Harvard MBA Essays and Application Deadlines

Here you will find complete information about Harvard Business School’s MBA programs along with Harvard sample essays, interview experiences, and some useful tips which will help you in your application.

Avg. GMAT Score for Harvard730GMAT Range580-790
Total Applicants 10,351Acceptance Rate10
Class Size1871Avg. Work Experience53
Applicant Deadlines for HarvardR1: 06 Sept, 2023
R2: 03 Jan, 2024
Decision DatesR1: 06 Dec, 2023
R2: 27 Mar, 2024
Length of Program24 MonthsPlacement Information

Harvard MBA Interview Preparation

Harvard Business School located in Boston is consistently ranked among the foremost business schools in the world. HBS MBA is tied for the number 1 position with the Wharton School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business in the U.S. News & World Report ranking. Also ranked number 1 globally by the Financial Times Rankings.

For preparing below set of HBS MBA essay questions you may also refer some Harvard Sample Essay.

Key points for Harvard Business Schools:

  • HBS is the top business school in the United States with a residential campus that forms its own energetic community.
  • A provident track record of more than 40,000 alumni have made themselves available to help students at HBS.
  • HBS provides importance on Entrepreneurship and innovations, exploring the resources and extraordinary supports for students.
  • The HBS students life is based around an intense section experience like club events, seminars, sports, guest speakers and more.
  • HBS gives learning in practice, shaping an ultimate course of action.

Harvard Essays (Class of 2026):

“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?” (900 words)

Harvard Essays (Class of 2023):

HBS Essay 1:

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? (900-word limit) 

HBS Essay – Career Goals Short Answer:

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

Harvard MBA Essay – Post-Interview Reflection:

Since the 2012-2013 season, applicants who are invited to interview have been asked to write a reflection about their interview experience. Typically, this essay must be submitted within 24 hours of completing the interview. Additional instructions regarding the reflection will be sent to applicants who receive interview invitations.

If you need help with HBS MBA Essay Writing or Interview Process, please fill up Quick Inquiry form (on right).


Harvard MBA – FAQs

How to get into the Harvard Business School (HBS) MBA program?

Applicants to HBS must have the following:

  • A 4-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent
  • GMAT or GRE test results
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE test results if you attended a non-English undergraduate program

Applications to Harvard MBA is a 3-step process:

  • Written Application: Includes Essays. Recommendations, Resume, Test Scores etc.
  • Interview
  • Post Interview Reflection: Within 24 hours of the interview, candidates are required to submit a written reflection through online application system.

Does Harvard MBA require work experience?

Harvard defines work experience as opportunities in which students have been able to develop their professional and leadership skills. Class of 2020 has an average age of 27 years with average work experience at 4.4 years.

College seniors can apply through the 2+2 online application wherein they will be offered “deferred admission”, i.e. an offer of admission to a future class conditional upon acquiring full-time work experience, as a positive outcome.

Does Harvard have an Executive MBA?

Harvard does not offer part-time or executive MBA programs. However, they do have a Program for Leadership Development.

The program is for people with 10 to 15 years of work experience and have been identified as an outstanding prospect for increased leadership responsibilities.

What is the GMAT score required for Harvard?

The average GMAT score for the Class of 2020 is 730 with the range from 610 -800.

When should I apply for Harvard MBA?

The application dates for the MBA Class of 2022 (matriculating fall 2020) are:

  • Round 1: 4 September 2019
  • Round 2: 6 January 2010
  • The next application dates for 2+2 applicants is 02 APR 2020

How To Write An Amazing HBS Essay?

General Education (www.genedmba.com) consulting panel of top B-School Alumni and Admission Specialists can help create outstanding MBA Essays  for a successful admit. For tips and suggestion on writing a top class Harvard MBA Essay you can visit the link here: https://www.genedmba.com/bschools/harvard/

Does Harvard MBA accept GRE, if yes, what is average GRE score required for HBS?

Yes, Harvard accepts GRE score. 15% of the Class of 2020 was admitted with a GRE score. The Median GRE Verbal score is 165 and Median Quantitative GMAT score is 163.

Can you get a Harvard MBA online?

Harvard offers an online M.B.A. alternative, a graduate degree in management, through the Harvard Extension School. However, they don’t offer any degrees, and there are no plans for it to do so as Harvard Business School Online

Harvard Business School Online. It is best known for its pre-M.B.A. program called Credential of Readiness, or CORe.

Does Harvard offer online degree programs?

Harvard offers a variety of open learning opportunities, including online courses and modules. Through the edX learning platform, founded by Harvard and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), anyone with an Internet connection can gain access to courses from Harvard, MIT, and other partner academic institutions.

How much is a Harvard MBA cost?

The MBA Program Cost is $110,740 approx. It has tuition fee, Student Health Fee, Course Material Fee, Rooms and Utilities, and Living expenses included.