Essay: Why Stanford?
Profile: Mr. M
Profile (Background): Mr. M grew up in Brazil, studied engineering, and worked in management consulting across Latin America. He led strategy projects in energy, infrastructure, and technology, helping large firms navigate complex transformations.
Before Stanford, he also co-founded a non-profit to promote social inclusion in his community. He’s analytical, globally minded, and passionate about creating economic growth while delivering social impact.
Essay Approach: “Why Stanford?”
Mr. M should frame Stanford as the place where he can merge his strategic toolkit with leadership depth to grow internationally. He needs to be specific about the courses and experiences that will sharpen his skills and influence global clients.
Essay Planning
Problem: Gaining cross-cultural exposure in North America and demonstrating fit with the entrepreneurial and global-centric mindset of Stanford.
Problem (Explained): For this Sample MBA Essay, I had to prioritize experiential learning with global themes, as the person already has an impressive record of working in transformational projects in Latin America and one pilot project in California.
Feasible Goals: Consulting is a valid goal, with the latest Stanford MBA employment report showing 16% entering the function. General Management is also a feasible goal, with 32% entering the function.
Short-term Goal: Consulting in the Energy and AI intersection
Long-Term Goal: To offer sustainable solutions to low-income communities in Latin America by starting a boutique consulting firm serving in the energy and infrastructure niche.
Stanford’s Strength: Stanford’s legacy of building leadership skills to take on global challenges.
Opener: I wanted to summarize the applicant’s greatest achievement as the opening line of the Why Stanford MBA Essay. This strategy has worked wonders in all Why MBA essays.
Strategy: The strategy is to organically transition from the greatest achievement to an interaction with a Stanford MBA alum when Mr. M realized the importance of gaining exposure in North America and in Asia/Africa through Stanford’s consulting projects.
Why Stanford MBA: Consulting Experience in North America (343 words)
Earning the Consultant of the Year for 5 consecutive years in the Latin America region encouraged me to take on the most challenging transformation projects. MBA was not in my immediate plan until I met <y> - Stanford 2023 MBA, who encouraged me to gain global exposure. That advice motivated me to pursue projects in North America.
I was welcomed to America with my first project – a sustainable solution to prevent fires similar to the Palisades fire in 2025. I scoured ...
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