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Harvard Essay 3

Why do you want an MBA? (400 words)

Harvard Essay 3 Tips

This a goals essay that asks you why you want the Harvard MBA and also possibly gives scope for answering the 2010-2011 prompt "What is your career vision and why is this choice meaningful to you?". How much of the essay you want to devote to the goals and how much to Harvard depends entirely on you.

Some lucid thinking and creativity will go a long way in transforming this from a well-disguised sleeping pill to the high point of your Harvard application. With the loose structure of the question Harvard gives you greater scope than in a usual "career goals" question.

This essay implicitly tests you on how serious are you about seeking admission to Harvard. How specific and convincing you can be about Harvard's contribution to your further growth will decide the fate of this essay. After defining your goals and explaining your vision, move on to why the Harvard MBA makes most sense for you. Try to establish a perfect fit between your goals and Harvard. Think about why you are taking all this trouble applying to Harvard in the first place. Detail what skills, knowledge, relations, thoughts or anything else you expect to gain from HBS that will aid you in pursuing your goals. Take steps to learn as much as possible about Harvard using online and offline modes - websites, current Harvard students, alumni, Harvard fairs/receptions. The objective is to implicitly or explicitly demonstrate that your application is a reflection of your serious and specific interest in Harvard.

Do bear in mind that the theme you choose for the fourth essay can impact this essay, especially if you want to focus on your goals in the next essay (e.g. "What is your career vision and why is this choice meaningful to you?").

Do your best!

Harvard Essay 4

Answer a question you wish we'd asked. (400 words)

Harvard Essay 4 Tips

Infinite possibilities! You have the freedom to write on absolutely ANYTHING you want to tell the Harvard admissions committee. Use this mouth watering opportunity to traverse an area in your personality or life that has not been covered in the other essays.

Some essay options from previous years will help you identify options: "What would you like the MBA Admissions Board to know about your undergraduate academic experience?" "What is your career vision and why is this choice meaningful to you?" "Tell us about a time in your professional experience when you were frustrated or disappointed." "When you join the HBS Class of 2013, how will you introduce yourself to your new classmates?" "What area of the world are you most curious about and why?" "Discuss how you have engaged with a community or organization." "Tell us about a time when you made a difficult decision."

Feel free to choose from essays of other b-schools as well.

Have fun!