Harvard 2+2 (or similar program) Questions

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

I’m currently a college senior at a large public Midwestern institution, and I am considering applying to the Harvard 2+2 MBA program. I would like to know if I am a potential candidate, and would also like to learn more about what the admissions office looks for.

GPA: 3.9
GMAT: Haven’t taken yet. Assume 700+

I am a business major (heard they might not like those). I have completed multiple internships at top consulting / investment banking firms, and have a full time job offer at one of these places. I have minor entrepreneurship experience, but nothing worth bragging about (did win an award though).

I’ve been on executive boards since I was a freshman, and I am currently the executive director / president of multiple highly selective organizations on campus (with significant accomplishments in each). I have done much to serve my campus and community, and have won prominent campus awards for my commitment to excellence.

I also would have excellent letters of recommendation.

My main concerns are that I didn’t go to a top institution for undergrad and that I am a business major. No diversity here (unless red hair counts). What is the admissions office looking for? Would they consider an application like mine? I know I’m not giving a ton of information here.

2

Harvard says that the program was originally designed for non-business majors, but in recent years they have reversed that and take students from all fields. 18% of the admitted class of 2018 come from economics or business backgrounds. I’m not sure if that’s because they are less likely to get admitted or because they are more likely to take the traditional route to the MBA.

HBS also admits people from a wide range of undergrad schools. I do believe that they tend to favor students who went to top schools, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get admitted from a non-elite school.

If your GMAT score is high, given your high GPA and your record of leadership in active organizations on campus plus internships at top tech firms, I would say that you’d have as good a chance as any at the program. The acceptance rate is 12%, though, and many applicants are just as accomplished as you are.

What HBS says:

We’re looking for innovative thinkers who have demonstrated leadership and analytical skills and want to apply their knowledge and passion to make a difference in the world.