How To Get Into Harvard Business School (2024) - Complete Guide

‍

Harvard Business School (HBS) is famous worldwide and is located at Harvard University in Boston. It was founded in 1908 and still ranks among the top business schools in the world. Though the rankings may vary each year, HBS consistently ranks among the top five graduate business programs yearly. 

Since a Harvard MBA is so renowned, you must put much time and effort into the application. The application procedure is somewhat similar to that of other MBA colleges. However, Harvard's admissions committee has certain expectations you need to fulfill to get accepted. 

This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about how to get into Harvard Business School.

Harvard Business School Acceptance Rate: 11.5%

The HBS acceptance rate is 11.5%, reflecting its highly competitive admissions process. With 8,149 applications received, only 938 students were admitted. This low acceptance rate underscores the school's commitment to selecting exceptional candidates with academic excellence. 

If you hope to gain admission into HBS, ensure you have an extremely strong application and submit everything on time. Please note that this acceptance rate is an estimate because many MBA programs have stopped releasing this. 

How Hard Is It to Get Into Harvard Business School

With an acceptance rate of 11.5%, Harvard Business School is very selective. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only approximately 11 or 12 are admitted. To increase your chances of acceptance, it's important to have a strong academic record, impressive professional achievements, outstanding test scores, compelling essays, and glowing recommendation letters.

What is Harvard Business School Looking For In Applicants?

Harvard Business School evaluates applications by assessing applicants' demonstrated leadership skills, emphasizing collaboration and meaningful dialogue. They also consider analytical aptitude and a drive for lively discussion, seeking individuals capable of mastering complex information and problem-solving. 

Additionally, HBS prioritizes engaged community work, expecting applicants to uphold ethical standards and positively contribute to the MBA program. The school aims to assemble a diverse class reflective of the global economy, fostering a dynamic learning environment enriched by varied perspectives and backgrounds.

Harvard Business School Admissions Requirements 

To apply to Harvard Business School, you’ll need to submit various application materials, these include:

• Undergraduate transcripts
• GMAT or GRE score
• A TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test for non-native English speakers
• Essay
• Two recommendation letters
• Business resume
• Application fee of $250 or fee waiver
• Interview
• Post-interview reflection

Ensure your Harvard MBA application is submitted online by the application deadlines. 

Harvard Business School Application Deadlines

Here is a table showing the various Harvard Business School application deadlines to ensure you don’t miss one. 

Source: HBS

Harvard Business School Regular Decision Deadline

The regular decision deadlines for rounds one and two for Harvard Business School’s MBA program are early September and early January. Ensure you have your application materials ready by these deadlines.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Harvard Business School

Getting into Harvard Business School can be very overwhelming. The admissions committee at HBS carefully evaluates each applicant before accepting them. Here are a few tips on improving your chances of getting into Harvard Business School:

Begin Your Research Early

Doing research on Harvard Business School should be the first thing you do before applying. Researching will help give you insight to what the school can offer you and it stands for. 

You can start learning about HBS by networking with current students, connecting with alumni, and attending admissions events. It’s never too early to start your research into HBS. Although it depends on your time and availability, starting your research one year before you apply is generally a good idea.

Focus on Acing the GMAT/GRE

HBS is looking for applicants that are able to handle the rigors of business school. While HBS doesn't set a minimum required GMAT or GRE score, you should aim for a competitive score, ideally, within or above the class average scores. This is especially valuable if your GPA is on the lower side.

Write an Outstanding Personal Statement

‍You may have all the essential qualities needed to get into HBS, but it will be useless unless you can show Harvard that you are a perfect fit. Write a clear and concise personal statement that will help you stand out. Tell the admissions committee about yourself, your passions, and your work experiences.

The admission committee loves to accept students who are passionate and are willing to give back to society. You should aim to let the admissions committee know how you can contribute to the world through your knowledge, potential, and leadership skills. 

In addition, your HBS essay shouldn't just be an expansion of your resume. Admissions committees will want to know the 'why' behind the 'what' so it's essential to communicate both what you want to achieve and why from your career and business school experience.

Have Valuable Work Experience

‍You should try to collect at least four years of work experience before applying to HBS. Though there is a four-year program at Harvard that allows undergraduate students to get admitted and then work for two years to gain some work experience, you should try to acquire at least four years of work experience before applying to HBS. 

Before applying to HBS, aim to build a strong skill set. HBS is looking for strong leadership skills and an analytical aptitude. HBS welcomes students who can master quantitative concepts and engage in the community by showing respect for others.

You can go for internships that will help to improve your skill set. If you feel that you don't have the required skills, it may just be a matter of looking at your experiences differently. There are likely other aspects of your experiences that can be highlighted in these instances.

Harvard Business School Essay Prompts

Harvard Business School requires its applicants to answer one essay prompt so they can assess if the applicant is right for the school. Here is the essay prompt you’ll be required to answer: 

• 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?

We invite you to share personal or professional experiences from your background that give you a unique ability to contribute to HBS. Try to remember to not overthink or overwrite in this essay; it is best to answer the question in clear and concise language that those of us who don't know your world can understand.

The word limit for this essay is 900 words. If you’re applying to a joint program, you must answer another essay prompt:

• How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and a personal level?

The word limit for this prompt is 400 words. Ensure you don’t exceed the word limit for either essay.