What Matters Most To You, And Why? The Stanford MBA Wants To Know, And So Should You - Forbes

Sep 24, 2026

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An interview-style overview explains why the Stanford GSB MBA application essay centers on answering what matters most and why. It frames the prompt as a way to reveal life purpose, values, and an authentic self, supporting success in business school and beyond. The article highlights admissions guidance on introspection, “truest interests” and “highest aspirations,” and encourages writing as a natural, genuine conversation on paper. It also outlines a practical essay structure with prompts from impact to values to career development, aiming to engage readers intelligently and originally.

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What matters most and why Stanford asks it

How the essay prompt reveals purpose, values, and identity

Admissions guidance: introspection and “conversations on paper”

Recommended essay structure

Start with a person, event, or experience

Extract morals, values, and lessons

Apply values today and explain motivation and vision

Link to career development and conclude

2/25/2014 What Matters Most To You, And Why? The Stanford MBA Wants To Know, And So Should You-Forbes Matt Symonds, Contributor I cover business ed , MBA adm issions , entrepreneurship and management LEADER SHI P | 2/24/2014 @ 4 :45AM | 1 ,493 views What Matters Most To You, And Why? The Stanford MBA Wants To Know, And So Should You This question is simple enough ; though coming up with your answer can be alot more challenging. This notorious essay is at the heart of the MBA application to the Stanford GSB, and typically ties applicants in knots as they try to come up with an answer that they hope is clever, striking, or even profound. Whether you’re actually applying to the MBA program at Stanford, or wondering about the career path that is right for you, taking the time to answer this question can provide invaluable insight about your life purpose, values, and true authentic self. When you understand what matters most to you, it’ll help solidify your self-awareness and give you a strong foundation. This will lead to success at business school but also success with relationships and career. It’s a question that is worth considering in spite of the pain and agony! Stanford MBA Program essays provide you an opportunity to reflect on your own “truest interests” and“highest aspirations .” Derrick Bolton, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions Stanford GSB So why does Stanford ask this question, and why they have stuck with it for so long? For Heriberto Diarte, a Stanford GSB alumnus and alumni ambassador, the question really gets to the heart of what Stanford is about, and links strongly to the school’s tagline, ‘Change lives. Change organizations. Change [http://www.forbes.com/sites/mattsymonds/2014/02/24/what-matters-most-to-you-and-why-stanford-wants-to-know-and-so-should-you/print/ 1/3](http://www.forbes.com/sites/mattsymonds/2014/02/24/what-matters-most-to-you-and-why-stanford-wants-to-know-and-so-should-you/print/ 1/3) 2/25/2014 What Matters Most To You, And Why? The Stanford MBA Wants To Know, And So Should You-Forbes the world’.“Stanford is looking not just for extremely bright and successful professionals, but also young people who have strong values, and who want to have a positive impact in the world.” “The school genuinely wants to get to know you and to understand your values,” Diarte explains.“Stanford MBAs are driven by a desire not just to excel in their careers but also to help others and have a positive impact.”Compared to other top business schools, Stanford is a relatively small program of around 400 students, and is seeking to build a very close knit, supportive community. Diarte points to the incredible warmth and spirit of collaboration and friendship that permeates the whole experience.“Stanford students have the ability to open up, be vulnerable, and grow in a supportive yet challenging environment. As such, the Admissions office works very hard to bring together a group of students who are open, humble and have strong integrity and this provides the foundation of the incredible level of camaraderie and trust that you find at the school. This is really core to Stanford’s brand and the identity of its community.” So what matters most to you, and why? Start off with your intuitive or blink response. Write it down. We’ll come back to it later. Now Stanford is suggesting 750 words for this essay. Maybe you feel that you can answer the first part of the question in one word, with things like family, love, or chocolate. But the heart of the question, the part that reveals your true calling in life requires deeper introspection. Why does that one thing matter more than any other? Ifyou’re staring at a blank page, perhaps we can start with some of the advice that Stanford GSB itself provides. They suggest that you think in terms of who you are, lessons and insights that have shaped your perspectives, and events that have influenced you. And they encourage you to write from the heart. Sta

FAQs

Why does Stanford MBA ask applicants what matters most to them?

Stanford uses the question to get to know applicants and understand their values and life purpose, tying directly to its mission and brand of positive impact.

What kind of response does Stanford want for this essay prompt?

The prompt calls for an intuitive “blink response” first, followed by deeper introspection explaining why that one thing matters more than anything else.

How should applicants structure the Stanford “What matters most” essay?

A recommended approach starts with a key person/event/experience, then draws out morals/values/lessons, explains how they guide motivations and vision, links the development to career, and finishes by restating the connection between values and impact.

Sep 24, 2026

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