Harvard has released the 2026-2027 Full-Time MBA application deadlines and essay questions. Keep reading to find out the details!

When are the 2026-2027 Harvard Business School Application Deadlines?

Round 1: September 9, 2026
Round 2: January 5, 2027

What are the 2026-2027 HBS MBA Program Application Essay Questions?

Essay 1 – Business-Minded Essay: Please reflect on how your choices have influenced your career path and aspirations. (up to 300 words)

For this streamlined first HBS essay, naturally applicants should expand on their career aspirations. However, more importantly, they should explain the why behind this career. Tell HBS admissions what prepared you for this career and what motivates you to be successful. Your career should be meaningful to you, and a strong essay will show this.

A few years ago, this essay overtly asked candidates to also discuss the broader impact they will have on their communities. While this second part of the essay has been removed, Personal MBA Coach has shared in the past how business schools are increasingly looking for applicants who understand the role businesses play in society as a whole. Keep this in mind as you discuss your career path.

Harvard Business School Building

Essay 2 – Leadership-Focused Essay: What experiences have shaped how you invest in others and how you lead? (up to 250 words)

Once again, the HBS application no longer includes a personal story essay. While in the past there was more opportunity to use this second essay to touch on applicants’ personal story, for the second year a row applicants are directed to focus only on their leadership and not on “who they are.”

Still, this essay does give applicants an opportunity to reflect upon their past experiences and bring in elements that normally would go into a personal statement type essay. However, with only 250 words to use applicants will need to be very succinct as they talk about their past. You might consider writing about your background, upbringing or extracurricular experiences here if they have shaped your leadership approach.

Personal MBA Coach recommends that the details provided are specific and that you get to the so-what of these experiences quickly. Then, focus on how your past (either personal or professional) has shaped your professional leadership approach and vision. Remember, actions speak louder than words, so it will be important to show readers the type of leader you are by using specific examples from your career. A strong essay will tell readers why they would be lucky to have YOU as their future leader.

Essay 3 – Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

As HBS states, curiosity can come in many forms. There is no one approach to this essay, so you really want to think about your own uniqueness here as you select an example. You can consider intellectual curiosity, personal curiosity, or professional curiosity. Naturally, the implications are more meaningful than the story itself. It is important that the reader can see how you have grown as a professional and as a person from this experience. While it is not directly asked, this is a great way to show HBS how you take risks and how you will come to HBS with a growth mindset.