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Business analyst
Essays play a major role in the Harvard MBA application. According to the HBS admissions blog, the essay is the one part where you can share something they won’t find anywhere else in your application. It's your chance to explain the “why” behind your choices, show personal values, or highlight experiences that shaped your perspective.
The admissions team reads essays to get a sense of who you are as a person—what drives you, how you think, and how you make decisions. It helps them evaluate things that numbers and titles can’t capture, like leadership potential, maturity, and clarity of purpose.
While there’s no word limit, HBS encourages applicants to be thoughtful and focused. So yes, the essay is important—not because of how polished it sounds, but because of how honestly and clearly it reflects you. For more details on Why essays are important for your MBA application check out this blog now
Master in Management Student at Georgetown University | Aspiring Business Leader with a Passion for Innovation and Strategy
The Harvard MBA essay is more important than it might seem. It’s not just another checklist item—it’s the one space where you can give the admissions team a real understanding of who you are. The rest of the application shows what you’ve done. The essay tells them why you did it, what mattered, and how it changed you.
According to HBS, strong essays aren’t about fancy writing or big accomplishments. They’re about insight. The committee looks for depth, not buzzwords. For example, applicants who reflect on challenges, difficult decisions, or moments of growth tend to leave a stronger impression than those who list achievements.
Harvard doesn't ask multiple questions or give prompts because they want to see what you choose to share—that choice itself says a lot. So yes, the essay matters a lot, especially in helping the committee understand your values, your voice, and your potential fit at HBS.
You can read more about Harvard MBA essays here .
Digital Marketer
Essays are a very important part of the Harvard MBA application. Unlike many other schools, Harvard has only one open-ended essay and no optional prompts to hide behind. That makes it one of the few places where your personality, values, and thought process come through. Since the admissions team doesn't use a rigid formula or checklist, the essay plays a key role in understanding how you think and what drives you. Even with a strong GMAT and resume, a weak or generic essay can hurt your chances. The best essays help explain why you are the way you are—and why Harvard is the right place for you next.
Experienced Study abroad consultant | Specializing in sales and Project Management | Expert in Sustainable sales practices
Essays carry serious weight in Harvard MBA admissions. With so many applicants having similar test scores and job titles, the essay often decides who stands out. Harvard only asks for one open-ended essay, so it becomes a key part of your story.
- Shows how you think and make decisions
- Highlights values, not just achievements
- Fills gaps numbers can’t explain
- Adds context to your goals and choices
- Helps the reader remember you
Even candidates with 750+ GMAT and top firms have been rejected due to generic or surface-level essays. Harvard uses a well rounded review, and the essay is where your mindset, personality, and purpose come through. It's not just important—it's often what makes or breaks the application.