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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 23 Jul 2026, 08:39
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Pls I have a question

I got 321 in my GRE. Quant 166 Verbal 155. Is it advisable that I apply to Harvard or I retake my test again?
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If your score is above the median GRE you can apply. Depends on geography you belong to.

People get admitted with lower than baseline scores and most with 30-40 pts above baseline dont get admitted as well
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 23 Jul 2026, 08:55
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 28 Jul 2026, 10:12
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📌 *HBS Live Session Alert!*

Get insider tips on your Harvard Business School app straight from Expert Consultants!

🎯 What you’ll get: How to tackle the HBS essay prompt, key application red flags etc.

🗓 Date: July 30, 2026

🔗 RSVP for Free: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/m ... al%20media
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 30 Jul 2026, 04:07
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Planning to apply to HBS this year but still unsure between R1 and R2? [/b]

You’re not the only one. We speak to applicants every week who are trying to figure out if they should submit now or spend a little more time strengthening their application. The right answer really depends on your profile.

If you’d like an expert opinion before making that decision, book a call with Jenifer Turtschanow.

She’ll review where you stand and help you decide whether Round 1 or Round 2 gives you the stronger shot at HBS.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL WITH JENIFER
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 02 Aug 2026, 09:53
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I work in the Central Bank’s Supervision Department and want to transition into investment or consulting. How can I write a short, high-impact motivation letter that highlights my transferable skills and makes me a strong candidate? Any tips or examples?
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 02 Aug 2026, 22:18
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These ae the career related prompts in the HBS application:, you have to write your essay to address these questions:


Briefly, tell us more about your career aspirations. (500 characters, including spaces)

[*]Essay 1: Business-Minded (300 words)
Please reflect on how your choices have influenced your career path and aspirations. (300 words)



1. Firstly, IB and consulting are two very different career paths. If you are applying in Round 1, by this time you should have a grip on which career path you plan to follow post-MBA.
[*]2. Once you pick from wither of the two choices, mine your past experiences for the key career choices you made and why you chose that direction. What interests or values drove those decisions? What does the pattern of your choices reveal about what matters to you? And how does all of this cumulatively point toward where you want to go next?


You will have to make a very compelling statement for how your 'supervision department' experience leads to an investment banking/ consulting career. Just going by the department name and what responsibilities you may hold there, the connection to either of the career paths does not look very direct. I don't mean to discourage you at all, but be thorough with connecting the dots in your goals essay.


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Genius001
I work in the Central Bank’s Supervision Department and want to transition into investment or consulting. How can I write a short, high-impact motivation letter that highlights my transferable skills and makes me a strong candidate? Any tips or examples?
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 03 Aug 2026, 04:33
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Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I agree the connection needs to be much clearer. My experience in banking supervision has given me a strong understanding of bank risk, governance, and regulation from the regulator’s perspective. Over time, I’ve realized that I’m more interested in consulting, and I’d like to build experience in that field by helping financial institutions solve strategic, risk, and regulatory challenges from the industry side. I see an MBA as the bridge that will help me make that transition.

Based on my profile, do you think I have a realistic chance of being admitted to a top MBA program? Also, what do you think are the most important strengths or experiences I should demonstrate to be a competitive candidate? Are there any gaps you think I should address before applying?
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 03 Aug 2026, 05:06
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Genius001
Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I agree the connection needs to be much clearer. My experience in banking supervision has given me a strong understanding of bank risk, governance, and regulation from the regulator’s perspective. Over time, I’ve realized that I’m more interested in consulting, and I’d like to build experience in that field by helping financial institutions solve strategic, risk, and regulatory challenges from the industry side. I see an MBA as the bridge that will help me make that transition.

Based on my profile, do you think I have a realistic chance of being admitted to a top MBA program? Also, what do you think are the most important strengths or experiences I should demonstrate to be a competitive candidate? Are there any gaps you think I should address before applying?
Show more

Hi Genius001,

At this point, I don't know much about your profile to make any informed evaluation or point to any gaps in your profile (and basing my views on half baked information will do you more harm than good).
To be competitive at ANY business school, especially HBS, you need to demonstrate strong leadership skills, clarity on post MBA goals and an understanding of why you need an MBA.

I hope you did not pull the above goals statement straight out of your essay. Your reasoning for why consulting is a strong choice for your future aspirations is still not fully developed. Instead of thinking of goals as a logical career progression, you should build goals around your passion for solving a business problem and why consulting is the best vehicle to do that. Hope you see the difference in what I have suggested and how you are thinking this.

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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 03 Aug 2026, 05:10
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Yes, i got your point what you mean. Thanks
MBADecoder


Hi Genius001,

At this point, I don't know much about your profile to make any informed evaluation or point to any gaps in your profile (and basing my views on half baked information will do you more harm than good).
To be competitive at ANY business school, especially HBS, you need to demonstrate strong leadership skills, clarity on post MBA goals and an understanding of why you need an MBA.

I hope you did not pull the above goals statement straight out of your essay. Your reasoning for why consulting is a strong choice for your future aspirations is still not fully developed. Instead of thinking of goals as a logical career progression, you should build goals around your passion for solving a business problem and why consulting is the best vehicle to do that. Hope you see the difference in what I have suggested and how you are thinking this.

Namita Garg | Founder, MBA Decoder
650+ admits to M7, Top 20 US and European b-schools.
Advising applicants since 2011. Boutique consulting — you work directly with me, not a junior consultant
Write to us for a Free Profile Evaluation
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 03 Aug 2026, 11:46
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A question - can I apply to HBS MBA program and MBA/MS program separately? As in if I don’t get the MS, would I still be considered for the only MBA program?
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 04 Aug 2026, 10:11
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Hello all. I have a question regarding HBS app fee waiver. Is it important to submit the complete application before requesting fee waiver? HBS Adcom guys said that resume can’t be edited/updated once its uploaded and fee waiver request form is submitted.
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 06 Aug 2026, 07:44
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Join us on YouTube as we break down 5 costly MBA essay mistakes that can make your application feel less personal, less persuasive, or less memorable — even if your profile is strong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfqWZwftAI
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 09 Aug 2026, 03:42
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*arushi118 writes:*
A question - can I apply to HBS MBA program and MBA/MS program separately? As in if I don’t get the MS, would I still be considered for the only MBA program?
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Cant i guess

Quote:

*onlyPlanA writes:*
Hello all. I have a question regarding HBS app fee waiver. Is it important to submit the complete application before requesting fee waiver? HBS Adcom guys said that resume can’t be edited/updated once its uploaded and fee waiver request form is submitted.
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Where they said this. I have personally updated multiple times the resume last year
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 09 Aug 2026, 04:05
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Quote:

*onlyPlanA writes:*
Hello all. I have a question regarding HBS app fee waiver. Is it important to submit the complete application before requesting fee waiver? HBS Adcom guys said that resume can’t be edited/updated once its uploaded and fee waiver request form is submitted.
Show more
Being direct, I sincerely hope it will be taken in the spirit of good advice:
If a "$250 fee waiver" is where you are spending your energy, you are not looking at the most productive ROI. That stands true even if you were able to get a 100% scholarship (for reference: HBS direct expenses alone over 2 years for international students could be over $260k. With your Opportunity costs and risks, the expenses turn out to be much more)

In other words, spend your energies and time better, read more, and make your application stronger, not only to get better admits, but also to increase your chances at scholarships

And once you are done with all that, spend your time networking for improved post-MBA employment opportunities. The rewards will be way higher, even assuming the PV (Present Value) of $250 is high for you at this time.
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Calling all Harvard MBA Applicants: 2027 Intake Class of 2029 09 Aug 2026, 05:32
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AWasey
Where they said this. I have personally updated multiple times the resume last year
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I got this response when I emailed them, but when I checked the app process again after editing it that they might have meant that after the application is submitted, no updates can be made. Anyway, thanks for your response. This query of mine is sorted out!

TheIvyLeagueEdge
Being direct, I sincerely hope it will be taken in the spirit of good advice:
If a "$250 fee waiver" is where you are spending your energy, you are not looking at the most productive ROI. That stands true even if you were able to get a 100% scholarship (for reference: HBS direct expenses alone over 2 years for international students could be over $260k. With your Opportunity costs and risks, the expenses turn out to be much more)
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Thank you for your detailed advice and I do agree with you. I will definitely try to work hard on my application before going for any final click. :please:
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*Mid week check in!*
How has your application week been? Reply with an emoji!

* Productive 💪
* ⁠Exhausted 😅
* ⁠Motivated 🚀
* ⁠Stressed 😬
* ⁠Hopeful 🤞
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