Harvard MBA Review

Key Takeaways

Program Overview: The Harvard MBA is a two-year, full-time program designed to provide a solid foundation in general management and leadership. The curriculum includes case studies, FIELD projects, and tech simulations to prepare students for real-world business challenges.

Class Profile: The Harvard MBA Class of 2025 consists of 938 students from a variety of industries including financial services, consulting, technology, and healthcare. The class is diverse, with 45% women and 39% international students representing 66 countries. The median GMAT score is 740, highlighting the program's competitive nature.

Tuition Fees: The tuition fee for the Harvard MBA program is $74,910 per year. However, when including living expenses, healthcare, and other costs, the total estimated cost for the two-year program is approximately $236,804.

Average Salary and Employment: Graduates from the Harvard MBA program enjoy strong employment prospects, with a median base salary of $175,000 and an average signing bonus of $30,000. Many alumni secure positions in top consulting firms, financial institutions, and tech companies.

Introduction

If you are seeking an elite business education, look no further than the prestigious Harvard MBA program and Harvard 2+2, a deferred admission process designed for exceptional college students. Renowned for its legacy of excellence and unparalleled impact on future leaders, Harvard Business School (HBS) is widely considered to be the #1 global business school.

Its high admissions standards, excellent job placement into top firms in private equity, venture capital, management consulting, technology, healthcare, and other sectors, as well as its incredible roster of alumni in powerful positions, contribute to HBS's reputation. The school's outstanding teaching quality further cements its status as the leading business school globally.

Class Profile

Harvard MBA boasts one of the most diverse student bodies in the world, with students from various international backgrounds. This diversity is matched by a balanced gender representation, which is a significant feature of the program at Harvard Business School.

This class profile of Harvard MBA provides a quick overview of the Harvard Business School MBA cohort, showcasing its diversity, experience levels, and commitment to gender balance.

Check out: Harvard business school MBA GMAT Score

The HBS Case Method Define

Harvard MBA Acceptance Rate

Getting into the Harvard MBA program is tough, with an acceptance rate of around 11.5% to 12%. This means only a small number of applicants are accepted each year. If you're aiming for Harvard, it's important to put your best foot forward, showing not just good grades but also strong leadership and work experience.

Harvard MBA Rankings

The Harvard MBA has consistently ranked highly on global scales, recognized not just for its prestigious MBA degree but also for its Business & Management programs. It has affirmed its excellence through a variety of respected sources, including U.S News & World Report & QS Top Universities. These rankings highlight the school's proven track record and the value of its educational offerings.

Harvard Business School MBA is ranked No. 6 out of 124 in Best Business Schools. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. The program also excels in employability with an impressive 70.8% rate, and demonstrates strong thought leadership, achieving a score of 84.2%.

Program & Curriculum of Harvard MBA

The Harvard MBA Curriculum program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to excel in their future careers making it one of the best MBA in USA. The program provides a comprehensive education that covers a broad range of topics in business, finance, economics, management, and more.

1. TERM 1 COURSE: Data Science for Managers (DSM), Finance 1, Financial Reporting and Control (FRC), Leadership and Organizational Behavior (LEAD), Marketing, Technology and Operations Management (TOM).

2. TERM 2 COURSE: Business, Government, and the International Economy (BGIE), The Entrepreneurial Manager (TEM), Finance II, Leadership and Corporate Accountability (LCA),FIELD Global Immersion (FGI), Social Purpose of the Firm (SPF).

With the regular program and the extended version; Harvard 2+2 the curriculum remains the same as the program follows the same routine for all students (ones who have been admitted through the Harvard 2+2 deferred MBA and the regular ones)

Electives

Students may take any combination of courses—up to five courses per semester—and also have the opportunity to cross-register for courses in other select graduate programs.

• Financial management, marketing, and organizational design.
• Social impact investing, microfinance, and inclusive business models.
• Evolution of industries, markets, and corporate governance.
• Angel investing, venture capital, and crowd funding.
• Cultural differences, regulatory frameworks, and market entry strategies.
• Technology adoption, regulatory compliance, and patient engagement.
• Cultural change, leadership development, and communication.
• Business models, funding strategies, and impact assessment.
• Advertising, product design, and customer engagement.

Fees & Financing

Harvard MBA offers a comprehensive financial aid program, with need-based scholarships available to around 50% of students, covering partial to full tuition fees of MBA atHarvard Business school. Students can also utilize personal savings, external scholarships, and loans to manage the costs​ 

To know more, check out: Harvard Cost of Attendance

Overall, Harvard MBA offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities that cater to the interests of its students and help them develop well-rounded skill sets.

Employment Upon Graduation

With a strong alumni network and rigorous curriculum, the program's graduates are highly sought after by employers across a range of industries. The statistics of jobs & salary of MBA at post-Harvard Business School are diverse and high-end. The program's excellent reputation and focus on making its graduates job-ready have made it an attractive option for students seeking a high-caliber MBA education.

Know more at: Employment Data | Harvard University

Harvard MBA Application: Essays & Interview

Harvard MBA applicants must submit an essays as part of their application package in order to demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence. In the essay, applicants are asked to provide insight into their background and experiences that have shaped them.

Here is a breakdown of the key components of the application;

Essays

Harvard Buiness School MBA essays are like blank canvases where applicants can share their individual stories, highlighting not only their qualifications but also their dreams and cultural viewpoints.

There is one question for the Class of 2026 application

Essay 1

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (900 words)

Essay 2

How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and a personal level? (400 words)

Interview Questions

When getting ready for your Harvard MBA interview, use this chance to highlight your special experiences, skills, and goals that match Harvard Business School's values and goals. Answer each question honestly and with a focus on the future, showing how you can bring value to the vibrant Harvard community.

Who attends the Harvard MBA program:

• Students who have full-time work experience
• Candidates to assess their own readiness to apply
• Applicants have at least two years of full-time work experience

Explore in-depth analysis of interview questions, specialized tips, and what the school seeks in candidates here: Harvard Business School MBA Interview Questions

Why Harvard is Unique?

Is Harvard Business School MBA worth it? With already having Harvard 2+2 a deferred admission process for students who are either in college or pursuing a full-time master's degree program, it gets unique.

Students at Harvard Business School develop strong general management and leadership skills through the extensive case- and experience-based curriculum, laying the groundwork for a lasting impact on their leadership style. Harvard is one of the most renowned MBA colleges in USA.

• Prestige and Global Reputation: Harvard Business School holds a prestigious status globally, offering abundant opportunities across various industries.
• Case Method Pedagogy: Known for its innovative teaching method, students actively engage in real-world business cases, developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Extensive Alumni Network: Harvard boasts a vast and influential alumni network, providing valuable connections and mentorship opportunities for current students and graduates.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The school fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, supporting students in developing and launching new ventures through dedicated resources and mentorship.
• Leadership Development: Harvard MBA program emphasizes leadership skills through diverse programs and experiential learning opportunities, empowering students to make a positive impact in their organizations and communities.

Useful Links

Conclusion

Harvard is one of the best MBA colleges in USA, offering significant rewards despite its tough admission process. With a prestigious alumni network and global recognition, attending Harvard MBA opens doors to lucrative job opportunities and nurtures entrepreneurial skills. Let MiM-Essay help you achieve your dream of studying at Harvard.