BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

★★★★★5.0559 reviews
GMATBootcamp Starts Sep 21
Chris Peckover, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE BOOTCAMP

Live Online Bootcamp Class with Top GMAT Expert Chris Peckover

Sep 21 to Oct 9, 2026

Schedule
Mon to Fri · 7:00 to 10:00 PM ET
Included
Live classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Boost your GMAT score in less than one month in a live online class
  • 6 months access to TTP OnDemand video courses included
View bootcamp & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeach 5 seats left
Logan Thompson
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Sep 6 to Dec 6, 2026

with Logan Thompson

Schedule
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemand Start anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.

"Actual" Acceptance Rate

Share tips as you apply, write essays, interview...
Expert replies
by gpb14 » Wed Nov 03, 2010 3:06 pm
Hello,

This questions may have been asked before, and if it has I apologize.

At any rate, I am curious what the "actual" acceptance rate of a top school (HBS for my example) is. When I say, "Actual Acceptance", I mean what is the acceptance rate of applicants who are somewhat qualified.

Last year HBS had 9,524 applicants for 903 spots (11% acceptance). Of those 9,500 applicants, I'm curious how many were grossly under qualified. "Grossly under qualified" is a rather vague definition and I'll leave that up for interpretation; however, I think of it possibly including the following examples:
-Low quantitative scores...for example a 3.0 GPA AND630 GMAT
-Poor work experience (maybe too little, maybe they didn't actually do well at work, etc)
-No extracurricular activities

After taking these candidates out, there should be a group of somewhat qualified applicants. Some will still be under qualified but they're worth applying.

Essentially, at some point it comes down to a group that are qualified but their acceptance rides more on a solid essay, recommendations and differentiating themselves from the pack. I'm curious what the acceptance rate of this group it.

Thoughts?
Join the discussion
Source: — The Application Process |

by Kaneisha Grayson » Fri Nov 05, 2010 7:51 am
Hi GPB14,

I don't have an answer for you, but I think the only way to calculate something like this is if you could get a statistically significant percentage of HBS applicants to submit their quantitative profile as well as whether or not they were invited to interview, waitlisted, dinged, or accepted. Even then, that would be only an approximation of the "real" acceptance rate.

Rather than worry about the "real" acceptance rate, apply to the schools you really want to go to (as well as some schools that match your profile that you wouldn't mind going to), do as you said and submit an outstanding application, and not worry about anyone else.

I truly believe that MBA admissions is less about competing with every other person applying and more about competing with a lesser expressed version of yourself. That may sound a little new agey, but when you concentrate on telling your own story as authentically, concisely, and compellingly as you can, you only stand to win, because you will never doubt if you gave the pursuit of that particular goal (being admitted to a top MBA program) your best shot.

Amen.

Kaneisha
Harvard Business School MBA 2010, Harvard Kennedy School MPA 2010
Founder, The Art of Applying
Admissions Consulting for MBA, MPP, Joint Degrees, and Fellowships
https://theartofapplying.com

Want free advice that actually works? Sign up for my weekly MBA, MPP, and JD newsletter here: https://theartofapplying.com/newsletter/


My clients have earned over $3.1 million in fellowships from Harvard and other top MBA, MPP, and JD programs since 2010.
Join the discussion

by hman768 » Thu Nov 11, 2010 5:03 pm
As much as you might not want to hear this - the average GMAT of applicants at Harvard is over 700. Therefore, as much as we would all like to believe that there are a bunch of people who are unqualified but are applying it seems unlikely...
Join the discussion