![\"What](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/What-is-HBS-looking-for-analytical-aptitude-and-appetite.jpg\")
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This is the second post in our series<\/em>, What HBS is Looking For<\/a>.<\/p>\n So, HBS wants \u201canalytical aptitude and appetite.\u201d Hardly a surprise. You might be tempted to simply skim that section of the website message without giving it much thought.<\/p>\n Maybe it\u2019s not as obvious as it sounds. Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n Analytical:<\/strong>This word encompasses a range of things \u2013 quantitative methods, various tools and processes such as decision trees and FMEA, mental and intellectual objectivity, an exacting attitude. Parsing the relationship between a whole and its parts. Pursuing root causes.<\/p>\n Aptitude:<\/strong> Ability, innate and\/or learned.<\/p>\n Appetite:<\/strong> This is the really interesting word, because it\u2019s open to interpretation. We can read it as meaning to enjoy, to savor, to be open to, to relish, to hunger for, to have capacity for. Here are some of its practical implications and nuances (in question form):<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> Do you use objective analysis in understanding past events, planning future actions and strategies, and making decisions?<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> Do you respect results and outcomes determined by objective analysis even when they don\u2019t jive with your preconceptions, ideologies, or preferences?<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> Does your analytic mindset allow you to be comfortable with \u2013 even relish \u2013 ambiguity and uncertainty?<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> Do you help your teammates<\/a> understand and use analytic approaches and thinking?<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> Do you use language effectively as an analytic tool, e.g., when the team is facing a muddle, are you the one who can verbally separate the threads, clarify them, and guide the team to understand their relative weight and importance?<\/p>\n How to Demonstrate Analytical Aptitude<\/strong><\/p>\n As the HBS website indicates<\/a>, for HBS, analytical aptitude is not a solitary feast (regardless of how hearty the analytic appetite). You\u2019ve got to bring your analytical chops to the table, i.e., to classroom debates and case studies, projects, etc. Therefore, to use a music analogy, you must be able not only to read and play the analytic score, but also to improvise, on the spot and with other virtuosos.<\/p>\n The adcom will grasp your analytical aptitude<\/strong> from your transcript(s), test score(s), and resume<\/a>. But if you feel these elements don\u2019t adequately show this dimension, use other parts of the application (essay, short answers, additional info, recommendations) to amplify it.<\/p>\n How to Show Your Analytical Appetite<\/strong><\/p>\n As for showing analytical appetite<\/strong>:<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> Your resume may reflect this quality, depending on your work.<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> Invite your recommenders to discuss this quality and to provide examples.<\/p>\n \u2022<\/strong> In your essay<\/a>, use a story or two that demonstrates analytical appetite.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t worry \u2013 it won\u2019t hurt to let other programs you apply to appreciate your analytical aptitude and appetite!<\/p>\n Work with an experienced admissions consultant<\/a> who will guide you as you mine your experiences and then craft an application that demonstrates the analytical aptitude and appetite that HBS is seeking. <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 5 Fatal Flaws: Eliminate the 5 Most Common Flaws in Your MBA Application<\/a>, a free guide This article<\/a> originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\nUnderstanding the Terms<\/h2>\n
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Get-accepted-to-HBS-webinar-CTA1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/cindy.jpg\" "\\"Cindy")
<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 \u201cI\u2019m Smart, Really I Am!\u201d Proving Character Traits in Your Essays<\/a>
\n\u2022 Sample Essay from Admitted HBS Student: The Mechanical Engineer<\/a><\/p>\n