How To Get Into Harvard: 3 Things You Need To Show

For ambitious leaders eyeing the top tier, Harvard Business School is a beacon of excellence. 

But the path to this prestigious institution is riddled with challenges and competition. Harvard looks for individuals with exceptional promise—future captains of industry with the credentials to match.

So, in a sea of high-achieving applications, how can you ensure yours sails through the gates of Harvard? Here are the three non-negotiables to showcase when applying to HBS. No gimmicks, no buzzwords—just the raw essentials that separate who gets into Harvard from who gets dinged.

 

The Habit of Leadership: Beyond the Roles You’ve Held

“Leadership” is a term often thrown around in applications. But at Harvard, it’s not just about what’s on your resume but what’s written between the lines.

To impress the adcom, demonstrate your readiness to go above and beyond by showcasing instances where you initiated change, led a team, or spearheaded projects.

Remember that impact can be measured in different ways. It can be in the form of quantitative results, personal growth stories, or resilience in the face of adversity. 

For example, did you revamp your company’s social media strategy and increase engagement by 40%? Fantastic. Make sure you include this! Did you mentor a junior colleague who went on to become a team leader? Equally awesome. Remember, the habit of leadership transcends job titles and job descriptions.

 

Analytical Aptitude: Communicating Complexity With Clarity

“Analytical” is more than a buzzword—it’s a way of thinking, problem-solving, and communicating. At Harvard, you won’t just present solutions; you’ll dissect and defend them under intense scrutiny with the ‘HBS Case Method.

In your application, this calls for transcripts with an upward trajectory, scores that sparkle, and essays that prove you have the intellectual horsepower needed to thrive in the academically rigorous HBS environment. 

Whether it’s reengineering a supply chain, parsing market trends, or increasing operational efficiency, you need to show your mettle with numbers that support the narrative.

However, a strong case is null without the skills to present it clearly. Harvard alumni are known for their succinctness, a skill you must showcase in your communication—both written and verbal. Can you explain a complex issue in a few clear, persuasive sentences? That’s also part of the test.

 

Engaged Community Citizenship

An MBA at HBS isn’t just an academic pursuit; it’s a crucible for personal and professional growth within the wider context of their communities. Clear evidence of community engagement and actionable plans to contribute distinctively are crucial when applying.

Consider your local community as a classroom. What have you learned, and how have you contributed? 

Whether it’s your impact on company culture, a leadership role in your neighborhood’s civic council, or volunteering in an NGO, every experience speaks to the citizen you are—and will be—within the Harvard community and beyond.

But it’s about more than what you’ve done; it’s also about what you can bring. The classroom diversity at HBS is not just about demographics but about perspectives. How can your background and unique point of view enrich the discussion, challenging and shaping Harvard’s legacy of producing leaders with a service-oriented mindset?

Engaged, proactive, and perspective-enriching is the trifecta HBS is looking for under community citizenship.

 

Customizing Your HBS Application

Your Harvard application must be carefully crafted to showcase exactly what you have to bring to the table. Here’s how to blend three central pillars into an application that truly represents you.

The Personal Essay

This is your chance to tell your unique story and reveal the essence of who you are beyond the data. Let’s delve deeper into how you can make your personal essay shine and resonate with the HBS admissions team.

Reflect on Impactful Experiences

Begin by reflecting on key experiences that define your journey. Consider moments where you navigated complex work scenarios, initiated change, or demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. These instances, whether professional or personal, provide a window into your character and values.

Embrace Authenticity and Vulnerability

Authenticity is key to crafting a compelling personal essay. Don’t shy away from sharing personal anecdotes that reveal your vulnerabilities and growth areas. Admissions committees value candidates who demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to learn from their experiences.

Showcase Your Leadership Philosophy

Aim to articulate the guiding principles that drive your decision-making and leadership style. Share insights into the values that underpin your actions, the ethical frameworks you adhere to, and the vision that propels you forward.

 

The Recommendations

Your referees play a vital role as your advocates in the application process. It’s crucial to guide them in showcasing the core of your leadership abilities, analytical acumen, and community involvement. 

Selecting the Right Recommenders

When choosing your recommenders, opt for individuals who can provide a holistic view of your professional strengths and personal qualities. Consider those who have closely observed your work ethic, problem-solving skills, and teamwork dynamics.

Crafting a 360-degree Portrait

Encourage your referees to delve into the nuances of your performance by offering concrete examples and stories. These narratives should highlight not only your accomplishments but also your growth trajectory and response to feedback.

Demonstrating Impact and Growth

An effective letter of recommendation goes beyond generic praise to offer specific insights into your contributions and potential. Ensure your referees address key aspects such as your comparative performance, principal strengths, areas of growth, and responses to constructive feedback. 

 

The HBS Interview

Preparing for an HBS interview demands readiness for rigorous assessment. Expect case-like questions that require methodical breakdowns and strategic discussions, and prepare yourself to engage in a dynamic dialogue rather than delivering a one-sided monologue.

Embracing Case-Based Inquiry

During your interview, you’ll be presented with complex business dilemmas or real-world challenges that demand analytical thinking and strategic decision-making. Approach these questions methodically, dissecting the issues, considering multiple perspectives, and proposing well-reasoned solutions.

Showcasing Problem-Solving Skills

Your interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your capacity to tackle complex problems and navigate ambiguous situations effectively. Illustrate your problem-solving approach, decision-making rationale, and outcomes achieved to provide concrete examples of your analytical acumen and strategic thinking.

 

Make Sure You Prepare a Successful Harvard Application

Getting into the HBS MBA is no easy feat. 

With multiple essays, numerous letters of recommendation, and admissions interviews, a successful application to Harvard requires that you carefully think about all aspects of your profile and craft the most cohesive, compelling narrative possible. 

Starting from scratch, though, can leave many applicants like you feeling confused and uncertain they are developing an application that will impress the Harvard admissions committee. 

That’s why we created our MBA Resource Center, which includes everything you need to get into the Harvard MBA, all in one place. This includes dozens of sample essays, recommendation letter questions and guides, sample letters of recommendation, MBA CV templates, interview mock sequences, and even sample answers to the most common interview questions. 

In short, our Resource Center puts the Ellin Lolis Advantage into your hands, giving you exclusive access to the materials we used to help maintain our 98.9% success rate.

The Ellin Lolis MBA Resource Center has helped countless applicants around the world get into Harvard. Sign up today to put this competitive advantage to work for you.