Harvard Business School MBA Program
The world's most prestigious MBA program, pioneering the case method and producing more Fortune 500 CEOs than any other business school.
Key Information
Why Harvard Business School?
HBS offers an unparalleled MBA experience combining rigorous academics, transformative leadership development, and access to the world's most powerful business network.
Case Method Pioneer
500+ case discussions per year, developing real-world decision-making skills through active participation and peer learning.
Section Experience
Close-knit sections of 93 students become your intellectual home and lifelong professional network.
Leadership Legacy
Alumni include 76 current Fortune 500 CEOs, countless entrepreneurs, and leaders across every industry globally.
Signature Programs & Opportunities
Field Immersion Experiences (FIELD)
Hands-on global consulting projects and startup creation in teams, applying classroom learning to real business challenges.
- • FIELD Foundations: Team skill development
- • FIELD Global Immersion: International consulting
- • FIELD X: Launch your own micro-business
Rock Center for Entrepreneurship
World's leading entrepreneurship program with unmatched resources for aspiring founders and innovators.
- • $500K+ in annual funding competitions
- • Rock Accelerator summer program
- • Access to 500+ entrepreneurs in residence
What HBS Looks For
HBS seeks leaders who will make a difference in the world, evaluating candidates across three key dimensions: academic readiness, leadership potential, and personal qualities.
GMAT Range
GRE Range
GPA Range
Work Experience
International Students
Women
Application Components
1. The Essay
"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)
Insider Tip: Most successful essays are 800-1,200 words. Focus on what's not evident elsewhere in your application.
2. Recommendations
Two recommendations required, preferably from current and former supervisors who can speak to your leadership potential and impact.
- • Focus on leadership examples and impact
- • Specific anecdotes > general praise
- • Development areas add credibility
3. The Interview
30-minute interviews with admissions officers or alumni, by invitation only (approximately 25% of applicants interviewed).
Format Update: 2025 interviews include 15-minute mini-case component. Prepare for both behavioral and analytical questions.
4. Post-Interview Reflection
24-hour written reflection after your interview, sharing additional thoughts and clarifications (300 word limit).
Class Profile & Diversity
HBS brings together exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment that mirrors global business leadership.
Pre-MBA Industries
Class Diversity
Note: HBS actively seeks diversity across all dimensions including socioeconomic background, first-generation college students, and veterans.
Post-MBA Employment
HBS graduates command top positions and compensation across industries, with 89% receiving offers by graduation.
Employment by Industry
Top Employers
Consulting
- • McKinsey & Company
- • Bain & Company
- • Boston Consulting Group
Technology
- • Amazon
- • Microsoft
Finance
- • Goldman Sachs
- • Morgan Stanley
- • Blackstone
Other
- • General Catalyst
- • KKR
- • Warburg Pincus
How to Get Into HBS
Based on our experience helping 50+ clients gain admission to HBS, here are the key strategies that work.
What HBS Values Most
Leadership Impact
- • Demonstrated leadership since early age
- • Created lasting change in organizations
- • Led through challenging situations
- • Influenced without formal authority
Personal Qualities
- • Habit of leadership
- • Analytical aptitude and appetite
- • Engaged community citizenship
- • Self-awareness and growth mindset
Essay Strategy
The open-ended essay is your chance to share what makes you unique:
- Tell stories not found elsewhere
- Show vulnerability and growth
- Connect experiences to future impact
- Demonstrate fit with case method
Interview Preparation
The new 45-minute format requires different preparation:
- Practice mini-cases (new for 2025)
- Prepare 8-10 leadership stories
- Know your resume cold
- Research recent HBS initiatives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing what you think HBS wants to hear
- Focusing only on professional achievements
- Ignoring the post-interview reflection
- Generic "why HBS" reasons
- Overconfidence or arrogance
- Not showing personal growth
Application Timeline & Deadlines
HBS uses a two-round admissions process with a unique 2+2 deferred admission program
Round 1 (Recommended)
Best for: Consultants, bankers, strong candidates seeking scholarships
Round 2 (Final Round)
Best for: Most applicants, career changers, internationals
2+2 Deferred Admission Program
For current college seniors or those in first year of graduate school. Work 2-4 years before enrolling in the MBA program.
Application Opens
March 2025
Deadline
April 2025
Decision
July 2025
Ready to Join the HBS Community?
Our former HBS admissions reader knows exactly what the admissions committee looks for. Get personalized guidance to maximize your chances of admission.