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 ET
Round 2
• Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Noon ET
• Decision Notification: Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Noon ET
Applications received after September 6, 2023, will be considered in Round 2. Applications received after January 3, 2024, will not be considered. Please note that each "round" represents a distinct period in which you may apply, not a succession of steps for your application. You may apply in one round only, one time in an application year.
Essay Question: The essay question remains unchanged from previous years. Let's take a closer look at the 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)
We think you know what guidance we're going to give here. 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.
Harvard Business School has long posed an open-minded question to applicants without specifying a word limit. However, HBS implemented a 900-word limit last year to alleviate applicants' concerns about ‘how much is too much.’ This year, the class of 2026 is also required to adhere to the 900-word limit.
Tackling this open-ended question requires a strategic approach and significant introspection. The essay prompt, "What more would you like us to know," should not be a repetition of what you've already discussed in other application materials. To avoid redundancy, review your résumé, application form, and LORs, and discuss with your recommenders the examples and accomplishment stories they plan to share in their letters. However, you may still expand upon the achievements mentioned in your résumé.
This essay requires deep self-reflection to identify the motivation and personality you wish to showcase. Before selecting your stories, both (personal and professional, please gain a thorough understanding of what Harvard seeks in candidates, and weave your stories around these desired traits. HBS values candidates with "a habit of leadership, analytical aptitude, and appetite, and engaged community leadership." Therefore, your stories should exemplify these traits, focusing on leadership. Your essay should demonstrate how you will enrich the HBS community as a student and alumnus.
Authenticity and genuineness are key. Display your confidence and passion for your past and future endeavors- academically, personally, socially, and professionally. Remember, you are unique, so utilize this essay as a platform to showcase your uniqueness. Do not hesitate to share the mistake or failures you have faced in life. Harvard is not looking for mistake-free individuals. Rather, they want to see how you have learned from your mistakes, overcome life challenges, and become more influential. Ensure the essay showcases your unique personality and character. This essay is your chance to let the admission committee meet the real 'you' and make them invite you to the interview.
Here are some mistakes to avoid when writing this essay:
1. Don't overthink, overwrite, and over-craft '. When working with candidates on HBS essays, I often need to remind them of the advice HBS provides. Although re-writing and revising are the essence of writing, overwriting sometimes can diminish the very soul of the essay.
2. After brainstorming and finalizing your stories, have confidence in your stories and writing style. Then, organize them coherently and succinctly, and refrain from making countless unnecessary revisions, constantly pondering, "Is this what the admission committee wants to know?"
3. Write from your heart, using concise and straightforward language. This is not an academic paper, so flowery prose will not get you in. We recommend expressing your passion, drive, leadership experiences, analytical aptitude, and background in a simple yet effective and concise language that reflects your unique voice.
4. Avoid using the word 'leadership' in every sentence. Some applicants think peppering their essay with "leadership" will impress the admission committee. Instead, follow the thumb rule of 'show, not tell' and allow your unique accomplishment stories (personal, professional, and social) to vouch for your leadership skills.
5. Avoid writing a 'why MBA' and 'goals' essay since you will cover these topics in other application materials.
6. Avoid praising the school excessively. They are aware of their greatness.
7. Even though the essay question doesn't explicitly ask 'Why HBS,' it is still important to convey what you envision getting involved in to propel your career and how you plan to leave Harvard a better place.
8. 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 note this essay aims to offer the admission committee insights into your personal and professional attributes/ strengths. Hence, such explicit statements are redundant and will not add value to your story.
Click here for tips on the HBS essay.
Do not forget to visit the HBS website for MBA application tips on other parts of the application (resume, employment history, extracurricular activities & awards, post-MBA goals, and recommenders.)
Free Resources
1. Overarching Essay Tips
2. MER Students Share Their Success Stories
3. Harvard MBA '20 Mansi's video interview
About MER (myEssayReview)
Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is 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. A master storyteller, Poonam has helped hundreds of students worldwide gain admission into the top MBA, EMBA, and specialized Masters's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. She is a full-time consultant and is passionate about her work. In her over four decades of professional career, she has reviewed 10,000+ essays written by native and non-native English speakers. Poonam is among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club. Click here for her 141 reviews on the GMAT Club.
Do you have questions about your application for the 2023-24 application cycle? E-mail Poonam at [email protected] or sign up herefor a free consultation.
This blog was first published in myessayreview.
