HBS has released its essay question for the 2013-14 season, and it goes:

• You’re applying to Harvard Business School. We can see      your resume, school transcripts, extra-curricular activities, awards,      post-MBA career goals, test scores and what your recommenders have to say      about you. What else would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy?

There is no word limit for this question. We think you know what guidance we’re going to give here. Don’t overthink,overcraft and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that those of us who don’t know your world can understand.

In the words of Director of Admissions, Dee Leopold, there’s “neither a ‘right answer’ nor a ‘correct length’ in mind”.  Just write what you believe is essential for the adcom to know about you and has not been said already in the rest of the application.

Further, Ms. Leopold has mentioned on her blog, that “it’s not an essay-writing contest. There is always –and will always be – great variance in both subject matter and degree of polish in the essays of admitted candidates. Maybe there will be admits this year who say we don’t need to know anything else beyond the credentials they have already submitted – for them, the application may be “essay-less”. I also think that removing the word limit brings this process closer to the way things work in the Real World which is always our goal”.

The written application is the first stage of the selection process. Selected applicants are invited to interview following which they have to submit a written reflection of the interview within the next 24 hours.

And then wait for the results!