Deadlines:
Round 1: 9 September, 2026
Round 2: 5 January, 2027
Business-Minded Essay:
Please reflect on how your choices have influenced your career path and aspirations. (300 words)
Leadership-Focused Essay:
What experiences have shaped how you invest in others and how you lead? (250 words)
Growth-Oriented Essay:
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)
GMAT/ GRE:
HBS does not prefer one test over the other. You must take one test as HBS does not offer test waivers under any circumstances. You may however submit scores from an online attempt of GMAT/GRE
Recommendations:
You will require two recommendations; the best recommenders are people who know you really well. These could be colleagues, supervisors or people you work with on an activity outside work.
Recommendation questions are:
Please provide specific examples of how the applicant’s performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles. (300 words)
Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)
Resume:
Use a standard business resume. HBS does not ask for any specified format.
Interview:
These are by invitation only. Interviews last for exactly 30 minutes, whether they are in-person or on Skype. Within 24 hours of the interview, applicants have to submit a Post-Interview Reflection.
Get the details on: HBS’ interview process and post Interview Reflection
Reapplications:
Reapplicants have to submit an entirely new application.
2025-2026 Essay questions