How do I write good Harvard MBA essays?

Question

Manav K · Accepted Answer

The Harvard MBA essay is really about showing who you are&mdash;not repeating your resume or trying to sound perfect. The prompt is open on purpose, and they want to hear something real.
One applicant wrote about turning down a high-paying job to work on a local education project. It wasn&rsquo;t flashy, but it showed values and long-term thinking. That&rsquo;s what stands out.
A few things to avoid: don&rsquo;t just list your achievements&mdash;they already have that info. Generic answers like &ldquo;I want to be a consultant and drive global change&rdquo; don&rsquo;t say much about you either. And try not to make it sound too formal or robotic. It should feel like your voice.
If you want advice directly from the HBS admissions team, they&rsquo;ve posted a short video with tips just for the essay. Super helpful before you start:
HBS Application Tips: Essays &ndash; Official HBS Video

Mohit C · Answer

To write a strong Harvard MBA essay, focus less on trying to impress and more on sharing a story that feels honest and personal. The essay prompt is deliberately open:&ldquo;What more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?&rdquo;
What really works is personal reflection&mdash;talk about a meaningful experience, maybe a challenge that shaped your values or a tough decision you had to make. If it shows how you lead or what matters to you, even better. HBS is looking for real substance, not just achievements.
Some common mistakes to avoid: simply repeating what's already in your resume&mdash;they've seen your roles and achievements, so use the essay to go deeper. Also, avoid casually name-dropping HBS clubs or courses if you don&rsquo;t have a clear reason to mention them.  Don't over-edit the essay to the point where it sounds robotic or too polished.
There&rsquo;s a great breakdown of How to Write Harvard MBA Essays That Stand Out in this blog , go give it a read NOW!

Divakshi Arora · Answer

Good Harvard MBA essays don&rsquo;t follow a formula. They work when they reflect real choices, real stakes, and real insight. The prompt is open-ended for a reason, Harvard wants to see how an applicant thinks.
Here&rsquo;s what makes an essay stand out:

Focus on one or two defining stories, not a life summary. Writing about leading a factory strike resolution or rebuilding a failed startup says more than listing roles across companies.
Show personal growth, not just wins. An honest reflection on quitting a secure job to support a sibling&rsquo;s business, even if it didn&rsquo;t succeed, reveals more than a promotion.
Keep the tone grounded. Avoid buzzwords like &ldquo;transformational leadership.&rdquo; Instead, describe a time you had to make a tough call and what it taught you.

Link the story to what Harvard values, judgment, leadership, resilience. If the reader feels like they understand who the person is and what they stand for, the essay has done its job.

Aarushi S · Answer

Most successful Harvard MBA essays focus on personal insight more than just listing achievements. For example, one applicant described failing to launch a product in their first startup and how that shaped their thinking on leadership and risk. Another wrote about being the first in their family to attend college, highlighting the challenges and sense of responsibility that came with it.
What stands out is the honesty and reflection. In fact, HBS admits that they&rsquo;re not looking for a &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; essay&mdash;they want to see self-awareness. Around 45% of the HBS class comes from outside the U.S., so international stories that show cross-cultural understanding or unique perspectives often do well. The best essays feel like a conversation&mdash;not a pitch.

Ranjan J · Answer

Harvard MBA essays that stand out usually focus less on achievements and more on honest stories that show how a person thinks, acts, and grows. Successful examples often cover real experiences, both personal and professional, where key values were tested or lessons were learned.

Left a high-paying job to build a social startup
Took responsibility after a failed team project
Managed a crisis during COVID relief work
Reported workplace misconduct despite pressure
Supported family through financial hardship while studying

These essays work well because they show who the applicant is when things aren't easy. Harvard isn&rsquo;t looking for perfect stories&mdash;they look for reflection, emotional strength, and clarity of purpose. Many of these essays don&rsquo;t focus on results but on decisions and values. Whether it&rsquo;s stepping away from comfort to follow a passion, or standing up for what&rsquo;s right, the message is clear: real growth happens during tough moments. That&rsquo;s what helps an essay feel personal, memorable, and strong.