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Stanford GSB’s “What matters most to you and why?” essay is in a league of its own. Specifically, it challenges applicants to discuss their priorities and how they’ve put them into practice. Therefore, it’s one of the most challenging MBA essays for top programs.
Whether you’re reflecting on what’s meaningful to you or specifically on approaching the Stanford MBA application, this essay inspires you to reflect.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what the Stanford essay is about. Additionally, we’ll provide steps to identify what matters most to you. Then, we’ll provide examples and tips that align with successful Stanford GSB application essays. Finally, we’ll answer common FAQs to help you navigate the challenging Stanford GSB application.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Understanding the Meaning Behind the Question
- Steps to Identify What Matters Most to You
- How to Answer This Question in Different Contexts
- Common Pitfalls & Mistakes to Avoid
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Understanding the Meaning Behind the Question
So… what does this question really mean, and what does Stanford’s MBA admissions committee want? Generally, the “What matters most to you and why?” essay does not ask for your greatest achievements. Instead, the MBA admissions committee wants to understand what motivates you and why. In other words, who are you outside of your resume and professional achievements? Additionally, how have you grown? What do you value? Finally, how do these experiences connect to your greater purpose?
This question can feel incredibly overwhelming — we get it. However, this essay is an opportunity to share something that differentiates you. Therefore, once you understand the essence of this essay, you’ll be well prepared to share your story. Give yourself time to ponder the topic of what matters most to you and why.
TTP PRO TIP:
Successful Stanford GSB essays are developed over weeks and months, not at the last minute.
Steps to Identify What Matters Most to You
Set aside some time for self-reflection before diving into your response. Here are some steps to consider:
- Reflect on key life experiences — Recall the most important moments in your life, including successes and failures. Specifically, think about the events, people, and challenges that enabled you to grow.
- List your core values — Develop a list of values that have influenced your life. Then, provide specific examples of when you put those values into practice.
- Determine how past experiences have inspired your future goals — While this essay is not specifically about career goals, it can connect to your future. Therefore, think about how key experiences and core values will play an important role in your future.
- Spend time brainstorming — Consider broad questions like “When did I feel most fulfilled?”, “Which experiences challenged my thinking?”, and “What did I learn from failures?” Then, document your responses. However, don’t cement your responses. The brainstorming process can raise new ideas.
TTP PRO TIP:
Allocate several days or weeks to brainstorming — you never know when a good idea will come to mind!
How to Answer This Question in Different Contexts
Stanford’s “What matters most to you and why?” essay can be a useful thought exercise across many contexts. Specifically, here are just a few ways where your brainstorming might help:
For Stanford GSB Applicants
Candidates for Stanford GSB admissions will need to answer this question. As discussed, your essay response should connect your experiences to your values. Additionally, it may connect to your future professional goals. As you write a response, consider the key insights and moments that differentiate your life. Additionally, use specific examples that support your key points.
For Self-Reflection & Personal Growth
Even if you’re not completing a Stanford MBA application, developing a Stanford “What matters most to you and why?” example might help other applications or areas of your life. Specifically, it can help you clarify priorities. This, in turn, can help you align your career decisions with your priorities and values. This exercise is just one of many tools for self-assessment to enhance your personal and professional development.
For Interviews & Leadership Development
Preparing for Stanford’s essay question doesn’t just benefit your Stanford application. Additionally, it might also be useful for your MBA interviews with Stanford and other programs. Specifically, MBA applicants must consider their motivations for pursuing the degree. Therefore, preparing a response to this question will help interviewers and hiring managers understand your motivations, thought process, and values.
TTP PRO TIP:
Developing a response to Stanford’s “What matters most to you and why?” essay can help clarify your priorities and career decisions.
Common Pitfalls & Mistakes to Avoid
So far, we’ve discussed how to develop your response to the “What matters most to you and why?” essay. Now, we’ll discuss a few common mistakes to avoid. These include:
- Generic or cliche statements — Avoid writing generic statements about your desire to “help people.” We understand that it’s tempting to write about what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. However, unless your career and other activities focus on service to others, this theme won’t come across authentically.
- Listing accomplishments — This essay isn’t about providing a detailed list of your achievements. Instead, leave that task to your resume. Rather, your response should discuss your motivations and values.
- Unstructured and unclear responses — Do not use poetic prose or a complex essay structure. Instead, create a clearly structured narrative that helps the reader understand how you think and why it matters.
- Too much formality — Authenticity is critical to your response. If your essay is too business-like and broad, Stanford’s MBA admissions committee won’t learn more about you.
TTP PRO TIP:
Your Stanford GSB essay should ring true to who you are and what you can contribute.
Key Takeaways
Answering the “What matters most to you and why?” essay is challenging! However, this essay presents an opportunity to distinguish your candidacy for one of the world’s most selective MBA programs. Therefore, you should lead with authenticity and self-awareness.
Give yourself time to thoughtfully consider and develop a strong essay. After all, this essay demands a considerable amount of introspection. Done well, this essay sets the stage for a strong Stanford GSB application and candidacy. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Stanford have supplemental essays?
Yes. In conjunction with “What matters most to you and why?”, Stanford’s MBA essays ask candidates, “Why Stanford?” Additionally, Stanford’s optional essays ask candidates to share specific examples of significant impact.
How many essays does Stanford require?
Stanford requires 2 main essays: “What matters most to you and why?” and “Why Stanford?” Candidates must respond to these 2 questions. Additionally, they may elect to submit optional essays.
How to write the Stanford essays
This article provides Stanford MBA essay tips. Specifically, start your process with self-reflection, brainstorming, and listing your values and pivotal experiences. Successful Stanford GSB essays are thoughtful, authentic, and provide readers with a clear understanding of your values and priorities.
What does Stanford look for in essays?
Stanford’s MBA admissions committee wants to understand what is meaningful to you and why you’re drawn to Stanford. Specifically, per Stanford’s MBA application website, “In each essay, we want to hear your genuine voice. Think carefully about your values, passions, aims, and dreams. There is no ‘right answer’ to these questions — the best answer is the one that is truest for you.”
Does Stanford change their supplemental essays?
The topics we’ve discussed in this article relate to the Stanford MBA application for the 2024–25 season. Be sure to reference Stanford’s website for the most current information.
What’s Next?
Stanford’s “What matters most to you and why” essay is among the most challenging MBA application essays. If you’re stuck, we can help! Target Test Prep’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will advise on your MBA application strategy and provide Stanford MBA essay tips.
