Stanford GSB Admissions FAQ Highlights

If you haven’t visited the FAQ pages of your target schools, I highly recommend it. Among a lot of standard information similar across schools, there are often school-specific policies and procedures that may impact your application strategy. These include whether or not applying in earlier rounds is advantageous (UCLA - yes, Kellogg - no difference between round 1 and 2); whether you can submit additional materials/test scores after you’ve submitted your application (HBS, Stanford - no, Wharton - yes, but no guarantee it will be considered, Kellogg - only changes in data, but that includes test scores); and do campus visits strengthen an application (Wharton, Kellogg - no). I’ll be sifting through them over the next few weeks and posting what I think are the most interesting bits. From Stanford GSB Admissions FAQ:

Is there an advantage to applying in Round 1, 2, or 3? Does Stanford have a pre-established quota or number of people who are accepted in each round? The simple and honest answer is that you should apply when you are fully confident that you can submit an application that accurately represents your talents and strengths. Do not submit a weak application just to apply in an earlier round. Take the time to put together a thoughtful and thorough application, even if it means applying in the final round. If you are considering applying in either Round 1 or Round 2, we encourage you to consider Round 1. Over the past few years, we've noticed more applicants applying in Round 2 and, as a result, this round has become bigger and a bit more competitive. You should never rush your application. But on the margin, earlier is better.

My Note: It took them forever to say it, but they said it.

If I send in some supplemental materials after I submit my application and after the deadline has passed, will you read it? No. If you send something separately or past the deadline date, you should expect that it will not be read. We do this to be fair to all applicants.

My Note: While the answer seems to relate to essay-type materials, I assume the policy is the same regarding improved test scores. For the record, I often advise my clients to send in their improved test scores anyways. That is one of the rare occasions when I will suggest sending additional materials though.

Are reapplicants at a disadvantage? Reapplicants are not placed at disadvantage for having applied (or been denied) in a previous year. Your new application will be evaluated on its merits, in the context of the new applicant pool. We encourage you to give yourself a fresh start when you approach your reapplication. Think through and re-write your essays (questions may change each year), update work history, submit new letters of reference (even if you choose the same recommenders), and submit new transcripts. This is also a good opportunity for you to add any new information that may be helpful in the decision process. Admission decisions are also dependent on who else is applying in any given year and what the total pool and mix of applicants is.

My Note: I included this because of the many rumors that surround re-applying. Realistically speaking, I don't know of any school that would admit to this, even if it were true. And even if it were true, would that stop you from applying? Probably not.