{"id":48766,"date":"2020-05-29T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-29T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=48766"},"modified":"2023-10-24T20:27:03","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T03:27:03","slug":"mba-admissions-turn-a-corner-thanks-to-hbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/mba-admissions-turn-a-corner-thanks-to-hbs\/","title":{"rendered":"MBA Admissions Turn a Corner, Thanks to HBS\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\r\n

Amidst the angst, chaos, and exhaustion of the last rounds of 2020 MBA admissions disrupted and in many cases\u00a0extended by the COVID-19 pandemic<\/a>, a sign of new life, a ray of light\u2026 Normalcy never glowed so appealingly: Harvard Business School has announced its 2021 MBA application deadlines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Harvard Business School 2020-2021 application deadlines<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Round<\/th>\r\nApplication Deadline<\/th>\r\nDecisions Released<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
1<\/td>\r\nSeptember 8, 2020<\/td>\r\nDecember 10, 2020<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
2<\/td>\r\nJanuary 5, 2021<\/td>\r\nMarch 30, 2021<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While the online application will not open until mid-June, the essay question will remain the same as last year. [Click here to read our HBS application essay tips<\/a>!]<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Again, HBS is the first to set sights on the next application cycle. It will shortly be followed by many top MBA programs. And with only 2 rounds last year, the HBS adcom was\u00a0slightly\u00a0<\/em>less mired in the COVID crisis (dealing with accepted applicants\u2019 upended lives but not also managing and recalibrating active rounds) than most MBA programs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This turn to the next application cycle \u2013 to the future \u2013 is significant.\u00a0 In\u00a0HBS\u2019s webpage announcement of these plans<\/a>, there is recognition of the pandemic. While no specific actions or changes are cited in response to the pandemic, the adcom affirms that its holistic approach to application review will now include consideration of how the pandemic affects applicants. In other words, COVID-19 is now among myriad factors the adcom sees as potentially affecting applicants \u2013 it is part of the current gestalt.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

HBS and other top MBA adcoms have slogged through the upheaval of this spring\u2019s dramatic global virus eruption. Each MBA program has adapted and adjusted in its own way, from extended deadlines and test requirement waivers to increased deferral requests, going virtual, and recruiting changes. Most of the top MBA programs offer courses about leading in uncertainty and change \u2013 they couldn\u2019t have been more challenged to walk the talk!\u00a0It\u2019s a changed world now, a new normal. Although the COVID dust hasn\u2019t quite settled, HBS has gathered its resources to look and plan ahead. Other programs are doing likewise.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What does that mean for you, who are applying in the new application cycle? In practical terms, it means each program will be adapting in its own way, both in admissions processes and academic approaches. Many adcoms, like HBS, will be using the same essay questions as last cycle \u2013 so you can\u00a0review them and start thinking about essay ideas and strategies<\/a>. It also means you should review each program\u2019s website carefully to understand how the program is adapting to COVID-19 \u2013 there will likely be changes in attendance requirements, new online options, etc. Clarifying how these fit with your needs can be part of your presentation.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

By moving forward \u2013 making concrete plans for a new admissions cycle, a new academic year, and a new reality \u2013 HBS turns a corner on some dark times. It\u2019s a welcome example.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Are you applying to HBS or another top MBA program? Do you have questions about whether now is the best time to apply to and attend business school?\u00a0Work one-on-one with an MBA admissions consultant<\/a>\u00a0to assure that your application strategy is on track to help you meet your educational and career goals.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Get<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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\"Cindy<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n