Learn about Harvard Business School's admissions criteria before you apply.
Harvard University founded its business school in 1908. The faculty developed the innovative case method of education in 1920. The school still uses this method today, requiring students to work with real-world problems faced by today's businesses. As of 2009, the school had nearly 2,000 students. In 2010, U.S. News & World Report ranked Harvard University first among the nation's business schools. Familiarize yourself with the school's admission criteria and requirements before you begin the application process.
Personal Qualities
The Harvard Business School website outlines certain qualities that the admissions committee looks for in applicants, including demonstrated leadership experience, capacity for intellectual growth and engaged community citizenship. The individual components of your application should demonstrate these qualities.
Age and Experience
Harvard Business School has no minimum age requirement or work experience requirements. The school encourages students who feel prepared for business school to apply directly from college. The school also welcomes applicants with five or more years of work experience. Detail all academic, extracurricular and professional experience on your resume. Indicate any awards or honors you have received as well.
Transcripts
You will need to submit an official transcript that represents an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution. Submit additional transcripts from any other institutions you might have attended during summers or a study-abroad semester.
Standardized Test Scores
Harvard accepts Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores as well as Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Applicants for whom English is a second language must prove their English proficiency by submitting a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.
Recommendations
Harvard requires applicants to submit three letters of recommendation. Ask recent employers or supervisors who know you well to write on your behalf. If you are applying directly from college, ask for letters from professors or faculty advisers.
Essays
Harvard Business School's application includes four essay questions. Do not exceed any explicit word limits for these essays.
Application Fee
Harvard Business School charges an application fee for the processing of your application. This fee fluctuates from year to year. You can pay it by check or credit card, or apply for a fee waiver if you are unable to pay.
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