How to Get Into Harvard Business School
Harvard Business School is one of the most prestigious institutions globally, renowned for its top-ranking M7 MBA program. The school boasts a network of influential alumni who are leaders in the corporate world.
The resources, connections, and prestige of a Harvard MBA can significantly boost your career prospects.
HBS is a highly attractive option for those considering an MBA. However, the admissions process is extremely competitive. If you're reading this, you're likely curious about what it takes to stand out when applying to Harvard.
So, how do you get into HBS? The following tips will help prospective applicants enhance their chances of gaining admission to one of the world's premier business schools.
The first question to ask yourself is whether you currently qualify for a Harvard MBA. You need a high GPA, well above the average for MBA programs, and ideally, around five years of post-college work experience, including some leadership roles and a history of high academic achievement.
Harvard also looks for honors and recognitions you have received. These are the typical criteria you’ll need to meet to be considered for the Harvard MBA program.
Acing the GMAT
For most top MBA programs, a strong GMAT score is essential. At HBS, the average GMAT score is particularly high, with successful applicants often scoring in the high 700s.
Starting early with your preparation is crucial, as it gives you ample time to achieve a competitive score. If your initial score falls short, you will have the opportunity to retake the test before application deadlines.
If you don't yet meet all the mentioned criteria, use this time to enhance your resume and build your profile.
Highlighting your unique personal history in your MBA personal statement and showcasing your involvement in impactful extracurricular activities can help offset other gaps in your profile. Exceptional achievements can also strengthen your application.
Building the Right Profile for HBS
Beyond the general qualifications such as professional experience, academic performance, and a strong GMAT score, you need to show that you will fit in with the HBS community and contribute to its reputation. HBS values diverse backgrounds, and it's important to complement this diversity with your own unique story.
Starting early in the application process will give you the time to articulate what makes you unique in your essays. You also need to demonstrate that you are a cultural fit for HBS and that you have thoughtfully considered why an HBS MBA is right for you compared to other top programs.
HBS emphasizes “analytical aptitude” and “engaged community citizenship,” meaning they expect students to be academic high achievers who also prioritize goodwill projects.
Networking with HBS MBAs
Building a strong profile for HBS can be enhanced by demonstrating that you already have a network at Harvard. Connecting with current students and alumni will give you insights into their profiles, helping you understand what HBS seeks in applicants.
Attending MBA events and organizing campus visits are excellent ways to meet them. Additionally, conducting LinkedIn research to learn about the backgrounds of HBS students and reaching out to them can help you build your MBA network.
Writing a Great Application
The next step is to start on your written application. Harvard's online application system allows you to compile your MBA application resume, add references, and upload your admissions essays.
Although filling out the application may seem straightforward, it can be deceptively time-consuming. It's crucial to allocate enough time to ensure everything is perfect.
The HBS Essay
The HBS essay is a significant part of the application. This is where you can highlight your profile and showcase what makes you unique. It's an opportunity to engage the admissions committee with compelling storytelling, demonstrating how you would fit into the HBS MBA community.
Recommendation Letters
You will need two letters of recommendation. To make a strong impression, inform your recommenders early so they have ample time to write a thoughtful reference. Starting this process early also gives you time to build and strengthen relationships with your potential references.
Prepare for Your HBS Interview
The final step in the admissions process is the Harvard Business School interview. This can be daunting, but practicing with potential questions can significantly boost your preparedness.
The more you practice, the better equipped you'll be to handle any questions the interviewers might ask, thereby increasing your chances of making a positive impression.
Additionally, thorough preparation and practice will help reduce your nervousness, allowing you to perform confidently during the interview.
Best Tips for Getting into Harvard Business School
Impressive candidates from around the world aspire to attend HBS, but the reality is that many will face disappointment. To increase your chances of admission, you need to capture the attention of the MBA admissions committee.
Here's a summary of the main steps to consider on your HBS journey:
1. Become a Qualifying Candidate
- Ace Your GMAT: Your GMAT score needs to be as high as possible to compete with other applicants. Start preparing for the GMAT early.
- Build Strong Work Experience: Ideally, have at least five years of professional experience, including leadership roles, by the time you apply to Harvard.
2. Build the Right Profile
- Network with Students and Alumni: Organize campus visits and connect with current students and alumni to understand what HBS is looking for and how you can fit into the school’s culture.
- Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Show that you understand and will contribute to the HBS community.
3. Write a Great Application
- Craft a Compelling HBS Essay: Your essays are a chance to go beyond statistics and convey what makes you unique. Use good storytelling to reflect on your personal and professional experiences.
- Develop Clear Career Goals: Be specific and realistic about your career goals in your MBA admission essays. Show that you have a clear trajectory and how HBS fits into your journey.
- Reach Out to References: Cultivate professional relationships early and give your recommenders plenty of time to write strong letters of recommendation.
4. Practice for Your Interview
Prepare Diligently for the HBS Interview: Once invited, begin your interview prep. Use practice questions to help you feel confident and reduce nervousness.
5. Start Early
- Get Your Qualifications in Order: Ensure you have all the necessary qualifications and start early to address any gaps in your profile. This includes gaining work experience, participating in extracurriculars, and achieving a competitive GMAT score.
- Use Free Resources: Utilize free official GMAT practice questions to help with your preparation.
6. Consider Working with a Consultant
MBA Admissions Consulting: Learn how consulting services can benefit your candidacy.
All the steps outlined above will help you address the burning question: how to get into Harvard Business School. Becoming an HBS graduate will open many exciting doors and prepare you for a successful professional life.
Hopefully, this guide not only explains how to win admission but also helps you decide if HBS is the right school for you. If so, we wish you all the best in your application!