How hard is it to get into Harvard Business School?

Harvard employs the case study method, using scenarios from real business leaders. Students debate approaches for protagonists to take in a variety of situations and challenges across multiple industries. Students tackle a whopping 500 cases during their two years at Harvard.

"It can be easy to fall into the trap of applying to Harvard solely based on name recognition," says Ayo Ekhator, another member of HBS's MBA class of 2023. "But I think the most successful process is had by those who take time to research what Harvard offers on academic, social, and professional levels."

HBS students had an average undergrad GPA of 3.7, 4.7 years of work experience, and a 730 GMAT score. While these numbers are impressive, they do not guarantee admission into HBS. Students come from engineering, economics, and business/commerce backgrounds.

HBS wants to see who you are as a candidate beyond these factors. To that end, focus on your letters of recommendation, essays, and interviews. These are what will differentiate your candidacy. HBS sees its application process as a two-way street and they want applicants who want to learn about HBS like they want to learn about you.

To that end, use your essay and interview as an opportunity to tell your story. HBS is looking for certain qualities and it's all about the context of your own experiences, your perspectives, and your values. It's really important to tell your story. It is critical to mention:

• Why is it the right time to pursue your MBA?

• What are your goals?

• What are you hoping to get from the program?

• Where do you want to be in the end?

• Why do you want to earn your MBA?

HBS typically invites one in five applicants to an on-campus interview, Losee says, and of those interviewees, about half are eventually admitted. HBS admissions board members conduct the interviews and they will know your application to the letter. They know your story from your essay.

To nail the interview is to know yourself and to be able to justify your decisions. Googling HBS interview questions is not recommended as this will be tailored specifically to you. To prepare, memorize your application and practice explaining your "whys'.

Think beyond the two years you will spend at HBS and investigate the industries that you are interested in pursuing. Unfortunately, you must also be prepared for rejection. There are so many people each year who have fantastic backgrounds who are rejected. It is really important to not let a negative decision from HBS derail your goals.