<p>I am currently a freshman enrolled at the University of Scranton, PA. as a Mathematics Nad Physics double major and I am very interested in the Harvard Business School 2+2 program, and I was wondering what does it take to get in?</p>
<p>I understand that a high GPA, high GMAT, and other stuff are expected.
But there any specific steps I should be doing? Like taking GREs and subject tests, extra curriculars, etc.</p>
<p>Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>My understanding of the 2+2 program (and this is mainly from my two friends who got in last year) is that they are looking for non-traditional business students. I think they especially like students in subjects like biology. But of the two students I know, one was a social studies major who had zero business background (internships or classes) and the other was a bio/chem major who had zero background as well.</p>
<p>Yes, I found out that 48% of the students they accepted last year had backgrounds in Humanities/Social Sciences.</p>
<p>So do they expect us to do well on the GMATs without any knowledge or business?
Because I am already starting on going through the GMAT resources that my school library offers.</p>
<p>what advice would u guys give for a college freshman pol sci major? I really am looking forward to applying junior year. All I know is I have to brand myself somehow (figuratively speaking)… I feel like I’m a blank canvas so I’m open to any ideas.</p>
<p>For all you freshman - I wouldn’t shape my college experience on getting into a program that only accepts ~100 people. Freshman year, I would keep my grades up, try and get involved around campus, possibly secure an internship over the summer (this may not be necessary), take classes I’m interested in with professors I admire, and lay the groundwork for leadership positions later in my college career (freshman tend to have fewer leadership positions open to them, which is not a detriment).</p>
<p>I would NOT choose a major based on what I think 2+2 “wants,” start activities for the sole reason of getting into HBS, etc.</p>
<p>Sophomore year: I would continue to excel GPA-wise and focus on securing a summer internship for the summer between soph and junior year (this, I think, is key. I didn’t meet anyone at my 2+2 interview that did not have internship experience). Again, I would focus on what <em>I</em> was interested in, rather than trying to brand myself for HBS. I would get heavily involved in my campus community, perhaps take on some leadership positions in clubs or student government, etc.</p>
<p>Junior year: Obviously, this is the key year for the 2+2 program. Beyond taking the GMAT (which, as was pointed out, requires ZERO business knowledge), and maintaining a high GPA, this year, you should really define yourself in terms of leadership. Organize a speaker, become a club president/on the board, start a small business, and make sure it is something YOU are interested in, not something you think HBS wants to see. They recognize and reward passion, they are bored when they feel like you are doing it all for them. It should be for you. Craft your essays and create your brand NOW - do not try and do it in freshman year.</p>
<p>That is just my perspective as a 2+2 admit. I figure everyone admitted probably needs:
Campus involvement
A high GMAT/GPA (there are exceptions, of course, but these are good things to have whether you apply to 2+2 or not)
Internship experience, in business or elsewhere - while they are trying to take some kids who wouldn’t have pursued business, and don’t want you as much if you are getting a BBA, if you have pursued business extracurriculars, it probably won’t hurt you. As an adcom said at an info session at my school, “Obviously these kids are at least a little interested in business - they’re applying to business school!”
Solid recommendations. That is something, again, regardless of the 2+2 program, you want to have. From freshman year onward, develop a relationship with “mentors” - professors, supervisors at internships or campus jobs, etc. The longevity and impact of your relationship will go far towards their writing a stellar LOR for you.</p>
<p>I just looked at the HBS 2+2 Class Profile for the class of 2014 on the HBS website. It shows that 6% of the 115 people admitted had a background in Business Administration. I found this somewhat interesting since the HBS FAQ also says the following:</p>
<p>“The 2+2 Program is primarily targeted towards students who are not already on a business track (i.e. students studying the liberal arts, sciences, engineering, etc.). If your current academic training and internship experiences put you on a solid foundation to advance in a business career, 2+2 may not be the right program for you. We encourage candidates with a strong track record of leadership and business exposure to consider applying as college seniors to our regular MBA Program.”</p>
<p>So basically this means 6-7 people were admitted to HBS 2+2 WITH a background in Business Administration. Can someone please give me various reasons why such people may have been accepted? I guess there is an exception to every rule. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I am a senior at Brandeis, B.S in Health Science and Business. GPA 3.76
I am working on my senior honors thesis about commercial surrogacy, does that add any value to my application?
GMAT ranges from 630-690
I had 3-4 internships in different hospitals in Boston, ranging from marketing, clinical research to Development. I worked as research assistant for a professor at Brandeis.
As for extra curricular activities, I have been Marketing Coordinator for Parents Weekend, Event Coordinator for Cultural Club, and Coordinator for a big production that showcase performances from different clubs on campus.</p>