Harvard Business School Admissions Tips

GMAT

HBS reviews only the score from the test sitting you present in your application, so it behooves you to test as many times as necessary to achieve a competitive score. 

• 50% of the Class of 2009 scored between 700 and 740 on the GMAT, although the score range is very broad.

Interviews

Interview invitations are done on a rolling basis and their timing implies nothing about your candidacy and may be offered up to the notification date.

Interviews are 30 minutes and are conducted in-person or over the phone.

Application Essays

Emphasis is placed heavily upon leadership at HBS and should feature prominently in your essays. Given HBS’s mission to “develop outstanding business leaders who contribute to the well-being of society”, it is also essential to demonstrate your capacity to positively influence others. You must also demonstrate your style of leadership and should reflect on how it has changed over time. More than most business schools, HBS will seriously evaluate the degree to which your career goals will impact society.

Examples of essay questions previously used by HBS: 

1. What are your three most substantial accomplishments and why do you view them as such? (600-word limit))
2. What have you learned from a mistake? (400-word limit)
3. Please respond to three of the following (400-word limit each)
1. How have you experienced culture shock?
2. What would you like the MBA Admissions Board to know about your undergraduate academic experience?
3. What is your career vision and why is this choice meaningful to you?
4. What global issue is most important to you and why?
5. What else would you like the MBA Admissions Board to understand about you?

Recommendations

Unlike many business schools, HBS will consider recommendations from your former professors. However, these will only be helpful if the professor writing the recommendation is familiar with your leadership capacity and professional goals. If these conditions are not met, then you would be wise to find other sources for letters.

For expert help with your application, check out our MBA Admissions Consulting.