Harvard Business School is without a doubt one of the most well-known business institutions in the world. It is also one of the largest, not to mention one of the oldest, with over 900 students graduating each year (founded in 1908). As a result, if your MBA application package is not extremely competitive, you may receive a ding. In this blog post, we will go over the HBS essay topic and offer advice before you hit the submit button.
HBS Essay 1
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? (900-word limit)
Harvard Business School has been introducing ambiguity into its admission process for years. You might begin by thinking about who HBS is looking for. They look for applicants with a proven track record of leadership, analytical aptitude and appetite, and active community involvement. First, consider how you can best demonstrate these attributes and how you can expand on them outside of your existing application materials. Your recommenders, test scores, and undergraduate records are examples of this.
Leadership should be at the forefront of your HBS application at all times. HBS is interested in the influence you have had on a project, organization, or firm. When brainstorming prospective themes for this essay, consider any quantifiable beneficial impact you've achieved that isn't adequately described in your other materials. For example, you could describe the significance of a professional or personal success listed on your resume. You may select a particularly meaningful activity or endeavor and explain why it is significant to you, particularly in light of your personal or professional aspirations.
Keep in mind, the admissions committee wants to know "what more." As a result, double-check the data sections in the online application, spend extra time fine-tuning your resumes, and collaborate with your recommenders to ensure that this essay does not duplicate anecdotes or attributes addressed in your other documents.
Because you have a 900-word limit, you can cover more than one relevant action, endeavor, or accomplishment. But don't be tempted to write a lengthy essay about your aspirations, best triumphs, and school interest. Your objectives and necessity for an MBA at HBS should be properly covered in your other materials. Knowing this should enable you to focus your topic, choose a subject, and write a concise essay. Also, avoid "recycling" essays from HBS's peer schools, such as Stanford or Wharton. Because of the highly unfocused nature of the HBS question, the admissions committee will most likely notice such an essay and will not respond well to it.
HBS Essay – Career Goals Short Answer
Briefly tell us more about your career aspirations. (500 characters)
A dropdown menu will allow you to select your industry group and function. There are 11 options in the industry section (consulting, venture capital, and private equity) and nearly 50 options in the function portion (business development, product management). Then you have 500 characters to briefly elaborate.
When discussing your goals, make sure they are both ambitious and practical. You should explain why they make sense. Identify your goals and possibly a company or two that you plan to work for soon after receiving your MBA. Then discuss how the short term serves as a stepping stone to the long term. Highlight the influence you hope to have as a result of what you'll be doing. Leaders have vision, and HBS will be looking for higher-level objectives.
Harvard MBA Essay – Post-Interview Reflection
For the past ten years, interviewees have been requested to provide a reflection on their interview experience. Typically, this essay must be completed within 24 hours after the interview's completion. Applicants who accepted interview invites will get additional instructions regarding the reflection. HBS will almost certainly ask this round of MBA candidates as well. As a result, we'll include this analysis here.
A more elaborate summary for thoughts for the incoming 2021/2022 applications can be found here.
Applicants would be smart to make notes some notes immediately after interviewing to help draft this reflection so that they can subsequently turn to a clear record of what was discussed as well as what, if anything, they would have liked to discuss but did not get a chance to cover. When it comes time to write the essay, approach it as if you were writing a closing argument for your application.
Take stock of the message you've conveyed in your application materials (essay, resume, data forms) and throughout your interview. Then, compose your reflection with a focus on accentuating the main aspects of your candidacy. Finally, the 24-hour turnaround means that you will need to focus your efforts as well as plan ahead of time - but don't stress. If you panic, HBS will recognize it. HBS needs to see that you can maintain your composure in stressful situations.
The ultimate HBS interview preparation.
