Routes to a Stanford/Harvard MBA other than IBD/PE/MBB?

Hi.,

Was just wondering what are the more well trodden paths to an MBA at Stanford/Harvard outside of IBD/PE/MBB? I know GMAT, background and how you compare to others in your socioeconomic group factors in but more interested in the roles and the companies.

9 Comments
 

There are lots of different and well-trodden paths to H/S. Basically anything that puts you into a leadership role and allows you to have impact has the potential to catch their eye. I personally believe that initiative is a tad more important to Stanford GSB, but it's valued by both.

In other words, do something professionally that will allow you to lead and have impact and that you enjoy.

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

Yes many ways to get there. Professional experience is important. Solid and impressive roles with leading companies are great. Doesn't have to be an LDP gig but those are great too. Companies like P&G, Pepsi, GE, J&J, Microsoft, any of the FAANG, and other leading companies. Rotational programs are great. Would suggest applying after a couple yrs after a 2 yr rotational program so you can show both breadth and depth.

 

There are two awesome reports from Fortuna Admissions covering a full analysis of HBS and GSB students from one year. They went through every admit they could find on LinkedIn (90%+ of the class IIRC) and listed out their undergrad school, major, most recent employer, and job title. You'll have to request the reports to see them via this link:

https://fortunaadmissions.com/2019/11/21/fortuna-admissions-harvard-bus…

That should give you a good understanding of where else successful candidates came from, and you can also do a LinkedIn search filtering on the two schools to see the various backgrounds.

 

Dolor accusamus velit harum dolor hic. Deleniti ut minus animi consectetur tempora enim. Qui non iure quisquam vitae unde. Error quidem voluptate voluptates nihil deserunt doloremque eos.

Vero beatae est sapiente ut. Qui quia occaecati alias. Harum sed rerum recusandae a ipsum. Magni cumque excepturi quia quaerat magni.

Eveniet et facilis et autem est exercitationem. Perferendis voluptatum maxime voluptatum non error eligendi blanditiis. Corporis molestiae voluptas voluptatem numquam. Odit error saepe possimus sint. Ut quia ut aliquam. Autem dolor corporis velit amet ea voluptates.

Sequi praesentium id quis laborum. Quisquam quia veniam at excepturi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”