The Application Process

So you think you've got a handle on the application process, do you? A few recommenders, check. Essay topics, check. Resume, check. List of deadlines, check.

Well hold on a minute. That formula doesn't hold true for the most well-known MBA out there anymore. Harvard Business School has changed their application process for the Class of 2016 and it's enough to throw most applicants off (and you have even less time to adjust with the R1 deadline set at September 16).

First off, what's changing? Well for one, we're down to two recommenders from three. But more importantly, your essays are gone. Entirely. No required essays at all! If you believe your application speaks to why you should be admitted to HBS then you are not required to write a single word. If you choose to, however, well then it's entirely up to you. Talk about ambiguity! There are no topics or word limits. You can write about anything you want for as long as you want (within reason, of course!).

The verdict is out on whether this will deliver the desired results for HBS (we believe they might move away from this model sooner rather than later) but for those applying this year, it's the reality you're facing.

Ok - so how do you tackle this application?

Well, for one, you need to know your story inside and out. What skills can you convey in other parts of your application? Every word in your application, resume, and recommendations counts and should communicate your key strengths. They should play together more harmoniously than on your average application where there is some wiggle room. The reason for this is because your essay will need to be concise in its topic. While the topic is up to you, it still needs to be cohesive and communicate just a handful of key themes about you. So knowing your story is critical!

Secondly, brainstorm until your hands can't write another word. The inherent requirement here is to find a topic that hits upon the key attributes in as exciting a way as possible. If you approach this with the mindset "ok, well I'll just write an essay about why I want an MBA like the other schools ask" you're going to setting off on an uninspired and apathetic path. You need to excite! You need to communicate why you're HBS material. You need to make this one essay stand your application out from the thousands around it.

Finally, don't underestimate editing. Just because the majority of your time will be spent figuring out exactly what to write about and how to make it "pop", it can't ramble. While the essay is used by admissions committees to gain insight into who you are, how you work, and why you matter, it's also an opportunity to showcase your written communication skills and you can't forget that! Be concise. Be impactful. All the pressure on your written style that was previously spread across multiple essays is now squarely focused on just one.

There's a lot that will go into a great HBS application this year and the admissions committee has definitely done their job to keep applicants on their toes while trying to get to the information that matters the most to them.

So take a deep breath and don't panic. Do your research and reach out to experts in the field. Talking things through can sometimes be the best path forward. Finding the partner that understands you and can support you through the process is invaluable as HBS forges ahead into uncharted territory.

We would like to invite those interested in applying to HBS to reach out to us if they would like to talk. We're focused on making this complex process as simple and transparent as possible and we'd love to chat with you!

Good luck!

Bhavik