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HBS essay 900 words : too much ?

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VdV
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HBS essay 900 words : too much ? [#permalink] New post   22 Nov 2013, 03:48
Hi all,

I'm currently writing my essay for HBS (2+2), and I've reached 900 words.

Most of what I've seen on the internet says it shouldn't be more than 700 words. However, I feel like I've only adressed important stuff, that really gives HBS a glimpse of who I am and what my passions/motivations are..

So would 900 words be too much or is it okay ?

Archived HBS Discussion
Hi there,
You've stumbled upon an old discussion from our HBS Forum that's now outdated and has been archived. No more replies are possible here.
Interested in current discussions? Feel free to dive into our dedicated HBS Forum for all fresh things related to the HBS MBA program.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
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Re: HBS essay 900 words : too much ? [#permalink] New post   22 Nov 2013, 16:09
Is there a word limit set by Harvard? If not don't worry if you have 900 words.

Do make your essay concise and to the point. That requires editing. I had a couple of friends rip my essay apart and it really helped with the clarity of the essays. Also reduced the word count.

Good luck

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Re: HBS essay 900 words : too much ? [#permalink] New post   23 Nov 2013, 02:33
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Certainly not provided it's all good content. My advice would be to read through the essay and with each paragraph/sentence ask yourself 'what does this say about me?'. If it's an important part of your application or strength of yours, it needs to be there. If it doesn't, cut it. Keep it condensed to what you want to say.

I wrote around 1500 words for the same essay (full time application) and just had my interview this week, so they don't mind longer answers in the right circumstances.
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Re: HBS essay 900 words : too much ? [#permalink] New post   25 Nov 2013, 09:32
I agree with Timbob. I applied R1 and my essay was just shy of 900 words; I got an interview. At the info sessions HBS adcom members repeatedly said there is no word limit; they've gotten essays as long as 7 pages and people who chose not to write one and everything in between. Just be clear and concise, and tell the committee what the rest of your application can't. Good luck!
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Re: HBS essay 900 words : too much ? [#permalink] New post   27 Nov 2013, 19:04
Well, mine was around 1,200 words (I had a rather complex background), and I got invited to interview, so they really do not have a word limit in mind. That being said, I'll second what everyone has said. Be concise. My first draft was over 1,400 words and I ended up cutting out a lot and redrafting a lot to make every word count.
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Re: HBS essay 900 words : too much ? [#permalink] New post   05 Dec 2013, 19:17
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If it reads well, and is sharp, concise, and makes a strong statement then it works, and there is no word requirement. What you don't want to do is have a meandering essay that's loose and all over the place. I've seen short essays that are horrible, and longer essays that are fantastic..and, vice-versa. Just make sure that whatever you write, it's tight in form, structure, and well-written!

~MBA IVY
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Re: HBS essay 900 words : too much ? [#permalink] New post   10 Jul 2023, 09:34
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Archived HBS Discussion
Hi there,
You've stumbled upon an old discussion from our HBS Forum that's now outdated and has been archived. No more replies are possible here.
Interested in current discussions? Feel free to dive into our dedicated HBS Forum for all fresh things related to the HBS MBA program.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
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Re: HBS essay 900 words : too much ? [#permalink]
10 Jul 2023, 09:34
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