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A Detailed Study Of Application Process
A Detailed Study Of Application Process
For MBA hopefuls, Harvard Business School’s MBA program stands out as one of the most esteemed worldwide. Achieving admission to Harvard MBA demands significant dedication, understanding precisely what the admissions committee seeks in candidates. To simplify the process, we’ve outlined seven steps to help you navigate getting into Harvard Business School MBA.
This article offers insights into grasping the Harvard MBA’s expectations and not being overwhelmed by its prestige. Ultimately, Harvard Business School’s strong reputation is built upon the achievements of its alumni. If the admissions officers recognize your value, they’ll be eager to extend an acceptance offer.
This article offers insights into grasping the Harvard MBA’s expectations and not being overwhelmed by its prestige. Ultimately, Harvard Business School’s strong reputation is built upon the achievements of its alumni. If the admissions officers recognize your value, they’ll be eager to extend an acceptance offer.
Here’s the pathway to securing admission to Harvard Business School (HBS):
Step 1 – Commence Early Research for HBS MBA
Step 2 – Investigate External Influences
Step 3 – Explore Internal Aspects for Harvard MBA
Step 4 – Adopt the Perspective of Harvard Business School’s Admission Committee – Recognize Discrepancies
Step 5 – Address the Discrepancies in your HBS MBA Application
Step 6 – Ready Yourself and Excel in the GMAT
Step 7 – Submit Your Application for the HBS MBA Program
HBS applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
- Possession of a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent-
Completion of a degree program from an accredited U.S. four-year undergraduate institution or an international counterpart, unless applying to the 2+2 Program as a college senior. International equivalents encompass three-year bachelor’s degree programs.
- Submission of GMAT or GRE scores-
Completion of either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the specified timeframes outlined in the provided chart. Either the GMAT or GRE is mandatory for admission. The new, abbreviated GRE format will be accepted starting September 2023, while the GMAT Focus will be accepted from the 2+2 round in April 2024 onwards.
- Language Proficiency Requirements for Non-English Undergraduate Programs-
If your undergraduate studies weren’t conducted entirely in English, you’ll need to provide results from a language proficiency test such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test. If you completed a graduate program taught in English, it’s advised to submit one of these test scores, but it’s not mandatory.
Detailing the Application Process At Harvard Business School
1. Written Application
To apply to Harvard Business School, you need to gather and prepare various materials, all of which must be submitted online by the application deadlines. Below is an overview of what you’ll need:
To apply to Harvard Business School, you need to gather and prepare various materials, all of which must be submitted online by the application deadlines. Below is an overview of what you’ll need:
- Transcripts:
– Candidates should hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, except for those applying through the 2+2 program.
– Requirement of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, whether full- or part-time.
– You may upload an unofficial copy, but an official copy will be requested for verification if admitted.
– The Admissions Board considers various aspects of your academic history beyond just GPA, including school attended, courses taken, and performance.
– Requirement of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, whether full- or part-time.
– You may upload an unofficial copy, but an official copy will be requested for verification if admitted.
– The Admissions Board considers various aspects of your academic history beyond just GPA, including school attended, courses taken, and performance.
- GMAT/GRE:
– There’s no minimum GMAT or GRE score required, and no preference is given to one test over the other.
– They accept the new, shorter GRE starting September 2023, and the GMAT Focus from April 2024 for the 2+2 round.
– You can report your unofficial score when submitting your application or your official score if available.
– Each applicant must request the testing agency to send an official score report directly to HBS.
– You need to complete the AWA portion of the exam, but the results aren’t required for application submission.
– For online versions of the GMAT taken before May 20, 2021, they accept scores without the AWA section, provided they haven’t expired.
– They accept the new, shorter GRE starting September 2023, and the GMAT Focus from April 2024 for the 2+2 round.
– You can report your unofficial score when submitting your application or your official score if available.
– Each applicant must request the testing agency to send an official score report directly to HBS.
– You need to complete the AWA portion of the exam, but the results aren’t required for application submission.
– For online versions of the GMAT taken before May 20, 2021, they accept scores without the AWA section, provided they haven’t expired.
- English Language Proficiency Test:
If you didn’t attend an undergraduate program taught entirely in English, you must take the TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test.
If you completed a graduate degree in English, it’s suggested to submit one of these tests, but not mandatory.
HBS does not set a specific minimum test score requirement for application. However, the MBA Admissions Board advises against candidates applying with a TOEFL score below 109 on the Internet-based Test (IBT), an IELTS score below 7.5, a PTE score below 75, or a Duolingo score below 145.
Additionally, HBS exclusively accepts the Internet-based (IBT) version of the TOEFL. Please be aware that the HBS code for the TOEFL is 3444.
If you completed a graduate degree in English, it’s suggested to submit one of these tests, but not mandatory.
HBS does not set a specific minimum test score requirement for application. However, the MBA Admissions Board advises against candidates applying with a TOEFL score below 109 on the Internet-based Test (IBT), an IELTS score below 7.5, a PTE score below 75, or a Duolingo score below 145.
Additionally, HBS exclusively accepts the Internet-based (IBT) version of the TOEFL. Please be aware that the HBS code for the TOEFL is 3444.
- Essay
For the Class of 2026 application, there’s one question:
“As we evaluate your application, what additional information would you like us to know to consider you for the Harvard Business School MBA program?” (900 words)
Feel free to share personal or professional experiences that highlight your unique ability to contribute to HBS. Keep your response clear and concise for those unfamiliar with your background.
Joint program applicants for Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Kennedy School must also provide an essay:
“How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you both professionally and personally?” (400 words)
“As we evaluate your application, what additional information would you like us to know to consider you for the Harvard Business School MBA program?” (900 words)
Feel free to share personal or professional experiences that highlight your unique ability to contribute to HBS. Keep your response clear and concise for those unfamiliar with your background.
Joint program applicants for Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Kennedy School must also provide an essay:
“How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you both professionally and personally?” (400 words)
- Recommendations
Two recommendations must be submitted online by the application deadlines. It’s up to you to select recommenders who can provide insights into your qualifications. We understand if you can’t have a direct supervisor write your recommendation. Choose individuals who know you well enough to answer the questions provided.
Recommender Questions-
Recommenders will fill out a personal qualities and skills grid and respond to two questions:
1. How does the candidate compare to others in similar roles, considering performance, potential, background, or personal qualities? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
2. Describe the most significant piece of constructive feedback you’ve given the applicant. Please provide details on the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)
Recommender Questions-
Recommenders will fill out a personal qualities and skills grid and respond to two questions:
1. How does the candidate compare to others in similar roles, considering performance, potential, background, or personal qualities? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
2. Describe the most significant piece of constructive feedback you’ve given the applicant. Please provide details on the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)
- Resume
Submit your standard business resume or CV. There’s no specific format required.
Please note: The HBS MBA Program is designed for students with full-time work experience. The Admissions Board suggests applicants have at least two years of full-time work experience before enrolling.
Please note: The HBS MBA Program is designed for students with full-time work experience. The Admissions Board suggests applicants have at least two years of full-time work experience before enrolling.
- Acceptance of Policies
Signed Acceptance of HBS Admissions Policies is required.
- Fee or Fee Waiver
There’s a nonrefundable application fee of $250 (credit card only), except for active duty military applicants. Those with an annual income of $65,000 or less automatically qualify for a need-based fee waiver. Others can request a fee waiver due to financial hardship after starting the application.
*Applicants to the 2+2 Program have a reduced application fee of $100.
*Applicants to the 2+2 Program have a reduced application fee of $100.
2. Interviews
The interview is a conversation tailored to you, lasting 30 minutes, conducted by an MBA Admissions Board member who has reviewed your application. It’s a positive indicator of interest but not a guarantee of admission. Interviews are conducted by invitation only, and participation is required to complete the application process. They can take place on campus, in hub cities, or via Zoom, and neither the timing nor format implies anything about your application status.
The interview is a conversation tailored to you, lasting 30 minutes, conducted by an MBA Admissions Board member who has reviewed your application. It’s a positive indicator of interest but not a guarantee of admission. Interviews are conducted by invitation only, and participation is required to complete the application process. They can take place on campus, in hub cities, or via Zoom, and neither the timing nor format implies anything about your application status.
3. Post-Interview Understandings
After the interview, candidates must submit a written reflection within 24 hours through our online application system. Detailed instructions will be given to invited applicants.
After the interview, candidates must submit a written reflection within 24 hours through our online application system. Detailed instructions will be given to invited applicants.
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