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08 Mar 2021, 08:01
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Harvard Business School (HBS) MBA deadlines 2021-2022
Harvard Essay Question
HBS essay question: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA Program?”
Harvard Essay Question Analysis by:
Latest Harvard interview questions compilation for 2021 intake
The detailed interview debriefs can found at this link harvard-184/interview_debrief.html
Interview questions
1. Why particular major and college?
2. How has my firm helped me evolve as a person ( 6 yrs in the same company )
3. Discussion on a recent promotion.
4. I had mentioned restructuring in the company due to covid, she asked for more details on that and my views on it.
5. Why I was promoted when others were getting laid off.
6. Most challenging country to work in and why.
7. I had 10 international conference publications - which was most important for me.
8. Future goals - why I wanted to follow what I wrote.
9. Role of the world bank in the energy market ( i mentioned I wanted to join the world bank )
10. Do I think subsidy on renewable is good.
11. My hobbies.
- Explain your industry and your current job
- I mentioned a failure in my essay, he asked me why I thought I failed.
- He asked me to rate myself in 3 areas (I don't remember..)
- Current challenges in my job
- He asked me about a trait I mentioned I had in my essay that didn't seem consistent with my management style
- What did I know about HBS? How did I get my info? how would I thrive? What would be my challenges?
- He asked about a hobby I mentioned in my resumé
- A question I wish he asked
1. Industry-related (very general examples) - 50%
- explain what you do
- what your competitors are currently doing
- what fresh new regulation is there (she definitely informed herself in advance, so I did not feel too fit there)
- explain your project in plain English
2. "Explain" the stuff in the application - 40%
- why exactly you got promoted
- how did you persuade your management
- explain to me the overall industry environment at the moment you started the project
- why you choose exactly that point of time to switch
- what have you been doing the last two months
3. Random - 10%
- what are your hobbies
- what are you doing during Corona
-specific thing about my essay, family background, and how it relates to my background and goals
-why did I go to my first job at a Big 4 and how it related to my goals
-how did I handle the fact that my college education hadn't provided me with the basics to work with audit, valuation
-how my participation at an Innovation and Entrepreneurship program connect to me transitioning careers to a startup
-what do you do now (had just changed jobs after sending the application), what does the company do, can you give more detail on what X means?
-can you explain more about the problems the industry faces
-question about my volunteer experiences during college, if I had done anything since. How do I choose the institutions I work with or donate to
-what about other industries, if you were not in industry Y where would you be? what if during the MBA you do an internship, where would that be?
-anything you wanted me to have asked you? follow up questions
Asked how my day was and how was class.
Asked about a special internship in college I highlighted in my app.
Asked about a sport I played in college and what it was like being a captain. Asked what was the hardest part of becoming captain.
Asked about my managerial style on my professional experience. Asked how did I get there and about my promotions.
Asked how would I solve a problem in my future industry.
Asked about an extracurricular I'm currently in. How did I get involved/ what do I do/ why did I get involved.
Asked if there's anything more I would like to share.
| Round | Application Due | Decisions Released |
| Round 1 | Sep 8, 2021 | Dec 9, 2021 |
| Round 2 | Jan 4, 2022 | Mar 30, 2022 |
Harvard Essay Question
HBS essay question: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA Program?”
Harvard Essay Question Analysis by:
Latest Harvard interview questions compilation for 2021 intake
The detailed interview debriefs can found at this link harvard-184/interview_debrief.html
Interview questions
1. Why particular major and college?
2. How has my firm helped me evolve as a person ( 6 yrs in the same company )
3. Discussion on a recent promotion.
4. I had mentioned restructuring in the company due to covid, she asked for more details on that and my views on it.
5. Why I was promoted when others were getting laid off.
6. Most challenging country to work in and why.
7. I had 10 international conference publications - which was most important for me.
8. Future goals - why I wanted to follow what I wrote.
9. Role of the world bank in the energy market ( i mentioned I wanted to join the world bank )
10. Do I think subsidy on renewable is good.
11. My hobbies.
- Explain your industry and your current job
- I mentioned a failure in my essay, he asked me why I thought I failed.
- He asked me to rate myself in 3 areas (I don't remember..)
- Current challenges in my job
- He asked me about a trait I mentioned I had in my essay that didn't seem consistent with my management style
- What did I know about HBS? How did I get my info? how would I thrive? What would be my challenges?
- He asked about a hobby I mentioned in my resumé
- A question I wish he asked
1. Industry-related (very general examples) - 50%
- explain what you do
- what your competitors are currently doing
- what fresh new regulation is there (she definitely informed herself in advance, so I did not feel too fit there)
- explain your project in plain English
2. "Explain" the stuff in the application - 40%
- why exactly you got promoted
- how did you persuade your management
- explain to me the overall industry environment at the moment you started the project
- why you choose exactly that point of time to switch
- what have you been doing the last two months
3. Random - 10%
- what are your hobbies
- what are you doing during Corona
-specific thing about my essay, family background, and how it relates to my background and goals
-why did I go to my first job at a Big 4 and how it related to my goals
-how did I handle the fact that my college education hadn't provided me with the basics to work with audit, valuation
-how my participation at an Innovation and Entrepreneurship program connect to me transitioning careers to a startup
-what do you do now (had just changed jobs after sending the application), what does the company do, can you give more detail on what X means?
-can you explain more about the problems the industry faces
-question about my volunteer experiences during college, if I had done anything since. How do I choose the institutions I work with or donate to
-what about other industries, if you were not in industry Y where would you be? what if during the MBA you do an internship, where would that be?
-anything you wanted me to have asked you? follow up questions
Asked how my day was and how was class.
Asked about a special internship in college I highlighted in my app.
Asked about a sport I played in college and what it was like being a captain. Asked what was the hardest part of becoming captain.
Asked about my managerial style on my professional experience. Asked how did I get there and about my promotions.
Asked how would I solve a problem in my future industry.
Asked about an extracurricular I'm currently in. How did I get involved/ what do I do/ why did I get involved.
Asked if there's anything more I would like to share.
Archived HBS Discussion
Hi there,
You've stumbled upon an old discussion from our HBS Forum
that's now outdated and has been archived. No more replies are possible here.
Interested in current discussions? Feel free to dive into our dedicated HBS Forum
for all fresh things related to the HBS MBA program.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
18 May 2021, 12:59
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Once again, Harvard Business School kicked off the 2021-22 MBA admissions season last week by releasing its application deadlines and essay question.
Application Deadlines:
Round 1:
• Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 8th at Noon ET
• Decision Notification: Thursday, December 9th at Noon ET
Round 2:
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 4th at Noon ET
• Decision Notification: Wednesday, March 30th at Noon ET
“Please note that each "round" represents a distinct period in which you may apply, not a succession of steps for your application. You may apply in one round only, one time in an application year.”
The application will open in mid-June 2021, but you can start preparing by downloading our Application Guide.
Essay Question: Once again, the essay question remains unchanged from previous years. Let's take a closer look at the essay prompt.
As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (no word limit)
There is no word limit for this question. We think you know what guidance we're going to give here. Don't overthink, overcraft and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that those of us who don't know your world can understand.
This open-ended question needs to be tackled very strategically, and it requires a significant amount of introspection. Since the essay prompts says, 'what more would you like us to know', you should make sure that you do not merely repeat what you have already discussed in other application materials. To avoid overlapping of elements in your essay, you must go through other application materials (résumé, application form, and LORs) and discuss with your recommenders what examples they will be discussing in their letters. However, you may still discuss at length the achievements you have already touched upon in your résumé.
This essay requires you to do a deep self-reflection to help you understand your motivation and personality what you want to showcase. Before choosing your stories (personal and professional), please get a thorough understanding of what Harvard is looking for in candidates, and then weave your stories/ accomplishments around these traits. HBS is looking for candidates with "a habit of leadership, analytical aptitude and appetite, and engaged community leadership." Therefore, your stories should illustrate these traits with a focus on leadership.
Be authentic and genuine. Show your confidence and passion for what you have done and what you plan to do- academically, personally, socially, and professionally. Remember, you are a unique individual, so use this essay as a platform to show your uniqueness. Do not be afraid to share your mistake or failure at some point in life.
Harvard is not looking for mistake-free individuals. The key is how you have learned from your mistakes, overcome life challenges, and have emerged a more influential person. Make sure the essay showcases your unique personality and character.
Since there is no word limit for this open-ended question, please use your discretion regarding the final length of your essay. You may decide to submit an essay between 500- 750 words. If you choose to write a longer essay, make sure to keep it under 1000 words. Our clients have written compelling essays within 800-1000 words.
Mistakes to avoid while writing this essay:
1. 'Don't overthink, overwrite, and over craft', When working with people on HBS essay, I often need to remind them of the advice HBS provides. I tell them that though re-writing and revising is the essence of writing, overwriting sometimes may kill the very soul of the essay.
2. After you have brainstormed and finalized your stories, have confidence in your stories and writing style, and organize them coherently and succinctly. Refrain from making countless unnecessary revisions thinking, "Is this what admission committee would like to know?"
3. Write from your heart in a concise and straightforward language. This is not an academic paper, and flowery prose will not get you in. We recommend expressing your passion and drive, your leadership experiences, analytical aptitude, and background in a simple, but effective and concise language that reflects your unique voice.
4. Avoid using the word 'leadership' in every single sentence. Some applicants think that their best bet to impress the admission committee is to use 'leadership' in every sentence. Follow the thumb rule of 'show not tell' and allow your unique accomplishment stories (personal, professional, and social) to vouch for your leadership skills.
5. Avoid writing a 'why MBA' and 'goals' essay since you will be covering these topics in other application materials.
6. Avoid telling the school how great they are. They are aware of their greatness.
7. Even though the essay question doesn't ask 'Why HBS', you would still like to let them know what you envision getting involved in to reach the next level of your career and how you plan to leave Harvard a better place.
8. Avoid spoon-feeding the Ad Com. For example, don't waste precious space by starting your essay with the following statement: "I would like the admission committee to understand what has driven my personal and professional growth." Also, please do not wrap up your essay by stating, "I hope that through this essay you got an insight into my personal and professional life for better evaluation of my candidacy." Please remember that the purpose of writing this essay is to offer the admission committee insights into your personal and professional attributes/ strengths. Hence, such explicit statements are redundant and will not add any value to your story.
Click here for Admission director Chad Losee’s tips on the HBS essay.
Do not forget to visit the HBS website for MBA application tips on other parts of the application( resume, employment history, extracurricular activities & awards, post-MBA goals, and recommenders.)
Free Resources
1. 10 Key Essay Tips with Examples
2. Success Stories -MER Students
3. Harvard MBA Mansi's video interview
Since 2011, MER (myEssayReview) has helped many applicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs. (Poonam is one of the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club.)
Do you have questions about your HBS application? E-mail Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com or sign up here for a free consultation.
This blog first appeared on myEssayReview.
Application Deadlines:
Round 1:
• Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 8th at Noon ET
• Decision Notification: Thursday, December 9th at Noon ET
Round 2:
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 4th at Noon ET
• Decision Notification: Wednesday, March 30th at Noon ET
“Please note that each "round" represents a distinct period in which you may apply, not a succession of steps for your application. You may apply in one round only, one time in an application year.”
The application will open in mid-June 2021, but you can start preparing by downloading our Application Guide.
Essay Question: Once again, the essay question remains unchanged from previous years. Let's take a closer look at the essay prompt.
As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (no word limit)
There is no word limit for this question. We think you know what guidance we're going to give here. Don't overthink, overcraft and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that those of us who don't know your world can understand.
This open-ended question needs to be tackled very strategically, and it requires a significant amount of introspection. Since the essay prompts says, 'what more would you like us to know', you should make sure that you do not merely repeat what you have already discussed in other application materials. To avoid overlapping of elements in your essay, you must go through other application materials (résumé, application form, and LORs) and discuss with your recommenders what examples they will be discussing in their letters. However, you may still discuss at length the achievements you have already touched upon in your résumé.
This essay requires you to do a deep self-reflection to help you understand your motivation and personality what you want to showcase. Before choosing your stories (personal and professional), please get a thorough understanding of what Harvard is looking for in candidates, and then weave your stories/ accomplishments around these traits. HBS is looking for candidates with "a habit of leadership, analytical aptitude and appetite, and engaged community leadership." Therefore, your stories should illustrate these traits with a focus on leadership.
Be authentic and genuine. Show your confidence and passion for what you have done and what you plan to do- academically, personally, socially, and professionally. Remember, you are a unique individual, so use this essay as a platform to show your uniqueness. Do not be afraid to share your mistake or failure at some point in life.
Harvard is not looking for mistake-free individuals. The key is how you have learned from your mistakes, overcome life challenges, and have emerged a more influential person. Make sure the essay showcases your unique personality and character.
Since there is no word limit for this open-ended question, please use your discretion regarding the final length of your essay. You may decide to submit an essay between 500- 750 words. If you choose to write a longer essay, make sure to keep it under 1000 words. Our clients have written compelling essays within 800-1000 words.
Mistakes to avoid while writing this essay:
1. 'Don't overthink, overwrite, and over craft', When working with people on HBS essay, I often need to remind them of the advice HBS provides. I tell them that though re-writing and revising is the essence of writing, overwriting sometimes may kill the very soul of the essay.
2. After you have brainstormed and finalized your stories, have confidence in your stories and writing style, and organize them coherently and succinctly. Refrain from making countless unnecessary revisions thinking, "Is this what admission committee would like to know?"
3. Write from your heart in a concise and straightforward language. This is not an academic paper, and flowery prose will not get you in. We recommend expressing your passion and drive, your leadership experiences, analytical aptitude, and background in a simple, but effective and concise language that reflects your unique voice.
4. Avoid using the word 'leadership' in every single sentence. Some applicants think that their best bet to impress the admission committee is to use 'leadership' in every sentence. Follow the thumb rule of 'show not tell' and allow your unique accomplishment stories (personal, professional, and social) to vouch for your leadership skills.
5. Avoid writing a 'why MBA' and 'goals' essay since you will be covering these topics in other application materials.
6. Avoid telling the school how great they are. They are aware of their greatness.
7. Even though the essay question doesn't ask 'Why HBS', you would still like to let them know what you envision getting involved in to reach the next level of your career and how you plan to leave Harvard a better place.
8. Avoid spoon-feeding the Ad Com. For example, don't waste precious space by starting your essay with the following statement: "I would like the admission committee to understand what has driven my personal and professional growth." Also, please do not wrap up your essay by stating, "I hope that through this essay you got an insight into my personal and professional life for better evaluation of my candidacy." Please remember that the purpose of writing this essay is to offer the admission committee insights into your personal and professional attributes/ strengths. Hence, such explicit statements are redundant and will not add any value to your story.
Click here for Admission director Chad Losee’s tips on the HBS essay.
Do not forget to visit the HBS website for MBA application tips on other parts of the application( resume, employment history, extracurricular activities & awards, post-MBA goals, and recommenders.)
Free Resources
1. 10 Key Essay Tips with Examples
2. Success Stories -MER Students
3. Harvard MBA Mansi's video interview
Since 2011, MER (myEssayReview) has helped many applicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs. (Poonam is one of the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club.)
Do you have questions about your HBS application? E-mail Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com or sign up here for a free consultation.
This blog first appeared on myEssayReview.
30 May 2021, 04:42
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The disrupted, extended, and COVID-affected 2019-20 application cycle came slowly to a close. It was followed by a calmer and more typical cycle in which at least round 1 application volume was up. Now it’s time to turn to the 2021-22 application cycle.
HBS presented little new or changed material from previous cycles. For the fourth year in a row, it will only have two rounds. HBS dropped its third round and set an April deadline exclusively for HBS 2+2, its deferred admission program. Chad Losee, HBS Admissions Director, did not indicate in his announcement when the final 2+2 deadline would be or if there would be an April deadline. Harvard is #2 in Accepted’s Selectivity Index. However, that second-place selectivity status is misleading. The Harvard brand is matched perhaps only by Stanford, and the second-place standing is probably accounted for by class size more than anything else. Harvard’s non-COVID-affected class is more than double Stanford’s, and Harvard simply accepts more people leading to a higher acceptance rate.
Let’s talk about Harvard’s MBA application
On to the Harvard MBA application and essay question itself: HBS clearly likes the responses it has received to the last several years’ excellent essay question because this year’s question is identical. The essay is again required, and there is NO word limit.
The Round 1 and Round 2 deadlines are almost identical to last year’s deadlines. The Round 1 deadline is Sept. 8, 2021. The Round 2 deadline is January 4, 2021, one day earlier than last year.
Harvard Business School MBA essay tips
There is one question for the HBS Class of 2024:
- As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?
There is no word limit for this question. We think you know what guidance we’re going to give here. Don’t overthink, overcraft, or overwrite. Just answer the question clearly, using language that those of us who don’t know your world can understand.
Before you begin to write I have two suggestions for you:
- 1. Review Harvard’s criteria for admission, and its MBA Application Tips: Essay video.
2. Watch this video on the case method at HBS.
This is a great essay question. It allows you to choose what you want the school to know about you without having to fit that information into a framework required by a question that doesn’t really align with your story. It also allows you to demonstrate judgment and communication skills, which are critical given Harvard’s residential culture, study groups, and case method. Finally, this essay is a chance for HBS to get to know you beyond your resume and the limited (and limiting) boxes. In fact, as Chad Losee says in his essay tip video, they want to get to know you through your essay. That’s the essay’s purpose.
Now THINK. What else – really and truly – do you want Harvard Business School to know about you? The HBS admissions committee has told you what they want to know in the other sections of the application. “What more” do you want the HBS readers to know?
Please note that your essay has to be additive. “What more” are the key words in the prompt. It shouldn’t be a resume in prose. And it shouldn’t be a series of vague generalities and assertions that would apply to many others. Finally, it can’t be a series of anecdotes with no meaning or significance associated with the experiences. It should reflect at least part of your unique story, the part that you want HBS to know. Finally, your essay should reflect your motivations, values, and dreams.
The answer to HBS’ question is not something I can give or even suggest to you in a blog post aimed at the many (for individual guidance, please see Accepted’s MBA Admissions Consulting). It must be different for each of you. Again, refer to the HBS criteria, as you contemplate possible topics, but the options are infinite. A few possibilities:
- * Provide context for events described in the required elements.
* Delve into your motivations for the decisions or commitments you have made.
* Discuss experiences that shaped your dreams for the future, which may just benefit enormously from an HBS education (caveat: HBS doesn’t ask why you want to attend Harvard).
* Examine challenges you have faced. These could be personal challenges, or perhaps interpersonal challenges.
* Envision something you would like to accomplish at HBS.
* Provide more depth on an activity or commitment that is particularly important to you.
Please don’t limit yourself to these suggestions. I am offering them to stimulate your creativity, not to shut it down.
Since I’ve been in MBA admissions consulting (over 25 years now), HBS has valued concision. And, in today’s tweet- and sound-bite-driven world, it is requiring short responses in the other portions of the application. Don’t take the absence of a word limit on this essay as a license for verbosity. Make every word count, no pun intended. If you must pull a number out of me, keep it under 1200 words, preferably under 1000 words. And if you can say what you need to say in less than 800 words, do so. A few cautions and warnings regarding this essay – it is NOT:
- * Stanford’s “what matters most to you and why?”
* The kitchen sink in which you throw everything.
* An autobiography.
* A resume in prose or a rehash of your transcript and honors.
* An ode to the awesomeness of Harvard. They don’t need you to tell them they have a great institution that you would be honored to attend. They’ve heard it before.
For expert guidance on your Harvard Business School application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages that include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the HBS application. Looking to score some scholarship money while you’re at it? Accepted’s clients received over $1 million dollars in scholarship offers in the last application cycle. Explore our services for more information on how Accepted can help you get into Harvard.
Harvard Business School 2021-22 Application Deadlines
- Round 1 September 8, 2021 (deadline) December 9, 2021 (decisions released)
Round 2 January 4, 2022(deadline) March 30, 2022 (decisions released)
Source: HBS website
* Applications must be submitted online by 12 noon Boston time.
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted. Linda earned her bachelors and MBA at UCLA, and has been advising applicants since 1994 when she founded Accepted. Linda is the co-founder and first president of AIGAC. She has written or co-authored 13 e-books on the admissions process, and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, Poets & Quants, Bloomberg Businessweek, CBS News, and others. Linda is the host of Admissions Straight Talk, a podcast for graduate school applicants. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
- * What Is Harvard Business School Looking For?
* Real Sample Essays from Successful HBS Applicants
* “I Wish the Admissions Committee Had Asked Me…”
This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.
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.
Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help you get accepted!
