Nitin Nohria

Analysis of HBS’ Big Essay Changes for 2012/2013

Analysis of HBS’ Big Essay Changes for 2012/2013

Harvard's new essays questions and application process (timing) represent the continuation of a theme at HBS – namely, the program's desire to matriculate an even greater diversity of student.  Previously, we have seen this through HBS' introduction of the 2+2 program, as well as the acceptance of the GRE.  The 2+2 program is designed to seek out the best and the brightest from the youngest of potential applicants – undergraduates.  The GRE is an exam whose test taking pool is approximately 50% female.  If you look at Harvard's numbers over the past few years, you can see that demographics are trending younger and more female.  This is something that most applicants to HBS already knew.