How important are essays for Harvard MBA admission?

Essays are a big deal for Harvard MBA admissions. With no required word count and an open prompt, the essay becomes a major way to stand out, especially since HBS interviews only a small portion of applicants.

Here’s why they carry weight:

• It’s the one part where the applicant fully controls the narrative. The committee uses it to gauge not just accomplishments, but decision-making and self-awareness.
• Many admits don’t have perfect profiles, some come from non-traditional backgrounds or have modest GPAs—but used the essay to explain real challenges, like navigating layoffs or running a family store while in college.
• Harvard looks for leadership that comes with reflection. If the essay shows someone learning from failure, managing conflict, or taking initiative in hard situations, it matters more than buzzwords.

A generic or cautious essay usually sinks the application. The strongest ones feel like they couldn’t have been written by anyone else.