This program, started by Harvard Business School, seeks “non-traditional” applicants who they feel would benefit from a business program. It allows students to graduate college, work for two years and then attend two years of business school; thus the “2 + 2” title.
The university is seeking out approximately 100 students each year, paying attention to what the student’s career aspirations are the future, then helping those students realize how a business program could benefit that future. Harvard is well aware that new business leaders will come from the sciences in the future and the university wants to be on top of supplying those leaders.
How to get in to the 2+2 program
Getting into the 2 + 2 program might not be as difficult as you think. It is not the traditional kind of student the university is looking for, but for what you might refer to as the “non-traditional student," the ones who never thought seriously that they had any use for, or interest in, a business degree.By writing your submission essays and allowing your passions and interests to shine through, Harvard will determine whether the program will be right for you.
Interested students should be aware that ability to pay is not part of the process. This is a non-binding application. If you change your mind after your two years of work, for whatever reason, you are not obliged to continue on to the MBA.
Admissions Process for 2+2 program
Interviews are mandatory for the 2 + 2 program admissions process. The essays themselves are similar to other MBA program admissions, with some slight variations.There are 4 essays total. One is mandatory and then you can pick three from five available options. Each of those three is 250 words in length and the mandatory one is about 500 words long.
Preparation for writing the essays includes looking over the questions, performing a quick brainstorm to choose the ones that will best allow you to talk about what you know best and show your personality.
How can you prepare (as a high school student)
- Do what you are passionate about – always concentrate here
- Develop some future vision
- Extracurricular activities are important – spend time finding something you care about
- Quality counts more than quantity
- A “title” may not be enough to get you ahead – your passion will
