The 2025-2026 Stanford MSx application is now open. Stanford requires that applicants to the MSx program have at least 8 years of professional work experience.
In the past, the Stanford MSx application mirrored the full-time application. However, this year, Stanford GSB introduced some changes to the MSx program application.
Keep reading to find out the Stanford MSx deadlines, how many essays Stanford requires and expert tips on how to handle the Stanford MSx essays.
Stanford GSB MSx Application Deadlines
Round 1: October 1, 2025
Round 2: January 7, 2026
Round 3: February 12, 2026
Please note that applicants wishing to apply to BOTH the full-time MBA program and the MSx program must apply during Round 2 (more on this below).
Personal MBA Coach’s Tips for Tackling the Stanford MSx Application Essays
Stanford MSx Essay A: What matters most to you, and why?
Whether they are applying to the full-time MBA program, the MSx program or both Stanford GSB programs, all applicants must answer this long-standing essay question. In fact, the current head of admissions at Stanford GSB, Erin Nixon, shared at the 2025 AIGAC Conference how she even answered this same essay question when applying to Stanford.
Check out this blog for more tips on how to approach this infamous and challenging question.
Stanford MSx Essay B: The Stanford MSx Community
How do you plan to support and enhance the experience of your classmates and the learning community at Stanford GSB?
The second required essay question for Stanford MSx applicants is actually new. Instead of asking applicants about their post-MBA goals and how the MSx program will help, Stanford is looking for applicants to discuss how THEY will add value to Stanford. Though new for Stanford, contribution essays are increasing in popularity and are a common essay question type (check out this blog for more on this).
An ideal essay will demonstrate how you will be a well-rounded and engaged student once you arrive on Stanford’s beautiful campus. They want to see that you did your research and really know why you want to attend the GSB and how you will improve the Stanford MSx and broader Stanford GSB community.
While this essay should be focused on your value add, it would be expected that applicants would provide some context for their own uniqueness before going into their specific plans to contribute on campus. Consider specific roles you may have on campus, clubs you will join and/or unique perspectives you might bring to class discussions. Try to avoid any overlap with essay A, and if you are applying to both Stanford MBA and Stanford MSx (more on that below), be mindful that you will have a third essay to write and want to avoid duplication there as well.
What if I want to apply to both the Stanford MBA and Stanford MSx Programs?
While applicants are allowed to request consideration for both the MBA and the MSx programs, this is now offered ONLY for round 2 applicants. Applicants applying to both the MBA and MSx programs will be required to complete the MSx application AND answer an additional essay question:
Why Stanford for you? (350 words)
Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. Use this essay to discuss your interest in both the MBA and MSx programs.
This essay mirrors the full-time MBA essay B. However, applicants need to explain why they are interested in both programs. To get our tips for how to approach this essay question, check out our Stanford essay guidance here.
Ready to get started on your Stanford MSx applications? Reach out today!
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