Harvard Business School students bring a wide array of strengths and abilities with them when they enter the program. In order to maximize the benefits of this diversity, it is essential that students develop a common vocabulary of skills and terminology in key areas before they start class.

The first step is to complete six skill areas of academic preparation before they enroll. Attention to these areas—accounting and finance, quantitative methods, business writing, class participation skills, computer and calculator skills, and general business knowledge—before matriculation allows all students to share the same skills platform that is essential for a successful experience at HBS.

If necessary, students who have had little or no exposure to any of these skill areas are asked to use additional resources, such as local courses or the intensive on-campus Analytics Program, to further develop their capabilities.

Once academic preparation is complete, the student is ready to begin the MBA Program with Foundations.

Essay Questions:

MBA Class Entering Fall of 2004

Essays should be double-spaced. Limit your response to the length indicated.

1. Discuss a recent leadership experience. Briefly outline the situation and then describe your role, how you were effective, and what you learned. (400-word limit)

2. What are your three most substantial accomplishments, and why do you view them as such? (600 - word limit)

3. Describe a situation when you questioned your values and or beliefs. (400- word limit)

4. What do you find most challenging about working with a group? (400- word limit)

5. What are your career aspirations, and how can an MBA help you reach them? Why now? (400-word limit)

6. What do you wish the MBA Admissions Board had asked you? (400-word limit)

Application Deadline Dates: