Harvard Business School is shaking up its MBA application process for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. The prestigious institution announced that applicants will now need to respond to three short, focused essay prompts instead of the traditional single open-ended essay. This significant change aims to better identify candidates who align with HBS’s evolving criteria.
A Shift Towards Specificity in Admissions
Change is in the air at HBS. “Each year we review our application process holistically,” said Rupal Gadhia, managing director of MBA admissions. The new essays are designed to draw out specific qualities in applicants.
- Essay Topics:
- How have your experiences influenced your career choices?
- How have your experiences influenced what kind of leader you want to be?
- How have your experiences shaped the way you demonstrate curiosity?
This move encourages applicants to reflect more deeply on their personal journeys and aspirations.
Aligning with Core Values: The Reason Behind the Change
HBS is seeking students who embody certain common traits. Gadhia mentioned they’re looking for those “who desire to make an impact through business,” are “focused on investing in those around them,” and are “curious and growth-oriented.”
A table highlighting HBS’s desired traits:
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Impact through Business | Desire to make meaningful changes in the world |
| Investing in Others | Commitment to supporting and uplifting peers |
| Curiosity and Growth | Continuous pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement |
By directly tying the essays to these criteria, HBS hopes to select candidates who will thrive on campus and contribute positively to the community.
Looking Ahead: Potential for Future Admissions Cycles
Will this change stick around? It’s possible. “We’ve been encouraged by responses to the new criteria and essays,” Gadhia noted. The admissions team engaged with faculty and current students when developing the new prompts.
They’ll assess the impact after the current application season by:
- Evaluating applicant feedback
- Observing the quality of incoming students
- Considering the overall effectiveness of the new essays
Depending on these factors, HBS may continue using this format in the future.
