HBS Essay Analysis and Deadlines: 2022-23

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Once again, Harvard Business School is the first to kick off the 2022-23 MBA admissions season.

Last week, HBS announced its application deadlines and essay question. It has retained its open-ended essay question from previous years.

Application Deadlines:

Round 1:

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Noon ET
• Decision Notification: Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Noon ET

Round 2:

• Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 4, 2023, at Noon ET
• Decision Notification: Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Noon ET

The Class of 2025 application will open in June 2022. Applications received after September 7, 2022, will be considered in Round 2. Applications received after January 4, 2023, will not be considered.

Essay Question: Once again, 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 words)

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 asked applicants this open-minded question with no prescribed word limit for many years. We, at MER, advised applicants to submit an essay within the 800- 1000 words range.

The good news is that we no longer need to speculate about the acceptable length of the essay because, on May 11, HBS introduced a word limit of 900 words to their essay question. The Admissions Director said they did this to eliminate applicants' "stress about how much is too much." He further clarifies that candidates don't necessarily have to submit a 900-words essay. "Successful applicants may share what they wish to in 500 or 700 words, for example, or go up to 900."

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 of elements in your essay, you must go through other application materials (résumé, application form, and LORs) and discuss with your recommenders the examples/accomplishment stories they will share in their letters. However, you may still elaborate on the achievements you have already touched upon in your résumé.

This essay requires you to do a deep self-reflection to identify the motivation and personality you want to showcase. 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 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. Your essay should show how you will enrich the HBS community as a student and alumnus.

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 emerged a more influential person. Make sure 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.

Mistakes to avoid while writing this essay:

1. Don't overthink, overwrite, and over craft,' When working with people on HBS essay, I often need to remind them of the advice HBS provides. I tell them that though re-writing and revising is the essence of writing, overwriting sometimes may kill the very soul of the essay.

2. 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 the admission committee would like to know?"

3. Write from your heart in 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.

4. 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.

5. Avoid writing a 'why MBA' and 'goals' essay since you will be covering these topics in other application materials.

6. Avoid telling the school how great they are. They are aware of their greatness.

7. Even though the essay question doesn't ask 'Why HBS', you would 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.

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 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.

Click here for Admission director Chad Losee's 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. 10 Key Essay Tips with Examples
2. MER Students Share their Success Stories
3. Harvard MBA '20 Mansi's video interview

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

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

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