HBS & Stanford released their essay topics (which haven’t changed) and deadlines for the MBA programs that start in 2019:

What are the HBS MBA essay topics and deadlines for 2018-2019?

The HBS MBA deadlines for 2018-2019 are R1 – September 5, 2018 and R2 – January 4, 2019. The essay question for the Harvard Business School MBA program is: 'As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?' There is no word limit for this question, and applicants are advised to answer clearly without overthinking or overwriting.

R2 – January 4, 2019

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Essay question:

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?

There is no word limit for this question. We think you know what guidance we’re going to give here. Don’t overthink, overcraft and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that those of us who don’t know your world can understand.

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What are the Stanford MBA essay topics and deadlines for 2018-2019?

The Stanford MBA deadlines for 2018-2019 are R1 – 18 Sep 2018, R2 – 10 Jan 2019, and R3 – 03 Apr 2019. Applicants are requested to write two personal essays. Essay A asks: 'What matters most to you, and why?' requiring deep self-examination and focus on the 'why.' Essay B asks: 'Why Stanford?' focusing on how an MBA at Stanford will enable ambitions and explaining distinctive opportunities. The combined word limit for both essays is 1,150 words (1,200 words for MBA and MSx programs).

R2 – 10 Jan 2019

R3 – 03 Apr 2019

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Essay questions:

We request that you write two personal essays. In each essay, we want to hear your genuine voice. Think carefully about your values, passions, aims, and dreams prior to writing them.

Essay A: What matters most to you, and why?

For this essay, we would like you to:

  • Do some deep self-examination, so you can genuinely illustrate who you are and how you came to be the person you are.
  • Share the insights, experiences, and lessons that shaped your perspectives, rather than focusing merely on what you’ve done or accomplished.
  • Write from the heart, and illustrate how a person, situation, or event has influenced you.
  • Focus on the “why” rather than the “what.”

Essay B: Why Stanford?

Enlighten us on how earning your MBA at Stanford will enable you to realize your ambitions.

  • Explain your decision to pursue graduate education in management.
  • Explain the distinctive opportunities you will pursue at Stanford.
  • If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs.

Length

Your answers for both essay questions combined may not exceed 1,150 words (1,200 words if you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs). Each of you has your own story to tell, so please allocate these words between your essays in the way that is most effective for you.