Lee's Self-Evaluation (Harvard MBA 2003)

The requirement of HBS MBA essays is rigorous: from number to size. HBS asked almost every aspect of me as a person and as a professional, but gave me so little space to convey my points. Points, and right to the point! This is exactly what HBS wants, and this is the very style of HBS!

I suggest the coming applicants start working on the normal essays of other schools first. By normal, I mean 12 points, double-spaced, and no more than two pages. Even for such essays you will find a lot of redundancy and vagueness in the first few versions. Once you are satisfied with the normal essays, please trim them down to only the core points and evidence. These are for HBS.

Because of the nature of the HBS essays, an interview is highly recommended. The direct interaction with the admissions officer will help the Committee understand what you cannot express on a one-page paper. Unfortunately, however, the decision of giving an interview is controlled by HBS. Therefore, the invitation of an interview from HBS is encouraging. At least you are already half way to success! Accordingly, please review your essays and application carefully, and be prepared to help the admissions office to dig the real you out.