Stanford GSB recently released its Class of 2027 profile. With 7,259 applications for 434 spots, it’s still the world’s most selective MBA program.

Here's what changed (and what didn't) from the Class of 2026:

Application volume is up – a lot! Stanford GSB received 7,259 applications last season – a 17% jump from the 6,190 applications received for the Class of 2026. While Wharton saw a modest 4% increase, Stanford's 17% surge is something else entirely. Clearly, demand for a Stanford MBA is as strong as ever.

The size of the class grew – a little. Stanford enrolled 434 students in the Class of 2027, up from 424 in the Class of 2026. It’s just 10 students (+2.4%), but generally maintains the program’s commitment to an intimate cohort while allowing just a few more students to take part.

Women's representation actually increased. At 45% women, the Class of 2027 showed a modest 1% gain from the Class of 2026.

Average work experience is up – slightly. The average work experience rose to 5.3 years from 5.1 years in the Class of 2026. Maybe Stanford is attracting candidates who are slightly more seasoned.

International representation is mostly unchanged. While international student enrollment is generally on the decline, international students comprise 38% of the Class of 2027 – down just 1 percentage point from 39% in the Class of 2026. Given the overall trend of declining international enrollment across U.S. programs, we’ll count this as a win.

Fewer countries are represented. The class represents 64 countries, down from 72 countries in the Class of 2026 – a decrease of 11%. This is likely a result of the political situation in the U.S. and / or visa challenges.

Consulting and finance still dominate. Consultants make up 20% of the Class of 2027, and Investment Management / PE / VC professionals represent 17% of the class (down from 19% of the prior class). Combined, these industries represent 37% of the class. Add technology (15%), and there’s a pretty strong concentration of the major industries in Stanford’s cohort.

STEM undergrad and “traditional” degrees comprise the majority. Engineering degrees count for 29% of the class, and Math / Sciences degrees account for account for 12% of the class, totaling 41% of the undergraduate degrees. This is the same total as the Class of 2026 (but a slightly different split). Another 42% come from Business / Commerce degrees (24%) and Economics degrees (18%). Social Sciences degrees make up 12% of the Class of 2027, and Arts / Humanities students comprise 5% of the class. In sum, the cohort is pretty heavy on the “traditional” undergrad degrees.

Test scores and GPAs leveled out. The average GMAT is the same (at 738), and the GMAT Focus Edition averaged 698 (this was not reported last year). The average GRE Verbal score is up a point (from 163 to 164), and the average GRE Quant score remains 164. The average GPA moved just slightly – from 3.75 for the Class of 2026 to 3.76 for the Class of 2027.

Stanford’s acceptance rate is incredibly low. Approximately 6% of applicants enrolled in the program, making Stanford one of the most challenging application processes in the world.

Stanford's brand is very strong. A 17% increase in applications in a single year is exceptional. Candidates see the value in the Stanford education, brand, and network! With applications up, but the class size just a tad larger, the program became even more selective.

Here’s what you need to know:

The "typical" MBA candidate profile is alive and well. Consultants, bankers, and tech professionals with engineering / business / econ degrees are the core of each class. If you fit this profile, you must figure out how to differentiate your candidacy. If you don't fit, lean into what makes you different.

International applicants shouldn't be discouraged. Stanford has maintained its international student diversity. So, your passport won’t be a disadvantage here… though you must stay on top of changing visa policies.

"What matters most to you, and why?" is THE defining question. Stanford's Essay A isn't just another admissions essay – it's the filter through which your whole candidacy will be evaluated. You must articulate authentic purpose, show self-awareness, and communicate genuine values to demonstrate your fit for Stanford. Good luck!