![\"What](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/What-is-HBS-looking-for-engaged-community-citizenship.jpg\")
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This is not about \u201ccommunity service\u201d \u2014 it\u2019s not about doing halo-worthy things in your free time. (Though neither Harvard Business School<\/a> nor I will discourage that, and \u201cengaged community citizenship\u201d and \u201ccommunity service\u201d certainly can overlap.)<\/p>\n Community service is an activity that you do<\/strong>; engaged community citizenship is a quality that you embody<\/strong>. Doing community service does not automatically mean you possess the quality of engaged community citizenship.<\/p>\n Harvard Business School explicitly seeks this quality in its applicants \u2013 announced in bold letters on its \u201cWho are we looking for?<\/a>\u201d page.<\/p>\n Plaudits to HBS for the directness and clarity. Yet it\u2019s a complex idea. Let\u2019s see exactly what \u201cengaged community service\u201d means by examining each element.<\/p>\n \u2022 Engaged:<\/strong><\/p>\n Showing up. Participating, with your heart and mind as well as your actions. When you ask a question or make a comment, it\u2019s not just for participation brownie points; it\u2019s thoughtful, pertinent, contributing. You share doubts and fears as well as offer solutions. You know how to listen, you do listen<\/em>, and you synthesize what you hear. You check your ego at the door, knowing it\u2019s not about you, it\u2019s about the issue or project or process.<\/p>\n \u2022 Community:<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s your organization and your team or department within it. It\u2019s your social circle. It\u2019s your sport team and\/or religious group and\/or music ensemble and\/or hobby club. It\u2019s your service organization. Not least, it\u2019s your school \u2013 including the HBS classroom. It is also your neighborhood. And your country. It\u2019s the people around you on the subway platform. It\u2019s every group formal or informal with which you have a connection.<\/p>\n \u2022 Citizenship:<\/strong><\/p>\n Citizenship involves a sense of responsibility, a sense of ownership, the values that inform and drive your engagement with your community. First and foremost, you care<\/em> \u2013 about the community at large, the people within it, and, yes, yourself. You act on that caring and<\/em> your actions reflect that caring. Therefore, you are ethical<\/em> and honest<\/em>. You are reliable<\/em> and generous<\/em>. In a nutshell: You can be counted on to pitch in and do the right thing for your community.<\/em><\/p>\n Actually, the quality of engaged community citizenship is something that any b-school adcom will value. So how do you express it effectively in your application? Use example and anecdote. For HBS, reflect it in your essay<\/a>, even if indirectly. Also, try to bring it out in your resume and your interviews. Ask your recommenders to highlight it.<\/p>\n If you have it \u2013 let it enhance your candidacy.<\/p>\n Work one-on-one with an experienced admissions expert on your\u00a0Harvard<\/span>\u00a0MBA application when you purchase a\u00a0Comprehensive MBA Application Package<\/a>. We look forward to helping you\u00a0get accepted to your dream school<\/a>!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Leadership in Admissions<\/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>\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\u00a0Harvard Business School MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines<\/a>
\n\u2022 What Does Harvard Business School Want?<\/a> [Short Video]<\/p>\n