Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) follows a three-round application process, allowing candidates to apply only once per admission cycle. The application, including all required documents and recommendation letters, must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the deadline date.
2024-25 Stanford GSB MBA Application Deadlines
Applying in earlier rounds is often recommended, as there are more available spots and greater access to financial aid. However, this requires early preparation, including securing recommendation letters and ensuring a well-crafted application. Candidates who need additional time to refine their materials may find later rounds more suitable, though competition for seats increases as the cycle progresses.
Stanford GSB has three rounds of application deadlines:
| Rounds | Application Deadline |
| Round 1 | 10-Sep-24 |
| Round 2 | 08-Jan-25 |
| Round 3 | 08-Apr-25 |
Choosing the Right Application Round
Round 1 offers the best chances for admission and scholarships but requires early preparation. Round 2 is the most competitive, with a high number of applicants, though scholarships are still available. Round 3 has the fewest spots and limited financial aid, making it the riskiest option.
Essay Editing - Work with Atul Jose (Founding Consultant and Essay Specialist)
With the word limit typically in the 250 to 500 range, it is not easy to structure the essay without losing momentum.
As F1GMAT’s Lead Consultant and Essay Specialist, I will help you structure the essay by:
1) Incorporating your Personal Brand
I will help you find unique life experiences that would differentiate you from the highly competitive Stanford MBA application pool.
2) Including Storytelling elements
I have developed a keen sense of storytelling from over a decade and a half of editing essays and writing essay examples for F1GMAT’s Essay Guides including F1GMAT's Stanford MBA Essay Guide.
The skills that a writer/editor brings to the table are different from what a former admissions officer or a consultant who has limited writing skills brings
Review Skills # Writing Skills
Movie Critics # Movie Directors
It is easy to comment, but it is tough to structure the essay from the perspective of the applicant and turn the essay into a winning application essay.
3) Aligning with the Culture of the School
A big part of editing and guiding applicants is in educating them about the culture of the school
Stanford has very ‘specific’ traits that they are looking for in an applicant.
If you don’t highlight them and lean towards general leadership or cultural narratives, the essay won’t work.
I will guide you through the writing process.
I will also iteratively edit the essays without losing your original voice.
Subscribe to F1GMAT's Essay Editing Service for help
For any questions about the service, email me, Atul Jose, at editor@f1gmat.com
Decision Notification Dates
After the application submission, Stanford GSB announces its admission decisions on specific dates. Knowing these dates helps applicants anticipate when they will receive results and plan accordingly for other options if needed.
| Rounds | Notification By |
| Round 1 | 05-Dec-24 |
| Round 2 | 03-Apr-24 |
| Round 3 | 29-May-25 |
Candidates who receive an offer in Round 1 have a longer period to plan their transition to business school, while those applying in later rounds may face a shorter timeline to make their final decisions and arrange logistics such as relocation and financing.
Additionally, Round 3 applicants face more uncertainty due to limited available seats and reduced scholarship opportunities.
