Harvard (HBS) Calling all applicants - Class of 2016

Nooo... a difference of 8 days from '12 deadline. In the wrong direction.

*opens calendar and starts to re-plan*

Questions: I'm trying to decide which round to apply in? Historically is being accepted in round 1 easier than round 2?

The data from the 2013 thread suggests there is negligible difference between R1 and R2 with a slight edge to R1.
https://gmatclub.com/forum/harvard-2013-hbs-calling-all-applicants-134055.html

I think HBS is so competitive that you're better off applying when you feel absolutely ready rather than rushing an app in for R1.

Apply in round 1...its better..the class is not yet formed...n if u have gud credentials...then u might be atleast called for an interview...(and thats a big deal...a big battle won!)..

Been lurking for 3 years, finally ready to put my hat in the ring for round 1 apps. Good luck everyone, will be keeping a close eye on this thread.

I wish u all the best! and hope to see u next year there...i am also here from last three years ...never applied but will apply this year R1..

Thanks! I visited in March and sat in on 3 classes and really feel that it would be a great fit. Good luck to you as well, the summer will be flying by!

Is this thread also for 2+2 class of 2018?

Ladies and gents, Dee has released the application for this year. Enormous change .. No compulsory essay!
https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/Pages/from-the-admissions-director.aspx

Crazy... One essay, no word limit... It looks like HBS is really trying to do away with letting consultants play a part in the process. Good Luck everyone!


Edit:
Even more interesting

Hmmm... I wonder if there will be admits with apps that are "essay-less" Crazy...

I actually like this a lot. I like the idea that it's my judgement call... at the same time, it's kinda scary especially with a no word limit.

Did you guys see that recommenders are now required to answer two questions instead of four?

Recommendations must be completed online. The recommendation form includes the following questions, along with other types of questions.

How do the candidate's performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response. (250 words)

That's interesting, what i am missing here is how does the adcom know the post-MBA career goals (esp for career switchers). Is it inferred? presuming the candidate does not mention it in this essay question. I did not find any other section in the application requirements that conveys / helps convey this explicitly.

It sounds like it will be part of the online application form.

That's why I love Harvard...A big challenge ahead guys lets face it.... Good luck to all R1 applicants !

Crazy change. It just screams 'we know who we want; don't waste your (and our) time'. Kind of sounds fair, to be honest.

prediction for next year: Submit your finger prints; we will figure out. Round 1 deadline to remain the same.

For last year's application (for class of 2015) it was a VERY short question you fill out online (300 characters or something like that - essentially 2 sentences around "Why an MBA / Harvard").

From everything I've heard from Dee on this subject they really don't like the post-MBA career goal question. Their view is that it's such a hypothetical question it becomes useless. There's no way to know if you're being genuine or if you simply make up a really compelling story for your goals with no intention of actually doing that. They want to create a diverse and talented class that is prime to be successful - and for them the best predictor of future success is to look at why you've done the things you've done in your life.

Obviously it's up to you what to do with the essay but I would just warn to not make the emphasis of what you want to convey about future plans. If your future goals fit nicely with the story of who you are and where you're coming from it would probably fit quite organically. I didn't mention future goals in either of my essays last year and received an interview and only spent 2 minutes of the interview discussing future plans. Obviously they weren't interested in it for my application at least.