Calling all aspiring HBS leaders! The application season for Harvard Business School’s prestigious MBA program is upon us, and this year brings a significant change: a completely revamped essay format. This blog post will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the new application process and showcase your potential to the admissions committee for one of the best business school in the world.

  1. Application Deadlines: Don’t Miss Your Shot at Harvard

Harvard Business School adheres to a streamlined two-round application schedule for the 2024-2025 intake, ensuring a focused and efficient admissions process:

Round 1: September 4, 2024

Round 2: January 6, 2025

  1. Unveiling the New Essays: A Focus on Core Strengths

This year, Harvard Business School has replaced the single, open-ended essay with a series of three concise prompts designed to gain deeper insights into your motivations, leadership style, and growth mindset. Here’s a breakdown of each prompt and targeted advice to craft compelling responses:

Business-Minded Essay (300 words): Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve.

  • Provide specific examples that demonstrate your business acumen and understanding of the industry you wish to enter.
  • Articulate your desired impact, focusing on how you’ll contribute value to businesses, organizations, and communities.
  • Maintain a concise and focused approach within the word limit.

 

Leadership-Focused Essay (250 words): What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become?

  • Choose a powerful story that exemplifies your leadership qualities.
  • Focus on how you empower and support others, fostering growth within your team or community.
  • Showcase your self-awareness by demonstrating how past experiences have shaped your leadership style.

 

Growth-Oriented Essay (250 words): Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth.

  • Choose an impactful example showcasing your inquisitive nature.
  • Explain how your curiosity led you to explore new avenues, overcome challenges, or acquire valuable knowledge.
  • Connect this growth mindset to your future goals and aspirations.
  1. A Farewell to the Open-Ended Essay

Gone is the single, 900-word essay from last year’s application cycle. While it allowed for in-depth exploration, the new format offers a more focused approach.

  1. Strategic Tips for Success

Conquering Harvard Business School’s new essays requires a strategic approach. Here are some power moves to elevate your application:

  • Craft Laser-Focused Responses: Respect the word limits. Hone your message, prioritizing impactful details over generic statements.
  • Unleash Your Narrative Power: Don’t just tell, show! Weave captivating stories that illustrate your experiences, leadership qualities, and growth journey.
  • Bridge the Gap: Connect the dots. Demonstrate how your background, aspirations, and leadership style align perfectly with Harvard Business School’s values and mission.
  • Become an Authority on Yourself: Embrace introspection. Reflect on your experiences and articulate the unique insights and growth they’ve fostered.
  • Partner with the Pros: Consider seeking guidance from experienced MBA admissions consultants. Their expertise can help you refine your essays, develop a winning application strategy, and maximize your chances of admission to Harvard Business School.
  1. Writing Assessment: A Focus on Communication Skills

Harvard Business School emphasizes strong written communication skills, essential for success in the program.

The website states: “Note on the GMAT Focus: Writing is an essential component of the MBA program. Therefore, to be admitted to HBS all students must have an official writing assessment. You can satisfy this with a valid GRE, GMAT 10th Edition, or English language test score. If you only submitted the GMAT Focus, which lacks a writing section, HBS will contact you at the interview stage about taking the separate GMAC Business Writing Assessment. If you wish to take the GMAC Business Writing Assessment before knowing your interview status, you will be able to do so beginning July 2024. Because the written application has opportunities to showcase your writing abilities (e.g. essays, short answers), you will not be at a disadvantage if you do not include the GMAC Business Writing Assessment before you are invited to interview.”

Harvard Business School seeks future leaders who are not only business-savvy but also possess strong leadership qualities and a growth mindset. By crafting compelling essays that showcase these core strengths, you can position yourself for success in the revamped application process and secure your place at this esteemed institution. Register with us for a free profile evaluation today from admission experts.