Calling all Harvard (HBS) Applicants Class of 2020 (2018 intake)

This is incorrect, HBS waits until after the admissions deadline to review any applications in that cycle.

In case you're wondering what happens after you click "submit" at HBS:

The applications are then distributed to pairs of deans who oversee different career "sectors." The two of them then scored applications in order to make decisions on whom to invite to interview. Disagreements over application scores go to a senior third dean for arbitration. Once all the interview spots for an individual sector are awarded, if the dean still believes their sector has some candidates with amazing narratives left over, the deans will go back to the Admissions Director and petition for more interview slots for their sector. (this is why a compelling personal narrative is so critical in your application!)

If you are invited to interview, you will speak with whichever dean happens to be on duty during your time period. Sometimes this person happens to be one of the deans in your sector who has read your full application. Oftentimes they've only just read your resume to prep for the interview. That dean (and their reporter) then scores you and adds a report to your application.

Then the whole package goes to the admissions director -- who is seeing your package for the first time -- in order to make final admissions decisions. Including whether to put you on the waitlist.

Hope this helps! Contact us with questions!

Cheers guys, appreciate your help!

This is incorrect, HBS waits until after the admissions deadline to review any applications in that cycle.

In case you're wondering what happens after you click "submit" at HBS:

The applications are then distributed to pairs of deans who oversee different career "sectors." The two of them then scored applications in order to make decisions on whom to invite to interview. Disagreements over application scores go to a senior third dean for arbitration. Once all the interview spots for an individual sector are awarded, if the dean still believes their sector has some candidates with left over, the deans will go back to the Admissions Director and petition for more interview slots for their sector. (this is why a is so critical in your application!)

If you are, you will speak with whichever dean happens to be on duty during your time period. Sometimes this person happens to be one of the deans in your sector who has read your full application. Oftentimes they've only just read your resume to prep for the interview. That dean (and their reporter) then scores you and adds a report to your application.

Then the whole package goes to the admissions director -- who is seeing your package for the first time -- in order to make final admissions decisions. Including whether to put you on the
Hope this helps!


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Nate,

Couple of follow-ups:
- Who makes the final decision? So basically are you saying that the admissions director goes over the applications of all interviewed applicants?
- Do you know how many applicants (or %) get into the waitlist after interviewing?
- Any advice for post-interview waiting days?

Curious if anyone here knows what 'Recommender Questions' are included in the LOR form. I see on Harvard's Application Process page that there are 2 questions, but it also says that the form will include "other types of questions". Curious if this is the GMAC common form or not (?). If anyone can provide further details, it would be very helpful and appreciated!

two weeks to go...

I feel you man...

This is more nerve racking than waiting for interview invites...

28 NOV 2017
Countdown to December 12

Just two weeks from today, we will release Round 1 admissions decisions via the Application Status page. Just log-in at noon eastern time on December 12. In the meantime, try not to think about it! (I know, easier said than done).

I promise we are not making you wait, just to wait. We are diligently going over each entire application (yes, including your post-interview reflections) as we work to shape an outstanding Class of diverse perspectives.

One last thing: keep in mind that if you are admitted, you won’t hear about financial aid yet. Admission to HBS is based on merit, but financial aid is based on need. So there is a separate (easy) process after you are admitted to apply for aid. Many are surprised to know that ~50% of HBS students receive financial fellowships that do not have to be paid back—and the average two-year fellowship is over $70K. So there is a lot of support! More details are here on our new Financial Aid website.

Hispanic Male applying R2 this cycle
GPA: 3.3 in Anthropology from Top 10 US university (non-HYP)
GMAT: 710 (47Q/40V/8IR/6AWA) Only took GMAT once. During practice, scored 720-740 consistently, but always <47Q, so I am hesitant to take again.
W/E: 7 years at matriculation with all of my experience in sales & trading. Currently work in portfolio finance at an elite hedge fund with top name recognition. I have managed people every year after my first year post-graduation.
Activities outside of work:
1. For the four years post-graduation, I competed in a sport where I was ranked top 100 in the world (Olympic sport with little to no $$ it you aren't top 5-10).
2. My spouse and I are very active in an urban mentoring program and ended up fostering a child for two years that was part of that program.
3. In addition to mentoring, I coached a youth club for the same sport as above. Extremely successful.
Post-MBA: Investment banking

Any point in applying to HBS besides saying that I did it? Dream school for obvious reasons, but I am not sure if applying is worth my time at this point if my chances are very low. Looking for any critiques or advice.

Thanks everybody and best of luck

Mate, you have one hell of a story, so I would say go for it!

In terms of IB as post-MBA goal, perhaps Wharton is a better fit (more experienced members will correct me if necessary), but I doubt HBS will see it as a red flag. In the end, it all comes down to how you present yourself to the AdCom and I think you have all the components for a successful application.

URM, Ivy undergrad, used an admissions consultant

Denied without Interview on: 2017/10/05
Heard back via: Email
Location: United States, NY
GMAT: 690, Q44, V41
GPA: 3.4
WE: 84 months
Industry: Internet and New Media
Decision Received on: 2017/10/05

hey do you guys know when round 2 interviews are happening?

Last year my clients had interviews between mid-February and early March.

Hello! To those that are still filling the application form, can you tell me what the instructions above the Education section states on the topic of GPA and conversion?

Does anyone know what will happen on the 12th next week? Are there only two possibilities - accepted and rejected, or being waitlisted is also a possibility? Appreciate any insights!


Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

I believe it's still possible to be waitlisted until R2 decisions come out

Researching or Writing Essays
Location: United States
GMAT: 770, Q49, V47
GPA: 3.9
Industry: Education

In years past HBS has been explicit that they will not make calls the day before their official notification date. I have not seen anything regarding that this year.

Has anyone else seen info that I am missing? In a day and a half it won't matter but I'm curious as if people are expecting admitted students (or some portion of admitted students) to get phone calls tomorrow?

Either way, the waiting is no fun.