Harvard Business School 2013 Essay Questions and Tips

May 23, 2012 by Linda Abraham 54 Comments

Harvard Business School The 2013 Harvard MBA application questions are now online. And they are entirely new. A few of the more significant changes:

Just two required 400-word essay
An early round 1 deadline (September 24) and decision notification date (Dec. 12)
An entirely new component: A required “written reflection” on the interview for anyone invited to interview to be submitted within 24 hours of the interview. Poets and Quants says that this reflective piece also is a maximum 400 words, but I could not find that info on Harvard’s web site.

Harvard‘s instructions and question are in black below; my comments and tips are in blue. Let the 2012-2013 MBA application season begin!

All applicants must submit answers to two essay questions listed below.

Essays

1. Tell us about something you did well. (400 words)

First, read “Who Are We Looking For,” which clearly lays out Harvard’s selection criteria. They are:

Habit of Leadership
Analytical Aptitude and Appetite
Engaged Community Citizenship

Your transcript and test score will either show #2 or not. Allow your essays to reveal as much as possible about #1 and #3.

For essay #1, what do you really want them to know that shows you as a leader and contributor with impact? That’s what you want to write about. You do not want to write a treatise on leadership or community citizenship or even ethics and entrepreneurship. You don’t want to answer Why MBA or Why Harvard. You do want to tell a short story about something you are truly proud of, preferably something showing you in a leadership role contributing to your community or employer and having a profound impact.

Tell the challenge you faced, your response, and the result of your actions. Briefly reflect on what you learned and why you are so proud of this “something.” Be concrete, specific, and vivid.

2. Tell us about something you wish you had done better. (400 words)

“Oh no! Do I have to write about a…. a mistake?!?”

Yes. Harvard wants to admit people of strong character who are self-aware, willing to admit to and learn from mistakes, and able to bounce back from setbacks. In a word, Harvard wants people who are resilient. Your response to this question should reveal all those qualities. Again, say what happened, what went wrong, and what you should have done. If you can, discuss another similar situation you were more successful because you learned your lessons the first time around.And if you just happened to be in a leadership role when you learned this particular lesson, all the better in establishing your habit of leadership.

As always, allow both these essays to show you in different arenas of your life. Perhaps the first can be in a professional setting and the second can show you engaged in community service, an extra-curricular activity, or a hobby.

Post Interview Reflection

Following the interview, candidates are required to submit a written reflection using our online application system. This must be submitted within 24 hours following the completion of the interview. Detailed instructions will be provided to those applicants who are invited to the interview process.

It is difficult to provide a tip on this one because your essay will be so dependent on the interview. You will want to think back on the interview and focus on one or two points that you really want to make sure came across and perhaps did not. Your essay or letter should not simply be how much you are dying to go to Harvard; it should supplement the conversation you had during the HBS interview. And, like your required MBA essays, it should be succinct.

Final thoughts

Dr. Nitin Nohria, Harvard Business School’s dean, is having a strong impact on the school. I recommend you watch this TED talk that he delivered last year. However, your essays should be about you — not this video.

Download Video from YouTube | Convert YouTube to MP3

HBS Application Deadlines

Round Due Date Notification

Round 1 September 24, 2012 December 12, 2012

Round 2 January 7, 2013 March 27, 2013

Round 3 April 8, 2013 May 15, 2013

*Applications must be submitted online by 12 noon Boston time.

If you would like professional guidance with your Harvard MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our Harvard Business School MBA Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the HBS MBA application.

By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted.com and co-author of the new, definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools .

Harvard Business School will reject approximately 90% of all applicants. Be in the 10%. Apply with the help of an experienced Accepted.com admissions consultant. Engage us now to be ready by September 24.

Filed Under: MBA Admissions Tagged With: 2013 MBA Application, Harvard Business School

http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham

If any readers would like to request a profile evaluation for HBS, please feel free to answer the following questions:

1) Brief description of your full-time work experience.
2) Your GMAT or GRE. Percentiles preferred.
3) College info: The name of the college, your GPA or grade average, your major, year of graduation. For any graduate degrees, please provide the same info. If you grades are low, please indicate if there were extenuating circumstances.
4) Significant college and post-college extra-curricular activities or community service, especially leadership experience.
5) Important certifications like CFA, CPA, FSA, or CA.
6) Your post-MBA goal.

Or if you just have a question about MBA admissions, I’ll do my best to answer it.
- Sumit
  
  Hi Linda, this is Sumit from India, currently on a professional assignment in the US.
  Below are the pointers about my profile –
  1. Work as a User Experience Consultant with Tech Mahindra (Telecom giant from India) for CenturyLink. My job demands me to align software applications with end user expectations. I’m accountable for conducting user interviews and stakeholders’ workshops, and map their pain areas and wish list to enhance the user experience of the application that they use. I don’t hold a degree in design but I was found suitable for this job on the basis of my user sensitivity and creativity.
  2. GMAT score 720, Dec 2009
  3. Did my engineering in electronics and telecommunication from a second tier college in India and secured 70% (first division). It is worth mentioning here that I suffer from an incurable rare neurological disorder called Focal Dystonia which limits fine movements of hands and challenges the sufferer’s ability to put pen to paper. I faced difficult times while writing my semester exams and GMAT, and I practically did all the calculations in my mind while writing my GMAT
  4. I have done reasonably well in extra curricular activities; was appointed member of editorial board for College Panaroma and won writing, debate and team building competitions
  5. Don’t have any certification but was hand picked for a training on Business Analysis meant for MBA graduates soon after joining my first organization
  6. Post MBA goal is to get into marketing as my current profile has taught me how to understand user expectations and align your product best matched to it.
  
  I’m not sure if it is the right platform to mention it but I have an alternate sexuality and was ridiculed to the core in my founding years. That did have its impact on my psyche and I was unable to hold an eye contact with people for a very long time. School was difficult and so was graduation (for different reasons though)
  
  I intend to apply to HBS this year (not because I consider myself the best candidate but because it has always been my dream institute and I don’t want to fall prey to ‘what-if’ syndrome).
  
  My company pays me enough to pay my bills but I’m not really sure if I can afford to subscribe to essay guiding services. However, once shortlisted, I’d leave no stone unturned to get a final call.
  
  I would really really appreciate if you can guide me about the colleges I should apply to. I see this attempt as my last one and cant afford to go wrong this time. I have been very selective (read picky) about the universities in the past and I don’t want to repeat the same mistake. A few universities with a greater chance of selection should serve the requirement.
  
  Thanks for reading through my request.
  
  Sumit
  - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
    
    Sumit,
    
    Thanks for your post.
    
    I’m not optimistic about your chances at HBS, but if it’s your dream give it a shot. It’s not impossible.
    
    Also consider Ross, Duke, Cornell, UNC, Darden, UCLA, and NYU Stern. If you want another stretch school, consider Haas and MIT Sloan.
    
    It’s not clear to me from your post if you are interested in our professional guidance or not. If you are, please explore your options at http://www.accepted.com/services/mbaservices.aspx. You will see that we have a variety of services and price points. IF you have questions, please let me know (http://www.accepted.com/services/register.aspx )
    
    If those services prove to be outside your budget, please take advantage of our free resources at http://www.accepted.com/mba or consider buying my book, which will provide more information and in a cogent, organized approach: http://www.mbaadmissionforsmarties.com . It’s not expensive.
    
    Best,
    Linda
    - Shuaietrain
      
      700 GMAT with 47Q/39V split. 3.60 GPA from USMA West Point in Chinese. Two-year LDS mission to Taiwan and Mandarin Chinese fluency. Earned A-/A’s in Calc I and II, stats, Econ, several engineering courses. Last five years have been active duty airborne-ranger qualified infantry officer with plenty of leadership stories here in the U.S. and Iraq. Outside of church activities, extra-curriculars are limited due to military training obligations and family (have two kids). 28-year old WM. Hoping to make business transition into consulting. Always top rated officer against peers. Great rec’s available.
      
      My concern is integrated reasoning on GMAT. Surprisingly, only received 4/8.
      
      What are my chances? Thanks Linda.
      - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
        
        Suaietrain,
        
        Everything about your profile is highly competitive except your GMAT which is a little low, and the IR, which most schools say they are not paying much attention to at this point.
        
        I think you have a reasonable chance of acceptance and a lot going for you. At the same time, you can’t count on HBS. Apply to other top programs that support your goals.
        
        Would you consider a retake? I’m not sure it’s necessary, but I’m going to raise the question. Do you think you would do better?
      - elcaudillo
        
        Undergrad: Princeton
        Major: Geological Sciences
        GPA: 3.2 (The average science major’s GPA at Princeton is 3.1, not sure if that matters)
        GRE: 800Q (94%ile) 670V (95%ile)
        Sex: Male
        Age: 26
        Ethnicity: Hispanic
        Race: Multiracial
        -Graduated from Princeton with a Bachelor’s in Geological Sciences and minor in Environmental Studies, small department, only 5 people, ranked 3rd. Only one in department with business/entrepreneurial aspirations, the other 4 are in academia.
        -Earned a Masters in Statistics from a T4 Ivy with 3.8 GPA while working full time.
        -Completing Masters in Electrical Engineering at USC (May 2013), currently 3.8 GPA while working full time
        -Currently working in the energy field in developing and managing renewable power with a Fortune 500 company. Commissioned largest solar farm in New England ($10 MM) and largest solar farm in Northeast in 2011 ($100 MM). Currently manage largest solar farm in all of the Eastern USA ($150 MM).
        
        -The solar farms I’ve helped develop and manage provide enough power for over 25,000 homes and provide an annual reduction in carbon emissions of over 100 million pounds – the equivalent of taking more than 10,000 cars off the road. One of the youngest managers in company history (at age 24). Recently promoted to portfolio manager position.
        
        -Compensation history: Base has increased ~100% and bonus increased ~300% over past 4 years, 3 of which have been at the same company (constant promotion). Current base is in six figures with bonus matches the total median first year comp for most MBA grads. However, I feel strongly that the MBA would remove the glass ceiling into upper management because of the credibility and the experience and the network is invaluable.
        -Goal is to become a major energy developer or manage a large player in the field, already have the sci/engineering cred, and relevant experience, need MBA for the general management credibility and network.
        Schools of Interest: HBS, Stanford, Wharton, MIT, Columbia, Tuck, NYU, Yale
        My definite preference is HBS, I love the case study method they use.
        
        I was one of a handful of juniors at Princeton allowed to take HBS Professor Ed Zschau’s entrepreneurship course. Zschau was a visiting professor and was using the HBS case study method with HBS case studies (he basically took his HBS course to Princeton). The class was the best course I’ve ever taken, loved the case study method, the HBS case studies, and earned one of the few A’s in the class.
        What do you think? Do I have a shot?
      - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
        
        You are a highly competitive candidate at all your target programs. With good essays, recs, and interview, you should have acceptances from several of your targets. And you have a good chance of HBS being one of them.
        
        If you would like help with your application, please let us know.
        
        Best,
        Linda
EJB

Thanks, Linda. I think your comments and tips make sense and are very helpful. The two essay questions seem very focused and don’t allow much in the way of the other areas typically covered in MBA essays (e.g., why Harvard, why MBA, goals, etc.).

Do you see these areas being covered solely in the interview then? Or do they need to be somewhat incorporated into the two essays as well? It seems a little challenging to really convey your overall “story”.

Thanks in advance.
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  EJB,
  
  You’re welcome. Thanks for your feedback.
  
  Yep. It is challenging to convey your story in these two essays. You’re right.
  
  I don’t think you have to or should explicitly answer why HBS or why MBA. It’s tough enough to answer the questions posed without attempting to address those that aren’t asked. Implicit in your answers will be Why HBS.
  
  If invited to interview, you should be fully prepared to answer explicitly why you want an MBA from HBS.
  
  Best,
  Linda
SG

Linda, would really appreciate your opinion on an HBS profile evaluation -
1) 6 years with the world’s leafing Oilfield services provider. 3 years on offshore oil rigs and management positions ever since. Has been especially challenging being a woman in the industry. Consistently ranked in top 10% performers. Healthy career progression and international experience.
2) GMAT 770 – 99% (45V/51Q), 5.5 AWA, 8/8 IR
3)
Mechanical Engineering with Indian Institute of Technology. Undergrad GPA- 3.15
4) Significant awards and leadership positions all through undergrad for extracurricular accomplishments in music and dance. None during job.
5) Post-MBA goal – Energy policy making in India.
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  SG,
  
  Thanks for the post.
  
  You have a competitive profile except for your undergrad GPA, which is a little low for Harvard. I wonder if you attempted to “translate” it. Don’t translate unless asked to do so. Harvard knows how to read an IIT transcript. And obviously your excellent GMAT will help even if the 3.15 is accurate.
  
  Please let me know if you would like help with your MBA application.
  
  Best,
  Linda
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George

Hi Linda,

Thank you for allowing me to ask you questions!

I am a business major student in Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Around 3 students graduating from my program end up going to Harvard MBA every year. If possible, please send your response to me at alberteinstein2@sohu.com. Thank you.

If I get a job at Goldman Sachs TMT or FIG Group in New York or McKinsey/BCG/Bain as a consultant in Toronto upon graduation, will I have the best shot for HBS? Thank you.

Also, what top Canadian banking groups are well-represented in HBS? Thank you.

In addition, I think HBS does not like business major students, but I found a number of Harvard MBA students from Canada are business majors, so how much will that affect me? As a business major applying for Harvard JD/MBA program, what are my chances? If I work for McKinsey as a consultant or Goldman as a FIG or TMT investment banking group analyst, what I stand a big chance for Harvard JD/MBA program? Thank you.

Furthermore, could you please tell me how can you demonstrate leadership during your work experience? Do you have to be promoted ? Thank you.

Lastly, I think Harvard 2+2 program is mainly to attract applicants whose undergraduate major is not business. But I am sure I am a strong applicant. So should I consider it? How can I maximize my chance for 2+2? If I don’t get in and reapply two years later, will that hurt my chances?

Thank you. I will surely spread your website around my peers.

An ambitious student(alberteinstein2@sohu.com)
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Hernan

Hello Linda
Could you pls help me assess my chances to HBS

1) 2 years at LAN Airlines in Revenue management and now 2 years in McKinsey as a Business analyst

2) GMAT 730 Percentile 96% // IR also 96% Toefl 116/120

3) Universidad Torcutato Di Tella in Buenos Aires; Economics; Top Tier university GPA 8.36 / 10
Year of grad 2009

4) Martial Arts instructor (also voluntary instructor in my neighborhood´s community club); collaboration in Hillel (jewish community)

5) Won 2 scholarships that I did not attended
.
6) Go back to McKinsey; partner in the airlines practice and later set up my own low cost airline in Argentina

Tks a million

Cheers,
Hernán
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  Heman,
  Thanks for your post.
  
  You have a competitive profile for HBS. Please let me know if you would like help with your application.
  
  Best,
  Linda
George

Hello Linda!

Happy New Year!

Could you please help me assess my chances to HBS (2+2)?

1) – Member of the Greek Youth Parliament and member of “The Committee of Finance, Production and Commerce” (2008)
– Management and Administration of OTE’s (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization) group insurance (2009-2010)
– Internship in a major Bank of Greece (3 months)

2) GRE Quant: 164 = 91% & Verbal: 157 = 77%

3) Athens University of Economics and Business. Economics. My university, is the top economic university in Greece and specifically my department has the most distinguished professors in economics and finance. Grade: 8.00/10.00

4) Tedx Volunteer, Global Management Challenge – Team Leader, Student Council -Vice-President

6) Post MBA Goal : executive in a bulge bracket bank (GS, JP, BoA, MS, Citigroup)

Thank you in advance.
George
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  When you ask about 2+2, I’m assuming that you are currently in college.
  
  If yes, you have a competitive profile for 2+2 and I would encourage you to apply. You may also want to consider the deferred admissions program for early career applicants at Stanford and Yale.
  
  If you would like help with your application, please let me know.
  
  Best,
  
  Linda
  - George
    
    Yes, I’m currently studying and my goal is to graduate in March 2013.
    Do you think I could get into Yale and Stanford?
    
    Best,
    George
    - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
      
      There’s only one way to find out for sure. Apply!
      
      Info about the Yale Silver Scholars Program.
      
      <a href="http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/admission/college_seniors.html".Stanford's Program for college seniors.
      
      Kidding aside, assuming that you haven’t missed the deadlines to apply and based solely on what you wrote above, I think your profile is distinctive and impressive enough for it to be reasonable for you to apply.
      
      At the same time, I don’t think you can count on acceptances at any of these highly selective programs. You should also look for a job upon graduation or consider a Masters in Finance or Master in Management program.
      
      Realize that I spend a lot of time bursting people’s bubbles and discouraging application. So my encouragement is not routine.
      
      Best,
      Linda
      - George
        
        Dear Linda,
        
        I intend to apply for master programs in finance and management, but only in Europe (UK) because I haven’t found somenthing in USA.
        
        I would like to thank you for your helpful response.
        
        Kind Regards,
        George
      - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
        
        There are many masters in masters in finance programs here in the U.S. and many do not require full-time work experience. ( To list a few: Princeton, Columbia, MIT). Masters in management are less common, in the U.S. however, Duke Fuqua does have such a program. Stanford offers an MS in management science and engineering.
        
        You’re most welcome.
Laura

Hi Linda,

I have not been able to find a definitive answer to whether or not HBS requires a transcript from a semester exchange program at another university or if having the courses and the equivalent grades taken while abroad listed on the transcript of the primary institution’s transcript? If this is not a question for you I apologize, however, I find your advice to be the most well informed and this is something I can’t seem to get a straight answer on.

Thank you in advance for your time.
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  I actually decided to email HBS to be sure, and I received an auto-response which says, among other things:
  
  “If you have done a semester abroad or courses outside of your
  university and your coursework and grades from these courses appear on your
  university transcript, you DO NOT need to send a separate transcript.”
  
  Best,
  Linda
  - Laura
    
    Thank you very much Linda! I had called and the woman I spoke with was unsure, I appreciate it. Could you please help me assess my chances to HBS?
    
    1) Three years in finance (1 in private equity and 2 in asset management/trading) — knew I didn’t want to be in finance after year in PE and was pursuing a start-up job in London…then had a family situation that required I be in NY which led me to take the asset management job; in both these roles I assumed a more news analysis oriented role, wrote opinion pieces for CEO and managing directors that were published in Bloomberg and Daily Deal Magazine. I made a career change in June 2011 and was one of the first hires at a brand marketing start-up with a focus on causes. Helped grow the company / mission and was account manager on significant piece of our business. Left in Nov ’12 because the agency was less and less focused on cause-oriented business, which I was hoping to gain experience in.
    
    2) 720 GMAT 94%: 47V 99% / 42Q 57% (slightly concerned w my quant)
    
    3) Brown University Graduate, 2008, International Relations Major (27 yrs old)
    
    4) Involved with number of charities, lead organizer for one for the past two years and committee member on two others for the past 5 years
    
    5) Post MBA Goal: Launch for-profit company with a social purpose
    - Laura
      
      Also GPA was equivalent to around 3.5 I believe (Brown does A-F scoring system, I had equal number of As and Bs, with proportionately more As towards the end)
      - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
        
        I was just about to ask you about your grades.
        
        Did you have any A’s in quant classes?
        
        Linda
      - Laura
        
        Just a basics of econ class, which I took pass/fail – I passed but that’s about it as far as my quant records go…
      - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
        
        While your work experience obviously shows quant ability, I too am concerned about your quant GMAT. There will be a lot of people like you, I fear, who will apply with a higher GMAT quant score. I would say HBS is a stretch. When do you plan to apply?
      - Laura
        
        Apologies as I meant to ask overall competitiveness not only HBS… I submitted for R2 to HBS just this week, completely aware and agree my quant makes it’s a stretch but decided to go with it. Will let you know if I manage an interview. I am applying to Oxford as well R2. I plan to apply to INSEAD and Columbia (both for Jan intake) – do you think I need to re-take the GMAT to be competitive for all of these schools, not just HBS? Sorry for only asking re HBS initially!
      - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
        
        Your chances at Oxford are definitely better, but I think if you want to apply for INSEAD and CBS and you think you can raise that quant score, it makes sense to put in the effort. Were you doing better on practice exams? If yes, then certainly it makes sense to retake. Why have your application fighting that score if you feel you can do better?
      - Laura
        
        My practice tests had me scoring b/w 690 and 740 with closer to 44 average on quant but that varied and I was consistently being pulled up by verbal. Concern is I put a major effort into the first exam (almost all time on quant) and don’t think I could be any more prepared / confident of being able to get a higher score. I have been discouraged by reports that it will end up being / looking worse if I take the exam and end up with a lower score, given a 720 is acceptable to most adcoms as is. But I agree with you that it is the one aspect dragging on my application…
      - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
        
        I hear you.
        
        Have you sat for the CFA or any other major tests of quant ability? Anything, other than your work, that shows you know how to study demanding quantitative subjects and learn them well?
        
        Obviously, your work testifies to you ability to do the math, but I am still concerned about that quant score at these elite schools. I don’t see a lot of downside risk in a retake. The schools will use the highest score. INSEAD, will use the highest quant and the highest verbal — even if on different tests.
        
        Best,
        Linda
      - Laura
        
        That’s very good to hear re INSEAD that they will take the highest quant or verbal from the different tests. After HBS, INSEAD is my top choice. I haven’t taken any other major tests of quant ability. Perhaps I will have another go at the GMAT per your recommendation. Thanks very much!
      - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
        
        That’s how they used to look at the GMAT and I haven’t heard of a change.
        
        In the meantime, you’re most welcome. Good luck with it. And good night.
      - Laura
        
        Couldn’t tell if my last post went through but in case not – only a basics of econ class which I took pass/fail, I passed…but that’s about it for my quant record.
Espo

I mistakenly submitted the same Essay (Essay 1) for Essay 1 & 2. My diligence was partly clouded by the death of a family member prior to the submission.

I have contacted HBS admission committee to see whether they can place Essay 2 to the application. What do you suggest I do, and can they do anything about this?
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  If they want to make an exception, they can make an exception. Did you tell them about the death in your family?
Serge

Hi
Could you please assess my chances to HBS?
-Undergraduate: Pinar del Rio University (Cuba) 2003, GPA: 4.01/5, Major: Telecommunications engineering

- Top cuban high school, the first congolese to attend it. GPA: 95/100
-Post-graduate: University of posts and Telecommunications of China (all courses taken in chinese) 2008 , GPA : 82/100, Major: Communication and Information systems.
Published an article in an international conference in France.
-GMAT 750
-More than 3 years working experience, now working for Huawei technologies as a Product Manager for two years. Being promoted based on professional performance.
- Can speak fluently four languages: French(native), Spanish, English, chinese (mandaring).
- Cuban-congolese government scholarship after being the first congolese to attend cuban top high school.
- Chinese-congolese government scholarship to study a master’s degree in China.
- Volunteer for EBINA FOUNDATION, aimed to fight against poverty.
- Career advisor, help young people to realize their potentials.
-Post-MBA goals: Work in a consultancy industry
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  If this is for real, you have a competitive profile for HBS.
  
  Best,
  
  Linda
  - v
    
    Linda, can you please explain what data points convinced you that Serge is competitive at HBS
    - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
      
      First of all, as I indicated in my response, I am suspicious that Serge is a fiction. However, if we are going to assume, everything in this post is real, here is why I think he is competitive at HBS:
      
      1. Highly distinctive background. There aren’t too many Congolese applying to HBS. There also aren’t too many Cubans applying to HBS.
      
      2. Very international background. Congo, Cuba. China. 3 different continents, languages, and cultures. The only thing they have in common is the first letter. Speaks 4 languages.
      
      3. High GMAT.
      
      4. High grades.
      
      5. Leadership experience evidence as a produce manager and through community service.
      
      6. Community service or in HBS’s words, “engaged community citizenship.”
      
      7. Goal that HBS supports and is very good at supporting i.e. consulting.
      
      Best,
      Linda
Gary

Hi Linda, I am considering attending the London School of Economics Msc Management after receiving my Masters of Biotech Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Will having LSE significantly improve my chances at Harvard because I may also be working and the time/money tradeoff required to get a degree of LSE is quite high. Thanks Gary
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  Unless you have some grade issues, I don’t see a major advantage to your attending LSE from an HBS admissions perspective. Excelling at work and accruing leadership experience will probably benefit you more.
  
  Obviously if you need that masters in addition to yoru BS in Biotech Engineering and the MBA that you are planning to earn at HBS, that’s another question, but you actually risk starting to look like a degree collector or perennial student.
  
  If you have below average (for HBS) grades as an undergrad or grad student, I might be convinced otherwise.
  
  Best,
  Linda
Robin Parente

Hello,
I currently have degrees in nursing, live in Boston and wanted to know if Harvard takes into consideration medical professionals when applying for the MBA program? I am also bilingual. Do they consider these things for admission?
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  Robin,
  
  Yes. Harvard will consider your academic performance in school, your test scores, the leadership you have demonstrated on and off the job, and your degree of contribution and impact. They will also consider your language abilities, although that is less of a distinguishing characteristic than you might think.
  
  Basically nothing you wrote above would automatically disqualify or qualify you for HBS.
  
  Best,
  Linda
Jer

Hi Linda,
I would like to know to what extent HBS takes into considerationthe reputation and prestige of your university. Do I still have the same chances as everyone else if I have top grades, Gmat score, and strong profile?
Thanks,
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  Jer,
  
  Thanks for your question.
  
  I can’t really quantify it for you. Certainly the brand of your undergraduate institution is a factor at HBS, It’s just not the only one. You certainly have a chance of acceptance at HBS if you have top grades, GMAT score, and a strong profile in every other way.
  
  But I do think HBS would want to see a strong brand somewhere in your application other than the logo on the application. It could be your undergrad institution or it could be a job, but somewhere.
  
  Linda
Jer

Hello,
I would like the know to what extent HBS takes the reputation and prestige of your undergrad institution into consideration. Comming from an unknown university, do i still have the same chances as anyone else if i have top grades, GMAT, and a strong profile?
Thanks
Svetlomir

Hi Linda,
Could you assess my chances at HBS 2+2?

-I’m currently finishing up my penultimate year of a 5 year MEng Electrical Engineering and Electronics program at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

-I am well on track to achieve first class degree (which is the highest you can get in the UK as I am sure you are aware)

-Have won class medals in the past two years for best performing student in my class

-In the summer between 3rd and 4th year worked in a high tech firm as a part of a placement scheme in my university – I managed a research project with very good feedback. Going back to the same firm this summer to complete another 9 month project placement which will be my MEng thesis.

-Won IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) ambition award. There were 12 such awards out of 400 applicants

-IET Member – have attended a number of talks on topics of interest in my local area.
-Was part of my school’s entry to the IMechE Formula competition where students build cars and race at Silverstone.
-Responsible for electronics/energy design of a Passivhaus design project.
-A few other projects with leadership roles but won’t go into details now.

-I have not yet sat the GMAT but expect to obtain at least 730-40, possibly more depending on how things go. This is based on practice tests as well as my experience in the SAT Subject test where I had maximum scores in Maths and Physics.

-I realize I am not the typical MBA applicant. In fact, I was originally very content with working as a design engineer as can be seen from my experience and ECs. I had a drastic change of heart some 3 months back when political developments in my home country, particularly in terms of energy policies (even led to government resigning but without any real change), influenced me greatly (I could go into details here, I feel it’s a basis for very good essays as well as show of focus and determination). I started reading a lot on energy, technologies etc. but ultimately felt an MBA would give me the best chance of making a difference. I feel the 2+2 would be a great fit for me in terms of my goals.

Is there a point in me making the investment into applying now? I’m sure I could put a decent application together but am uncertain if it will be enough as I am lacking a bit on the evidence of leadership/EC front. I’m hoping that not being your typical applicant whose only goal was entry into b-school and candid intentions might give me an edge?
- http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
  
  Certainly your grades and anticipated GMAT are competitive for HBS 2+2, and I see leadership, a valued quality at Harvard, in the information you provided. However, I am not sure you qualify for 2+2. Harvard writes “You can apply to HBS through the 2+2 program as long as you are in your final year of undergraduate study.” If you are pursuing a joint masters/bachelors degree, I’m not sure you qualify and encourage you to contact HBS directly and ask them if they will consider you for 2+2. (They may be very happy to consider you in another two years as a regular MBA candidate even if they don’t consider you for 2+2.)
  
  I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, but I think this is a question you should raise directly with HBS. They provide a form at http://www.hbs.edu/mba/find-answers/Pages/default.aspx .
  
  Best,
  Linda Abraham
  - Svetlomir
    
    Many thanks for the feedback. I emailed them the same day you replied but am yet to receive an answer. Hopefully it won’t be a problem as my degree is considered undergraduate here in the UK and it’s quite common.
    Anyway, I will give it a serious try and thanks again for the feedback.
    - http://www.accepted.com Linda Abraham
      
      You’re most welcome. Please let me know if they encourage you to apply.
      
      Best,
      Linda