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Each application received is reviewed in depth by the MBA Admissions Board. When selecting students, we put an emphasis on applicants who are leadership-focused, business-minded, and growth-oriented. Find out more.

Please enter important information that you want the Board to know in the Additional Information section of the application.

Once the application has been submitted, the Admissions Board is unable to accept application updates other than contact updates. If invited to interview, applicants may inform the Board of updates at that time.

Our goal is to admit a class that offers a variety of perspectives. Therefore, we carefully consider individuals from a wide spectrum of academic and work experiences.

The Admissions Office receives the entire application in the appropriate format and all fields are viewed clearly by the Board. The document that the applicant can view is an unformatted version of the final document.

There is a nonrefundable application fee (credit card only) of $250 (USD)* for the MBA application and a reduced $100 (USD) fee for the 2+2 deferred admissions application to offset the cost of reviewing applications. All active duty military applicants do not have to pay the application fee. We continue to offer a need-based application fee waiver; to be considered, you will need to submit a request form after starting an application.

You do not need to hire a paid admissions consultant to get into Harvard Business School. We want everyone to have a fair chance, so our application and evaluation processes are designed to be clear and accessible. We recommend seeking the guidance of trusted friends, mentors, or family members as you put together your application, and highly encourage you to take advantage of our online resources and ongoing events. We also offer Application Help Sessions led by our Admissions team to assist candidates who have started their applications. Please note that the sign-up link for the Help Sessions is available in the application portal.

The HBS MBA Program is designed for students who have full-time work experience. The Admissions Board recommends that applicants have at least two years of full-time work experience (prior to enrolling). College seniors can apply through the 2+2 deferred admissions process in the expectation that they will be offered "deferred admission," i.e. an offer of admission to a future class conditional upon acquiring full-time work experience. It is important for candidates to assess their own readiness when deciding to apply; there is no universal "right" time.

Work experience includes opportunities in which applicants have been able to develop their professional and leadership skills. Typically this means full–time (35 hours or more per week) in a position after obtaining an undergraduate degree. Work experience in the military/armed forces that takes place before college may count toward professional experience.

Rather than focus on specific categories of work experiences, applicants should focus on the roles, responsibilities, and what they have learned from the types of work experiences in which they were involved. The Admissions Board will look at the nature of the applicant's work experience when evaluating the applicants' ability to handle the academic rigor of our MBA program.

The case method of learning used by our MBA program relies on exchanging perspectives. Our MBA students draw on their individual professional experiences when analyzing and discussing cases in class with their peers. Note: College seniors need to apply through the 2+2 deferred admissions process in the expectation that they will be offered "deferred admission," i.e. an offer of admission to a future class conditional on acquiring 2-4 years of full-time work experience.

Internships, co-ops, or other jobs you’ve done while in school can be included in your application, but typically these experiences aren’t counted as full-time work experience.

The Admissions Board suggests that one recommendation should come from a current or recent supervisor, if possible. Recommenders should be individuals who know the candidate well and who can attest to the candidate's leadership ability.

Candidates enter recommenders' names and email addresses into their online application. Recommenders then receive an email with a link to their recommendation. The recommendations are submitted separately from the candidates' application and will automatically be included in the application upon submission. Applicants should not wait for recommenders to submit their recommendations before submitting their applications.

Applicants should submit their applications as soon as they feel ready. Recommendations are submitted separately by the recommenders. Please bear in mind that it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all recommendations are submitted online by the deadline date for the round in which the applicant is applying.

You must take the GRE or GMAT by the application deadline. See Application Process for GMAT/GRE test date ranges. Unofficial scores are acceptable at the time of submission, but every applicant must request to have their official score submitted to HBS. You do not need to have the results of the GMAC Business Writing or the writing section of the GRE in order to apply; however, we expect you to complete this portion of the exam and we require a writing assessment for anyone admitted to the program.

Please note that the HBS code for the GMAT is HRLX892. For more information on the GMAT, please visit www.gmac.com. If you have applied to HBS in the past and decide to reapply, report your scores on your application. However, you will NOT need to have the testing services resend your official scores to us if the ones we have are still valid.

The HBS code for the GRE is 4064. For more information about the GRE, please visit www.ets.org/gre. If you have applied to HBS in the past and decide to reapply, report your scores on your application. However, you will NOT need to have the testing services resend your official scores to us if the ones we have are still valid.

No. We accept applicants with a wide range of test scores.

The Admissions Board hopes that all applicants will recognize the following: the full range of GMAT/GRE scores is very broad, that there is no "minimum" score requirement, and that the GMAT/GRE is just one piece of data among the many used to evaluate an application.

Yes, we accept both valid GMAT 10th Edition and the new GMAT Focus exams.

We will accept the new, shorter GRE beginning September 2023.

Yes. You do not need to have the results of the AWA section of the GRE in order to submit your application; however, we do require you to complete this portion of the exam and we will require an AWA score for anyone applying to the program.

Writing is an essential component of the MBA program. Therefore, to be admitted to HBS all students must have an official writing assessment. You can satisfy this with a valid GRE, GMAT (10th Edition), or English language test score. If you only submitted the GMAT Focus, which lacks a writing section, HBS will contact you at the interview stage about taking the separate GMAC Business Writing Assessment (to be released July 2024).

The GMAC Business Writing Assessment is a 30-minute writing assessment that asks you to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument, and then write a critique of that argument. You will need to evaluate the line of reasoning and the use of evidence presented in the argument. The arguments include a range of topics relevant to both business and general interest. Specific knowledge of the topic is not required.

We do not have a preference between the GRE and GMAT.

The only advantage of taking the writing assessment before it is requested would be completing it early and giving yourself time to retake the assessment if you wanted to improve your score.

The new writing assessment will be evaluated in the same holistic way as the rest of your application. The writing assessment allows us to directly observe your unaided writing and reasoning abilities to supplement what we learn about you from other application components. The timing of your submission does not impact how it factors into the overall admissions decision. Whether you submit the Business Writing Assessment before or after being invited to interview, your writing assessment will be reviewed along with your entire application profile. It will be considered as one data point among many that provides insight into your written communication skills.

Only one official writing assessment is required, there is no need to submit multiple tests.

Since the GMAT Focus Edition does not contain a writing section, HBS worked with GMAC (the makers of the GMAT exam) to offer an official writing assessment for students who would prefer to take the GMAT. We believe that giving candidates multiple options will allow them to select the standardized test that enables them to best display their writing skills.

Yes, you may take the GMAC Business Writing Assessment more than once. However, we will only review one writing assessment during the evaluation process.

There is no minimum score requirement for the Business Writing Assessment. It is one component of your whole application and will be evaluated in the context of the rest of your application.

No, we do not combine test scores from different sittings. You can use your GMAT 10th Edition scores, or you can take the GRE or the GMAT Focus (with a Business Writing Assessment).

Yes, you will need to take the new Business Writing Assessment if invited to interview.

Yes, your English Language test submissions satisfies the writing assessment.

No, please satisfy the writing assessment requirement by taking the GRE, GMAT 10th Edition, or GMAC Writing Business Writing Assessment (if you took the GMAT Focus). If you only submit the GMAT Focus, which lacks a writing section, HBS will contact you at the interview stage about taking the separate GMAC Business Writing Assessment.

If you have a degree (or degrees) from a university where English was NOT the sole language of instruction, you must take an English Language test (either the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test). Please note that HBS only accepts the Internet-based (iBT) version of the TOEFL.

Again, if you only have a degree (or degrees) from a university where English was NOT the sole language of instruction, you must take an English Language test (either the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test).

In this case, you are still required to take an English Language test.

Though it is not required as part of your application, we strongly recommend you take an English language test even if you have a graduate degree from a university program where the sole language was English.

TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), and Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years. See Application Process for test date ranges.

Please note that the HBS code for the TOEFL is 3444.

HBS does not have a minimum test score to apply, however, the MBA Admissions Board discourages any candidate with a TOEFL score lower than 109 on the iBT, an IELTS score lower than 7.5, a PTE score lower than 75, or a Duolingo score lower than 145 from applying.

No. We accept the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo English Test. You should take whichever test you prefer.

Transcripts must be scanned and uploaded to the application. Please do not mail a hard copy of your transcript. You may upload an "unofficial" or student copy of your transcript; however, we will request an official copy for verification purposes should you be admitted to HBS.

No. Although our students often have competitive undergraduate GPAs, there are many other equally important components of the application. GPA is just one factor the Admissions Board uses to evaluate a candidate.

Because we recognize that different schools use various grading criteria, it is difficult to determine an average GPA for the class. GPA is only one of many factors that the Admissions Board uses in evaluating an applicant. Check out our Class Profile page for statistics on our first-year class.

No, we do no accept transfer credits of any kind. All students are expected to complete the full HBS MBA Program.

Interview invitations typically come about four to six weeks after the application deadline. You will have the option to interview virtually, in-person on campus, or in-person at a domestic or international location. The timing of your interview does not imply anything about the status of your application nor does it impact your candidacy. The interview is a positive indicator of interest, but it is not a guarantee of admission.

Interviews are 30 minutes and are conducted by an MBA Admissions Board member who has reviewed your application. Your interview will be tailored to you and is designed for us to learn more about you in the context of a conversation.

The purpose of the interview is to better understand you as a candidate for our MBA Program. We encourage candidates to relax and be ready to talk about themselves.

Details for the Post-Interview Reflection will be emailed to candidates who participate in the interview process. Candidates must submit their reflection via our online application. Reflections must be submitted within 24 hours of interview completion.

You can email ApplyTech@hbs.edu for any questions on the application.

Notification dates are set according to each round. View dates.

Due to the large number of applications we receive each year, we cannot accommodate requests for personalized feedback on your application. Also, please understand that the decision of the Admissions Board is final, and we cannot advise you on whether or not you should reapply in the future.

Candidates should submit applications only for the year they plan to enroll in the MBA Program. Postponements and deferrals are granted rarely and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

There is a nonrefundable U.S. $100 application fee (credit card only). All active duty military applicants do not have to pay the application fee. As of Spring 2021, we offer a need-based application fee waiver.

For more information on applying to the 2+2 Program, please see the 2+2 Application page.

College students can only apply in the designated 2+2 Round (deadline typlically in April).

Yes. Candidates in the process of completing a master’s degree are eligible for the 2+2 program, as long as you did not take a full-time job between your undergraduate and master’s degree programs.

Yes. Domestic and international students alike are welcome to apply.

Yes. Interviews are conducted by invitation only and at the discretion of the MBA Admissions Board. If you are invited to interview, you must participate in order to complete the application process. We do not admit anyone to HBS without an interview; however, we do not interview all applicants.

We expect the 2+2 cohort size to be in the 100-125 range. For more information about the size and composition of the 2+2 Class, please see the 2+2 Program page.

The 2+2 Program accepts either the GMAT or the GRE as part of the application process. We do not have a preference for either test.

You must take the GMAT or GRE by the application deadline. See Application Process for GMAT/GRE test date ranges. Unofficial scores are acceptable at the time of application, but every applicant must request to have their official score submitted to HBS.

No. You cannot apply to a joint degree via the 2+2 Program. If admitted via the 2+2 application process, you will have the opportunity to apply to a joint degree in the year prior to your enrollment to HBS.

See Joint Degree Programs for more information.

We require two letters of recommendation as part of the 2+2 application process.

Recommenders should be individuals who know you well and who can relate specific and relevant details about your abilities and performance. We believe that supervisors from an internship or part-time work experience, professors, advisors, and mentors can all serve as equally good recommenders. The Admissions Board discourages recommendations from peers.

No. If you have previously applied to HBS through the 2+2 deferred admissions process, you will be at neither an advantage nor disadvantage in comparison to other applicants.

Yes. Admitted students pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $1000 to hold their place in the class.

No. If you plan to accept the HBS 2+2 offer you must withdraw applications from all other MBA programs (including deferral programs) and agree to not apply to additional MBA programs during your deferral period.

No. You are responsible for securing employment for at least two years after graduating from your undergraduate institution. You are expected to leverage the career services offered at your undergraduate institution as a primary resource.

No. Admitted 2+2 students have the flexibility to explore career options in a multitude of industries including traditional companies to start-ups as long as their positions help develop their professional and leadership skills. Historically, the variety of full-time positions admitted 2+2 students pursue have been similar to the diversity of industries and function areas that are represented in the MBA program.

Yes. You can apply to HBS through the 2+2 program as long as you are in your final year of undergraduate study. There are no minimum or maximum requirements for the length of time spent working toward your bachelor's degree.

No. HBS is unable to sponsor a work permit or visa during this time. You are welcome to pursue job opportunities in any country.

You are not limited to two years of deferral. In many cases, 2+2 admitted students defer for three or four years in an HBS-approved professional opportunity before matriculating to HBS.

No. Once 2+2 students begin their MBA experience on-campus, they will be integrated into the HBS community with all other students in the MBA Program.

The HBS classroom and community thrive when we bring together people who can share a variety of perspectives. We are looking for people who will be good community members, and this new essay format is designed to get to know you better and learn how you will engage at HBS and beyond.

You may write less, but you will not be able to write more than 300 words.

While living expenses vary from student to student, the Financial Aid and Scholarship Board uses the standard student budget in determining financial aid awards. This budget assumes a moderate student lifestyle. Please refer to the cost summary page.

HBS is committed to making the MBA Program accessible to students with a demonstrated financial need. Although students are encouraged to draw on personal resources wherever possible to minimize debt, approximately two thirds of Harvard Business School students receive some form of financial assistance, which is composed of a combination of scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Around 50% of the class receives need-based HBS Scholarships.

The case method prepares students for the challenges of leadership in the real world. Through the demanding, engaging, and proactive learning environment, it develops the knowledge, skills, and confidence to face the variety of difficult decisions that students will undoubtedly face throughout their careers. To learn more, you can watch Inside the HBS Case Method, read about the HBS Case Method in Action or schedule a class visit page.

Students spend their first two terms completing the Required Curriculum with a "section" of 90 students to which they are assigned. This group of students takes all their first-year classes together and becomes an intellectual and social circle. During the second year, students choose up to five courses per semester from a list of course offerings to build their elective curriculum of choice.

Yes. HBS students are able to cross register at Sloan School of Business at MIT, Fletcher school of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and any of the other Harvard University graduate programs. During your second year you are able to cross-register for up to two courses toward your MBA degree or may choose to cross-register for an extra course for enrichment only such as a language class.

Harvard Business School does not offer an online MBA. However, Harvard Business School Online (Harvard's online education initiative) does offer a Credential of Readiness for those interested in honing their business skills.

HBS has one MBA program, and it is offered only on a full-time basis. If you wish to pursue a part-time or executive-level program, you might be interested in exploring the Program for Leadership Development at HBS.

Yes, the HBS MBA is a STEM-designated degree. This allows all our students to pursue the opportunities a STEM-eligible degree affords. For example, this degree enables our international students on F-1 visas to qualify for a 24-month extension, allowing for 3 years of eligibility to work in the US after graduating, when paired with a STEM-designated role after HBS.

Assistance is available at HBS for students with disabilities, which may include mobility, vision, hearing, and other physical impairments or health conditions, as well as learning disabilities, attention deficit, and other processing disorders. Accommodations can be made for short-term disabilities related to accidents or medical conditions and treatments. Learn more about the support available at HBS

Harvard Business School is home to over 90 industry, regional, sports, and other student interest clubs. The Student Association offers over 200 leadership positions through which students can serve as liaisons between the MBA student body and the faculty and administration. Additionally, students have access to over 300 speaker events, 26 conferences, multiple career treks, and various social activities scheduled throughout the school year.

About 65% of HBS students live in HBS dorms or Harvard-affiliated housing. These residence halls range from dorm rooms to three-bedroom apartments. On-campus housing for matriculating students is assigned through a lottery.

The HBS campus is accessible via either car or public transportation. It is not necessary to own a car while living in the Cambridge/Boston area because of the convenient subway and bus systems.

Harvard Square and the neighboring Cambridge and Boston areas offer ample opportunities for students to take part in social and entertainment activities.

You can sign up for an on-campus information session and tour on our events page.

To schedule a class visit please refer to the visit page on of our website at least one to two weeks prior to your expected arrival date. Due to the high volume of class visit requests, you may only schedule one class visit. Class visits are not offered during the summer.

We hold Admitted Student Welcome events on campus in February and April. We also will host regional events in many cities throughout the world and virtual opportunities for admitted students to connect with one another and the HBS community.

Absolutely. HBS has many networking events and networking tools available to it students. For example, many student clubs organize treks to economic hot spots throughout the world, giving students unparalleled opportunities to network and learn about internship and job possibilities. Also, student clubs hold career-related events for specific areas of interest. Finally, students have the opportunity to network with the more than 40,000 HBS alumni have made themselves available to current students to help them explore career opportunities. To learn more about our networking offerings visit Your Career..