Things to Know Before Applying to Harvard Business School

Verified facts about the Harvard Business School MBA application and program that applicants often miss.

Application facts

HBS has two rounds for the Class of 2029 (September 9, 2026 and January 5, 2027) plus a 2+2 Round (April 28, 2027) for the 2+2 Program. Applications received after the Round 2 deadline are not considered.
You may apply in one round only, once per application year.
The 2026-2027 application has three essays of 300, 250, and 250 words.
HBS requires a GRE or GMAT score from every applicant and grants no test waivers. It has no minimum score and no preference between tests.
Interviewed candidates must submit a written reflection within 24 hours of the interview.
HBS does not set a minimum English test score but discourages applicants with a TOEFL iBT below 109 (or 5 on the 1-6 scale), IELTS below 7.5, PTE below 75, or Duolingo below 145.
The Admissions Board recommends at least two years of full-time work experience before enrolling.
Postponements and deferrals of admission are granted rarely, case by case.

HBS has one MBA program, full time only; it does not offer a part-time or executive MBA.
Students read about 500 cases during the two-year MBA program.
First-year students complete the Required Curriculum in sections of approximately 90 students.
About 50% of students receive need-based scholarships and 10% receive full-tuition scholarships.