The team at My Best Application recently interviewed several Harvard Business School Alumni about their admissions criteria to get up to date information about What is Harvard looking for? when they choose a candidate. We have compiled some tips from HBS grads that will help you get into Harvard.
HBS is, and will always be, a top MBA program and your chances of getting accepted are very slim…but not impossible. Here is some MBA application advice that will help you know what to do when you put together your Harvard application:
Everything in your HBS MBA application should be consistent. Harvard likes when your profile, your essays and your letters of recommendation all complement one another and each adds new material to add to the same story. It is important to know what goes into each of your letters of recommendation to ensure that your application is strong and coherent, so talk with your recommenders about what they write.
Harvard likes candidates who are strong all around. This means that you should show off your great qualities in many areas, not simply your job. Think about adding stories relating to your hobbies and interests and how you have been successful in your endeavors.
The potential to make a difference during your career is key. Tell Harvard how you will improve your industry and use your past experience as proof that you can do it.
Finally, Harvard likes to know that you know important people. When asking for letters of recommendation, it is important to ask colleagues who do know you well, but also those with important job titles or who are well known in their field. Some candidates ask politicians, CEOs or well known personalities for a recommendation. If you don’t have access to those people, do the best that you can. At My Best Application, our experts talk to the admissions committees, alumni and current students at top MBA programs every day. Check out our Resources section called the MBA Center to learn more about applying to Harvard and other top MBA programs like LBS, Wharton, Columbia and Stanford.