Mastering B-school Apps: How to get into Harvard and Stanford Business School

Overview

“Blood streaming down my face, I turned away and started to run.”

You wouldn't think that was the opening sentence for an admissions essay to the best business program in the world. I certainly didn’t before I applied for Stanford GSB and HBS.

It is exactly this type of “insiders” knowledge that gate-keeps access to these elite schools and means that the admissions outcomes are still heavily based on who you know and knowing where to look.

Inside this book, you’ll find an explanation of what you need to do to excel on each part of the application written in plain English. Also included are all the resources, processes, and material I used to gain admission to both Stanford and Harvard Business School, such as:

• My admissions essays for both Stanford and Harvard
• GMAT/GRE test scores and study plan
• Essay writing guides
• Over 30 real interview questions
• Links to over 50 scholarship opportunities

I hope you enjoy reading about how even non-traditional applicants can break into both Harvard and Stanford Business schools from a successfully admitted MBA candidate.

Preface

In March 2022, I shared that I had been successfully admitted to two of the top business schools on the planet. This LinkedIn post about my fantastic news received over 1.6 million views and flooded my inbox with messages from hundreds of people reaching out for help. I quickly realized that I needed a better way to share my tips and advice.

So, this book is my way of paying forward the good fortune I’ve received. It includes everything I did and how. It details my approach to the rigorous and intense admissions process for Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (the GSB). I was fortunate enough to have friends who are successful applicants to both schools share their applications with me but I suspect most people don’t have this luxury. Therefore, in the hopes of widening access, I’ve included my essays, test scores, interview questions, scholarships, and the resources I used to prepare.

When I applied for business school in 2021, I decided to concentrate my efforts and exclusively apply for the GSB and HBS. So, while I’m sure most of what I share will be applicable to other business schools, this book is specifically tailored for applicants seeking admission to HBS, the GSB, or both. With ten’s of thousands applying, and acceptance rates of 11% for HBS and 6% for the GSB, gaining admissions into both schools is no small achievement.

Testimonials

Warmly received on 29/01/2024

Table of contents

1. Preface
2. About me
3. Pre-application preparation
4. Application process and timeline 
5. Application
   1. What makes an excellent application 
   2. GRE/GMAT
   3. Essay(s)
      1. My Stanford GSB Essay
      2. My Harvard Business School Essay 
   4. Recommendations 
6. Interviews
   1. My GSB interview experience
   2. My HBS interview experience 
7. FAQs
8. Resources