With a word count limit of 250 or 300 words per question, there is little wiggle room to digress. A common mistake is to delve too hastily into answering these questions without considering a broader application strategy. Applicants should spend time reflecting on their backgrounds, qualifications, and unique experiences and then provide focused yet well-thought-out answers addressing the prompts.

Let's dissect each of the questions.

Essay 1

Business-Minded: Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve (300 words max.)

According to a blog post by the HBS Admissions team, "We are looking for individuals who are passionate about using business as a force for good – who strive to improve and transform companies, industries, and the world."

Let's unpack that. There are many ways to look at a problem: policy perspective, compliance perspective, subject matter perspective, etc. HBS is looking for applicants interested in solving big problems and doing so via the lens of business management. They are looking for those who will build, grow, and lead sustainable organizations in the long run.

Even if you don't come from a traditional business background, this is your space to discuss how your background shaped your career path and how that brought you to consider a business degree. Make sure you provide specific examples that illustrate your point of view. Lastly, when discussing your planned impact, make sure you articulate how an MBA from Harvard Business School can help you get there.

Essay 2:

Leadership-Focused: What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (250 words max.)

Harvard Business School's mission statement is "to educate leaders who make a difference in the world." Therefore, exhibiting a habit of leadership is essential for any HBS applicant.

Leadership comes in many shapes and forms. It could be in a Fortune 500 boardroom or a kindergarten playground. With a class of 900+ students per year, HBS is looking to admit a diverse class of students who reflect the versatility of leadership.

In this essay, applicants should reflect on how their backgrounds have shaped their leadership styles and their personal definition of what leadership is vs. what it is not. Lastly, remember to not tell but show through your personal stories of actions you have taken as a leader. Be clear about what kind of leader you want to become and what development areas you need to work on to get there.

Essay 3:

Growth-Oriented: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth (250 words max.)

The HBS classroom is known for its case discussions. That is, 90 people sit in a classroom to exchange different points of view in a productive (and sometimes intense) debate, with the goal of expanding everyone's perspective.

Approaching these discussions with curiosity and humility is the basic prerequisite to succeeding in the HBS classroom. Admissions is looking for applicants who will not only excel and grow in this format but also help others in their growth.

Navigating the new HBS essay format can be daunting, but it also presents a unique opportunity to showcase your strengths in a structured, concise manner. By reflecting deeply on your career motivations, leadership experiences, and intellectual curiosity, you can present a compelling narrative that aligns with HBS's values.

If you need help with your HBS application, Ivy Advisors is here to assist. Our experienced team can provide the guidance you need to create compelling essays and present your best self to the admissions committee. Click here to explore our services and schedule a consultation today.

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