Harvard Business School | Full time MBA | Admission Requirements

General Requirements

Habit of Leadership

We recognize - and welcome - leadership that may be expressed in many forms, from college extracurricular activities to academic or business achievements, from personal accomplishments to community commitments. We appreciate leadership on any scale as well, from organizing a classroom to directing a combat squad, from running an independent business to spearheading initiatives at work. In essence, we are looking for evidence of your potential.

Analytical Aptitude and Appetite

Harvard Business School is a demanding, fast-paced, and highly-verbal environment. We look for individuals who enjoy lively discussion and debate. Our case and field-based methods of learning depend upon the active participation of prepared students who can assess, analyze, and act upon complex information within often-ambiguous contexts. The MBA Admissions Board will review your prior academic performance, the results of the GMAT or GRE, and, if applicable, TOEFL iBT and/or IELTS, and the nature of your work experience. There is no particular previous course of study required to apply; you must, however, demonstrate the ability to master analytical and quantitative concepts.

Engaged Community Citizenship

So much of our MBA experience - including the case method, section life, and student-organized events - requires the active collaboration of the entire HBS community. That's why we look for students who exhibit the highest ethical standards and respect for others, and can make positive contributions to the MBA Program. The right candidates must be eager to share their experiences, support their colleagues, and teach as well as learn from their peers.

Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, an applicant must have successfully completed the following:

• A degree program at an accredited U.S. four-year undergraduate college/university or its equivalent (unless you are a college senior applying to our 2+2 Program).
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) from a test taken January 1, 2008 or later. The GMAT or GRE is a prerequisite for admission;
• Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score from a test taken January 1, 2011 or later, is required for international applicants who attended a non-English-speaking undergraduate university; and
• Submission of a complete online application for evaluation by one of the decision round deadlines. 

The application deadlines for the MBA Class of 2015 are:

Application Periods:	Application submitted online by 12 noon Boston time:	Notification of the MBA Admissions Board's decision:
Round 1	MON, 24 SEP 2012	WED, 12 DEC 2012
Round 2	MON, 07 JAN 2013	WED, 27 MAR 2013
Round 3	MON, 08 APR 2013	WED, 15 MAY 2013

Application - General

–What is the timeline for applying?

View application deadlines.

–How will my application be evaluated?

Each application received is reviewed in depth by the Admissions Board.  When selecting students we put an emphasis on leadership potential, strong academic ability, and personal qualities and characteristics.  Find out more.

–In which part of the application may I enter additional information, including special circumstances?

Please enter important information that you want the Board to know in the Additional Information section of the application.

–How do I add new information if I have already submitted my application?

Once the application has been submitted, the Admissions Board is unable to accept application updates other than contact updates.  If invited to interview, applicants may inform the Board of updates at that time.

–Does the reputation/history or my undergraduate institution or company affect my chances of being accepted?

Our goal is to admit a class that offers a variety of perspectives. Therefore, we carefully consider individuals from a wide spectrum of academic and work experiences.

–When I print the application in PDF format, parts of the application appear truncated, unclear and/or do not appear at all. Are these parts seen by the Admissions Board?

The Admissions Office receives the entire application in appropriate format and all fields are viewed clearly by the Board. The document that the applicant can view is an unformatted version of the final document.

Applications - Essays

–How closely do I need to adhere to the word limit?

Please respect the word limit specified for each essay question.

Applications - Work Experience

–What is the desired length of work experience you wish to see in candidates?

The HBS MBA Program is designed for students who have full-time work experience before matriculation. College seniors are encouraged to apply in the expectation that 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. It is important for candidates to assess their own readiness when deciding to apply: there is no universal "right" time.

–What constitutes work experience?

Work experience includes opportunities in which students have been able to develop their professional and leadership skills.

–Are there specific types of work experience that will make me a more attractive candidate?

Rather than focus on specific categories of work experiences, applicants should focus on their roles, responsibilities, and what they have learned from the types of work experiences that they have been involved in. The Admissions Board will look at the nature of the applicant's work experience when evaluating the applicants' ability to handle the academic rigor of our MBA program.

Applications - Recommendations

–Who should recommendations come from?

The Admissions Board suggests that of the three recommendations, two come from professional references.  Of these two, one recommendation should come from a current or recent supervisor. Recommenders should be individuals who know the candidate well and who can attest to the candidate's leadership ability.

–What is the process for recommenders?

Candidates enter recommenders' names and email addresses into their online application. Recommenders then receive an email with a link to their recommendation. The recommendations are submitted separately from the candidates' application and will automatically be included in the application upon submission. Applicants should not wait for recommenders to submit their recommendations before submitting their applications.

–Is the recommendation deadline the same as the application deadline?

Applicants should submit their applications as soon as they feel ready. Recommendations are submitted separately by the recommenders. Please bear in mind that it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all recommendations are submitted online by the deadline date for the round in which the applicant is applying.

Applications - Interview

–When should I expect an invitation for an interview?

Interview invitations are extended on a rolling basis. The timing of your interview does not imply anything about the status of your application nor does it impact your candidacy. Invitations to interview are a positive indicator no matter when you receive them.

–What should I expect for my interview?

Your interview will last approximately 30 minutes and will be conducted by a member of the MBA Admissions Board.  Interviews may take place in-person or via Skype.

–How can I best prepare?

The purpose of the interview is to better understand you as an MBA candidate for our program.  We encourage candidates to relax and be ready to talk about themselves.

Applications - Post Interview Reflection

–How can I learn more about the Post Interview Reflection?

Details for the Post Interview Reflection will be emailed to candidates who participate in the interview process. Candidates must submit their essay via our online application. Essays must be submitted within 24 hours of interview completion.

Applications - Application Follow-up

–Who should I contact if I have a question regarding my application status?

Any questions you have should be submitted to us via our online form at the top of this FAQ page.

–When and how can I expect to hear back from HBS?

Notification dates are set according to each round. View dates.

–Will HBS provide feedback for students who have been rejected?

Due to the large number of applications we receive each year, we cannot accommodate requests for personalized feedback on your application.  We receive 7,000 to 10,000 applications for approximately 900 places in the class, and therefore have to deny admission to many exceptional individuals.  Also, please understand that the decision of the Admissions Board is final, and we cannot advise you on whether or not you should reapply in the future. 

–How long can I defer my acceptance?

Candidates should submit applications only for the year they plan to enter the MBA program. Postponements and deferrals are granted rarely and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

GMAT and GRE Tests

+What is the latest date test scores will be accepted?

–Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE score required to apply?

No. We accept applicants with a wide range of test scores.

–What is the range of GMAT scores for accepted students?

The Admissions Board hopes that all applicants will recognize the following:  the full range of GMAT scores is very broad, that there is no "minimum" score requirement, and that the GMAT is just one piece of data among the many used to evaluate an application.

–Can I list only my best GMAT or GRE score?

Yes.  We review only the score from a single test sitting that you present in your application.

–Do I need to complete the AWA section of the GMAT or GRE?

Yes. You do not need to have the results of the AWA section of the GMAT or GRE in order to submit your application; however, we do require you to complete this portion of the exam and we will require an AWA score for anyone applying to the program.

–Do I need to complete the Integrated Reasoning Component of the GMAT?

Yes. Anyone who taken the GMAT on or after June 5, 2012 will be required to take the Integrated Reasoning portion of the GMAT exam

English Language Tests ( TOEFL, IELTS, PTE)

–Who is required to take an English Language test?

If you only have a degree (or degrees) from a university where English was NOT the sole language of instruction, you must take an English Language test (either the TOEFL iBT, IELTS or PTE).

–What if I have lived and worked in an English speaking country for many years?

Again, if you only have a degree (or degrees) from a university where English was NOT the sole language of instruction, you must take an English Language test (either the TOEFL iBT, IELTS or PTE).

–What if part of my bachelor's degree was part in English and part not in English?

In this case, you are still required to take an English Language test.

–What if my undergraduate degree was not in English, but I received a graduate degree (Master's or PhD degree) from a university program where English was the sole language of instruction?

Though it is not required as part of your initial written application, we strongly recommend you take an English language test even if you have a graduate degree from a university program where the sole language was English.

–What is the latest date English test scores will be accepted?

TOEFL, IELTS, and Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores are valid for two years. These tests must be dated January 1, 2011 or more recently to be valid. Please note that HBS only accepts the Internet-based (IBT) version of the TOEFL.

–Is there a minimum TOEFL/IELTS/PTE test score HBS will consider?

HBS does not have a minimum test score to apply, however, the MBA Admissions Board discourages any candidate with a TOEFL score lower than 109 on the IBT, an IELTS score lower than 7.5, or a PTE score lower than 75 from applying.

Transcripts

–How can I submit my transcript?

Transcripts must be scanned and uploaded to the application. Please do not mail a hard copy of your transcript.
You may upload an "unofficial" or student copy of your transcript; however, we will request an official copy for verification purposes should you be admitted to HBS.

–Is there a minimum GPA requirement to apply?

No. Although our students often have competitive undergraduate GPAs, there are many other equally important components of the application. GPA is just one factor the Admissions Board uses to evaluate a candidate. 

–What is the average GPA of accepted students?

Because we recognize that different schools use various grading criteria, it is difficult to determine an average GPA for the class. GPA is only one of many factors that the Admissions Board uses in evaluating an applicant.

Financing your MBA

–Financial Aid: What is the estimated cost for one year at HBS?

While living expenses vary from student to student, the Financial Aid and Fellowship Board uses the standard student budget in determining financial aid awards. This budget assumes a moderate student lifestyle. While the standard budget does not include the cost of a personal computer required for the MBA Program, you may finance your computer purchase with a loan. Please refer to the cost summary page.

–Financial Aid: What are some options for financing my HBS education?

HBS is committed to making the MBA Program accessible to students with a demonstrated financial need. Although students are encouraged to draw on personal resources wherever possible to minimize debt, approximately 75% of Harvard Business School students receive some form of financial assistance, which is composed of a combination of fellowships and loans. Nearly 50% of the Class of 2009 received an average $22,000 per year in need-based HBS Fellowships.

HBS Learning Model

–Case Method: What makes the HBS case method successful?

The case method prepares students for the challenges of leadership in the real world. Through the demanding, engaging, and proactive learning environment, it develops the knowledge, skills, and confidence to face the variety of difficult decisions that students will undoubtedly face throughout their careers. To learn more, you can watch Inside the HBS Case Method, read about the HBS Case Method in Action or schedule a class visit.

–Sections: How is the curriculum structured?

Students spend their first two terms completing the Required Curriculum with a "section" of 90 students to which they are assigned. This group of students takes all their first-year classes together and becomes an intellectual and social circle. During the second year, students choose up to five courses per semester from a list of course offerings to build their elective curriculum of choice.

–Academic Environment: Is it possible to cross register with other universities?

Yes. HBS students are able to cross register at Sloan School of Business at MIT, Fletcher school of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and any of the other Harvard University graduate programs. During your second year you are able to cross-register for up to two courses toward your MBA degree or may choose to cross-register for an extra course for enrichment only such as a language class.

+Program Offerings: Does HBS offer a part-time or executive MBA program?

Student Life

–What are the extracurricular activities available?

Harvard Business School is home to over 70 industry, regional, sports, and other student interest clubs. The Student Association offers over 200 leadership positions through which students can serve as liaisons between the MBA student body and the faculty and administration. Additionally, students have access to over 300 speaker events, 10 conferences, multiple career treks, and various social activities (including International Week, the HBS Health Fair, Newport Ball, Holidazzle, Section Olympics, the Dean's Fall Community Party, Restaurant Associates Movie Nights, and the HBS Show) scheduled throughout the school year.

–What percentage of students lives on campus?

Over 80% of HBS students live in HBS dorms or Harvard affiliated housing. These residence halls range from dorm rooms to three-bedroom apartments. Because of the very high demand for residence halls, on-campus housing is assigned through a lottery.

–What are my transportation options?

The HBS campus is accessible via either car or public transportation. It is not necessary to own a car while living in the Cambridge/Boston area because of the convenient subway and bus systems.

–What social opportunities do Harvard Square and Cambridge/Boston offer?

Harvard Square and the neighboring Cambridge and Boston areas offer ample opportunities for students to take part in social and entertainment activities.