Yes, essays are one of the most essential parts of the Stanford MBA application. The school says it clearly—they want to understand who you are, not just what you've done. That’s what the essays are for.
Compared to GMAT, work experience, or even recommendations, essays carry more weight at Stanford than most other top B-schools. They help the adcom see how self-aware you are, what drives you, and whether you're a good fit for their community.
If you're a borderline candidate (say, average GPA or non-traditional background), strong personal essays can make a huge difference. On the flip side, even great stats won't help much if your essays feel generic.
And yes—they do read every essay fully. Stanford is known for taking time with applications, especially the “What matters most to you, and why?” essay.
Tip: Focus on being real, not impressive. It’s not about having a crazy story—it’s about showing depth.
You can read more about Stanford MBA essays here.
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