You are here: Home / Harvard HBS / Harvard Business School 2009 Essay Tips and Deadlines

Harvard Business School 2009 Essay Tips and Deadlines

May 23, 2008 By

 

UPDATE- THE TIPS FOR HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S 2010 MBA APPLICATION ARE NOW ONLINE. Please post questions or comments to the new post.

 

My comments are in red.

Harvard Business School MBA Application Deadlines 

                    Application Submission         Notification Date

Round 1     October 15, 2008                             January 21, 2009
Round 2     January 6, 2009                                 April 2, 2009
Round 3     March 11, 2009                                   May 13, 2009

Harvard Business School MBA Essay Instructions and Questions 

All applicants must submit answers to four essay questions. The first two questions are required of all applicants. The remaining two essays may be in response to your choice of the next four sub-questions.

Joint program applicants for the Harvard Medical School, Harvard Law School, and Kennedy School of Government must provide an additional essay.

Essays  Questions:

1. What are your three most substantial accomplishments and why do you view them as such? (600-word limit)

This is practically Harvard‘s signature question. It has been around for years and it goes to the heart of Harvard’s values. It wants highly accomplished students entering its program. It wants leaders.

At least one and probably two of the three accomplishments should show leadership and/or teamwork with the emphasis being on leadership. I also like to have this essay show some breadth. My ideal would be to have one professional, one community, and one personal accomplishment in this essay, but that breakdown is neither set in stone nor imperative.

2. What have you learned from a mistake? (400-word limit)
People of initiative err. They must learn from those mistakes to be effective leaders. 

A friend went to her daughter’s graduation and quoted the valedictory address,  “In school you learn lessons and then take tests. In life, you have tests and then learn lessons.” If you view  your mistakes as experiments, lessons, or tests, you can grow and make sure you don’t repeat them. Show HBS through this essay that you are the kind of person who learns from your mistakes.

Again, try to have this question reveal you making your mistake, preferably in a leadership capacity, and applying lessons learned in a sphere of your life not covered by other essays. In the best HBS applications, each essay uncovers a different facet of the applicant and his or her experience. Together they paint a portrait of a dynamic, talented leader with initiative and exceptional ability.

3. Please respond to two of the following (400-word limit each):

1. What would you like the MBA Admissions Board to know about your undergraduate academic experience?

This question was optional last year and mandatory the year before that. When introduced, I thought it was going to produce monotonous, boring essays, but it didn’t. To my pleasant surprise, I reviewed several of these essays as part of our quality control program, and they were revealing, excellent essays.

This question reflects Harvard’s interest in early career applicants and really gives them a chance to shine. This essay represents HBS’ attempt to see patterns over time.  What you choose to include here will obviously vary depending on your experience and the rest of your application, but my ideal answer will discuss  a leadership experience from your undergrad career to show that you are a natural leader with a history of leadership. Remember: HBS wants to develop leaders, not create them.

2. Discuss how you have engaged with a community or organization.
New question. As you answer this question, once again keep in mind Harvard’s single-minded focus on leadership. Did you motivate, inspire, plan, or organize? If you did, what were the results of your actions? Did you increase revenue? membership? communal impact? “Community or organization” is very broad so you could answer this question and relate it to work, but most of you will want to answer this question with non-professional initiatives in your community.

3. What area of the world are you most curious about and why?

New question. If you are curious about a region, that curiosity should manifest itself in action.  Visiting is one form of action, but it is not the only one. Also, don’t neglect to answer the “Why” part of the question. Harvard seeks to understand what makes you tick.

4. What is your career vision and why is this choice meaningful to you?

Harvard is one of the few, if not the only, top business school that has made the goals question optional. And even this one is a little different than the typical “What do you want to do and why do you want to do it?” The interesting twist to Harvard’s question is “career vision.” With Harvard’s focus on strategy, Harvard is asking you to develop your career strategy and discuss its importance to you. But don’t leave your answer on an entirely theoretical plane. Bring it down to earth with your plan for implementing that vision. In other words writing that you seek “a career leading an innovative enterprise, providing work-life balance, and allowing me the opportunity to contribute to my community” sounds great. But it will also sound a lot like other people’s visions. You need to have some idea of how to achieve that vision, define it more narrowly, and explain why it resonates with you.

For more on the concept of vision, please see “The Parable of the Three Stone Masons.”I believe that HBS is attempting to identify those who are like the third stonemason — perhaps with less religious fervor but with well… that kind of vision. They are still working hard, with feet on the ground, but they radiate enthusiasm for a distant goal and pride in their ability to contribute to something much larger than themselves.

If you would like help with your Harvard MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and admissions consulting or a Harvard MBA Comprehensive Package, which includes essay editing, interview coaching, consultation, and a resume edit for the Harvard MBA application. 

Other resources to help you with your Harvard Business School MBA application:

Final suggestion, actually from Dee Leopold, Director of Harvard’s MBA Admissions, watch the video Inside the HBS Case Method.

Filed Under: Harvard HBS, MBA Admissions Tagged With: , , , ,
  • Nicholas

    How does the career vision essay vary from the standard goals essay? Is HBS looking for greater emphasis on long-term goals and the motivations for them? How much should I discuss offerings at HBS? Maybe this is an essay focusing on "keeping the end in mind" where the content is the same as a goals essay except it’s lead less by school/career and more by vision/motivation.

  • Linda Abraham

    Nicholas,

    As indicated above, a vision is much larger than a goal. I think it has to do with creating something bigger than a career or livelihood for one’s family. It has to do with contribution on a grander scale. It usually will relate to long-term goals and motivation.

    I’m not sure you have to discuss offerings at HBS; their questions don’t reflect much interest in your regurgitating their course catalog.

    I agree with your final sentence.

    Good luck!

  • Emanuel

    Would you think getting a graduate certificate in a related management field and doing well would help with admission if your undergrad GPA isn’t up to Par. I know there are several factors, including essays, leadership, and GMATs, but just wondering if it’s worth the investment.

  • Linda Abraham

    Emanuel,

    Yes. Earning a certificate in a management related field and earning high marks in these classes can help a mediocre GPA. As you note, however, it is not the only factor.

    Best,
    Linda

  • Sumit

    With regard to the question on "undergraduate academic experience", the word "academic" through me off. HBS is obviously not interested in a transcript here but would it be appropriate to talk about a transformation e.g. spike in grades and extracurricular activities after my freshmen year, then wrapping it up with a specific leadership example from a club that I was a part of?

  • Linda Abraham

    Sumit, I would really need to know the specifics. It sounds like that could work, but the details count.

    Best,
    Linda

  • legend

    Dear Linda,

    I am a military applicant with exceptional credentials in active combat and International assignment.I was a team leader of an UN military observer in a UN Peace Keeping Mission and was awarded the commendation card for exemplary contribution to peace keeping. I have a GMAT Score of 770.

    I have just completed three of my four essays for HBS. I have narrated exceptional examples of leadership. My first essay is 820 words length and my career vision essay is close to 650 words length. If I try to cut more words,the essays are losing its connection to the greater theme that I want to convey through my application.

    My essays are gripping tales and aren’t mere collection of platitudes. Will I still be penalized for exceeding the word limit?

    Thanks

  • Linda Abraham

    My short answer is that you are taking a risk and could tick them off.

    The content will have to be unusually compelling for them to overlook the fact that you are 1/3 over the word limit in the first essay and more than 50% over the word limit in the second case.

    I urge you to have your essays reviewed or at least get an estimate on the time required to improve them. If your editor feels they really can’t be cut, then you simply decide whether to take the risk or not. No charge. If the editor feels they can be cut, and they almost always can, then you reduce your risk of ticking off HBS by submitting essays that virtually ignore their word limits.

    To obtain the free estimate, please register at http://www.accepted.com/services/register.aspx . For details on costs and a description of our Review and Editing service, please see http://www.accepted.com/services/mba/admissionsreview.aspx .

  • legend

    Dear Linda,

    Thank you very much for your answer and links. I will certainly consider your services.

    thanks

    legend

  • Linda Abraham

    You’re most welcome.

  • Melissa

    Hi – I have a similar question about essay length. I have worked hard to get my essays down to an acceptable length without destroying ALL of the tone and flavor. But I am still about 10% over (at about 440 words for the shorter ones, and about 660 for the longer one). Is this acceptable, or would this also be cause for concern? Is ANY overrun acceptable?

  • Linda Abraham

    If you ask Harvard, they will say that they don’t want anything over. Our company-wide rule of thumb is up to 10% over, although for HBS some of our editors don’t want to go more than 5% over.

    Personally, I think you are OK if your content is good and the essays are well-written.

    Best,
    Linda

  • http://surreal-flavors.blogspot.com MadStrawberry

    Hi Linda,

    Just a small query on similar lines…is it *almost* ok to exceed the word limit by 15-20 words in maximum one/two of the essay (like 600-words one)…or should it also be preferably avoided.

  • nemo

    Hi Linda,

    I am in the process of putting the finishing touches on the essays for the Harvard Business School application. I haven’t really talked to all that many people about my chances of getting in, mostly because it is not typical for someone in my professional position to seek this kind of change. Anyhow, I will give you a rundown of my stats and background.

    -From a small country in Central America (I know, they’re all small!)
    -3.5 from top 3 university (HYP) and a prestigious major at that institution
    -Notable independent academic work
    -710 GMAT
    -Graduated with okay grades (around a 3.1) from a top 5 law school
    -Finance attorney for a major international law firm
    -Strong extracurricular activities in college
    -A lot of community involvement
    -Some experience with a start up
    -Co-founded a monthly online international affairs publication
    -27 years old

    Am I competitive for HBS?

    Thanks.

  • Linda Abraham

    Nemo,

    Yes. You have a competitive profile for HBS. Your law school GPA is a little weak, but everything else is competitive.

  • Linda Abraham

    Mad Strawberry,

    The adcom doesn’t sit there and count words. They are way too busy to do that. Make sure every word counts, and I wouldn’t worry about those extra 10-15 words on a 600 word essay.

    Linda Abraham

  • nemo

    Thanks, Linda. I figured I had a competitive profile and that my essays and recommendations would play a big role in whether I got in.

    I didn’t mention this in the previous post because I wanted to see if you identified the weakness, which you did. I have heard contradictory things about how HBS and other top business schools treat performance at a professional program. Some say they treat it as work experience so that they can compare apples to apples (compare candidates’ academic performances in college rather than comparing college grades with professional school grades). Others say they treat it as both. If they look at it carefully, should I address it (if it is addressable)?

  • Bob

    Hi Linda,

    I was wondering how many words should be dedicated to describing the vision and how many words on my personal experience. 440 words (with 10% over limit) is a very tight constraint. Is it very risky to not mention "why HBS" at all?

  • Linda Abraham

    Nemo,

    They will weigh everything they have. Your law school will be a factor. They may wonder why your grades went down. Were there extenuating circumstances? Are those circumstances history or still at play? Did you not like it? If so, how do they know you will like b-school?

    Depending on the reason for your law school performance, you are probably best off addressing it.

    Since law school is primarily an academic exercise I would be surprised if they treat it as work experience. They will view it as additional information on your academic side.

    Best,
    Linda

  • Linda Abraham

    Bob,

    It is a little difficult to give even a guideline on this, but I would probably say up to 25% in describing the vision and the rest on other elements of the question.

    Because of the questions wording and the tight limit, I recommend against explicitly addressing "why HBS," but I also recommend that your answer to this question (and the others) reflect fit with HBS. In other words, implicitly your entire application should answer Why HBS.

    Best,
    Linda

  • Lish

    Hello Linda,

    I really appreciate your feedback. I am a reapplicant that got an interview last year. I am still in university and am 23 years old. Since last year, I improved my GMAT from a 640 to a 690 and became president of company that is run with student money and has over 300k is sales. I also became part of the schools senate and made some key changes.

    I also founded a charity to help my home country in the carribean. I have been president of my student association and has also been a councilor who overlooked a large student budget.

    My GPA is 3.75 from a unreknowned canadian school.

    Should I mention my experience of getting the hbs interview in my essays?

    Do you think my 640 was a large factor in not getting in the first time?

    Thanks!!

    -Lish

  • Linda Abraham

    You don’t need to mention that you had an interview last year. They probably don’t care much and would know that anyway. Yes, I think your 640 played a role. I can’t say for sure if it was decisive.

    Linda

  • Christ

    Hello Linda Abraham,

    I am a finance student in OSU and I am going to graduate this quarter.
    I did transfer to OSU from another country about two years ago, and the part- time program that I studied before was closed, and so I didn’t get the transcript for the previous program.
    And my CGPA is 3.81, but I got 7 "w" in my transcript, since I took too much courses before that I needed to withdraw some of them.
    I got 720 for my GMAT, and I was once a full time employee in a unknown company for two years; my old supervisor, my old client and my old colleague are willing to write the reference letters for me.
    Am I competitive for HBS?

  • Linda Abraham

    Do you have any leadership experience? Any internships or work experience while you are a student at OSU?

  • Christ

    Linda Abraham,
    Thank you for replying.
    No, I don’t have in OSU, but I do have achievement in my old company, and I did play leadership role.

  • Linda Abraham

    I am not optimistic because of the lack of recent leadership experience and because of the 7 withdrawals. Sorry.
    Linda

  • nemo

    Linda,

    Thanks for the advice. I submitted my application to Harvard a little over two weeks ago. Several colleagues at HBS and Wharton recommended that I not address the law school GPA because the grades were not "bad" and were earned in a very rigorous program (probably more rigorous than an MBA) in any case. In fact, they thought it would probably draw attention to an area that’s not a strong suit that otherwise wouldn’t be viewed negatively. I took their advice and decided not to address it. I am preparing applications to other programs as we speak, and wanted to get your reaction to their recommendations before deciding on whether to address it in the other applications.

    Thanks, and I look forward to hearing back from you.

    Nemo

  • Linda Abraham

    Nemo,

    What were the reasons for the low(er) GPA? Or was it in fact a good GPA that just translates poorly? Was your class rank quite high?

    Let’s assume that the 3.1 really is a so-so GPA, then the question is really was there a non-recuring, extenuating circumstance that caused you problems while you were in law school? IF yes, then exlain. It can only help you. If, however, you simply lost motivation for some inexplicable reason or the circumstances still exist that caused the problem, then perhaps it’s better not to explain.

    Best,
    Linda

  • nemo

    Linda,

    It was a middle of the road GPA for this particular law school. I guess the point my friends made is that it’s not likely to make a difference since a middle of the road GPA at this particular law school is like a middle of the road GPA at Harvard Business School (or perhaps even better, since the academic profile of the students at this school is higher than the students at HBS). We don’t have a class ranking – but I am pretty sure my GPA is about average. It’s not really a "lower" GPA when you consider the fact that the average undergraduate GPA of the students at this law school is about a 3.8 and the average LSAT is 98th percentile. So average among that group of students isn’t exactly a "lower GPA". Does that make sense?

    I didn’t do as well as I did in college because a) I was competing against higher caliber students than in college (even though I went to HYP for undergrad) and b) the material itself was just not as interesting to me compared to college, except for a few classes.

    Sounds like you think it’s best left unaddressed. I have a hard time thinking they would frown upon my GPA (which is average) at a rigorous, top graduate program.

    Nemo

  • 2009 Candidate

    Hi Linda,

    I just read the latest update on the Round One interviews on the HBS website. Any thoughts as to how HBS might be using these last 100 invites? It seems to me that HBS has probably reviewed all of the Round One applications, so I’m wondering if this is reserved for certain cases (i.e. borderline, unique profiles, etc.)

    Thanks!

  • Sumit

    Hi Linda,

    I’m a joint MBA-MPP applicant and therefore have to answer an additional essay question: "How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on a professional and personal level?" Should I interpret "personal level" to mean outside of work or personal characteristics i.e. leadership, decision-making, analytical skills, negotiation, etc. which in turn help me on a "professional level".

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Sumit

  • Linda Abraham

    Both. In responding to the personal aspect of the question, you can certainly talk in terms of character development and personal growth. You can also (or instead) talk about some non-professional — perhaps community service related — goals in this context.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

    Best,
    Linda

  • Pascal

    Hi Linda,

    I’m finishing my undergrad this year in Mechanical Engineering at McGill in Montreal Canada. I’ve got a 3.88 GPA so far, and I scored a 720 on my GMAT. Since I haven’t graduated yet, I don’t have any work experience other than summer jobs. However, I started my own painting business 3 summers ago where I hired/managed about 20 employees. I also started my own group tutoring business where I hold 4 hour remedial sessions for a university level course. I’ve been operating my tutoring business for almost 3 years now, and I’ve had over 300 students.

    I know my chances are a little reduced since I’m a college senior, but do you think my grades and business experience can make up for it?

    Thanks!

  • ag

    Hi Linda,
    I have a 720 in my Gmat. I am an engineer from IIT in India. I have about 6 months of experience right now in top investment banks. I was the president of student senate, won awards for best student senator 2 years in a row. I was also the president of cultural festival organization team in college which handled finance of USD 100000.I was the editor of news magazine in college. At present I am networking to set up a scholarship fund for my college to help poor students and also teach on weekends for free.
    My question is my professional experience is not much and even though I have been in leadership roles in college, I haven’t achieved much professionally till now. Is it a good time to apply to HBS? Am I competetive enough?
    The other thing is I had started up a company when I was in college and it was in media sector mostly focusing on organizing events.It wasen’t my long term aim and I did that for fun and making contacts and money. Should I mention that? Because I eventually joined an entirely different sector of financial services?

  • Linda Abraham

    Pascal.

    I think HBS will give you serious consideration. I suspect however, that ultimately they prefer someone who has had an internship with a prestigious company. You may also want to consider some of the other programs encouraging early career applicants to apply: LBS Masters in Mgmt(http://www.accepted.com/mba/LondonBusinessSchool.aspx), Chicago (http://www.accepted.com/mba/chicago.aspx ), UCLA (http://www.accepted.com/mba/UCLAAnderson.aspx). Tepper (http://www.accepted.com/mba/CMUTepper.aspx )

    Best,
    Linda

  • Linda Abraham

    AG,

    I think you would be wise to work for an additional year and then apply. My response to you is very similar to that to Pascal albeit for different reasons. You have excellent leadership experience and strong academic credentials (assuming your GPA is competitive.) Unlike Pascal, you have a blue-chip name on your resume, but you also come from an extremely competitive subset in the applicant pool. I think a year of experience would serve you well. If you want earn your MBA now, then consider some of the other programs I mentioned in the previous post.

    Regards,
    Linda

  • Pascal

    Thanks for the reply Linda,

    I had a 4-month summer internship with Bell Helicopter Textron Canada. Its not business related in any way as it was an engineering internship. Do you think its worth mentioning in my application? Any particular way I can spin it to my advantage?

    Thanks again!

  • Linda Abraham

    You definitely should mention it. No question. The question is what did you do and learn. Then you have to ask whether you can write about it in a way that adds value to your application. If you think the answer is yes, is it better than something else that you will take out? I can’t answer these questions without reviewing your application. But regardless of whether you write about the internship in your essays, you should definitely put it on your resume and job history.

    Best,
    Linda

  • ag

    Hi Linda
    The second part of my question is:

    1.The other thing is I had started up a company when I was in college and it was in media sector mostly focusing on organizing events.It wasen’t my long term aim (1 year) and I did that for fun and making contacts and money. Should I mention that? Because I eventually joined an entirely different sector of financial services and this experience was all about marketing. My eventual career vision as per application would be in financial services.
    2. Should i mention about the start up in my undergrad experience question because its not really academic but I actually spent a considerable amount of time doing it.

  • Linda Abraham

    AG,

    1) Any business experience for an early career applicant is valuable and certainly should be mentioned. You cannot divorce business from marketing especially when applying to a general management program.Perhaps you should tout your diverse experience as a plus when applying to HBS because of their focus on the case method and general management.

    2. Sorry I would need to know more about you and the experience before answering. My quick reaction is "no," because it isn’t an academic experience.

    Best,
    Linda

    2)

  • jc

    Linda,

    I’m debating whether I should submit a last-minute second round app to HBS. Altogether, I’d have about 2.5 weeks to do everything (essays, application, etc.) The only things that are done are GMAT (which I took last year) and recommendations (for which I asked my recommendors today, in case I do apply). So far, I’ve put zero effort into the app, and didn’t even know what the essay questions were until today. Nonetheless, I feel that I am good at "improvising" and might be able to crank out a few good essays in 2 weeks; I just want to make sure that my profile is competitive.

    I have a 3.6 GPA from Middlebury in Economics and a 750 GMAT. I am a college senior so I don’t have any work experience. I have 4 summer internships; 1 with J.P. Morgan’s Investment Banking Division (Mergers and Acquisitions) in New York and 1 with Lehman Brothers, also in IBD (Healthcare) in Hong Kong.

    The other 2 internships were with smaller entrepreneurial firms, but 1 was in a developing market (internship at a bank in Bolivia doing micro-finance type work). I had volunteered at an orphanage while in Bolivia in a leadership capacity (and had recruited others to join the same cause). This experience had allowed me to aid the founding of two student groups when I got back to college: a group founded by a group of my friends to aid orphans in Vietnam – the group arranged a self-funded trip over the summer to the orphanage; and a group founded by my sister which cares for orphans in Somalia (and is currently fund-raising to set up a similar trip) – I had influence over both organizations in their early stages

    I have also been a teaching and research assistant for 2 years and studied Chinese at a top Chinese University for 1 semester.

    I hope that this experience is unique enough that it would make putting forth an application worthwhile. I just want to confirm before committing the time and energy.

    Thanks,
    JC

  • Linda Abraham

    JC,

    While I recommend using more than 2 weeks to put together an application, I also know that if you have significant time devote to writing and a good sense of self along with clear reasons for wanting an MBA from HBS, you can put together an application in 2.5 weeks. And you do have a competitive profile. Go for it. If Accepted, can be of help (http://www.accepted.com/services/mbaservices.aspx ), please let me know.

    Linda

  • JC

    Linda, thanks for the response. I was planning on using a counselor for interview prep, should I get an interview, as I feel that this is where I am least prepared. I feel that there isn’t enough time to have my essays examined and discussed in detail [please let me know if I'm wrong], so I’m hoping my off-the-cuff improvisation will suffice. At this point, my MBA aspirations are grounded more in wishful thinking than in reality… but, if I can muster an interview, the whole game changes. Do you notice any weaknesses in my profile of which I should directly address/impugn in my essays?

    thanks,

  • Linda Abraham

    JC,

    If your MBA aspirations are grounded in wishful thinking, that foundation is a weakness. You need solid, well-reasoned essays to get that interview. Relatively little work experience is also a weakness, but you have excellent leadership and impressive internships so I am encouraging you to apply.

    I do feel that Accepted could help guide you in the essay phase and edit your essays. We frequently save our clients a lot of wheel-spinning and time. You can find more information at http://www.accepted.com/services/mba/HarvardBusinessSchoolpackage.aspx, which is our comprehensive Harvard service, and http://www.accepted.com/services/ServicesCategory.aspx?categoryid=1, which describes our different editing services.

    Regards,
    Linda

  • james

    Dear Linda:

    I am really struggling whether i should apply to HBS MBA.
    I just graduated from the Arizona State a weak back, so i do not have any full-time work experiences yet. My GMAT is 670, with 3.6 undergraduate GPA. I was a tutor for 9 months while i was in college. Also, I was a foreign exchange student for a year back in highschool. I do have a internship at a small financial firm, but i didn’t get any substantial achivements.My career vision is to expand the family own motorcycle factory back in China. Do I get a chance?

  • Linda Abraham

    Your chances of acceptance to HBS now are very poor. Your GMAT is below average and you have very little work experience. You don’t mention any leadership experiences. I strongly encourage you to work for a couple of years, raise your GMAT, and try to obtain leadership experience either on or off the job.

    Sorry to be discouraging. Best,
    Linda

  • 123

    I want to attend HBS, but it’s not do-or-die for me to get into an MBA program this year. I hope to only apply to HBS, and, if I am rejected, apply to a wider range of schools next go around (4-5 years down the line). I’m curious whether HBS will know that I am only applying to 1 school and think that I am not serious about getting an MBA. I have considered also applying to Stanford to mitigate this problem, but I don’t want to do up an extra 4 essays if it’s a non-issue.

    Thanks!

  • Linda Abraham

    To my knowledge, they will see the schools that you requested score reports be sent. They will not know the other schools to which you applied, and they can’t be sure if the schools that received score reports you actually applied to.

    I don’t think they would question your seriousness about HBS solely on the basis of your decision to apply only to HBS. They would determine your seriousness much more from the content of your essays.

    Best,
    Linda

  • HBS or Bust

    If I’m applying only to HBS, is it beneficial at all to explicitly say so in one of the essays, or even in the "additional information" section? i.e., is it acceptable to use the add. info section to make an impassioned speech as to why I want to be at HBS and HBS alone?

  • prospective applicant

    Dear Linda,

    thank you for your time to answer our questions.

    My situation with MBA is very same to the last two posts of ’123′ and ‘HBS or Bust’. I am planning to apply for an MBA in 2-5 years time and my ultimate choice is HBS.

    I have about 5 years of work experience in public administration and business area. I interned at a large multinational corporation and an American law firm.

    In addition to this, I do have considerable experience working/volunteering at community organizations and NGOs, I completed my undergrad in law with honors (a local university in the CIS) and earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) from a renowned university in the U.K. Also, I run a start-up business (though no profits yet). Besides, I am fluent in 4 languages and lived abroad for a number of years. Could you please comment on my ‘fit’ and chances to HBS (assuming acceptable GMAT score).

    Another question is if I get ‘a ding’ in a given year what should be my tactics further on? I mean, when I apply next time should I completely change recommendations, essays, re-take GMAT (if it is around 670-700)? In other words, since unsuccessful applicants do not get any feedback from HBS, what would you suggest to focus on and improve next time?

    Thanks in advance!

  • http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham

    HBS or Bust,

    Occasionally someone has such compelling reasons that this topic can make an effective optional,but usually this kind of optional fails miserably. It gets filed under ‘We know we’re great" or "Heard that before." I would pass.

    Best,
    Linda

  • http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham

    If you have 5 years of work experience now and an LLM and you want to go to b-school in 2-5 years, my guess is that you would have a difficult time showing fit at HBS, which tends to take (and seemingly prefer) younger applicants. I suggest you either apply next year or aim for programs that are more interested in older applicants when you are ready to apply.

    Best,
    Linda

  • HBS or Bust

    Appreciate the quick response – thanks!

  • prospective applicant

    Dear Linda,

    thank you for your comment.

    In five years time I will be 30, I thought b-schools prefer mature candidates with some managerial experience already, don’t they?

    Could you please comment on my second question about ‘ding’ and reapplication?

    Cheers!

  • Linda Abraham

    HBS or Bust,

    You’re welcome.

    Linda

  • Linda Abraham

    Prospective Applicant,

    HBS is quite clear that it prefers leaders. It prefers management potential. However, the average age upon entry is 26. The average amount of work experience is 3.5 years. Apparently it is satisfied with the level of experience found among people in their mid-20′s.

    I’m sorry I missed reapplication part of your question, isn’t the discussion premature? You haven’t applied or been dinged, and you aren’t planning to apply for the first time for several years.

    In general, the key to a successful reapplication is an improved applicant and application. That means new material showing growth and better fit and better writing. For more information, please see http://www.accepted.com/mba/reapplicants.aspx .

    Best,
    Linda

  • Alison

    Hi Linda,

    I will apply to HBS next year and plan on spending this year getting all my ducks in a row. I’m trying to determine if my application will be competitive and if my plan for 2009 will give me an edge in the application process. Currently, my plan for this year is to launch my own business, which has been in progress for 9 months now, work with children at the local YMCA as a coach, and organize a local fundraiser for childhood cancer. Other than that, my background looks like this:

    - BS in Computer Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
    - MS in Computer Science from University of Central Florida
    - GMAT – 750
    -Work Experience
    – First 2 years: Lockheed Martin (no leadership experience)
    – Last 3 years to present: Wyndham Vacation Ownership where for 2 years I’ve been the technical lead on several software development projects

    Do you have any suggestions as to how I might beef up my application or any thoughts on my current plan?

    Thanks for your help!

  • Linda Abraham

    Your plan is solid. I assume your grades were good. My tip in terms of HBS is to assume as much leadership as you can at the Y and in the fundraiser. And be able to show that you were a strategic leader balancing competing stakeholders and priorities as you pursued overarching goals and the good of your organization, unit, etc.

    Best,
    Linda

  • canadian audit

    Hi Linda,

    I’ve read some of the posts here and you seem to be really helpful when it comes to evaluating profiles for B-school.

    I’m a latin american/canadian applicant, my profile looks like this:

    -Top Canadian B-school (3.3)
    -Chartered accountant
    -3 yrs audit WE at big 4 (switching to transaction advisory this next summer)
    -CFA level II passed
    -GMAT 720 (taken in senior year)
    -avg of 5 hrs a week volunteering for shelters, food banks, etc.
    -trying to get more leadership experience to talk about in my essays.

    would you say that adding some leadership spice to my experiences would make me competitive for HBS/Columbia GSB?

    Thank you.

  • Linda Abraham

    I think that adding leadership experience to your profile will be critical to the success of your application next year. Yes.

    Best,
    Linda Abraham

  • rebecca

    Do you think I could be competitive for HBS with my current profile and do you think it’s worth it for me to apply:

    female
    berkeley undergrad, 3.7 gpa, liberal arts
    law school, then top 20, now top-40, 3.6 gpa
    commercial litigation experience in several law firms
    co-founded a succesful production and theatre company
    37 y.o. (spent 5 yrs having children)

    haven’t taken the GMAT yet

  • Linda Abraham

    While HBS will never admit it, I don’t think 37 yo fits HBS’s profile. I am sure they can trot out 1 or 2 students in their late 30′s, but I doubt the acceptance rate is something that would make me feel it’s worthwhile applying. Why don’t you look at the MIT Sloan Fellows program? If you don’t need to be in Boston, also consider the Stanford Sloan Fellows program or EMBA programs.

    Best,
    Linda

  • rebecca

    Thank you for your response, Linda. It’s unfortunate, in my opinion. I’m definitely going to look into the Stanford Sloan Fellow’s Program and EMBA Program. With my profile, what do you think my chances are at the three programs you mentioned?

    Best wishes,
    rebecca

  • Linda Abraham

    I think your profile is a much better fit for these programs, and frankly because you will be with more mature and experienced students, you will get more out of these programs. We have had several clients accepted to Sloan Fellows programs and they have been extremely happy with them. Do you have geographic limitations?

  • rebecca

    I live right near Stanford but am also willing to travel for a really top school. I am hoping to open good job prospects in the business world. I’ll have to research whether that’s something these programs might offer. It seems to me like they might not be directed toward that.

    Thanks very much for your help, Linda. I’m very impressed with your breadth of knowledge.

    Best wishes,
    Rebecca

  • DKP

    I am considering applying for Harvard Business School for the Class starting Sept 2010.

    I am a physician ; my background being in Cardiology and Internal Medicine.

    I hail from India; where I did my medical school and then completed my Residency in Internal Medicine and am currently completing my Fellowship training in Cardiology ; both from very prestigious institutions in USA.

    I have been involved with clinical trials for past 3 years and have extensive reserach background. I envision a career in pharma/biotech industry in clinical development. Down the road, I would also like to move on to business development . So I figured that an MBA might be valuable before I make the move to industry.

    I am yet to take GMAT. I can definitely get very good LORs.
    My major problem is that I will be age 36 by the time I apply.

    Do you think I have a shot at Harvard Business School?

    Thanks again,
    dkp

  • Linda Abraham

    I can’t say you don’t have a shot, but I am pessimistic about the likelihood of your acceptance at HBS. Have you considered EMBA programs or the Sloan Fellows programs offered by MIT, London Business School, and Stanford? Alternatively, have you considered full-time MBA programs like Kellogg, Tuck, Darden, or Columbia, which are not as "youth-oriented" as HBS.

    Best,
    Linda

  • DKP

    Thanks Linda for the kind reply.
    Does Stanford have an EMBA / Part time program? My understanding was that it only had full time MBA. What is the Sloan Fellows program? Does it lead to an MBA degree? Also don’t you need executive experience for E-MBA ?

    Regarding HBS, I realize that they are not youth oriented. But I was told by some HBS students that they are actively trying to increase % of students from healthcare background to almost 10% as a part of their efforts to improve Haelthcare initiative program at HBS?
    Also , do you have any experience with MD working for an MBA at HBS?

    Thanks a million for your time and advice!
    I remain greatly indebted

  • http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham

    Stanford does not offer a part-time or an EMBA program. It offers a full-time, 10-month Sloan Fellows program. Participants receive a MS in Management when they complete it. Details are at http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/sloan/ . For an EMBA you do need experience, but your work as a resident and fellow may do it; you would have to check. I am assuming that you were guiding younger residents, interacting with patients, and maybe even worked on a budget or two.

    Regarding HBS, I suspect they can find that 10% from the many applicants with similar interests who may better fit their profile in terms of age. The only way to find out is to apply, but as I said, I am not optimistic. Perhaps you also had some organizational responsibility with the clinical trials you mentioned. All that counts.

    Regarding our experience with MD’s and Harvard. We have worked with MD’s and we have worked with many successful applicants to Harvard. I believe we have even worked with successful MDs applying to Harvard, but I’m not 100% sure.

    Best,
    Linda

  • Adi

    Hi Linda ;

    I am a masters in ME from Stanford ( GPA : 3.2 .. took one dreadful course which gave me a C- ) , undergrad from India ( GPA : 3.9 )

    Haven’t written the GMAT , but expect to get around 750

    Overall full time Experience is just a shade under 3 years ( part time adds another 2.5 years )

    worked as a management consultant in San Francisco , London for 2 years ( extensive experience in EU region ) , moved back to India to start a med device company with couple of people I know from School .. I am currently the India in-charge, will be in this position for about 10 months, by the time I apply to Harvard / Stanford / Wharton ;

    Other activities …

    Was part of the orientation team at work , helping people to settle in as consultants ;

    I trained for the marathon , but couldn’t race in the SF marathon

    Stanford India Association Core Committee Member

    Founded the first SAE collegiate club in Andhra Pradesh , our school is currently one of the best Baja SAE teams( races cars in Formula SAE config ) in Asia

    Fisita world fellowship for Automobiles .. first from India ( which probably got me into Stanford for Master’s )

    Indian Math Olympiad Scholar

    what are my chances ?

    Best

    Adi

  • Linda Abraham

    You have a shot at HBS, but competition is fierce. Apply elsewhere too.

  • Adi

    Thanks Linda

  • frank

    I have undergrad in science with under 2.7 GPA. I did my undergrad under very bad family circumstances where I was the only provider for my family. Completed my undergrad in three years with 30-35hrs work week. I worked in call center for 4 yrs and completed mBA parttime from very small school with GPA of 3.7. I have started my moving business and I am very successful with that. Do I have any chances of getting accepted in Harvard. I have not yet taken GMAT and I am looking for honest opinion.
    Thank you

  • Linda Abraham

    Frank,

    I can’t say you have "no chance"; I can say I think even with a high GMAT you would have a very poor chance of getting accepted to Harvard. But I also think that there are many excellent business schools out there in addition to Harvard. You have to decide why you want an MBA and then see if there are MBA programs other than Harvard that meet your needs. Unless you want to go into private equity or management consulting at elite firms, the chances of such programs existing is excellent.

    Best,
    Linda

  • JM

    Dear Linda,

    I am considering applying to HBS 2+2 this year, and maybe at Stanford as well. I wanted to know what my chances would be like.

    I am a female from India, studying in IIT. Dual Degree in Electrical Engineering (B.Tech+M.Tech)
    Current GPA (8.8/10)
    GRE Score: 1530.

    Summer Internships:
    1. Visiting Student Researcher at Caltech(2.5 months, 2007)
    2. Summer Internship Program at a leading FMCG in India (very competitive), given a Pre-Placement Offer(PPO)

    Stood 5th at the World Finals of ASME Student Design Competition 2006, out of 98 teams, designed a machine to perform fishing for paraplegic people.

    Technical Secretary of Hostel, Student Technical Mentor-have guided a group of 10 freshman for one year. Awarded Certificate of Excellence from the Institute for 2 years.

    Initiated and setup a Campus Radio for IIT, from scratch. Built a team of 10 students, currently student in-charge.

    Been a member of the Athletics Team for the all 4 years. Team Captain last year, as well as Institute Girls Sports Nominee. Under my captaincy, our IIT won Gold at the Inter-IIT Sports Meet for the 1st time after 7 years.

    Stood 1st all-over India in the 10th Grade Board Exams. 3rd in 12th Grade State Board Exams.
    Elected as the Head Girl of my School.
    Debating Captain in School,
    Awarded best speaker award in the city
    Also given Best Pupil Award of School

    This is my profile in brief. I have missed out on community or volunteer work as I have always been involved with something, which I am scared will work against me.

    What do you think my chances will be like at HBS and Stanford?

  • Linda Abraham

    JM,

    Unless I’m missing something you’ve been very active in the Campus Radio, in sports, and in other venues. You’re not missing community service.

    I think you have a chance at both programs and are applying appropriately.

    Best,
    Linda

  • JM

    Thanks Linda,

    This is probably asking too much in detail, but I have 2 options for my summer now. To pursue a research internship at the Technical University of Munich for 2 months, or to work on starting a campus environmental sustainability program at IIT, which we hope will have some major impacts, like installing solar panels, etc, but will take time. This will involve working with the deans to an extent, put me in a leadership role and might help me with a reco later.

    From seeing the importance given to leadership roles, I’d pick the latter option, but I’m not sure how schools view both of these. Is it possible for you to provide some insight?

    Thanks,
    JM

  • Chris

    Hi Linda,
    I Have recently graduated with first class honours in chemical engineering, from Sydney University in Australia. My GPA is poor, despite the fact i finished in the top 5 of my class. For example, I recieved a GPA of 2.9 in my final year, despite topping the class. I am currently working for one of the oil majors and after 2 more years experience I am looking to get my MBA. I have recieved industrial and university awards for my studies and thesis, but I am hesitant to sit my GMAT, because I feel such a low GPA will leave me without a chance.
    Do I realistically have a chance?

  • Chris

    Hi again,
    Sorry for the abrupt end to my previous post, (I prematurely sent the post). I am only twenty two, so I feel a couple more years experience is required to get the most out of an MBA program.
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Many thanks,
    Chris.

  • Linda Abraham

    Chris,

    The schools including HBS will realize if you graduated with first class honors that your 2.9 is a little different than many other 2.9′s, especially if you do well on the GMAT, have a bunch of awards, and can say you were the #1 student in your department. Furthermore, if you were graded on the percentage system and are giving me the 2.9 as a translation, I suggest that you NOT translate your grade average unless asked to do so by the program you are applying to. They are really pretty good at interpreting grades from major universities around the world.

    So sit down and prepare for the GMAT and have it confirm that the the honors — not the 2.9 — are a true reflection of your ability.

    Regarding your level of experience, I agree that another year or two of work will enhance your chances at HBS and other top programs, especially if you can assume some leadership roles during this period.

    Best,
    Linda

  • Linda Abraham

    JM,

    It is difficult for me to say, but like you I would lean toward the sustainability project over the research internship. The one big advantage of the research project is the international exposure, but I tend to agree that leadership is more valuable especially since you have already lived abroad.

    Best,
    Linda