resulting in more polished essays . Since Stanford admissions are so extremely selective, it places a good deal of pressure on both the content and execution of all 11 essays.

While Stanford has a reputation of being pretty relaxed and laid back, you shouldn’t try to exude that attitude throughout all your essays. Remember that it is the admissions office’s job to read through over 40,000 of these essays each year and discern whether you would be a good fit, so avoid topics that are even vaguely cliché and be brutally honest with yourself about whether you would enjoy the essay you’ve written from an outsider’s perspective.

Overall, do your best to put in the effort on ideas that you feel are unique, personal, and truly meaningful. Good luck!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

The Ultimate Guide to 2022-2023 Stanford Essays

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Learn everything you need to know about this year's Stanford essays.

Join college and writing consultant Johnathan Patin-Sauls and CollegeVine co-founder Vinay Bhaskara as they go through the ins and outs of writing a strong and compelling response to Stanford's 2022-2023 essay prompts.

Stick around for a Q&A to get personalized advice from Vinay and Johnathan!

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If you would like to apply to Stanford, please do so online by submitting the Common Application .

When you apply to Stanford, you apply to the university as a whole, not to a particular major, department or school. We encourage you to indicate prospective majors and career interests in the application, but please know you are not bound by these selections in any way.

The Common Application includes essay prompts for your personal essay. In addition to the personal essay, we also require the Stanford Questions, which you can access and submit through the Common Application once you add Stanford University to your list of colleges.

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We ask applicants to answer several short questions (limit 50 words each) and to write a short essay on each of the three topics below.

Short Essay Questions

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MBA Essays: Everything You Need to Know

Scott Edinburgh - Personal MBA Coach

Scott Edinburgh is an mba.com Featured Contributor and the founder of Personal MBA Coach , a boutique MBA admissions consulting and tutoring firm.

Nearly all MBA hopefuls are familiar with the term “MBA essay”, but what exactly does this mean and why is the MBA essay so important? To help guide MBA hopefuls, Personal MBA Coach would like to answer some common questions about the MBA essays and share details on the most common MBA essay types.

Why do I need an MBA essay?

Beyond the obvious answer that nearly all schools require you to write one in order to be admitted, the MBA essay is your chance to show MBA admissions committee members who you are BEYOND the facts and figures. These essays are your opportunities to show what makes you unique, share your goals and discuss how you will add to the dynamic community at your target business school. 

Do I need different MBA essays for each program I apply to?

Unfortunately, YES! While there are some overlapping themes across the most common MBA essay types (more on this below), each business school has its own unique essays. Unless you are applying through an organization such as The Consortium (which has some specific requirements), you must complete a separate application for each MBA program and answer each school’s specific essay questions.

To make this daunting task more manageable, Personal MBA Coach helps clients identify common elements across essay types. Ultimately, however, you should develop a separate essay for each school you are applying to.

What should I write about in my MBA essay?

First and foremost, you should answer the question. It is surprising how often candidates write beautiful essays that do not actually answer the question. Instead of writing what you think admissions committee members want to hear, answer the question.

What are the most common MBA essay questions?

While there are countless different essay questions across MBA programs, the three most common types of essays questions are Goals Essays, Why an MBA? Essays, and Personal Story Essays. (Often one essay question will ask clients to discuss both their goals and why they want an MBA.)

Below, Personal MBA Coach shares our tips for answering each of these key essay types:

Goals Essay

When answering a question about your MBA goals , it is crucial that you are decisive . While no one will hold you to what you write in your MBA applications, you should have a specific post-MBA plan. For most schools, you will want a short-term and a long-term career goal. This goal should be logical for you. This means it should flow naturally from your passions and experience. If it doesn’t, it is crucial that you explain why this goal makes sense for you.

Finally, this goal should be attainable. You are not going to be the CFO of Pepsi two years after graduating from business school (sorry!). Do your research in terms of what position might be reasonable in your target industry.

Why an MBA? Essay

To answer a question about why you want an MBA or why you want to study at X school, you want to show that you have carefully thought through how an MBA (at your target program) will prepare you to achieve your career goals. To do so, Personal MBA Coach suggests being very specific in detailing the opportunities you plan to take advantage of on campus.

Discuss classes you are particularly interested in or perhaps professors you are looking to study with, etc. Do not include a laundry list. Instead, carefully think through how each offering will allow you to fill in your skill and/or experience gaps. Be sure to show an understanding of your target school’s culture and avoid writing vague statements and copying content from other MBA application essays.

Personal Story Essay

With a personal story essay, your objective is to show the reader how your story is unique and how you will add value and diversity to classroom discussions and on campus activities. This can be one of the hardest essays to write. To get started, Personal MBA Coach advises that you make a list of everything you have done in your life and take the time to write it all down. Then, think carefully about the decisions you have made, activities you enjoy and, most importantly, why you made those choices. Finally, look for a theme! What single idea connects these items? This is the hard part, so give it time.

How do you conclude an MBA essay?

Do not overthink the conclusion. In fact, with short word limits, Personal MBA Coach often advises clients to write just one concluding sentence or remove the conclusion altogether. Conclusions can be fluffy, generic or repetitive. You do not need (or want) to waste words here. If you have told your story well and you have addressed the question clearly and concisely, do not worry about the conclusion!

How far in advance should I start my MBA essays?

As soon as possible! It is never too early to start thinking about your MBA essays. In fact, Personal MBA Coach works with many clients 6 month – 3 years in advance through our Early Planning package, helping future applicants make the appropriate career and extracurricular decisions to ensure they have enough experience to write strong MBA essays.

That said, with diligence, some Personal MBA Coach clients are able to develop a compelling MBA essay within a month. (Keep in mind, this is a very compressed timeline and takes dedication to achieve!). Plus, you always want to leave time for proofreading and should avoid submitting your essays at the last minute. 

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

Revealed: Harvard Business School’s New MBA Essays For Applicants

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Harvard Business School’s Baker Library.

With just 10 weeks before its first application deadline on Sept. 4th, Harvard Business School today (June 25) revealed a newly revised application for MBA candidates, including a new set of three short essays along with a refresh on how it will evaluate applicants for future classes.

The new prompts?

Business-Minded Essay : Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words)

Leadership-Focused Essay : What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words)

Growth-Oriented Essay : Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

NEW HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL ESSAYS PUT THROUGH BY NEW MBA ADMISSIONS CHIEF

Eagerly awaited by thousands of prospective students and admission consultants, you can bet that the admissions pages of the HBS website were continually refreshed all morning for a glimpse at the new essay. The Harvard Business School essay prompt for the Class of 2027 was posted at 10:30 a.m. with the opening of the 2024-2025 application online.

This year’s change was put through by Rupal Gadhia , who joined the school as managing director of admissions and financial aid last October. A 2004 Harvard MBA, Gadhia came to the school with no previous admissions experience, having been the global head of marketing for SharkNinja robots.

In explaining the change in a blog post , Gadhia noted that “we have refreshed the criteria on which we evaluate candidates. We are looking for applicants who are business-minded, leadership-focused, and growth-oriented…This is your opportunity to discuss meaningful or formative experiences that are important to you that you haven’t had a chance to fully explore elsewhere in your application…Be authentic, be yourself.”

WHAT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL IS REALLY LOOKING FOR IN THE NEW ESSAYS

The school added some context to its new criteria for admission, more clearly defining what it means by business-minded, leadership-focused, and growth-oriented.

Business-Minded

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about using business as a force for good – who strive to improve and transform companies, industries, and the world. We are seeking those who are eager to solve today’s biggest problems and shape the future through creative and integrated thinking. Being business-minded is about the interest to help organizations succeed, whether in the private, public, or non-profit sector. This business inclination can be found in individuals with a variety of professional and educational experiences, not just those who come from traditional business backgrounds.

In Your Application: We will look for evidence of your interpersonal skills, quantitative abilities, and the ways in which you plan to create impact through business in the future.

Leadership-Focused

We are looking for individuals who aspire to lead others toward making a difference in the world, and those who recognize that to build and sustain successful organizations, they must develop and nurture diverse teams. Leadership takes many forms in many contexts – you do not have to have a formal leadership role to make a difference. We deliberately create a class that includes different kinds of leaders, from the front-line manager to the startup founder to the behind-the-scenes thought leader.

In Your Application: Your leadership impact may be most evident in extracurriculars, community initiatives, or your professional work.

Growth-Oriented

We are looking for individuals who desire to broaden their perspectives through creative problem solving, active listening, and lively discussion. At HBS you will be surrounded by future leaders from around the world who will make you think more expansively about what impact you might have. Our case and field-based learning methods depend on the active participation of curious students who are excited to listen and learn from faculty and classmates, as well as contribute their own ideas and perspectives.

In Your Application: We will look for the ways in which you have grown, developed, and how you engage with the world around you.

TIGHTER TIMEFRAME FOR ROUND ONE APPLICANTS

The new essay prompts come  nearly two months after candidates to the school’s MBA program would more typically know what was expected of them. Some admission consultants say the delay over the prompt’s release, along with nearly a month’s slow down in releasing application deadlines, is “wildly insensitive” to applicants who will have less time than normal to prepare for the round one deadline of Sept. 4th.

That’s especially true because the most successful applicants to HBS have highly demanding jobs that consume the vast majority of their time. Many candidates go through multiple drafts of their essays to get them as close to perfection as humanly possible. MBA admission consultants are expecting a lot of up-to-the-deadline work this year to help prep candidates for Harvard and other top business schools.

The new application still preserves the post-interview reflection for applicants who are invited to a 30-minute admissions interview. Within 24 hours of the interview, candidates are required to submit a written reflection through the school’s online application system.

REACTION TO THE NEW CHANGE IS MIXED

Early reaction to the change suggests the likelihood of mixed reviews. “This is an uninspired and odd set of questions,” says Sandy Kreisberg, founder of HBSGuru.com and an MBA admissions consultant who closely reads the tea leaves of Harvard’s admissions process. “I don’t know how it’s different from what else do you want us to know about you, frankly,” he adds in a reference to last year’s single essay prompt.

“HBS has certainly moved from the abstract to the concrete,” believes Jeremy Shinewald, founder and CEO of mbaMission, a leading MBA admissions consulting firm. “Some applicants previously felt like they didn’t know where to start and some weren’t sure if they had answered the question, even when they were done. Now, the questions are quite straightforward and all have a cause and effect relationship — one where the applicant discusses the past to reveal the present or future. Smart applicants will understand how to share their experiences and, more importantly, how to relay their values. Some will mistakenly try to whack HBS over the head with stories of their epic feats, but the key isn’t to brag or embellish – the key is to simply create a clear relationship, via narrative, between past experience and true motivations.”

Shinewald found it astonishing that Harvard could not have made the change earlier. “It is, of course, surprising that HBS left applicants on edge until the last minute, all to create very traditional essays,” he adds. “As applicants learn in MBA classrooms, change can be hard and take time. The bottom line here is that these essays are somewhat of an applicant’s dream – they allow the savvy applicant to play to their strengths and draw on their best anecdotes and experiences to create a complete story. Some applicants will lament the absence of a ‘Why HBS?’ prompt, but my guess is that the admissions committee recognized that they would get an almost homogenous collection of essays touting the case method and other well known features. HBS gets some kudos for keeping the focus on the applicant.”

Adds Petia Whitmore of My MBA Path: “I think they reflect one of the traits of this new generation of candidates which is that they don’t handle ambiguity well. So it seems like Harvard had to spell out what they’re looking for way more prescriptively than in the past.”

Some, however, find the new essays a return to the past. “To me, the prompts feel quite regressive, and a return to the more formulaic approach that pervaded MBA applications two decades ago,” believes Justin Marshall, a New York-based MBA admissions consultant. “Because the previous prompt was so open ended, it forced applicants to be introspective and self-aware. You couldn’t just ramble for 900 words; you had to identify themes in your life to show how your personal experiences shaped your values, your leadership style, and your goals. Comparatively, these new prompts are much more paint-by-numbers. Applicants will likely cover the same ground in terms of topic, but there’s very little room for nuance and self-expression. I think it will be harder for applicants with less conventional backgrounds and experiences to differentiate themselves. I’m sure HBS grew tired of reading so many painfully earnest ‘life story’ essays, but I suspect they’ll soon find themselves yearning for essays that have a heartbeat and personality. 250 words just doesn’t allow for that unless you’re a very crafty writer.”

Whatever the case, getting into Harvard’s MBA program is still a daunting exercise. Last year, 1,076 of the 8,264 candidates who applied for admission to Harvard Business School gained admission, an acceptance rate of 13.2%, making HBS the second most selective prestige MBA program in the country after Stanford Graduate School of Business which had an admit rate of 8.4%. Harvard saw a 15.4% drop in MBA applications from the 9,773 it received a year-earlier.

Joint degree applicants for the Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Kennedy School must provide an additional essay: How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and a personal level? (up to 400 words)

BIGGEST CHANGE IN HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL ESSAY IN NEARLY A DECADE

Joint degree applicants for the Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences must provide an additional essay: The MS/MBA Engineering Sciences program is focused on entrepreneurship, design, and innovation. Describe your past experiences in these areas and your reasons for pursuing a program with this focus. (recommended length: 500 words). Applicants will also be able to respond to an optional essay.

In any case, it’s the biggest change in Harvard Business School’s application in nearly a decade. The last time HBS made a major switch, moving to the essay prompt it just eliminated, was in 2016. That change to just one essay with no word limit and a post-interview reflection was made by then admissions chief Dee Leopold.

When Leopold applied to Harvard as an MBA candidate in 1978, she had to write eight essays. Over her years as managing director of admissions, she first cut the essays down to four and then one, making it optional, and finally the one last prompt with a post-interview reflection, saying that applying to HBS should not be a writing contest .

OUR BUSINESS CASUAL PODCAST: The New HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL MBA Application:   Fortuna Admissions’ Caroline Diarte-Edwards and ApplicantLab’s Maria Wich-Vila join P&Q’s John A. Byrne to offer applicant advice on how to answer the new HBS essay prompts

DON’T MISS: 2024-2024 MBA APPLICATION DEADLINES or  HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL WILL NOW UPDATE ITS MBA ESSAY 

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June 17, 2024. Jeremy Shinewald. The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) requires only two essays of its candidates, though its long-standing first essay question—about "what matters most" to applicants—is one we have seen many people struggle with over the years. The largely open-ended nature of the prompt often stymies ...

The essay we will review in this post is showcased in the book "What Matters?" and "What More?": 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked), co-authored by mbaMission Founder Jeremy Shinewald.To read more of our analysis of this essay, and that of 49 other examples, be sure to download your copy today. Note that this essay is not meant to be a template—it ...

Begin work on the essays early to give yourself time to reflect, write, and edit. Feel free to ask friends or family members for feedback, especially about whether the tone and voice sound like you. Your family and friends know you better than anyone. If they think the essays do not capture who you are, what you believe, and what you aspire to ...

essay is an opportunity for you to showcase your fit with Stanford's MBA program and demonstrate your potential to contribute to the community. By approaching this essay with thoughtfulness and authenticity, you can make a compelling case for why Stanford is the perfect place for you to pursue your MBA and make a lasting impact in the world.

Originally published on May 12, 2023. Updated on June 20, 2024. Earlier this week, Stanford announced its application deadlines for the '24-'25 admissions cycle and confirmed that its main MBA essay questions will remain unchanged next year. Given the reflection and iteration required to craft a compelling Stanford application, it's never too early to get started on the essays.

This Stanford MBA essay is about diving deep into what motivates you and why. Topics can range from personal history to big-picture visions of the future. This essay should not be explicitly career-related (and the most persuasive essays are likely not career-oriented at all). However, some of your themes will likely continue in the following ...

Stanford GSB MBA Essays Overview. Stanford GSB MBA essays provide a broader context for evaluating applicants by offering additional insights into their motivations, values, and goals. Admissions committees carefully review these essays to better understand an applicant's fit with the program, as well as their potential impact on the Stanford ...

The following essay topic analysis examines Stanford's Graduate School of Business (Stanford GSB) MBA admissions essays for the 2023-2024 admissions season.You can also review essay topic analyses for other leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips to further aid you in developing your admissions essays.. Stanford has asked applicants to respond to the same two questions it has ...

Pick Your Topic. The first step to any essay is to pick your topic. For the Stanford GSB essay A, the best course is to brainstorm; think about all the things that are important to you and why you consider them important. Also, think about your achievements and why you set out to achieve them. 2.

Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) Essay Analysis. A crucial part of the application process; Stanford GSB clearly defines what it expects from your essays. The essays section of the application page starts with a clear mission statement - "Essays help us learn about who you are rather than solely what you have done."

for only $24 (60% off!)! The application essay questions for the world's two most competitive MBA programs— Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)—are notoriously challenging. Having helped hundreds of candidates gain acceptance to these elite business schools, Jeremy Shinewald of mbaMission and ...

The GSB admissions committee suggests writing no more than 650 words for Essay A ("What matters most to you, and why?") and no more than 400 words for Essay B ("Why Stanford?"). The total word count of both essays combined cannot be more than 1,050 words. Although you might be tempted to write more than 650 words for Essay A, doing so ...

UPDATE: This article was originally posted on August 20, 2018.It has been updated with new information and tips below. With a mission to " to create ideas that deepen and advance our understanding of management and with those ideas to develop innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who change the world," Stanford Graduate School of Business is at the top of many applicants' list ...

The business school's essays offer applicants an opportunity to highlight personal qualities that align with Darden's mission and values. Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently offered tips for how to best approach Darden's essays. ESSAY 1. Darden's first essay prompt asks applicants the following:

Sample 1: Leadership-focused MBA application essay. This sample is particularly focused on leadership traits. If your essay is about explaining your leadership quality experience, this sample is right up your alley. The best thing about the essay is that it is written in a simple, engaging, and humorous style. It defines a great experience in a ...

Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. Prompt 2: Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate — and us — know you better. Prompt 3: Please describe what aspects of your life ...

June 17, 2024. The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) requires only two essays of its candidates, though its long-standing first essay question—about "what matters most" to applicants—is one we have seen many people struggle with over the years. The largely open-ended nature of the prompt often stymies candidates, who ...

Description. Learn everything you need to know about this year's Stanford essays. Join college and writing consultant Johnathan Patin-Sauls and CollegeVine co-founder Vinay Bhaskara as they go through the ins and outs of writing a strong and compelling response to Stanford's 2022-2023 essay prompts. Stick around for a Q&A to get personalized ...

Stanford Questions. We ask applicants to answer several short questions (limit 50 words each) and to write a short essay on each of the three topics below. Short Essay Questions. There is a 100-word minimum and a 250-word maximum for each essay. The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom.

An Experience Unlike Any Other. Stanford GSB, with our campus in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a one-of-a-kind MBA program that has redefined the business school experience. Here, you'll be pushed and challenged by best-in-class faculty and supported by your classmates in an environment unlike anywhere else. Collaboration, not competition ...

25 hours of high-quality video lessons, taught by MBA admissions expert Jeremy Shinewald. Interactive checklists for maintaining your progress. Specific advice and exercises for more than 15 business schools. A digital workbook for brainstorming, outlining, and writing your school-specific essays. 50 background- and goal-specific lessons

Goals Essay. When answering a question about your MBA goals, it is crucial that you are decisive. While no one will hold you to what you write in your MBA applications, you should have a specific post-MBA plan. For most schools, you will want a short-term and a long-term career goal. This goal should be logical for you.

Here I will dissect an actual successful personal statement essay from a past applicant so you can learn some of the "dos" and "don'ts" in revealing your fit with your target MBA program. One quick note—this sample essay is not meant to be used as a template. I suggest that you use it as a resource, but do not copy it!

Last year, 1,076 of the 8,264 candidates who applied for admission to Harvard Business School gained admission, an acceptance rate of 13.2%, making HBS the second most selective prestige MBA program in the country after Stanford Graduate School of Business which had an admit rate of 8.4%. Harvard saw a 15.4% drop in MBA applications from the ...

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• Electric Bikes
• Electric Bike General Discussion

Yamaha motor troubleshooting

• Thread starter bbb111
• Start date Aug 22, 2015

I have a haibike hardnine sduro SL 2015. Overall the motor works fine. However recently I started to notice weird clicks from the motor while power pedalling. I can reproduce the click if I am standing still on the bike, shift my weight to the right and press on the pedal. Does anyone have the same clicking sound? I suspect that the problem is in the star wheel (I am not sure if it is technically correct word for it), as the sound resembles clicking which happens when crank arms are spinning backwards. Can anyone advice?  

Finding my (electric) wheels

Sorry to hear you are having probs with the Yammy. I have the full nine and have not noticed the sound you are describing. Have you done many KM's on it?  

I've done about 1200 km on it. Mine is derestricted with bikespeed RS as well. Have you tried to reproduce the sound with your rear shock locked? You have to put quite a pressure on the right pedal to get it. It does not matter if motor on or off, it still clicks.  

Esteemed Pedelecer

bbb111 said: I've done about 1200 km on it. Mine is derestricted with bikespeed RS as well. Have you tried to reproduce the sound with your rear shock locked? You have to put quite a pressure on the right pedal to get it. It does not matter if motor on or off, it still clicks. Click to expand...

soundwave said: have you serviced it ? bits come lose and fall of Click to expand...

PatMcrotch said: I will try Tomorrow and let you know if I can re-produce it.[emoji6] Click to expand...

worst case get a new 1 http://www.pro-cycling-golla.de/Yamaha/Motoreinheit_250_W_4-Kant_artikel549e8cf9f0180.html  

soundwave said: worst case get a new 1 http://www.pro-cycling-golla.de/Yamaha/Motoreinheit_250_W_4-Kant_artikel549e8cf9f0180.html Click to expand...

worse with the bosch with no warranty as want old motor as just cant by a new one. 680 euro  

johnc461165

If it only happens on the right hand side try a different pedal, it could be that. My son had a one sided click on his non electric bike which turned out to be the pedal.  

Well, luckily it turned out to be a false alarm. The sound was coming from one of the chainring bolts washers. I found out that it was snapped when I removed the chainring. I fitted new chainring with single chainring bolts and there is no sound. So happy end. On the plus side I now know what chainrings fit yamaha spider. Any shimano tripple chainring will fit. So I will fit 44/38t chainrings with a front mech soon.  

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