Re: HBS: Class of 2014 Essay Questions Posted
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10 May 2011, 12:04
I am a highly experienced admissions counselor. Since 2002, I have helped 13 people get admitted to HBS (not including interview clients).
Here is my preliminary analysis of the HBS 2014 essay set.
I hope you find it useful.
Best of luck,
Vince
My preliminary comments are below each question, which are written in quotes:
"All application questions below are required."
First off, it is significant that HBS now requires all applicants to answer the same set of questions. For the past few years, applicants were asked to select several questions from a list of options. By removing this step, the Board now sends a clear message about what types of stories they want applicants to tell. This strategy mirrors Stanford GSB. We wonder if Wharton and other top schools might follow suit. Next, we assume that the Board might have wanted all applicants to answer the same questions in order to standardize their admissions criteria since they can know compare answers for the first three required questions across the entire applicant pool.
Essay 1: "Tell us about three of your accomplishments. (600 words)"
A new twist on HBS' perennial favorite question.
The Board no longer asks applicants to explain why they view each accomplishment as "most significant", but we encourage applicants to make strategic choices and explain the logic behind each selection.
Ask yourself these questions as you begin brainstorming which stories to include in this answer;
How do you define success?
Do you value outcomes, or the means to achieve them?
How have you impacted individuals, teams, and organizations?
Essay 2: "Tell us three setbacks you have faced. (600 words)"
The Board no longer requires applicants to discuss a single mistake. Nor does it ask applicants to explain what they learned from the mistake. Instead, applicants must know explain three setbacks in only 600 words.
One would be wise to discuss lessons learned from the setbacks, since adcoms ask about failures, mistakes, and setbacks in order to assess the applicant's maturity and teamwork skills.
Ask yourself these questions as you begin brainstorming which stories to include in this answer;
How do you react when you do not get what you want?
How have you demonstrated flexibility when overcoming obstacles?
Which personal or professional setbacks have helped you grow?
Essay 3: "Why do you want an MBA? (400 words)"
HBS made goals essays optional when they introduced the 2+2 program in 2006. Now, they are required, but the question has been simplified. The Admissions Board still does not ask applicants why they want a MBA from HBS, but we still advise applicants to write a few concise and salient reasons why they feel Harvard is the best fit.
When answering this question, please consider the following:
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why is this the right time to study management in a two-year, full-time graduate school program?
What do you want to do right after earning your MBA?
How do you plan to utilize your MBA over the long-term?
Essay 4: "Answer a question you wish we'd asked. (400 words)"
The ultimate choice essay.
What story best balances your overall application?
You might re-use a favorite essay from another school's application, but be sure to chose the one that best represents your selling points.
Stories related to accomplishments and setbacks would add little value.
Try to include a story that only you can tell. It can cover an ordinary topic, but be sure to demonstrate your ability to go above and beyond expectations to add value to your community, and society as a whole.
We imagine that many applicants will write about personal topics, but be sure to balance the contents of this essay with the personal accomplishments and setbacks presented in essays one and two.
Some applicants might decide to write 400 words about why they wish to attend HBS, or how they plan to contribute to the school. Does such a story represent you at your best? Does the Admissions Board want to read about Harvard? HBS essays are not reviewed by current students, and the adcom members we have met are quite confident about the quality of the HBS MBA degree. Be careful.