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June 29, 2023

Harvard Business School MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2023 – 2024]

The Admissions Office at Harvard Business School (HBS) has announced updates for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. The most important update is that if you plan to apply to HBS and have yet to take an entrance exam, you should take the traditional GMAT test (including the AWA) or the GRE. HBS will not accept the GMAT Focus Edition exam because it will not be available until after the Round 1 deadline. This will eliminate any confusion that might occur across Rounds 1 and 2.

The essay prompt and word limit will remain the same, at a maximum (not necessarily a requirement) of 900 words. The team also indicates that if you can tell your story in 500 words, that’s fine too.

HBS MBA essay tips
HBS 2023-2024 deadlines
HBS class profile
Sample HBS Essay
More resources

Harvard will continue being one of the few, if not the only, school with just two rounds (September and January). HBS uses an April deadline exclusively for HBS 2+2, its deferred admission program.

Let’s talk about Harvard’s MBA application

On to the Harvard MBA application and essay question itself: HBS clearly likes the responses it has received to the past several years’ excellent essay question because this year’s question is identical. The essay is again required, and there is a 900-word limit

Harvard Business School MBA essay tips

There is one question for the HBS Class of 2026:

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?

The website provides the following advice as well:

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.

Before you begin to complete your application I have two suggestions for you:

Review Harvard’s criteria for admission , and its MBA Application Tips: Essay video .
Watch the embedded video on the case method at HBS.

This is a great essay question. It allows you to choose what you want the school to know about you without having to fit that information into a framework required by a question that doesn’t really align with your story. It also allows you to demonstrate judgment and communication skills, which are critical given Harvard’s residential culture , study groups, and case method. Finally, this essay is a chance for HBS to get to know you beyond your resume and the limited (and limiting) boxes. In fact, as Chad Losee says in his essay tip video, they want to get to know you through your essay. That’s the essay’s purpose.

Now THINK. What else – really and truly – do you want Harvard Business School to know about you? The HBS admissions committee has told you what they want to know in the other sections of the application. “What more” do you want the HBS readers to know?

Please note that your essay has to be additive. “What more” are the key words in the prompt. It shouldn’t be a resume in prose. And it shouldn’t be a series of vague generalities and assertions that would apply to many others. Finally, it can’t be a series of anecdotes with no meaning or significance associated with the experiences. It should reflect at least part of your unique story, the part that you want HBS to know. Finally, your essay should reflect your motivations, values, and dreams.

The answer to HBS’ question is not something I can give or even suggest to you in a blog post aimed at the many (for individual guidance, please see Accepted’s MBA Admissions Consulting ). It must be different for each of you. Again, refer to the HBS criteria, as you contemplate possible topics, but the options are infinite. A few possibilities:

Provide context for events described in the required elements.
Delve into your motivations for the decisions or commitments you have made.
Discuss experiences that shaped your dreams for the future, which might just benefit enormously from an HBS education (caveat: HBS doesn’t ask why you want to attend Harvard, so don’t make this a central theme of your essay).
Examine challenges you have faced. These could be personal challenges, or perhaps interpersonal challenges.
Envision something you would like to accomplish at HBS.
Provide more detail about an activity or commitment that is particularly important to you.

Please don’t limit yourself to these suggestions. I am offering them to stimulate your creativity, not to shut it down.

If one thing is true, it is that HBS has valued concision. And, in today’s tweet- and sound-bite-driven world, it is requiring short responses in the other portions of the application. Don’t take this essay’s generous word limit as a license for verbosity. Make every word count, no pun intended.

A few cautions and warnings regarding this essay – it is NOT:

Stanford’s “what matters most to you and why?” essay
The kitchen sink in which you throw everything
An autobiography
A resume in prose or a rehash of your transcript and honors
An ode to the awesomeness of Harvard (The admissions committee doesn’t need you to tell them they have a great institution that you would be honored to attend. They’ve heard it before.)

For expert guidance on your HBS application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages , which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the HBS application. Looking to score some scholarship money while you’re at it? Accepted’s clients received over $3.5 million dollars in scholarship offers in the most recent application cycle. Explore our services for more information on how Accepted can help you get into HBS.

Harvard Business School 2023-24 application deadlines

Source: HBS website

* Applications must be submitted online by 12 noon Boston time.

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

HBS class profile [Class of 2024]

Here’s a look at HBS’s Class of 2024 taken from the Harvard Business School website :

Number of applications: 8264

Enrolled: 1,015

Countries represented:

United States: 62%
Mexico, Central & South America: 5%
Middle East: 3%
Oceania: 1%

Women: 46%

International: 38%

US minorities: 52%

Average GPA: 3.70

Average years work experience: 5.0

Percent of class taking GMAT: 74%

Verbal range: 29– 51
Quantitative range: 34 – 51
Total range: 540–790
Median verbal: 42
Median quantitative: 48
Median total : 730

Percent of class taking GRE: 30%

Verbal range: 147 – 170
Quantitative range: 150–170
Median verbal: 163
Median quantitative: 163

Breakdown of undergraduate majors (137 domestic universities and 158 international universities)

Breakdown of pre-mba industries, sample harvard business school essays from admitted hbs students, are you considering applying to business school.

We have the resources to help you navigate the options and make the right choice for you:

M7 MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know
What It Takes to Get Accepted to HBS, Stanford GSB, and Wharton

Is HBS at the top of your wish list?

Get the competitive edge with HBS-specific advice and inside information:

“I Wish the Admissions Committee Had Asked Me…” : How to answer open-ended MBA essay questions
What Harvard Business School Is Looking For: Engaged Community Citizenship
What Harvard Business School Is Looking For: Analytical Aptitude and Appetite
What Harvard Business School Is Looking For: The Habit of Leadership
7 Important Tips for Your HBS Post-Interview Reflection

Hear directly from Harvard alumni in these inspiring blog posts:

An MBA Success Story Reflects on His HBS Experience, 7 Years Later, podcast Episode 419
A Harvard MBA’s Experience & Advice on Writing the Perfect Essay, podcast Episode 375
Entrepreneurship at HBS: How Stride Will Help You Fund Your Future, podcast Episode 341
How to Leverage an HBS Education: The Story of LeverEdge, podcast Episode 313
Ida Valentine: Investment Banker, Inspirational Speaker, HBS 2021, podcast Episode 311
The Journey from India to Harvard MBA, podcast Episode 220

Do you need help gaining admission to HBS or any other top MBA program? That’s what we do! Explore our MBA Admissions Consulting Services and work one-on-one with an experienced admissions advisor who will help you GET ACCEPTED.

As the former executive director of admissions at Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School and assistant dean of admissions at Georgetown’s McDonough School and the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School, Kelly Wilson has 23 years’ experience overseeing admissions committees and has reviewed more than 38,000 applications for the MBA and master’s programs in management of information systems, computational finance, business analytics, and product management. Want Kelly to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

What Is Harvard Business School Looking For?
“I Wish the Admissions Committee Had Asked Me…”
Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One

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Harvard Business School Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance, 2023-2024

Harvard Business School (HBS) announced its essay question for the 2023–2024 application season today. The good news is that this essay prompt is not new; in fact, HBS has used this exact question every year except one since the 2012–2013 application season, with the only notable change being the addition of an official word limit last season. In the past, the admissions committee had let applicants decide how long—or short—their essay would be, but after recognizing the angst that making such a judgment call caused for candidates (as if determining what to write about was not challenging enough!), it introduced the 900-word maximum to provide a bit of guidance.

The HBS essay prompt is therefore very familiar—at least to us. Collectively at Gatehouse Admissions, we have coached hundreds and hundreds of applicants in crafting their HBS essay, and we have read thousands more submitted essays. Based on our experience, we have developed the following guidance to help you develop your essay.

Essay prompt: 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)

How should i get started on my hbs essay.

What makes Harvard’s essay question so perplexing is that it essentially offers you a blank slate; you have up to 900 words to write about whatever you want . That level of freedom can be intimidating and scary, but focus instead on the upside—you are in the driver’s seat, and you get to decide what to tell HBS!

To avoid becoming overwhelmed as you figure out where or how to start HBS’s essay, remember to look inward. Keep the perspective on you and what you want to tell the admissions committee; do not try to guess what HBS wants to know, compare yourself to your peers, or employ a tactic that you heard was successful for someone else. These strategies will likely lead you down the wrong path. Also, remember that the admissions committee will have your resume, short answer responses, transcript(s), and letters of recommendation. Your essay is your opportunity to go beyond all this information the admissions committee already has and provide color that the other materials cannot easily convey.

What should I write about in my HBS essay?

HBS is looking for evidence that you are someone who can lead, drive impact, work well with others, demonstrate empathy and humility, solve problems, implement solutions, be open to feedback and other perspectives, make decisions, and so on—all hallmarks of a good leader. HBS also wants to know that you can learn from both your wins and your failures. In fact, the school is very open about the kind of candidate it seeks! HBS states that it is looking for applicants who display a Habit of Leadership, Analytical Aptitude and Appetite, and Engaged Community Citizenship .

This does not mean that you must discuss any or all of these specific topics in your essay, however, and if you do, avoid addressing them head on (e.g., “A time I displayed leadership was…”). Just keep in mind what the admissions committee is watching for, and this should help you identify strong potential stories and the most relevant details to emphasize.

How much should I talk about HBS in my essay?

HBS should be in the back of your mind as you determine what you want to write about and as you draft. At each iteration of your essay, ask yourself, “Why do I want to tell them this? Will sharing this information [or story] give them confidence that I am the sort of leader, teammate, person, and citizen who will make an impact on the world?” If what you want to tell them does not add to or clarify the picture of your potential, then it probably does not belong in your essay.

That said, discussing anything specifically about HBS in your essay is not imperative. That is because HBS does not ask you to! HBS can be secondary or even an afterthought in your essay, and many successful applicants do not mention the school at all! Discuss HBS only if your rationale for business school and for choosing HBS in particular is truly core to your “What more?” story.

How should I construct my HBS essay?

Once you have brainstormed your experiences and have pinpointed the themes and/or stories you want to share, start by writing an overarching, one-line response to the essay prompt at the top of your essay draft. If you cannot articulate it well and distill it down into a single sentence (two max), your essay is likely trying to cover too many unrelated topics or lacks a cohesive theme.

Next, consider the different ways you could craft your essay, be it as a journey through key pivotal moments, a series of stories and examples that illustrate some superpower or core value of yours, or a fuller picture of you—a mosaic—that captures some of your most compelling and relevant traits. Whatever way you choose, make sure that your essay has a strong spine that ties together the different elements.

Additional Resources

Read a successful HBS essay , annotated with instructive callouts and commentary on what makes it a good example
Review 25 HBS essays in our book “What Matters?” and “What More?”: 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked)
Learn the basics of good writing in our two free, video-based essay workshops, The Importance of Business School Application Essays (and How to Write Them) and Your Career Statement – Fact, Fiction, and How to Build One , hosted by Liza Weale, founder of Gatehouse Admissions

Topics in this resource:

MBA Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance

Harvard Business School

A Guide to the HBS Essay

Our guide to one of the most important parts of the MBA application for Harvard Business School: the essay, including our hand-picked HBS coach recommendations and other articles to get you started.

Posted January 10, 2024

Featuring Karla M.

From Waitlisted to Admitted: Insider Tips for MBA Admissions

Tuesday, april 9.

6:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes

Harvard Business School is one of the most renowned universities and business programs in the world. Established in 1908, it boasts impressive alumni like Michael Bloomberg, George W. Bush, and Abigail Johnson. With such a reputation, it is no surprise that the HBS application can be a grueling process. This is our guide to one of the most important parts of that application: the essay. Read on for tips to help you distinguish your candidacy and present the best essay possible.

HBS Essay Prompts (2024): Traditional & Deferred

Traditional application essay prompt.

The HBS essay asks a simple and open-ended question that gives applicants the ability to highlight whatever they believe is most important and relevant. The prompt is as follows:

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 words maximum)

On its website, Harvard advises applicants, “Don’t overthink, over craft, and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that those of us who don’t know your world can understand.” HBS has only recently instigated the limit of 900 words. With such an ambiguous question, it’s important to make every word count. It is easy to go on tangents, use the wrong example, or write simply to put words on the page. Students often don’t know where to start, and when to end.

HBS 2+2 Deferred MBA Essay Prompts

As of 2024, HBS has updated its deferred MBA essay prompts for the first time in many years. The new deferred essay requirements involve writing three short essays: two personal ones and one career one. Each essay has a limit of 300 words.

Personal Essays

The HBS classroom and community thrive when we bring together people who can share a variety of perspectives. To get to know you better and how you will engage at HBS, please choose two of the three prompts below to tell us more about yourself:

1. How have your experiences shaped who you are, how you lead, and how you will contribute at HBS? 2. What intellectual experiences have influenced your approach to learning and have led you to pursue an MBA? 3. What communities have you been engaged with that have defined how you invest in others?

Career Essay

How do the career plans you shared in the Career Plans section of the application fit into your current long-term career vision? What skills and/or professional experiences do you hope to obtain in the deferral period that will help build the foundation for your post-MBA career?

For more info on the HBS deferred MBA essays, read: HBS 2+2 Deferred MBA Essay Prompts & Tips (2024)

Here at Leland, we provide you with the expertise and opportunity you need to succeed as an MBA applicant, and beyond. Put in your email here to receive access to free coaching resources, community events, and exclusive updates.

Now, here are our five HBS essay tips, designed to help you stand out among the over 9,000 applicants that apply to Harvard Business School each year.

HBS Essay Tips for Success

1. tell a story.

There is no set formula or “right” way to write your HBS essay. Every MBA candidate comes from a different background and unique circumstances. Your job with this essay is to paint the most accurate picture you can of who you are and why you should be accepted into Harvard. They want you to stay true to yourself and let your personality shine. Your resume, test scores, and GPA are important, but they don’t show character; the essay is where you can really make a difference in your application.

With that being said, don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. They have read through thousands of essays, but they have never read an essay by you , so capitalize on your individuality. HBS wants to know where you have come from and what experiences have shaped who you are. This essay should absolutely not be a retelling of your resume and professional achievements.

Through this essay, HBS wants to see that you understand yourself. They also want to know whether you align with Harvard’s missions and values. They are looking for future leaders who want to make a difference in the world. The best way to prepare for this essay is to deeply reflect on yourself. Who are you? What matters to you? Why are you the way you are? At the end of the day, if you can answer this question, posed by an HBS alum , then you have got a good start: “Could this essay also describe someone else?” If so, then you probably need to do some more introspection.

2. Be Concise

When in doubt, ask yourself, “Does the admissions committee need to know this?” If not, it’s probably safe to take out. There is no “right” length to hit as every candidate will have a different story they’re trying to tell; however, there is a difference between telling a story and rambling. Include relevant information and paint an accurate picture, but do so in a clear and concise manner. Imagine that your essay is the hundredth that the adcom member is reading that day. How would you write to keep them engaged while also preserving the integrity of your story? That is the balance that you are looking for.

3. Don’t Just Answer “Why HBS?”

Unlike many other business schools, Harvard does not ask the stereotypical “Why HBS?” question. With that being said, applicants often feel like they need to use the essay to demonstrate their commitment to HBS. Most of the time, this is not the right approach. Your essay should be about you. Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and you don’t need to justify why you want to attend. Using the precious space you have to talk about HBS is a missed opportunity to shed light on your experiences.

The caveat to this is if providing your reason for attending Harvard makes your overall essay stronger. Some applicants may have a personal story tying them to HBS that they want to expound on. If that’s the case, then include it. The same adage from earlier applies here: If your “Why HBS?” answer could also explain someone else, then you probably don’t need it.

4. Build, Build, Build

Like any good story, your HBS essay should have a thread of continuity throughout. Introduce a theme or lesson, touch base on it every once in a while, and tie everything together in the conclusion. In addition to making your essay more interesting, this will prevent it from coming off as disjointed. Building up to the main point will also keep the reader in suspense and eager to read on. Because the prompt is so open-ended, it’s easy to have many different things you want to talk about. Sticking to a theme will help you ensure that everything you include is relevant.

5. Get Feedback

After spending lots of time writing something, it can be difficult to step back and view your work with a fresh, unbiased eye. Once you’ve written a rough draft, have a peer or mentor read through your essay and provide feedback. Ideally, the person reviewing your essay will be an alum of the school. But if that’s not an option, choose someone with business experience and writing skills that knows something about your background.

Don’t overedit your essay. Drafts, reviews, and edits are all part of the writing process but you don’t want to overpolish, especially to the point that you rub out your individuality. Instead, we recommend starting your essay early so that you have plenty of time to self-reflect, write, and step back for perspective. Once you’ve completed your first draft, ask for feedback and make some edits, but then put it away for a while. When you come back to it, you will have a fresher perspective and be less bogged down by the details.

At Leland, we have a broad network of world-class coaches who can help with any part of the MBA application. Many of them are experts in essay writing, browse them here. Want to work with an HBS alum who has first-hand experience of the Harvard application process? Here are some of our highest-rated MBA admissions coaches.

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Where Can I Start?

The application process can be daunting and difficult, especially without help. Read these articles to get started on your HBS journey.

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > Harvard Business School MBA essay tips for 2023 intake

Harvard Business School MBA essay tips for 2023 intake

Posted by Suheb Hussain | Jan 24, 2023 | Business Schools , MBA Admissions , MBA Application Process

The Harvard MBA admissions process is one of the most competitive in the world, and like the 2022 admissions, for its 2023 MBA application, there is only one essay prompt, and it does not have a word limit. Through the HBS MBA Essay question, the admissions committee wants to know what more you would like them to know as they consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School (HBS) MBA program.

In this article, Poonam Tandon from myEssayReview, who has been helping students with their MBA applications since 2011, shares her tips on the Harvard MBA essay for the 2023 intake.

Harvard MBA essay analysis by Poonam Tandon from myEssayReview (MER)

Let’s take a closer look at the HBS MBA essay prompt .

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? (900 word limit)

This open-ended question needs to be tackled very strategically, and it requires a significant amount of introspection. Since the essay prompts says, ‘what more would you like us to know’ , you should make sure that you do not merely repeat what you have already discussed in other application materials.

To avoid overlapping elements in your essay, you must go through other application materials (résumé, application form, and LORs) and discuss with your recommenders what examples they will be discussing in their letters. However, you may still discuss at length the achievements you have already touched upon in your résumé.

Before choosing your stories (personal and professional), please get a thorough understanding of what Harvard is looking for in candidates , and then weave your stories/ accomplishments around these traits. HBS is looking for candidates with “ a habit of leadership, analytical aptitude and appetite, and engaged community leadership.” Therefore, your stories should illustrate these traits with a focus on leadership .

Be authentic and genuine. Show your confidence and passion for what you have done and what you plan to do- academically, personally, socially, and professionally. Remember, you are a unique individual, so use this essay as a platform to show your uniqueness. Do not be afraid to share your mistake or failure at some point in life. Harvard is not looking for mistake-free individuals.

The key is how you have learned from your mistakes, overcome life challenges, and have emerged a more influential person.

Since there is a 900-word limit for this open-ended question, please write accordingly. You may decide to submit an essay between 500- 750 words. If you choose to write a longer essay, make sure to keep it under 900 words. MER clients have written compelling essays within 800-900 words.

Mistakes to avoid while writing the 2023 Harvard MBA essay

Mistakes to avoid in Harvard MBA essay 2021

‘Don’t overthink, overwrite, and over craft’. When working with people on the HBS essay, I often need to remind them that though re-writing and revising is the essence of writing, overwriting sometimes may kill the very soul of the essay.
After you have brainstormed and finalized your stories, have confidence in your stories and writing style, and organize them coherently and succinctly. Refrain from making countless unnecessary revisions thinking, “Is this what admission committee would like to know?”
Write from your heart in a concise and straightforward language. This is not an academic paper, and flowery prose will not get you in. We recommend expressing your passion and drive, your leadership experiences, analytical aptitude, and background in a simple, but effective and concise language that reflects your unique voice.
Avoid using the word ‘leadership’ in every single sentence. Some applicants think that their best bet to impress the admission committee is to use ‘leadership’ in every sentence. Follow the thumb rule of ‘show not tell’ and allow your unique accomplishment stories (personal, professional, and social) to vouch for your leadership skills.
Avoid writing a ‘why MBA’ and ‘goals’ essay since you will be covering these topics in other application materials.
Avoid telling the school how great they are. They are aware of their greatness.
Even though the essay question doesn’t ask ‘Why HBS’, you will still like to let them know what you envision getting involved in to reach the next level of your career and how you plan to leave Harvard a better place.
Avoid spoon-feeding the Ad Com. For example, don’t waste precious space by starting your essay with the following statement: “I would like the admission committee to understand what has driven my personal and professional growth.” Also, please do not wrap up your essay by stating, “I hope that through this essay you got an insight into my personal and professional life for better evaluation of my candidacy.” Please remember that the purpose of writing this essay is to offer the admission committee insights into your personal and professional attributes/ strengths. Hence, such explicit statements are redundant and will not add any value to your story.

Harvard MBA Application deadline 2023

Applicants who want to get admitted to the Harvard Business School (HBS) need to submit an online written application form, after which selected candidates are invited for an interview.

For the 2023 HBS admissions, there are two rounds of intake, and Round 1 deadline is September 7, 2022 and Round 2 deadline is January 4, 2023. Please note that the application should be submitted online by 12 Noon Eastern Time.

Learn more about the Harvard Business School – Class Profile, Employment report, and Notable Alumni.

What do HBS MBA Adcoms say about this year’s application

Jana Kierstead, the Executive Director of the MBA and Doctoral Programs at HBS Harvard Business School, says ,

“Our admissions and financial aid processes have not changed nor have our decision criteria: admission is based on merit and financial aid is based on need”

Meanwhile, the applicants are encouraged to download the Application Guide to learn more about what’s inside.

Free Resources from MER

10 Key Essay Tips with Examples
Success Stories -MER Students
Harvard MBA Mansi’s video interview

Since 2011, MER ( myEssayReview ) has helped many applicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs. (Poonam is one of the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club .)

Do you have questions about your application? E-mail Poonam at [email protected] or sign up here for a free consultation.

About the author

Poonam, one of the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club , is a master storyteller with more than three decades of experience in successfully helping students craft compelling stories for undergraduate and graduate school programs.

A Ph.D. in English, with three decades of teaching experience in India and the US, Poonam launched myEssayReview (MER) in 2011 to provide highly personalized and dedicated consulting services to Business School applicants. Since then, she has helped hundreds of students around the world get into top MBA, EMBA, part-time MBA, and specialized graduate programs. A full-time consultant, Poonam is passionate about her work and is highly committed to each of her students’ success.

Are you aspiring to become a part of the Harvard MBA program? A 740+ GMAT score can increase your chances of pursuing an MBA at the Harvard Business School. Sign up for our free trial and get access to our GMAT resources today

Here are some additional articles that you might be interested in reading:

What is a good GMAT score for the HBS?
Harvard Business School – Class Profile, Employment report, and Notable Alumni.
Seven steps to get into Harvard Business School
GMAT 770 – Admit from Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, Stanford and Kellogg
Top One-Year MBA Program in the U.S.
Career goal essays and Why MBA essays
How to impress the MBA Admissions committee
The importance of MBA Essays in the application form

About The Author

Suheb Hussain

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HBS Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2023-2024

Harvard Business School released details on the upcoming 2023-2024 business school application season, sharing the HBS application deadlines and the required essay for class of 2026 hopefuls.

The 2023-2024 Harvard Business School application deadlines are as follows:

Round 1: September 6, 2023 Round 2: January 3, 2024

Harvard Business School also announced that the GMAT Focus will NOT be accepted for this upcoming application cycle. Only 2+2 candidates will be able to submit the GMAT Focus.

As Personal MBA Coach predicted, HBS is minimizing changes this year and keeping the one and only HBS essay question the same. The 900-word limit will remain.

The HBS MBA essay is as follows:

“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?”

“How do I get into HBS” is one of the most common questions we hear from MBA applicants.

The HBS essay is arguably one of the most difficult to tackle, given its open-ended nature.

This application essay is an open invitation to show HBS what is truly interesting about your profile. This question allows you to focus and elaborate on what is important to you. Think about the HBS essay as your chance to let them “meet” the real you — the authentic person behind the resume and application questions.

As everyone is likely well aware, HBS educates and admits leaders. It goes without saying that whatever story or stories you choose should show your leadership and demonstrate how you have excelled across disciplines.

HBS students will emerge as leaders in the areas they are most passionate about. They will drive change. They are not afraid to stand up for their beliefs. They show courage. You want the admissions committee to see and understand how you personify these traits.

Personal MBA Coach advises applicants to watch this video on the HBS case method to re-enforce how critical leadership and diversity of thought is to HBS. Keep this in mind, along with Harvard’s other stated values of analytics and community, as you craft your HBS essay.

While we recommend that most applicants show their professional accomplishments, make sure to share enough anecdotally so that the admissions committee can learn more about you on a personal level.

Successful essays have included some sort of personal anecdote at a minimum and often a much more detailed personal story, which is often tied to a recurring theme throughout your essay.

Think about what makes you unique and why you made the choices that you did. The most accomplished individuals follow their passions, and these are usually shaped by particular experiences or personality traits. Consider what has had the greatest impact on your choices, who you are today, or who you want to be. This will likely give you some areas to expand upon. But do not just tell this story; as we have said in the past, try to help the reader live it.

Personal MBA Coach’s HBS Essay Guide – Key Takeaways:

Make your essay interesting to read. Each year the admissions team receives ~10,000 applications.

Differentiate yourself, particularly if you come from an overrepresented industry, such as consulting or banking, or an overrepresented demographic pool. HBS looks to select a well-rounded class, and it will be crucial to show how you will add unique value.

Consider this essay as a starting point for an interview conversation. HBS has very detailed interviews that are planned in advance for each applicant and will dive into at least one aspect of your application. Be ready to talk in great detail during the interview about anything you submit as part of your application.

Show rather than tell. Essays are much more impactful when they describe something about you, showing it in action instead of just stating the facts. Give the reader details about the situation. Add names to the players within your stories. Describe your setting and tell the reader how you felt. Find out how Personal MBA Coach helped one of our clients tell their story and get into Harvard Business School:

The HBS essay will be VERY different for everyone. Do not fall into the trap of trying to write an essay like one you have read in the past or like your friend is writing. There will be a wide range of successful essays this year, and proper execution will be the key rather than simply the content alone.

While HBS retained the 900-word limit in an effort to eliminate any stress about how much is too much to write, most essays that work will fall somewhere between 700-900 words. Consider quality over quantity. If you can write a solid 600-word essay that is powerful and moving, do not feel the need to lengthen it. We have helped many applicants write successful essays on the shorter side.

Are you looking for support with your Harvard Business School MBA applications? Find out how Personal MBA Coach can help with our Comprehensive MBA Packages .

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How to Write the Harvard HBS MBA Admissions Essay – Tips for 2022-2023

May 10, 2022

7 Steps to Answer the Harvard MBA, HBS 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?”

When you’re putting together a successful HBS essay, the most valuable thing you can do is tell an Epic Story . Before I get into what that means, let’s clear one thing up: There is no set formula for writing the Harvard essay. There’s no “right” way to do it, no “right” thing to say. But, take it from me, an Epic Life Story is the best thing you could possibly have in your application toolkit.

Prefer videos.

Find out how to ace Harvard’s admission essay in 2022

So what is an Epic Story?

An Epic Story is a narrative that takes the reader — any reader, adcom members included!— on a journey through a series of key events .Epic Stories situate the reader in space and time and establish a crucial emotional connection between writer (you!) and reader. Emotional connection is king when it comes to MBA applications. It’s how you stand out from the pack. And that wide-open Harvard MBA Essay is the perfect platform for doing this work.

What if I don’t have an Epic Story?

If you’re afraid you don’t have what it takes to tell an Epic Story, let me let you in on a little secret: You do . It’s not about having the most page-turning life events under your belt—you don’t need to have cured cancer or sailed solo around the world, although that would be totally awesome if you did!—it’s about being human and sharing that essential, inspiring, loveable humanness with your reader in the most effective way possible.

Each of us has an Epic Story to tell. Promise. You just have to dig deep and tap into it. So before you protest that your life (or your writing skills) just don’t fit the bill for this kind of thing, take a look at the foolproof steps I’ve put together below for how to tell an Epic Story and write your Best Harvard MBA Essay !

1. Take a closer look at that HBS Essay Question; it’s not as open ended as you think!

Let’s take a closer look at that question. Here’s the Harvard Business School essay prompt, straight from the horse’s mouth: “ 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? ” And here are the essay tips HBS gives: “ 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 .”

Before we get into the how-to of all this, it’s worth pausing for a minute to pick those last two statements apart. Harvard asks you not to overthink, overcraft, or overwrite . They’re really driving at something here. They want YOU to remain in your essay—your essence, who you are at the core. They want a real person to come through the page, not some hollowed out, cookie-cutter façade designed to meet some assumption about who they want you to be.

Okay, that was a mouthful. But what I’m saying—and what Harvard is saying—is simple: be you . Don’t obscure (or write over ) who you really are by trying to fit some imaginary mold or by writing what you *think* “they” want to hear. As the HBS admissions director warns in their App Tips Series , “Be careful in all that polishing that you don’t ‘shine away’ your personality.”

Lest you forget, the adcom is made up of humans . And all humans want the opportunity to connect with and contribute to other humans. So give them that chance with your essay.

So what is Harvard really looking for?

“ What more would you like us to know?”

It’s a wide open question—and that’s part of what makes it so intimidating, as John Byrne, editor-in-chief of Poets & Quants, points out in a helpful piece written earlier this year—but Harvard does give you two key pieces of information about what they’re looking for in the essay instructions: clear language, and a ticket into your world . They want to know more about who you are based on where you’ve been (literally and figuratively speaking). The background, life experiences, and human encounters that shaped you.

“What more ” is the other key part of this equation. As the Harvard App Tips highlight, this essay should NOT be a rehashing of your resume. The adcom will be bored to tears if you give them your resume (again) in paragraph form.

Instead, your Harvard Essay should be a supplement: think of it as one key building block in the larger structure of your application. It builds on the rest, fits in with the rest, but it adds something completely new. Even more than that, it should create a world that is all your own for the reader to step into. (More on how to do that momentarily.)

With an essay question that leaves so much in your court, Harvard is really looking for evidence of self-knowledge . They want to know that you’ve done the deep introspection necessary to communicate what drives you and what you, as a one-of-a-kind human being, will contribute to their incoming class. They also want to see that you resonate with their values and their mission —that you can demonstrate a habit of leadership , among other qualities.

If you aren’t familiar with Harvard’s mission, here it is : “The mission of Harvard Business School is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.” This is a really concrete mission that they have. They're not out to teach business; they're not out to help people make more money. They're out to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. And if you're talking to a leader, the most important question you can ask that person is, “What do you want me to know about you?” With this question, you're given free license to say whatever is meaningful, interesting, and important to you about yourself.

Soooo before you start getting too caught up in what they might “want” to hear from you (keep resisting that urge!), let’s talk about the most vital step in the entire application process: self-discovery .

2. Use Self-Reflection to ensure that your HBS Essay is unique

Step 1 in our magical essay process at Career Protocol is always self-discovery.

Self-discovery is a really underrated process. Seriously. Sooo SO underrated. As we’ve learned in over 30 years of collective admissions experience, the very best MBA applications are built on foundations of deep self-awareness, self-compassion, and clarity. Our Discovery Process is the tried-and-true, totally irreplaceable first step to essay-writing MAGIC. (I can’t get enough of it. Can you tell?)

So what should you write about for your Harvard essay?

Glad you asked! You’re gonna love the answer: It depends.

On what? On what you find out about yourself during the vital process of self-discovery. This is your starting point. There are no shortcuts to self-knowledge, and no successful Harvard Application Essay will come to fruition until you’ve taken a good hard look at yourself, your life, your accomplishments, and—most importantly—how you define all of the above.

One of the most valuable things the Discovery Process will teach you is that, as a candidate for admission, you are more than your GPA. You are more than your professional record. You are far more than any one component of your application, and Harvard’s adcom—like any other group of humans—wants to see the whole picture . The essay is where this all comes together.

There are 5 key areas of inquiry that you should dig into when you’re preparing to write the Harvard Essay (or any essay for a school of your choice).

1. Your Back Story

If you had to sum up your life story in a couple of paragraphs (or even pages), what would you choose to write down? What would you tell others, if you had to give a succinct “back story” for who you are? What snippets of information would make the cut? Which life experiences? As you explore your back story, you might also think about the people in your life who have had the greatest influence on you. Consider your hobbies and what makes you tick—even if it’s something you used to love to do, but haven’t found the time for lately. Write it all out.

2. Your Academic Achievements

I like to think in terms of achievements during the self-discovery process, because—as you’ll discover if you undertake this work—everyone defines achievement differently. We each have our own yardstick for measuring accomplishment. (Some of us find it painfully difficult to call anything at all an achievement.) What you deem an achievement is telling, and thinking in this way encourages you to drill down to what really matters (and has mattered) to you. So, first, consider what your top academic achievements would be.

3. Your Community and Extracurricular Achievements

Same thing here, only with community work and extracurricular involvement. What have you accomplished outside of school and work that really meant something to you?

4. Your Professional Achievements

You know the drill by now. If you had to list your top professional achievements, what would they be?

5. Your Personal Achievements

Last, but certainly not to be underestimated, what are your top personal achievements? What are some of the moments in your life that really stay with you—those poignant human-to-human experiences, the times when you were able to make a contribution, pure and simple, to another person (or group of people)?

If you want a sense of how all that discovery rolled up into successful essays for our clients, here is a smattering of general topics and big picture summaries of successful MBA essays:

A few days in the life
Career story twists and turns
Difficult relationship with a parent
Journey into entrepreneurship
Journey to master confidence
Lessons from observing managers
Lessons learned through an important hobby
Life story told through difficult decisions
People who influenced me
Perspectives on success and leadership in career to date
Problem solving
Rags to riches through failure, leadership style
Sports and career
Struggle to be a woman in male-dominated field
Struggles to live up to values and culture
Travel and passion for understanding others

The thing to notice is that there really isn’t anything special about any of these topics. You, too, could probably write an essay about a number of them. What made these essays unique wasn’t the executive summary of the story, it was the depth of character they revealed in the telling. Depth of character flows from values.

Homing in on your Values

By the time you’re done listing and evaluating your personal achievements, you’ll have built up some muscle for defining what matters to you at a fundamental level: what your intrinsic values are.

Values are the basis of a person's principles or standards of behavior—their judgment of what is important in life. These are the things you would never change about yourself, because if you did, you would no longer be recognizable to yourself as you. Without them, you’d be some other person. Any great Life Story Essay should encapsulate and reflect these intrinsic values, even if they’re never overtly mentioned, and that’s part of what makes any essay founded on self-discovery unique .

One great piece of advice from a Harvard alum is to ask yourself, after you’ve drafted the essay, “Could this essay also describe someone else?” If you’ve done the hard but rewarding work of self-discovery, the answer will be: No .

In an essay like Harvard’s, you are the hero of your own story. If you use the steps above to home in on your values, you will significantly deepen your awareness about the specific kind of hero you are. We want to get clearer and clearer about what kind of hero you are, because that's where your uniqueness lies.

Finding your Voice

The final aspect of essay-writing that self-reflection will help you tap into is your voice .

Your voice is critically important to your success in your MBA applications. It sets you apart, instantly and continually, from any other writer. Even if another applicant narrated the exact same experiences, it wouldn’t come out sounding the same. (Because they wouldn’t have your voice .)

So how do you find it? What defines it? It's really choice. When I help clients find their voice, what I’m really doing is helping them identify the key choices that produced their life as they know it and developed them into the people that they are.

Character is the combination of values and choices.

As I hope I’ve driven home by this point, values are an important part of the equation. But they're not the whole story. We become who we are by virtue of our choices . Sometimes those choices result in (or include) failure, whether it’s failing to live up to your values or failing in some other way because you adhered to those values. Keep in mind that these brushes with failure are a very important part of your story . They reveal your humility and your vulnerability.

Talking about success without revealing the human part of it—your failures, fears, and setbacks— will not inspire someone . It might read like an interesting set of facts, but the reader isn’t really going to understand, or respect, or feel connected to you. In order to be inspired, they need to see your humanity .

As you wrap up the self-discovery process and start planning your essay, ask yourself: What are some of the most important choices that I've made so far? And why did I make them? How did I make them? And what were the consequences? Where did they lead me? These kinds of questions will help you clarify your values and decide which life stories you want to include.

3. Create an Essay Outline

If you ever learned how to write college essay outlines, you may know a thing or two about the general outlining process. (Get some tips from the experts here and here .)

We’re not sticklers when it comes to the kind of outline you should make for your Harvard Essay—or any essay. It could be anything from a paragraph-by-paragraph or point-by-point game plan for your essay to a sketch of the general flow. (I prefer the latter, but if detailed outlines are your jam, have at it!!)

For me, the outlining process is a means to an end: a way to determine what’s in and what’s out, structure your thinking, and get that scary ole writing process kicked off!

However you choose to do it, don’t spend a lot of time trying to perfect the outline . Personal essay writing is an iterative process: You are learning the story as you tell it, and it's impossible to figure it all out before you sit down to write it. Use the outlining stage (even if you never actually create an outline!) as a space for answering this vital question: What will you include?

What’s In and What’s Out ?

As you probably know, Harvard has three criteria that they're looking for in every applicant:

engaged community citizenship
a habit of leadership
and analytical aptitude and appetite.

(This is in their stated evaluation criteria .) Most applicants will show analytical aptitude and appetite through grades and scores, possibly in work experience and recommendations, and very definitely in some ways through the resume.

Likewise with a habit of leadership. If you're doing your resume right (check out our bomb crash course in MBA resumes ), it should show all the ways in which you've been a leader so far in your community and in your career. And your recommendations should further corroborate that, because your recommenders *should* be speaking to your leadership qualities. (More on our coaching for recommenders here , ‘cause that’s a whole other story.)

So for most people, the essays include an element of engaged community citizenship. This one is the hardest to quantify, and it's the hardest to turn into a resume bullet. One of the things that most of our successful HBS client essays have in common is that they are covering—in some way—the candidate’s penchant for being an engaged citizen of the communities that they've been a part of.

But—I can’t stress this enough—your resume is going to do the heavy lifting in conveying your accomplishments. The essay really isn't about how great you are, or how accomplished you are, or what you've achieved in your life. It's about the intangibles. It's about your values and your character. To put it one more way: it’s essentially about what you stand for.

Leaders of Consequence

Harvard wants to admit and shape Leaders of Consequence . But what does it mean to be a Leader of Consequence? First of all, it doesn’t mean that you’ve checked off a certain set of accomplishments. Rather, it’s a very powerful way of being .

Leaders of Consequence are empathetic, so they have the ability to connect with other people.
They're inspiring people, but they're also very human. They exude a sense of humility and vulnerability.
They have a vision. To be a leader, you're going to have to have some kind of vision.

Schools are also looking for these qualities in the application. And the HBS Essay is the ideal place to exhibit them. This doesn't mean you won't talk about success and accomplishments in the essay, it just means that that's not really the point. The point of the Harvard MBA Essay is to reveal these softer and less tangible qualities about you, your values, and your character.

It’s a platform for sharing your authentic self. Sharing is the key word here: It's not about talking about or telling them who you are. Instead, it's about sharing your experiences, values, beliefs, thought processes and strategies, feelings, desires, hopes, and fears through some of the strategies I’ll discuss below. These are all the things that make you human.

What about my goals?

One of the most common questions I get from clients is whether the HBS Essay should include your goals. The quick answer ? Probably not. In our experience, for only one in about 9 or 10 MBA applicants is career vision an essential part of their Epic Story. For these people, fully sharing who they are and how they want to be known for the purposes of admission requires a discussion of the future. For everyone else, your goals belong squarely in the 500-character short answer box about goals.

Building a Narrative (Or, as we like to call it, Storyboarding )

Alright, now the next step in the process is storyboarding . You’ll take all of the material, all of the amazing things about your life that you identified in the Discovery stage, and boil it down into the few components that you're going to put together to answer this question.

The big thing you have to keep in mind when you're approaching the Harvard question, and really any essay question, is that you need to answer the question directly . Harvard is asking, “what more would you like us to know?” So you're going to have to tell them, “here's what I'd like you to know.” You don't have to have that sentence in there , but it is effectively the question that you're answering. So start from that place.

Key Stories

The Discovery Process will also help unearth the building blocks of your HBS Essay: key stories . In order to tell an Epic Story, you need to determine the pivotal anecdotes it’s comprised of. If your Epic Life Story is a constellation, think of your key stories as the individual star points.

Pro Tip: Imagine your Epic Life Story as a biopic.

I prefer to think about the Epic Life Story Essay in cinematic terms. From this perspective, it’s essentially a biopic : it’s a movie about your life so far. (You know, like that one about Mike Tyson that’s coming out?) So instead of using a traditional outlining framework—point one; subpoint A, B, C; point two; and so on—we’ll map your Life Story and your narrative in terms of scenes. At Career Protocol, we treat your essay like we would a screenplay.

In my experience, this leads to a much more dynamic version of your story. It also gives you more breathing room for the creative process than a tightly structured outline. So as you plan your Harvard essay, try thinking about it in these terms: What comes first in the movie? And then, what comes next? And what comes after that?

Oh, and make sure you nail that opening line.

TL;DR (A Step-by-Step Cheat Sheet for Our Storyboarding Process)

Choose the core value that you want the Harvard adcom to know about you. You can choose at most two to focus on. (Typically one is enough. You don't need to boil the ocean on the values front.)
Determine the three or four most important scenes in the film of your life related to this value. Think about which life choices were most revealing of your character and/or which experiences most shaped you and forced you to change. These are the key anecdotes (a.k.a. key stories).
Decide what other scenes or details from your life are going to help fill in the rest of your film.
Get writing! See what your story says, and then refine it around your values so that it reflects what you want the adcom to know about you to the greatest possible extent.

4. Decide how to start your essay (Note: That first line is crucial.)

Sitting down to write the first words of an essay can be an intimidating moment. Maybe you love that fresh start, that blank page staring back at you, but more likely you dread it. Never fear! I’m about to give you some great advice for tackling that first line and starting your writing process off on the right foot. (Er, finger?)

You want to be in the mindset of upliftment and inspiration before you sit down to write. That will ensure that what comes out will actually resonate with your best self and not, you know, the you who woke up on the wrong side of the bed and didn't drink your coffee.

So be sure that you're caffeinated if you drink caffeine. Be sure that you ate and slept well. Be inspired, and then sit down and see what comes out. For more great advice on how to write your Best MBA Essay—including how to get inspired!—check out our new article, Pro Tips: How to Write a Great MBA Essay. (The long and short of it is: Pixar movies .)

What should a first line look like?

Here are some first lines from actual winning Harvard essays:

Here are some examples. Some of these are from our clients, others are from The Harbus MBA Essay Guide (Summer 2020 Edition or the 2016-2017 Edition):

“On March 1st, 1995 my family boarded a plane at [INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT] with our entire lives packed into a few suitcases.”

“An early influence on my worldview was my father.”

“I never got along with my father.”

“As a six foot tall sixth grade girl, you really only have two choices: (1) stand up and be proud of your height or (2) slink off awkwardly and hide.”

“While my application materials have highlighted some of my proudest professional achievements, I want you to also know about the influence my parents have had on my life, my values, and the direction of my career.”

“I am defined by my appreciation for beauty.”

“I have cried exactly four times at work.”

“A wise woman once told me that I have had an extraordinary number of failures for someone my age. I’d never thought about it that way before, but she’s got a good point.”

“It’s summertime, I’m 11, and the cool things to do are ride around town on bikes, eat ice cream, and play tennis.”

“The proudest moment of my lacrosse career is also my most embarrassing one.”

“I didn’t do well in school as a kid.”

“‘What should I do about praying at work?' [Name] asked me, concern emanating from her voice.”

“I had a near-death accident in September last year that knocked me out and ended me up in a hospital with a brain haemorrhage, a broken shoulder and a fractured ankle.”

“My mother fully believed in being ahead of the curve at all times.”

What you'll notice about these opening lines is that they're very workmanlike. They're direct. They get right into the story—say what happened, what was happening, sum it up, hop to it.

Each one of these is also interesting . It grabs you. It makes you want to keep going. And that's because each of these first lines uses the rules of narrative to bring you into the story. One of the most important rules to remember is that stories take place in space and time . Good stories, stories that grip the reader, have to be grounded in these dimensions.

As you may have noticed, most if not all of these winning first lines set the stage: They give you something you can picture, a scenario or location you can imagine—something to sink your teeth into.

Excuse me, rules of narrative?

There are some rules to how you think about your first sentence. It doesn't have to be flowery, it doesn't have to set an elaborate scene (in fact, for gosh sake, please don’t do any of that!!). It's almost certainly better if it's not dialogue or a quotation, despite some things you may have read here or there on the internet. (That can sometimes work, but it's rarely the most jet-fueled, engaging way to bring the reader into your world.) Instead, you want to dive right into the story and let the story carry you as you're writing it.

In summary.

Outline it if you want to, but don't waste a lot of time on that. Then get yourself to a position of being inspired. Decide on the opening line, and then just write—just write the story. You've got the big scenes, you've got the ideas in your head. Write it and see what comes out, and then iterate. The key scenes will come into focus as you edit.

For more on this—and for all my auditory learners out there—watch my MBA Monday video on how NOT to write a boring first line (or essay) .

And for an even more in-depth read on the storyboarding and essay writing processes we’ve developed at Career Protocol, dive into “ A Screen writer's Guide to Epic MBA Narratives. ”

5. Draft your HBS Essay (Write. Revise. Rewrite.)

“Good writing is essentially rewriting.” – Roald Dahl

“The only kind of writing is rewriting.” – Ernest Hemingway

The next step on this essay-magic journey is storyshaping . This is a huge labor of love.

Let me say that again. It’s a HUGE labor of love .

Drafting continues to deepen the Discovery process. (By drafting, or storyshaping, I mean some combination of writing and rewriting and revising.) Most of our clients are still discovering their story as they're in the process of telling it. Your understanding of your values and exactly how you want to communicate them is clarified with each passing draft. So that's why we call it storyshaping.

The first thing to know about this stage is that there is no right number of drafts . Everybody needs a different number of iterations. Here’s how many drafts it took some of our clients who got into Harvard to write their masterpieces:

Our process includes unlimited drafts and boy do we mean it!

It may take a while because you’re a perfectionist, or because you totally changed gears in the middle, or because the story continues to evolve. You have to follow that inspiration and allow the story to go where it wants to go.

There's nothing better or worse about taking more or fewer drafts. Like everything else in this process, it depends on you, your writing habits, and how much time and space your story needs to achieve its potential. So for those of you who plan to go through this process on your own, give yourself plenty of time to revisit your draft and shape the essay as you go.

And what about word count ?

Okay, so word count. This is one of my favorite subjects. If you had to guess the upper limit of word count for a successful HBS Essay, what would you say? The lower limit?

If you read any other advice about the Harvard Essay, you're going to find that almost everyone says 1000 words. Tops. Or 750-1250 words . Tops. Or 1100 words. Tops . Or something like that. So let me be the one to tell you: Any firm answer to this question is a load of hooey. The length of the essay is totally irrelevant.

A few stats from some of our recent Harvard admits will help you get a sense of just how varied and individualized the writing process is for the HBS Essay.

Here’s a sampling of our successful clients’ word count in recent years:

You want to tell the story in as much time as it takes to really do it justice. For most people—it’s true—that’s somewhere in the 1200-1400 range. But not for everyone! Some essays will take a lot more than that, and some will take less.

For successful essays in the 1000-word range, they’re shorter because they have a simpler and more straightforward story to tell. The successful client essays that broke into the 2000-word range had the most amazing, fascinating, and riveting life stories and experiences I’ve ever come across.

I repeat: There. Is. No. Right. Number.

The takeaway here is that each story has its own cadence and its own pace. It takes place in its own time. Again, the number of words that it has is completely irrelevant. You want to tell the story in the amount of space that allows you to fully show the admissions committee your best self . Because, ultimately, it's not your essay that gets you in. It's not your GMAT. It's not even your resume. It's who you are .

6. Seek out feedback

Please remember : Essays need readers . Every storyteller needs an audience.

One of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re writing the HBS Essay is find someone to bounce drafts off of. (Trust me, you’ll be SO thankful you did.) You need to know how the story that you’re telling is going to land for someone else.

Gauging a reader’s reaction and asking for feedback can help you answer questions like: Do any of my anecdotes need more detail? Is everything spelled out clearly enough? Do any parts of my essay seem to drag on endlessly? Am I emphasizing the right things? And—in more extreme but all-too-common cases—do I come off sounding like a selfish jerk? Or an airhead? (Obviously you’re not those things, which is exactly why we don’t want your essay putting off those vibes!!)

This back-and-forth between you and a trusted reader is a fantastic way to give greater definition to your narrative. If you move from draft 1 to draft 2 to draft 3 all inside the vacuum of your own mind, you’ll get caught up in one big smush of perfectionism and wordsmithing and miss the most important point: the big picture—emotional connection with the reader.

But do choose wisely . We’re the best at what we do (in large part, I’d argue, because we love doing it ). So if you want a buddy for your HBS essay-writing and beyond, start your journey with Career Protocol today.

If working with a professional is out of the question, ask a friend, peer, or mentor to be your trusted reader. Choose someone you can count on to be honest with you—to give you their true reactions and ask questions freely, rather than petting your ego. (This isn’t the time for that!!!)

But also make sure to choose someone whose opinions about you are generous and who doesn’t feel the need to control your narrative or grammar. Moms can sometimes be great. But sometimes they have their own preconceived notions about who they think you are that isn’t well aligned with who you ACTUALLY are today. And that grammar stickler friend of yours just might wordsmith all the life out of your writing voice.

More advice on this here:

So, I’ll say once more, choose your reading buddy wisely! To collect great feedback, try using our Friends-Family Fly Test . And remember, we’re here if you need us.

7. When in Doubt: Read more great advice & some solid essay samples

Here’s some advice on approaching the hbs essay from a few of our harvard admits:.

“I think for HBS, I always considered it a long shot, so I wasn't afraid to present what I felt was my true story. I think it's more of an opportunity to reflect on what the most important part of your story is. I wanted to be honest and true to myself, because I knew that I'd otherwise look back and think, ‘Wait a minute. What if I had just told the story I wanted them to know all along?’”

“Be honest! Show the school your capacity for self-reflection, give a thoughtful appraisal of your past actions/mistakes.”

“Be authentic! It is really easy to be caught in the trap of saying what you think is important or focusing on what may be perceived as ‘most impressive,’ but from what I have seen, admissions committees are so good at sniffing out inauthentic essays that it may end up backfiring!”

(are you noticing a trend here?)

“After you have a few drafts under your belt, take a break on your application for a few days. When you come back, reread your essay while asking yourself ‘does this cut to the core of who I really am?’ Share your essay with your family and close friends with the same question. If you don’t get a resounding yes from all parties, go back to the drawing board.”

“DON’T SUBMIT SOMETHING THAT FEELS FORCED OR FAKE. I wrote an entire draft of my HBS essay and spent two weeks trying to edit it into something I believed reflected who I really am, and at the end of it I decided to start over. Don’t be afraid to start over.”

One more nugget of wisdom from an HBS admit:

“Definitely try to be as concise and to-the-point in your essays as possible. Also, do not feel the need to crack open your SAT vocab books!”

And now a final word from me…

This is my most important piece of advice in approaching the Harvard Essay:

There are no guarantees. Most of you will not get in. That's a fact. So you might as well do yourself proud in the essay. Write it in such a way that you can look back on the choices that you made on this journey with no regrets , because you told the story that you wanted to tell. You authentically answered the question. You told Harvard what it was that you really wanted them to know about you.

If you remember, choice equals voice. You're making choices continually—even as you go through this process. I recommend that you make strong choices in your essays, and especially when you're applying to Harvard.

Helpful Sources

Harbus 2021 Essay Guide. Need I say more? (Check out earlier editions, too, to broaden your sample set.) But be sure to read SEVERAL essays so you get clear about the fact that there is no right answer. Don’t anchor your story to someone else’s. Own it.

Subscribe to our Career Protocol YouTube channel to watch my MBA Pro Tips, including my Top Tips for Writing the Harvard Essay.

And if you’re wondering how to write those other Epic Life Story essays, listen to me tackle Stanford’s “What Matters Most to You and Why?” (also on our YouTube channel)

Aaaaanddd on that note: Our Top 10 Tools for Your Creative MBA Essays

Angela Guido

Student of Human Nature| Founder and Chief Education Officer of Career Protocol

Let’s have a conversation!

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19 Dec 2023

Answering Your Questions About the HBS MBA Application

As we approach the next application deadline, we have noticed a few common questions from prospective students regarding the HBS MBA application. Check out the top 5 questions we get from applicants and the top 3 questions we wish we received, below. We hope this information is useful as you finalize your applications in the next few weeks! We also encourage you to check out the FAQs webpage and our Pep Talk video series .

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Your Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business Essay Questions Answered

November 13, 2023

Debbie Choy

With Round 2 application deadlines around the corner, many of you are no doubt starting (or continuing) to rack your brains over the challenging Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) essay questions of, respectively, “What more would you like us to know?” and “What matters most to you, and why?” These open-ended questions do not have any one “right” answer.

To help you tackle these two behemoth essays, we at mbaMission have identified the top questions asked by candidates applying to these business schools. We hope our ideas will provide food for thought and help you kick-start your HBS and Stanford GSB essays.

“Which one should I write first?”

If you are applying to both of these schools, you might be wondering whether writing the HBS essay first would be easier or whether starting with the GSB essay would be better. The answer is that neither will necessarily be easier than the other, so you can begin with either one. Try starting with the essay that you find more instinctive to write. Because the GSB essay question is more defined, many applicants find it easier to start with. That said, some candidates already have a topic in mind for their HBS essay and therefore might find that one easier to work on first. Whichever one you choose to begin with, the important thing is just to start writing!

“How long should the essays be?”

HBS has a limit of 900 words for its essay, which we applaud the school for, because it levels the playing field for everyone.

The GSB admissions committee suggests writing no more than 650 words for Essay A (“What matters most to you, and why?”) and no more than 400 words for Essay B (“Why Stanford?”). The total word count of both essays combined cannot be more than 1,050 words. Although you might be tempted to write more than 650 words for Essay A, doing so could be detrimental to your Essay B. In our experience, 400 words is sufficiently long to allow you to respond to the Essay B prompt, so we recommend sticking close to the suggested word count for each essay.

“Can I use the same topic for both the HBS essay and the GSB essay?”

Yes, you can, as long as you feel your topic appropriately answers both prompts. Just be sure to tailor each essay to its specific question—what matters most to you (and why) for the GSB and what more you want the admissions committee to know about you for HBS.

“Should the essays be personal, professional, or a mix of the two?”

Yes, yes, and yes. We have seen successful essays that use a mix of personal and professional stories, as well as successful essays that use only personal or only professional stories. The admissions committee is not looking for a specific mix. They are looking to learn more about you. So whatever stories you choose, just make sure that they are woven into your narrative coherently and compellingly.

“Are the GSB optional short-answer questions really optional?”

Generally speaking, you will not be penalized for skipping questions marked as “optional.” That said, optional questions provide an opportunity for you to share stories or additional context that you might not have been able to fit into your two required GSB essays. For example, we encourage you to answer one key optional short-answer question in particular: “Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others?” Seize this chance to share more of your achievements!

Although these are some of the most common questions we receive about the HBS and GSB essays, applicants undoubtedly will have many more we have not addressed here. If you would like even more targeted guidance on approaching and writing your HBS or GSB essay, along with annotated essays from actual past applicants, check out our book “What Matters?” and “What More?”: 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked) .

Essays Harvard University (Harvard Business School) Stanford University (Stanford Graduate School of Business)

Tags: business school essay Harvard Business School MBA application essays Stanford GSB

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2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
BU Questrom School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Cambridge Judge Business School Essay Tips and Examples
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Chicago Booth School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Columbia Business School Essay Tips and Examples
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Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Duke Fuqua School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Emory Goizueta Business School Essay Tips and Examples
Esade Essay Tips and Examples
Georgetown McDonough School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Harvard Business School 2+2 Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis 2024
Harvard Business School Essay Tips and Examples
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Ohio Fisher College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Essay Tips and Examples
USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
UVA Darden School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management Essay Analysis, 2023–2024
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Yale School of Management Essay Tips and Examples

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MBA Program Updates

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University of London (London Business School)
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University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
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University of Virginia (Darden)
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Yale University (School of Management)

How should I begin the essay?

Many applicants we work with struggle with how to begin their essays in a compelling way. It often works well to open the essay with an anecdote, experience, or quote that you can later connect to your career aspiration. For example, a candidate whose aspiration is to work on solutions to climate change might open the essay by sharing an anecdote from their personal life about growing up in a part of the world that gave scant attention to the issue and discussing the downfalls of that approach. Then they would begin to tie that concept to their overall career interests. The most interesting openings draw the reader right in so they want to keep reading and understand how you got there and where you are going. We have seen successful essays that open with personal and with professional content, so choose the strongest way for YOU to begin this essay.

Should I include more personal or professional content?

The quick answer is “it depends.” As you think about what to write about and which examples to include, you want to consider your career goals, the themes you are trying to convey about yourself in your application, your important life and career experiences, and what they say about you. In the climate change example, the applicant might include professional examples that show leadership on this issue. If their current role is not related to environmental issues, the applicant might draw on experiences from their involvement in a nonprofit environmental group, for example. Your passion for the issues you care about can be sparked at work, from your personal life, or from an extracurricular activity. There is no one right or wrong way to tackle the balance between the two, so your own life and career experiences should be the guide here. If you’re interested in something but you have no examples in your life of experiencing it or working to fix it, then it might not be the best thing for you to be writing about.

Can there be any overlap with the HBS short-answer questions?

As with all components of your application, you want the different pieces to complement, not overlap with, each other. For example, Your answer might discuss a situation that also appears in your essay but from a different angle. For example, in the short-answer section, you might write about the difficulty of working cross-functionally on a product when not all the players saw things the same way and then explain what you did to overcome the challenge. In the essay, with more words available, perhaps that example appears but includes more about HOW you navigated the complex interpersonal dynamics within the team or WHY you as a leader chose the approach you did, as well as what you learned about yourself and/or about leadership.

For professional examples, should I include quantifiable results of my accomplishments?

Imagine that your resume includes the “whats” and the essay includes the “hows” and “whys” behind the whats. So, if you include a bullet on your resume that says you identified X amount of cost savings through data analysis, the essay could include how you accomplished that, who you worked with to accomplish that, and what you learned from that experience. But consider whether you need to include that X amount. There is no rule that you cannot include numbers in your essay, and many people do, but be careful that you are not just rehashing something that is already on your resume but instead sharing something new.

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.

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The HBS Essay

The HBS Essay: Writing Strategies that Work and What to Avoid

For the last few years, Harvard Business School has challenged MBA applicants with its sole, open-ended 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? (900 words)

Where to Begin?

With its broad nature and 900-word limit, it’s no surprise that many prospective business students have trouble getting started with the Harvard MBA essay, and wonder what direction they should take to answer this perplexing prompt.

Candidates who are applying to HBS in future rounds will likely face the same essay question. In this article, we highlight common mistakes that applicants make and consider the best way for future applicants to approach this unapologetically unlimited essay prompt.

The HBS Essay: What This Year’s Applicants Should Consider

First off, applicants must realize what they are up against before approaching the infamous HBS MBA admission essay. The Harvard Business School acceptance rate is just 11%. Of the roughly 930 individuals who are accepted, there is a very small slice of amazingly fantastic applicants who write the essay as merely a formality. For the rest of the applicants fighting for the available slots–perhaps loads of you reading this article–there are several candidates who are equally qualified fighting for the same seat: great jobs, great career trajectories, great GPAs and GMATs. This means that your personal essay is meant to differentiate you and show the admissions committee why they should select YOU rather than competing applicants.

Learn from those applicants that came before you and make sure to give special thought on how you can really convey who you are in answering this essay question. It is not your typical essay prompt, so it deserves your time and attention.

Early Birds Toolkit

Learn 3 Steps You Should Take NOW to Improve Your Profile for R1 2024

In MBA admissions, starting early can significantly boost your chances.

But there are no shortcuts, and while R1 2024 deadlines might seem far off, building your profile takes time.

Our Early Birds Toolkit has everything you need to get started right now —leave your name and email, and we’ll send you three actionable steps to elevate your profile, plus time-saving tools for faster progress.

Looking for Last-Minute Essay Help?

MBA Deadlines are fast approaching…

Did you know that Menlo Coaching can help you with your MBA essays on an hourly basis?

Our five-hour package starts at $2,500, and you can work with our MBA admissions consultants on anything you like, including:

✓ Essay and Resume Edits

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Menlo’s Expert Consultant, Yaron Dahan, on: “What more would you like us to know?”

The best advice I can give applicants answering the HBS essay question is this: select a topic that will play as well in the case method as it does with an admissions committee. Ultimately that is what HBS is looking for in its admits: Will this candidate be able to contribute something unique in a case discussion?

Think about the nine areas covered in HBS’s year-one required curriculum (finance, accounting, leadership, marketing, operations, entrepreneurship, strategy, ethics, and government/economics), and figure out where you will be able to add the most value. Dee Leopold, the former admissions director at HBS, told the story of one student who did this very successfully in his interview, and was admitted to the HBS class the following year:

“This is a guy who worked in a small manufacturing facility in a tiny town in Michigan where they make baby formula. He was in quality control, working with union people. Early on the job, they discovered there were bugs in the machinery of the factory. They are contaminating the product, and management was obviously deeply concerned about the problem. The news trucks have gathered outside. The CEO comes. That is an amazing voice to bring to our course on Leadership and Corporate Accountability.”

As an applicant, it’s your job to accomplish the same thing in your essay that this candidate did in his interview. Show them you have a unique contribution to make. If you can do that, then you’ve mastered the HBS essay question.

In the video below, Yaron elaborates on how to approach the personal essays at HBS and Stanford.

Yaron Dahan on Personal Essays for HBS and GSB Admissions

The harvard mba essay: what doesn’t work, playing it safe. .

HBS wants to see several qualities in the applicants it admits: aptitude, accomplishment, character, and passion. Your GMAT and GPA will speak to your analytical aptitude, your resume to your accomplishment, and your recommenders to your character. That leaves your HBS application essay to speak toward your passion: will you have interesting stories and opinions to contribute to the HBS case discussions? Will you involve yourself in the broader Harvard community? Do you have the drive to achieve ambitious things after you graduate? To give the admissions committee confidence in your candidacy, you must let your quirks and passions come through. You cannot play it safe and write a simple, boring essay.

Although you cannot be boring in your MBA essays, you do NOT want to go overboard. In the video below, our co-founder Alice talks about things to avoid while writing the personal essay, namely:

Using the essay to show literary creativity
Boasting in ways that are off-putting
Dishonesty and trying to conceal failures

Alice van Harten on Common Mistakes in HBS Essays

Answering the hbs prompt like a typical mba essay question..

The key point of the Harvard Business School essay is the phrase “what more,” which is a clear signal that HBS does not want you using the essay to rehash things that are already covered by your resume, career goals statement, professional recommendations or written application form.

If the HBS admissions team wanted to know why you wanted a business degree, or why you wanted to go to Harvard, or what your career path was, then they would ask. They certainly have asked applicants those questions in years past. But realize that, in providing this very open-ended prompt, HBS expects very open-ended answers. They want answers from applicants that could never be prompted by any questions the admissions committee could ask. They want to learn the things that make you different as an applicant. So take the hint, and realize that HBS ditched the standard essay prompts for a reason. They are looking for something different here. Be creative, and be genuine.

Focusing on one or more of your weaknesses.

Every year, candidates seem to battle insecurities over the same issues: their GPA was only a 3.2; their GMAT is just a fraction too low; they don’t have many significant extracurriculars. It’s possible that those issues need to be addressed in your MBA application, but this essay is absolutely not the place to do it. HBS will never admit you for mitigating every possible weakness; they will only admit you for showing remarkable strength in one or two really interesting areas. Take the HBA essay question as the opportunity to demonstrate the latter, and leave addressing your GPA or extracurriculars for other parts of your application.

One Menlo Client’s Experience Working on the HBS Essay

Harvard’s MBA admissions essay is not for the faint of heart. It takes dedication, perseverance, and quite a bit of time. It is not a personal essay that you can whip out in one sitting, and we’ve heard many clients say that they woefully underestimated the time and effort needed to complete it well.

For Menlo Coaching client Vicky, the secret to HBS success was to go beyond just talking about her successful career in consulting and retail, and talk about her long-term vision for her family’s manufacturing business.

In the video below, she discusses how we helped her through the MBA admissions process generally, and with finding the right story for HBS specifically (use the chapter “Essay Writing Process” to jump directly to that part).

Wondering if you’re behind for Round 1 2023?

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HBS Essay Examples: How Former Clients Approached the Harvard MBA Essay & Application Journey and Won Admission

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The HBS Essay 2023-2024: Writing Strategies that Work and What to Avoid
HBS Essay Analysis and Deadlines: 2023-24
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2023-2024 Harvard Business School MBA Essay Tips

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COMMENTS

Application Process
Learn more about the admissions process and the materials you'll need to submit an application to the Harvard Business School MBA program ... shorter GRE beginning September 2023. We will accept the GMAT Focus beginning with the 2+2 round in April 2024. ... Essay. There is one question for the Class of 2026 application:
PDF HBS MBA Application Guide 2023-2024
The following serves as a preview of what materials you need to prepare to apply to Harvard Business School. Read the application requirements on our website for more detailed information and review the characteristics that we look for in applicants. Application opens Summer 2023. INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
HBS Essay Topic, Post-Interview & Analysis 2022-2023
HBS Essay & Analysis 2023-2024. The following essay topic analysis examines Harvard Business School's (HBS) MBA admissions essays for the 2023-2024 admissions season. You can also review essay topic analyses for all other leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips to further aid you in developing your admissions essays.
Harvard Business School Essay Questions And Strategic Guidance, 2023-2024
Harvard Business School (HBS) announced its essay question for the 2023-2024 application season today. The good news is that this essay prompt is not new; in fact, HBS has used this exact question every year except one since the 2012-2013 application season, with the only notable change being the addition of an official word limit last season.
Harvard Business School MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2023
The Admissions Office at Harvard Business School (HBS) has announced updates for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. The most important update is that if you plan to apply to HBS and have yet to take an entrance exam, you should take the traditional GMAT test (including the AWA) or the GRE. HBS will not accept the GMAT Focus Edition exam because it ...
Harvard Business School Essay Guidance
Harvard Business School (HBS) announced its essay question for the 2023-2024 application season today. The good news is that this essay prompt is not new; in fact, HBS has used this exact question every year except one since the 2012-2013 application season, with the only notable change being the addition of an official word limit last season.
HBS Essay Analysis and Deadlines: 2023-24
Once again, Harvard Business School is the first to kick off the 2023-24 MBA admissions season. Last month, HBS announced its application deadlines and essay question. It has retained its open-ended question from previous years. Application Deadlines: Round 1 • Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Noon ET • Decision Notification: Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Noon
A Guide to the HBS Essay
Read on for tips to help you distinguish your candidacy and present the best essay possible. HBS Essay Prompts (2024): Traditional & Deferred Traditional Application Essay Prompt. The HBS essay asks a simple and open-ended question that gives applicants the ability to highlight whatever they believe is most important and relevant.
HBS Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2022-2023
The 2022-2023 Harvard Business School application deadlines are as follows: Round 1: September 7, 2022. Round 2: January 4, 2023. As Personal MBA Coach predicted, HBS is minimizing changes this year and keeping the one and only HBS essay question the same: "As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your ...
Harvard Business School Essay Tips, 2023-2024
Harvard Business School Essay Analysis, 2023-2024. Applicants to Harvard Business School (HBS) have incredible leeway in their essay (with respect to both topic and length) to write about whatever they believe is most important for the admissions committee to know about them, beyond what is conveyed via the other elements of their application.
What to Expect from the 2023-2024 MBA Essay Questions
Kellogg. As with Wharton and CBS, Kellogg also is unlikely to change its essay questions. Kellogg's 2022-2023 first MBA essay question was: Kellogg's purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value.
Harvard Business School MBA essay tips for 2023 intake
Through the HBS MBA Essay question, the admissions committee wants to know what more you would like them to know as they consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School (HBS) MBA program. ... For the 2023 HBS admissions, there are two rounds of intake, and Round 1 deadline is September 7, 2022 and Round 2 deadline is January 4, 2023.
Harvard Business School MBA Essays & Deadlines: 2023-2024
Round 1: September 6, 2023. Round 2: January 3, 2024. Harvard Business School also announced that the GMAT Focus will NOT be accepted for this upcoming application cycle. Only 2+2 candidates will be able to submit the GMAT Focus. As Personal MBA Coach predicted, HBS is minimizing changes this year and keeping the one and only HBS essay question ...
Class of 2025 Application Deadlines + New Essay Word Count
Class of 2025 Application Deadlines + New Essay Word Count. Calling all applicants who want to enroll at HBS in fall 2023, i.e., the Class of 2025. The applications deadlines to apply will be September 7, 2022 (Round 1) and January 4, 2023 (Round 2) - you can learn more about the application here.
HBS Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2023-2024
The 2023-2024 Harvard Business School application deadlines are as follows: Round 1: September 6, 2023 Round 2: January 3, 2024 Harvard Business School also announced that the GMAT ... As Personal MBA Coach predicted, HBS is minimizing changes this year and keeping the one and only HBS essay question the same. The 900-word limit will remain.
HBS Interview Prep: Tips, Resources, And Sample Questions
On Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at noon ET, Harvard Business School (HBS) will send its Round 1 applicants an update through their Application Status page. ... Next Article: MIT Sloan School Of Management Essay Questions And Strategic Guidance, 2023-2024 . Search for: Personal MBA Coach's Chicago Booth Essay Tips. Partner Blogs. When To Start ...
How to Write the HBS Essay
When you're putting together a successful HBS essay, the most valuable thing you can do is tell an Epic Story. Before I get into what that means, let's clear one thing up: There is no set formula for writing the Harvard essay. There's no "right" way to do it, no "right" thing to say. But, take it from me, an Epic Life Story is the ...
Answering Your Questions About the HBS MBA Application
Check out the top 5 questions we get from applicants and the top 3 questions we wish we received, below. ... A good HBS essay is self-reflective! The essay is your opportunity to share new information that isn't elsewhere in the application. ... Harvard Business School Spangler Welcome Center (Spangler 107) Boston, MA 02163 Phone: 1.617.495.6128
HBS Essay for 2022-2023: New word count + tips
Today, Harvard Business School released its MBA Application Guide for 2022-2023, confirming that the its singular essay question remains intact: "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?" However, there's a noteworthy change: The Harvard MBA essay now has a word limit of 900 words.
All Your HBS and Stanford GSB Essay Questions Answered
November 13, 2023. Debbie Choy. With Round 2 application deadlines around the corner, many of you are no doubt starting (or continuing) to rack your brains over the challenging Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) essay questions of, respectively, "What more would you like us to know?" and "What ...
Poets&Quants
Here are some of the top questions we at Stratus hear about the HBS MBA essay prompt, along with some advice to help you tackle it. Toggle navigation. ... Top HBS Essay Questions Answered. by: Jennifer Jackson, Stratus Admissions Counseling on June 21, 2023 | | 528 Views. June 21, 2023. Copy Link; Share on Facebook; Share on Twitter; Email ...
What To Expect From the 2022-2023 HBS Essay Question
Many MBA hopefuls who have already narrowed their target school lists are anxiously awaiting the release of the 2022-2023 MBA application essay questions and deadlines. In previous years, we have seen MBA essay questions released as early as the beginning of May.
The HBS Essay: Writing Strategies that Work and What to Avoid
Answering the HBS prompt like a typical MBA essay question. The key point of the Harvard Business School essay is the phrase "what more," which is a clear signal that HBS does not want you using the essay to rehash things that are already covered by your resume, career goals statement, professional recommendations or written application form.