Getting into Harvard Business School (HBS) might seem challenging, but it’s achievable with the right approach. Harvard’s MBA program is known for being competitive, drawing applications from talented people worldwide who aim to gain a spot at one of the world’s top business schools.
To give yourself the best chance, you’ll want a clear plan that tackles each part of the application. Every piece counts, from building a strong academic and professional profile to acing the GMAT and crafting a compelling application. This guide will break down each step, giving you a clear path forward. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are already a part of the process, these seven steps will help you stay focused and confident on the path to HBS.
Harvard Business School (HBS) has an acceptance rate of 11.5%. Of 8,149 applications, only 938 students were admitted to the HBS 2025 batch. This shows how selective HBS is in choosing candidates.
To increase your chances of acceptance, submit a strong application on time. Remember, this rate is estimated since many MBA programs no longer publish their acceptance rates.
With only about 11 or 12 admissions for every 100 applicants, having a solid academic record, impressive work experience, high test scores, strong essays, and good recommendation letters is crucial.
The admission process starts with applying. Here are the steps that you need to follow to submit your application successfully to get into HBS:
You need to start your research at least one year before you plan to apply. Researching HBS should be your first step. Understanding what the school offers and its core values is essential.
Begin by networking with current students, connecting with alumni, and attending admissions events. Engaging with these resources will provide valuable insights into the HBS experience. Starting your research early is beneficial; ideally, aim to begin at least one year before applying, depending on your schedule and availability. Starting your research early will give you an edge over other GMAT students.
When researching Harvard Business School (HBS), focus on these critical areas:
If you start thinking like an admission committee, it will help you better analyze the gaps in your application. In case you are wondering how to get into HBS, you should understand the different perspectives considered in the application, what is the most critical factor that has the edge over every factor in the application, analyze what factors are under your control, and start working on those points.
Adding extracurricular activities to your exceptional work experience can make your resume appealing. Engage in extracurricular activities that showcase leadership and network with current students and alums to gain insights into the HBS culture and expectations.
To strengthen your application to Harvard Business School (HBS), it’s essential to address any gaps. Several criteria, such as your GPA, in the application may not be under your control. Still, parameters like GMAT test scores, essays, recommendation letters & interviews, which cover 56% of the application, are within your immediate control.
Aim for at least two years of work experience before applying. Having significant professional experience is advantageous. Focus on building a strong skill set. HBS values leadership abilities and analytical thinking, seeking candidates who excel in quantitative concepts and contribute respectfully to their communities.
To boost your application to HBS, having a strong academic profile and good test scores is important. The average GPA for students admitted to HBS is 3.73. There’s no set minimum, but aiming for at least a 3.7 is ideal, with 4.0 being ideal. While GPA is important, HBS also looks at other parts of your application.
For test scores, the average GMAT test score is 740. HBS accepts either GMAT or GRE test scores. If you decide to submit a GMAT test score, make sure it’s competitive. If you choose the GRE, the average test score for admitted students is 163. Since HBS is very competitive, it’s a good idea to aim for a GRE test score above 163.
To write a great personal statement or essay for HBS, keep it clear and to the point. Focus on what makes you unique, your strengths, and your work experiences.
Talk about your desire to make a positive difference in society. Show how your skills and leadership can help others. The admissions committee likes candidates who are passionate and want to give back.
Instead of simply reciting your resume, share what motivates you and how it has fueled your accomplishments. Outline your goals and explain why an MBA program from HBS is essential. Connect your past experiences with your future aspirations to build a strong case for why you’re an ideal fit for their program.
The next step in applying to Harvard Business School is to fill out the written application. HBS uses an online system where you can create your resume for the MBA program, list your references, and upload your essays. This may seem easy, but gathering everything can take longer than expected, so give yourself enough time.
You will need two recommendation letters. Inform your recommenders early, so they have plenty of time to write strong letters for you. Starting early also helps you build good relationships with them, which can make their letters even better.
The application form gives admissions officers critical details about your employment history, post-MBA goals, extracurricular activities, and awards. Therefore, allocating sufficient time to complete this section thoroughly and accurately is essential. Take care of the following things to apply for the MBA program along with your application:
Once you send your application, the board will review it. If all goes well, you might be invited for an interview. The interview is around 30 minutes and is conducted by the MBA Admissions Board. The questions will relate to your work experiences and background. Think of the interview as a conversation where you can share more about your work experience in detail.
After the interview, submitting a written reflection within 24 hours is important. This is a chance to share any final thoughts, address things you didn’t get to discuss or clarify any points that may need more explanation. You’ll receive specific instructions on how to do this only if you reach the interview stage of the MBA program, so keep an eye out for those details.
The total cost at HBS includes direct and indirect expenses. Many students pay for their education with scholarships, savings, and loans. Direct expenses, like tuition and fees, are charged to you directly. Indirect expenses, such as living costs, can vary depending on your lifestyle.
You may qualify for need-based scholarships, fellowships, outside scholarships, and loans, covering up to the total cost of attendance. This support helps make your investment in HBS more manageable.
Unique work experiences, like volunteering in crisis areas or starting a business in a different field, can show your initiative and resilience. These work experiences help you stand out from other candidates.
Instead of just listing achievements, share your challenges. Explain what you did to overcome them and how it helped you grow in your personal and professional journey.
Focus on improving other parts of your application, such as your personal statement, work experience, and leadership roles. This will help create a strong overall profile.
Share stories that show these skills in action rather than just saying you have soft skills. For example, describe times when you communicated well or worked with a team during tough projects.
Talk about work experiences where you led new projects, created better processes, or positively impacted your workspace/community. These examples show your creativity and ability to drive change.
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