Top 5 Tips On Getting Into Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School offers some of the best, highly-selective and reputed MBA programs in the world. Graduating from such a prestigious institute can help you secure a successful career. But the challenges that come with cracking the admission process are endless, and if you are not a legacy or an athlete, more so. But worry not, here are a few tips on how you can stand a better chance at getting into this elite university. Mind you, these are just tips and not tricks, for the admission officers can smell foul play from a distance. So just be yourself and shout ‘I can do it’ as you prepare yourself for this journey.

5 Tips To Get Into HBS

1. FIND YOUR CALLING

For many students, the Ivy League is their lifelong dream. And even if it’s not, it is never too late to prepare yourself for this challenge. Start today! Select your undergraduate subjects wisely. Focus on the ones you wish to pursue at Harvard and try to score your best. Though Harvard Business School accepts applications from different fields, a degree in these subjects before joining have a proven record of success.

2. MAINTAIN GOOD GRADES

Though marks aren’t everything, they can definitely give you an edge over the other applicants. Consistent and good GPA can really go a long way in making a good first impression. So, maintain your grades throughout your undergraduate program. Don’t be discouraged if it isn’t a perfect score, show consistency in growth. Attempt for an excellent score in GMAT or GRE. Harvard’s average GMAT score is 730, so try to be in a range of 650-800. The GRE range for applicants should be about 155 to 166 for Verbal and 155 to 170 for Quantitative.

3. RESEARCH AND GUIDANCE

Visit different sites, read books, ask for opinions, so you get to know about the opportunities around you. Don’t hesitate to ask for professional help. The more prepared you are the more confident you will seem. Review profiles of people who have graduated from HBS. Understand the different elements considered in applications and alter yours accordingly. To avoid making mistakes that might cost you your seat at Harvard business school refer to this blog- 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid in Your Resume for College Applications

4. A GOOD ESSAY THAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT

Show Harvard why choosing you is a good choice. Tell them about yourself, your personality, your work experiences, etc. Show them why you deserve to be at Harvard Business School and the different ways in which you can contribute to the world of technology and commerce. Emphasize on your leadership skills and potential.

5. WORK EXPERIENCE

To get into HBS, the MBA requirements for work experience is atleast three to four years of work experience for the full-time MBA program. The Harvard 2+2 program does allow undergrad students to get admitted and then gain work experience for two years. But having more experience will help you apply your knowledge in understanding the case studies presented to you in class and contribute even more. Apply for internships and jobs that develop and strengthen your skillset. Internships open up various opportunities for you and build networks which might help you in the future.

If you are not confident in yourself, then wait for a year or two before applying. Seize every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd and do something that no one else is doing. And finally, believe in yourself!