Here is everything you need to get into Harvard Business School.

This guide is designed to help you make a decision about whether Harvard Business School is a good fit for you. In it, we give you a detailed look into the MBA course, including program offerings, extracurricular activities, and post-MBA opportunities. 

This guide also includes a wealth of resources that will strengthen your HBS application, including essay guidelines, interview advice, and letter of recommendation planning support.

We know this guide will be helpful for you and your MBA journey, and we wish you the best in your decision and application process! If you have any questions after reading, please feel free to contact us.

 

HBS School and Program Overview

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Located in Boston, attending Harvard Business School means you will have an entirely urban experience for your MBA. This gives you access to a large, diverse community with lots of opportunities for networking and fun activities. 

For example, in Boston, you can find the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Symphony, and the Museum of Science. And if you want a getaway, Cape Cod is a short drive away.

Getting around in Boston is pretty easy. The town and campus are very walkable, but if you need to go somewhere outside of walking distance, there are many public transportation options. Most areas are accessible by bus, subway, or trolley.
However, especially because of the high demand for housing, costs for rent can be expensive. Currently, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $3297. Another potential negative factor to consider is the harsh winters that Boston has.

Overall, HBS’s location is one full of opportunities and unique experiences, but you will have to reflect on whether a completely urban experience is one that you can afford and desire.

 

The HBS Community

HBS is known for admitting leaders who are simultaneously driven, bright, diverse, and community-oriented. The school heavily values a diversity of perspectives to influence every aspect of its community, from individual conversations to the classroom experience.

Photo courtesy of @harvardhbs on Instagram

“Community citizenship” is a key aspect of HBS, and admitted students are expected to be able to enrich their peers in some way. As the school mentions on their website, “we look for students who exhibit the highest ethical standards and respect for others, and can make positive contributions to the MBA Program. The right candidates must be eager to share their experiences, support their colleagues, and teach as well as learn from their peers.”

Class Size and Demographics

Every year, Harvard Business School admits the largest single MBA class in the world, with around 1000 students starting each year. In general, Harvard tends to admit applicants with 4.9 years of work experience and outstanding test scores. The median GMAT for the Class of 2025 was 740 and the median GRE was 163Q, 163V.   

Harvard also places a strong emphasis on diversity, with the Class of 2025 containing 45% women and 39% international students. 

Additionally, 38% of the HBS student body are international students. The breakdown of students by region is visualized below:

Photo courtesy of hbs.edu 

Tuition

Currently, the annual tuition at HBS is $74,910. 

With living expenses included (assuming a moderate lifestyle), that number goes up to $115,638.

Note that HBS has a range of need-based scholarships and fellowships available for those who cannot afford these costs.

Photo courtesy of hbs.edu 

 

Scholarships and Funding

HBS offers tuition assistance which, unlike most other top business schools, is based on need rather than merit. HBS’s financial support is available for both international and American students. Need is determined by three factors: gross income from the prior three years, assets, and socioeconomic background. The average scholarship is approximately $46,000 per year, or $92,000 total. 

HBS also offers fellowships for students who choose to explore career options, apply their classroom training in internships, and even start their own ventures during the summer between years one and two. Learn more about HBS’s financial aid opportunities here.

For information on how to get company MBA sponsorship, see our guide or visit this page. 

To search for third-party scholarships available for MBA candidates, click here.

For US nationals seeking federal loans, visit the US government website for financial aid. For private loans, see this list to see what firms are offering the best rates.

For international students interested in loans, we recommend the following institutions: Mpower Financing, Juno, or Discover.

 

Program Length

Harvard’s MBA is a two-year program. It is only offered as a full-time program, and there are no one-year options available.

 

Ranking

Across multiple ranking sources, HBS is consistently placed at the top. Financial Times has Harvard at #4 globally for all MBA programs, while it is ranked in 5th place by US News.

Employment Information

Another important consideration to make when deciding whether any business school is right for you is the MBA’s ROI – where graduates go and how well they succeed. You want to ensure that the investment you make in your MBA, both in terms of time and money, gets you the career boost you’re aiming for!

The first key indicator of the school’s preparation and reputation is how many students receive job offers immediately after graduation (this is usually within three months). Secondly is the median base salary, which shows the value that employers see in candidates as a combination of their previous experience and skills and knowledge gained during the MBA. We provide the median base salary for all MBA graduates, but we also recommend looking at HBS’s latest employment report to see detailed post-MBA salary information for your industry.

You will also want to consider each school’s career services and any resources they offer to support your post-MBA success. Part of the investment you make towards your MBA includes ensuring that you are getting the help you need to prepare for interviews, salary negotiations, and network-building. We include information about HBS’s career services below.

 

Key Statistics

Of those that sought employment after completing their MBAs in 2023, 86% received an offer. The top two functions that graduates pursued were consulting (26%) and finance (33%). 

The median base salary for graduates was $175,000, and the median signing bonus (which 57% received) was $30,000. 89% of graduates received jobs in the US, and 54% of them ended up in the Northeast. 
Photo courtesy of hbs.edu 

The majority of top employers of HBS MBA graduates were leading global brands. These include McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Google, KKR, and Blackstone.

 

Employment Services and Resources

HBS also offers excellent career services to support students and alumni in their post-MBA journeys. HBS’s Career and Professional Development team helps students find placements in both summer internships and full-time jobs after graduation. With connections to over 1,400 employers, HBS is well-positioned to support graduates to achieve quality employment.

One key resource that students and alumni can access is individual career coaching, which provides advice on CVs, cover letters, creating a career search strategy, preparing for interviews and negotiations, and networking. The team also provides programming and job fairs for both students and alumni and creates valuable employer relationships for the HBS network. 

 

Is Harvard Right for You?

Now you’ve got the basics of what HBS is all about. Before you read on to the details of Harvard’s MBA program, you may be wondering if the school is really right for you and your situation.

Our team here at Ellin Lolis Consulting is always excited to support our clients in deciding which MBA is right for you. From mapping out your business school brand and objectives to planning your visit to your top-choice schools, we get to know you so we can offer you the best support along each step of the decision-making process.

Learn more about our all-in consulting services here!

 

Academics at HBS

Now you’ve got the basics of what HBS is all about. Before you read on to the details of Harvard’s MBA program, you may be wondering if the school is really right for you and your situation.

Considering the fact that you can only do one MBA, choosing where to apply is the most important decision you will make during your application process. 

Though there are many components to a successful business school application, it’s important to know what you want out of your MBA. One of the most important aspects of an MBA program is academics. After all, you’ll spend most of your time in the classroom, preparing for class, or studying for exams!

In this section, we go into depth about just what you can expect during your Harvard MBA. 

 

Curriculum

HBS’s MBA curriculum is focused on giving students a balance of theory and practice, and includes its infamous case method. 

During the first year at HBS, all students are required to take the same core courses and complete FIELD, a year-long program that immerses students in real-life leadership experiences to develop their interpersonal skills. The core curriculum provides a solid foundation of general management concepts and skills across key topics like finance, marketing, and operations.

Photo courtesy of @harvardhbs on Instagram

Then, during the summer after the first year, students are required to fulfill the HBS Summer Work Experience by working either in an entrepreneurial venture or with an established organization.

Year two is when HBS students are able to personalize the curriculum a bit more. Students are allowed to take up to 5 elective courses per semester and also have the opportunity to cross-register for courses in other graduate programs.

 

Joint Degrees

For students interested in studying at the intersection of business and other fields, there are many options available at HBS. The school offers seven joint degree programs designed to prepare individuals for complex leadership challenges that balance expertise with effective management skills.

The most common joint degree applications that our clients have pursued are the MBA/MPP (Master of Public Policy) or the MBA/MPA-ID (Master of Public Administration-International Development), both in partnership with the Harvard Kennedy School, and the MS/MBA in which students share their studies between HBS and Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

 

Notable Faculty

HBS’ faculty are world-renowned practitioners and researchers who use their experience to bring to life leadership lessons and challenges as they orchestrate a case discussion.

Bozoma Saint John, Netflix’s chief marketing officer, has become a recent professor at HBS, teaching a short intensive program on authentic leadership. Before Netflix, Bozoma led marketing at Beats, before moving to become head of global consumer marketing at Apple Music. She also had a brief stint at Uber as chief brand officer. 

Michael Porter’s extensive research is widely recognized in governments, corporations, NGOs, and academic circles around the globe. His courses address some of the most challenging problems facing corporations, economies, and societies.

Amy C. Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at HBS, has been recognized by the biannual Thinkers50 global ranking of management thinkers since 2011, and most recently was ranked #1 in 2021. Her most recent book, The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth, offers a practical guide for organizations serious about success in the modern economy.

 

Pedagogy

Instruction style

In general, there are three primary teaching styles: case studies, experiential learning, and lectures. The HBS MBA emphasizes the first two styles throughout the two-year program.

The case study method, which HBS’s curriculum is known for, relies on providing students with real or simulated business cases, which they must analyze and openly debate in class. HBS’s use of the case method allows for nuanced discussions of business problems and solutions. This allows students to problem-solve with a variety of new perspectives and approaches, even if students are unfamiliar with the topic of focus. 

Experiential learning opportunities mainly take place in the FIELD experience, which is required during the first year of the program, and the summer internship that is required between years 1 and 2. 

 

Labs

Harvard’s Innovation Labs are described as “ an ecosystem that exists to support Harvard students and select alumni in their quest to explore the world of game-changing innovation and entrepreneurship.” 

Photo courtesy of innovationlabs.harvard.edu

Within these labs, students and alumni can speak to faculty mentors and industry experts, attend community events and workshops, and collaborate on projects within the groups’ meeting and lab spaces.

International study programs

All first-year students will go through leadership training in FIELD, and then at the end of the spring term, go on a FIELD Global Immersion to develop a new product or service for a global partner company.  

Second-year students also have the chance to complement this experience with an Immersive Field Course (IFC), in which they apply theory learned from the HBS curriculum to real-life problems in companies around the world.

 

Networking and Extracurricular Activities

The quality and extent of any business school’s community and network are key to assessing how the MBA will support your goals and objectives. While the MBA’s academic offerings are certainly one of the most important considerations, the influence and support of others connected to the school are one of the most influential aspects of getting an MBA.

Photo courtesy of @harvardhbs on Instagram

As for the school’s networks and alumni community, some programs have stronger connections than others. You will want to consider whether the school has good connections to the regions and/or industries that you are aiming for, and whether or not alumni networks exist where you are headed post-MBA. Not only will this be a chance for you to stay connected after graduation, but it can also get you lifelong career support and opportunities.

 

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

In clubs and extracurricular activities, you will meet others who can expand your perspectives, give you innovative ideas, and potentially become future business partners. When exploring each school’s extracurricular opportunities, see whether there are activities that align with your goals, values, skill gaps, or general interests.

With more than 95 clubs and over 200 leadership positions within HBS’s Student Association, there are many ways for students to refine their leadership and organizational management experience, explore interests, and make lifelong connections.

Clubs at HBS give students access to many opportunities such as workshops, speakers, and conferences. 

Photo courtesy of @harvardhbs on Instagram

Whether you are interested in networking with others from your region or social group (e.g. LatAm Club, South Asian Business Association, Women in Investing Club), exploring your industry further (e.g. Venture Capital & Private Equity Club, Social Enterprise Club), or simply finding others with similar personal interests (e.g. Whisky, Bourbon & Spirits Society, Hospitality & Travel Club), there are certainly a number of clubs that fit your profile and objectives.

 

Networking and Alumni Opportunities

In addition to experiencing HBS’s tight-knit student community, MBA students and grads have access to the school’s one-of-a-kind alumni network. HBS has a large and diverse alumni community, with more than 85,000 alumni located in 173 countries. 

Whether you are a student or an alumna, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with other HBS MBA grads, no matter where you are in the world. There are global networking events that take place in cities across the globe, and even 97 regional alumni clubs that you can join!

 

What Makes HBS Special?

Apart from being a consistently well-ranked school with an excellent reputation among employers, there are a few key aspects that make HBS unique:

• The case method: Instead of relying on lectures, HBS’s curriculum is based on ensuring that students can apply their learnings to real-life cases. This approach prepares students for leadership in their careers where they are forced to solve complex problems.
• The community: While HBS’s MBA class is one of the largest in the world, its organization into sections of 90 students allows for close communities of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and perspectives to come together for all first-year classes and social activities outside of the classroom.
• The FIELD program: This program is HBS’s most famous experiential offering and is a requirement for all MBA students. The first part is focused on developing key skills and theories around leadership, and the second part puts students in teams that collaborate with real-life companies in emerging markets to solve their most pressing issues.

HBS resources & templates to get you admitted

Now that you know just about everything there is to know about HBS and its opportunities, you may be considering applying. Luckily, our expert team at Ellin Lolis Consulting has a wealth of HBS-specific resources to make your application stand out and succeed. 

HBS Essay Analysis

Receiving more than 8,000 applications per year, Harvard Business School is one of the most difficult MBA programs to enter. 

This post will help you use your Harvard admissions essays to stand out. You’ll find an analysis of who HBS is looking for, the essay questions, and what to (and not to!) do. We’ve also included sample essays. All in all, using this guide will ensure you give your Harvard application your best shot.

Access the guide here.

 

HBS Interview Prep

The Harvard interview is one of the most sought-after – and most difficult – interviews to land in the business school world. Luckily, we’ve created this exclusive guide to help you prepare an HBS interview that stands out from the competition.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up not only our best tips from our interview team but have also included sample HBS interview questions.

Access the guide here.

 

Additional HBS Resources

Looking for even more resources to ensure you get into HBS?

Our MBA Resource Center is the perfect tool to start – or improve! – your Harvard application. In our MBA Resource Center, you get access to:

• Dozens more successful HBS essays
• An exclusive essay brainstorming guide
• Letter of recommendation guides and templates
• Résumé templates 
• Additional resources like interview mocks and sample interview essays 

Our MBA Resource Center is the tool you need to turn an average application into an outstanding application that earns you a spot at HBS! 

 

Our Clients Get Admitted To HBS

Don’t just take our word for it – take a look at the following testimonials from some of our clients who were admitted to HBS.

 

Landing a spot at Harvard Business School is no easy task. Now is the time to make sure your accomplishments truly shine. 

Ellin Lolis Consulting began with one mission: provide the best possible service to our clients and get them the best possible results. We know that applying for an MBA can be a difficult, long process, but our goal is to take away as much of the stress as possible by acting as your ally in the process. 

So if you need much more than just a few comments on your essay, but instead want focused help shaping how you present your life’s greatest hits to one of the world’s toughest critics, you can count on us. 

That’s why we have a 98.9% success rate. We love digging deep into your story, finding what makes you unique, and sharing your accomplishments and why you belong at HBS, all without losing your voice.

If you want our one-of-a-kind, expert support in getting admitted to HBS, apply to work with us and let our award-winning team help you make an unforgettable first impression on Harvard’s admissions committee.

Additional resources to help you get admitted to HBS

While preparing your MBA application, the following resources created by Ellin Lolis Consulting will help you ensure you are not just doing everything right, but developing an outstanding and competitive application.

Deciding and Planning 

• How to Decide Where to Apply to Business School
• Your Complete Timeline for MBA Application Success
• How to Create Your Business School Brand
• When Should You Start Preparing Your MBA Application?
• MBA Application Rounds: When Should You Apply?
• 3 Key Ways MBA Consultants Help You Build a Better Application Strategy

Writing your Essays and Résumé

• Your Complete Guide to Writing Winning MBA Essays
• How to Choose Your MBA Essay Stories (webinar)
• How to Write an MBA Goals Essay that Lands You an Interview
• 3 Reasons MBA Consultants Are Critical When Identifying and Telling MBA Essay Stories
• How to Use Storytelling to Write Standout MBA Essays
• How to Highlight Uniqueness in Your MBA Essays
• How to Discuss Failures and Weaknesses in Your MBA Essays
• How to Write an MBA CV

Letters of Recommendation

• How to Choose the Best Recommenders for Your Application
• How MBA Consultants Can Help you Obtain Better Letters of Recommendation
• How to Secure MBA Letters of Recommendation

MBA Interview Prep

• How to Be an Interview Rockstar and Leave a Great Impression
• The 5 Toughest MBA Interview Questions and How to Ace Them
• 5 Critical MBA Interview Mistakes Non-native English Speakers Make (And How to Stop Making Them)
• Ask These Questions During Your MBA Interview
• 3 Key Ways MBA Consultants Can Help You Prepare for Your MBA Interviews
• The 3 Most Common MBA Interview Mistakes (and How to Avoid Making Them) (webinar)

After Getting Accepted

• You’ve Just Been Accepted to Business School! Now What?
• MBA Application Fundamentals: What To Do After You’re Admitted

 

Get Expert Help and Secure Your Spot at HBS

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to the Harvard Business School MBA.

I know that applying for an MBA can be a difficult, long process, but arming yourself with information about your top-choice programs, planning ahead, and finding your application ally can take away as much of the stress as possible in the process. 

So, whether you need help developing your HBS essay or guidance shaping how you present your greatest hits to one of the world’s toughest critics, you can count on my amazing team and me.