Here’s a look at HBS’s Class of 2022 taken from the Harvard Business School website:
Number of applications: 9,304
Enrolled: 732
Countries represented:
- United States: 67%
- Asia: 11%
- Europe: 9%
- Mexico, Central & South America: 6%
- Canada: 3%
- Africa: 3%
- Middle East: 1%
- Oceania: 1%
Women: 44%
International: 33%
US ethnic minorities: 45%
Average GPA: 3.70
Average years work experience: 4.7
Percent of class taking GMAT: 78%
- Verbal range: 27 – 51
- Quantitative range: 40 – 51
- Total range: 620–790
- Median verbal: 42
- Median quantitative: 48
- Median total: 730
Percent of class taking GRE: 22%
- Verbal range: 148 – 170
- Quantitative range: 145–170
- Median verbal: 163
- Median quantitative: 163
Breakdown of undergraduate majors (121 domestic universities and 111 international universities)
| Major | Percent |
| Engineering | 26% |
| Business / Commerce | 22% |
| Economics | 19% |
| Math / Physical Science | 15% |
| Art / Humanities | 4% |
Breakdown of pre-MBA industry
| Industry | Percent |
| Venture Capital / Private Equity | 16% |
| Consulting | 15% |
| Technology | 13% |
| Manufacturing / Industrial / Energy | 11% |
| Financial Services | 11% |
| Consumer Products / Retail / E-commerce | 9% |
| Healthcare / Biotech | 7% |
| Nonprofit / Government / Education | 6% |
| Military | 5% |
| Media / Entertainment / Travel | 5% |
| Services | 2% |
While there has been very little change to the number of applications this year, the enrollment number has declined dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The typical class size is around 930 students. HBS gave all the incoming Class of 2022 students the option to defer. 732 chose to enroll in 2020.
Other items of note:
- While the breakdown of this year’s class remains very similar to last year’s there has been a significant jump in US ethnic minorities from 27% to 45%. This is largely due to a change in calculation. Previously US ethnic minorities were shown as a percentage of the entire class. HBS have now adopted the new standard to show US minorities as a percentage of domestic students and permanent residents.
- HBS now share the racial/ethnic identities of their domestic students in two ways: according to federal reporting guidelines, and multi-dimensional reporting. Details can be found on their website.
- It should be noted that the deferral option extended in 2020 was a one-time exception because of the onset of the pandemic. Prospective students are advised to apply in the year they are ready to enroll, as HBS has now reverted to their practice of not offering deferrals outside of personal emergency situations.
Are you considering applying to business school? We have the resources to help you navigate the options and make the right choice for you:
- M7 MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know in 2020-21
- Harvard, Stanford, Wharton: What’s the Difference?
- GMAT, GPA, and MBA Acceptance Rates: The B-School Selectivity Index
Is HBS at the top of your wish list? Get the competitive edge with HBS-specific advice and inside information:
- Sample Essays from Admitted HBS Students
- Harvard Business School MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021]
- “I Wish the Admissions Committee Had Asked Me…”: How to answer open-ended MBA essay questions
- 7 Important Tips for Your HBS Post-Interview Reflection
Hear direct from Harvard alumni in these inspiring blog posts:
- A Harvard MBA’s Experience & Advice on Writing the Perfect Essay
- Entrepreneurship at HBS: How Stride Will Help You Fund Your Future
- How to Leverage an HBS Education: The Story of LeverEdge
- Ida Valentine: Investment Banker, Inspirational Speaker, HBS 2021
- The Journey from India to Harvard MBA
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