How to Get Into Harvard Business School: M7 Admissions Guide

Introduction

Harvard Business School (HBS) is the pinnacle of business education, known for shaping leaders who redefine industries and create meaningful change. With a legacy of innovation and influence, HBS offers a transformative experience for those ready to challenge themselves and others. This guide explores what makes HBS unique and provides essential insights into the application process, helping you navigate your path to success at this prestigious institution.

Why Choose Harvard Business School?

Choosing Harvard Business School means committing to a rigorous academic environment, a community of forward-thinking leaders, and access to unparalleled resources. Here are some of the key reasons why HBS stands out.

The Case Method

The HBS case method is at the heart of the academic experience. Unlike traditional lecture-based learning, the case method involves dynamic discussions where students engage with real-world business scenarios. This approach fosters critical decision-making skills and interactive learning, allowing students to benefit from the diverse experiences of peers and professors.

Expansive Alumni Network

HBS’s alumni network is one of the most powerful in the world, offering lifelong connections and opportunities. With over 85,000 alumni in 173 countries, the network provides a truly global resource for mentorship and career advancement. Alumni occupy top positions in leading companies across industries, ensuring continued engagement through networking events and career support.

Diverse and Inclusive Community

HBS prides itself on cultivating a diverse and inclusive community, which enhances the learning experience for all students. The Class of 2025 includes 39% international students and 45% women, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can learn from each other.

Essential Information: Harvard Business School MBA Class Profile

Understanding the current MBA class profile can provide valuable insights for prospective applicants. Here’s a snapshot of the Harvard Business School Class of 2025:

Class Composition

• Class Size: 938
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Average GMAT Score: 740
• Average GPA: 3.73
• Average Years of Work Experience: 4.9
• Women: 45%
• International Students: 39%

Pre-MBA Industries

• Consulting: 17%
• Venture Capital / Private Equity: 17%
• Technology: 13%
• Consumer Products / Retail / E-Commerce: 10%
• Financial Services: 10%
• Manufacturing / Industrial / Energy: 9%
• Healthcare / Biotech: 7%
• Military: 6%
• Nonprofit / Government / Education: 6%
• Media / Entertainment / Travel: 3%
• Services: 2%

Undergraduate Majors

• Engineering: 25%
• Business/Commerce: 22%
• Economics: 21%
• Math/Physical Sciences: 17%
• Arts/Humanities: 4%

Program Overview

The Harvard MBA program is structured to provide a comprehensive business education that prepares students for leadership roles across industries.

Year One: The Required Curriculum (RC)

In the first year, all students follow a structured curriculum designed to build a strong foundation in general management. Core courses include Finance, Marketing, Operations, Strategy, and Organizational Behavior. The FIELD Foundations program emphasizes leadership and teamwork through small-group projects and personal reflection. Students engage in daily case-based discussions on diverse business challenges, sharpening their analytical and communication skills.

Year Two: The Elective Curriculum (EC)

In the second year, students have the freedom to tailor their education to their interests and career goals by selecting from a wide range of elective courses. Over 120 courses are offered across ten subject areas, including Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Technology & Operations Management. Students can also cross-register for courses at other Harvard graduate schools or MIT, allowing for interdisciplinary learning and independent projects.

Joint Degree Programs

Harvard Business School offers several joint degree programs, allowing students to combine their MBA with another discipline:

• JD/MBA: Harvard Law School
• MD/MBA: Harvard Medical School
• MBA/MPP and MBA/MPA-ID: Harvard Kennedy School
• MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences: Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• MS/MBA: Biotechnology: Harvard Medical School & Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• DMD/MBA: Harvard School of Dental Medicine

These programs provide students with a diverse skill set, preparing them for leadership roles across various fields.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Harvard Business School looks for candidates who demonstrate a combination of academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to impact.

Academic Excellence

Successful candidates typically have a strong GPA from a rigorous undergraduate program and high test scores. Competitive GMAT or GRE scores are crucial, with successful applicants often scoring in the top percentiles.

Leadership Potential

HBS values leadership experience in professional, academic, or extracurricular settings. This could involve leading a team, managing projects, or initiating change. Candidates should show their ability to influence others and drive positive change within organizations or communities.

Professional Achievements

HBS looks for candidates who have demonstrated significant career progression and achievements relative to their peers. Applicants should highlight their contributions to projects, teams, or organizations, focusing on innovation and value creation.

Personal Qualities

A history of involvement in community service, volunteer work, or initiatives that benefit others is valued. HBS appreciates candidates who have overcome challenges or adapted to changing circumstances, demonstrating resilience and flexibility.

Application Process

The application process for Harvard Business School is comprehensive and competitive. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each component.

Application Essays

Essays are a critical part of the HBS application, offering candidates a chance to showcase their unique qualities and motivations. The essay prompts for the current application cycle are as follows:

Business Minded Essay

Reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations, and the impact you strive to make in your communities (up to 300 words).

Leadership-Focused Essay

Share experiences that have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become (up to 250 words).

Growth-Oriented Essay

Describe how curiosity has influenced your personal and professional growth (up to 250 words).

Optional Essay

Use this space to provide any additional information that may not be covered in other parts of your application (up to 900 words).

Tips for Writing Strong Essays: Be authentic and use your essays to share your true self and motivations, avoiding clichés and generic responses. Tell a story that connects your past experiences with your future goals, illustrating your unique journey. Highlight specific examples of how you have made a difference in your roles and how you plan to contribute at HBS.

Letters of Recommendation

HBS requires two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your leadership potential and professional accomplishments.

Recommender Selection: Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed examples of your skills and achievements. Share your goals and key experiences with your recommenders to help them write a comprehensive and supportive letter.

Recommendation Questions:

1. How do the candidate's performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Provide specific examples (up to 300 words).
2. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Detail the circumstances and the applicant's response (up to 250 words).

The Interview

The HBS interview is a critical step in the admissions process, offering the admissions team an opportunity to evaluate your interpersonal and communication skills.

Format: A 30-minute interview conducted by a member of the admissions board, focusing on your application materials and experiences.

Preparation: Review your application thoroughly and be ready to discuss your experiences, career goals, and reasons for choosing HBS. Expect questions about key choices in your career, the culture of organizations you've been part of, and current industry trends.

Post-Interview Reflection

Within 24 hours of the interview, applicants must submit a written reflection. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts on the interview and highlight any additional insights.

Content: Reflect on the interview experience, discuss any new ideas or perspectives gained, and reiterate your interest in HBS. Be honest and thoughtful, focusing on what you learned and how the interview reinforced your desire to join HBS.

Career Opportunities and Alumni Success

Harvard Business School graduates are highly sought after by top employers across industries. The school’s emphasis on leadership, analytical skills, and practical experience prepares students for a wide range of career paths.

Employment Statistics

The average starting salary for HBS graduates is $175,000, with 95% receiving job offers within three months of graduation (Class of 2022). Top industries for HBS graduates include consulting, finance, technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. HBS graduates are employed worldwide, with significant numbers working in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Career Development Resources

HBS provides extensive career support services to help students achieve their professional goals. Personalized coaching and mentoring from experienced career advisors help students navigate their career paths. HBS hosts numerous networking events, connecting students with alumni and industry leaders. Students also have access to exclusive job boards, resume reviews, and interview preparation resources.

Notable Alumni

HBS’s alumni network includes leaders and innovators across industries, demonstrating the impact and influence of the Harvard MBA. Alumni hold leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies, startups, and non-profit organizations. Many graduates have founded successful companies, leveraging the skills and connections gained at HBS. Alumni work in various sectors, from healthcare and technology to government and social enterprises, driving change and innovation.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Applicants

Applying to Harvard Business School is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Here are some key takeaways to help you succeed in the application process.

Demonstrate Leadership with Impact

Leadership at HBS is about more than titles; it's about making a significant impact. Showcase instances where you’ve led initiatives that drove meaningful change, whether in your career, community, or academic life. Use your essays and interviews to tell stories that illustrate your leadership style, your ability to inspire others, and the tangible results you achieved. HBS is looking for candidates who can contribute to its mission of educating leaders who make a difference in the world.

Leverage the HBS Network

HBS's alumni network is a powerful resource. Demonstrate your understanding of how you will leverage this network to achieve your career goals. Whether it's through mentorship, industry connections, or entrepreneurial support, articulate how you plan to engage with and contribute to this network. Showing that you understand the value of the HBS community and how you will actively participate in it can set your application apart.

Craft a Compelling Personal Narrative

Your application is your opportunity to present a cohesive personal narrative that connects your past experiences with your future aspirations. Highlight the unique aspects of your background, such as overcoming adversity, pursuing unconventional paths, or driving innovation in your field. Crafting a compelling narrative that aligns with HBS's values and mission will make your application memorable and impactful.