The Best Book on HBS Admissions
What's in the book?
Ben Schumacher, a Harvard Business School grad who has worked for McKinsey and Deloitte, shares his perspective on the HBS admissions process and beyond!
- A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing A Winning HBS Admissions Essay
- Tips For Tackling The HBS Interview
- Example HBS Resumes That Worked
- Common Application Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
- The Exact Application Strategy That Helped Ben Get Into HBS
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Description
The Best Book on HBS Admissions provides readers with an insider's perspective and advice on the Harvard Business School application process. Recent HBS graduate Ben Schumacher addresses questions from HBS hopefuls head-on, including details on how to prepare the ideal resume, how to construct the perfect HBS essays, and tips for wowing your interviewers.
Inside this book, Ben breaks down the application process and offers readers actionable advice for each and every step of the way. Readers will find sample resumes, GMAT preparation tools and advice, sample interview questions and answers, and Ben’s firsthand experience on student life at Harvard.
The author shares his own experiences through personal stories and examples that are filled with unique pointers and fascinating information you never knew about HBS. Not only will this eBook guide readers through the application and admissions processes, but it delves into life at Harvard as an MBA student, and gives advice on post-grad options.
FAQs
It’ll be another 2 years before I finish my bachelor’s degree. Is this book relevant for me?
Absolutely! HBS will look at your work experience, community activities and extracurricular pursuits as well as your undergrad record. The people who write your recommendation letters will also be important. This complete “self-portrait” takes years to cultivate. The Best Book will help you make superior choices in internships, jobs, activities and networking - when you still have plenty of time to make those choices.
Harvard is very expensive. Why should I buy this when I don’t think I can afford the school?
It’s true; Harvard is costly, which is why The Best Book includes a chapter on funding your HBS education. You’ll review different types of loans, grants, scholarships and needs-based aid. Do you know about the HBS Fellowship Program that can cover half your tuition?
I’m almost ready to submit my application to HBS. Is it too late to use the information in this book?
No! The Best Book will give you immediate tips to improve your application submission, including great ideas for strengthening your resume and essays. And don’t forget about the interview. You’ll need all the help you can get for that tough session. The Best Book will show help you tackle the infamous HBS interview style. If the clock is ticking on your HBS application, start reading The Best Book.
Getting into HBS is such a long shot. Why should I bother to read this book?
The very thought of getting into Harvard Business School can be intimidating. Much of that intimidation comes from a lack of information about HBS’ application process and culture. The Best Book replaces mystery and fear with facts. It provides a proven plan to increase your chances for acceptance to HBS. Read The Best Book, then see if getting into HBS is “such a long shot.”
Letter From The Author
Ah, the Harvard MBA. It’s one of the world’s most coveted career-accelerating experiences. In fact, an entire industry has sprung up in name of helping applicants get that admission’s nod—books, consultants, test preparation, and all the rest. With so many resources available, it’s shocking how much misinformation there is about getting into Harvard Business School and what happens once you’re there.
While I fortunately was granted admission and spent 2 great years at HBS, it is nearly unbelievabe how singularly inefficient my admissions process was. Whether it was buying literally every book on the market for GMAT prep, staring at my admissions essays until my eyes bled, or scrounging every minor insight I could from students, alums and business executives, I made it happen, but it certainly wasn’t pretty.
You don’t have to endure the vast levels of piecemeal misinformation and mind-numbing inefficiency that characterized my process. The Best Book is your “one-stop shop” to optimizing your admissions chances and loving HBS while you’re there. In The Best Book, I take you from the first page of your HBS application to your graduation day. It answers your questions about the application process, including the biggest question: “Who is HBS looking for?” You’ll learn the GMAT scores you personally need to target and how to dominate the essay game. And I’ll teach you how to “illuminate” the interview, turning what could be a tense grilling into a chance to shine.
The Best Book is also the guide for your HBS academic career, answering the inevitable question once you’re accepted: “Now what?!?” You’ll find out how to master the HBS case method, the foundation of the school’s instructional approach. I also discuss funding your HBS education and the financial resources available, as well as the scoop on networking and career advancement, because you’ve got to think about your life beyond HBS. And speaking of life beyond, there’s even a chapter devoted to other essentials such as housing and dating (I told you it’s your one-stop shop)!
Don’t try to get into HBS the hard way, like I did. Do it the smart way. Read this book. Check out the supplemental videos and bonus materials. And be sure to say hello to me at a future HBS alumni event.
Good luck!
Ben Schumacher
Things You'll Learn:
- The advantages of an HBS education: going much deeper than “HELLO, it’s Harvard!” with analysis of educational formats, lecturers and potential career advancement.
- Knowing if HBS and you are a good match: finding out if the Harvard MBA program is the right choice before investing time, money and emotion in the application process.
- What it takes to get in: a detailed review of the GMAT scores, achievements and personal qualities that HBS looks for.
- The perfect application: creating a submission that convincingly answers the 2 key questions HBS has about you (the questions are on page 29—don’t miss them!)
- Outstanding resumes and essays: how to write and execute thought-out essays. Beware the 4 red flags in your essays that can doom your application (turn to page 60).
- The truth about admissions consultants: do you need to hire an outside consultant to guide your application, or are they a ripoff?
- The application process: the 8 steps you must go through to get into HBS (some aren’t “official,” but don’t overlook them!) and the “unspoken deadline” for submissions that can improve your chances if you meet it.
- The interview: how to nail your make-or-break session before the admissions committee.
- Excelling in studies: understanding HBS’ signature case method and knowing how to get the most out of your courses - which includes getting great grades.
- Social life: Yes, there’s a terrific social life at and around HBS. And yes, you’ll read all about it!
- Networking and career building: how to become part of the legendary Harvard network for immediate and long-term gains.
Table of Contents Click on the links below to read actual chapters from the book for free!
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Preface
- Dear Reader,
- Note To The Reader (How to Get the Bonus Materials)
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Why HBS?
- The Benefits Of An HBS Education
- Is HBS Right For You?
- HBS Admissions Criteria
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Communicating Your Vision
- Applying To HBS - Your Biggest Challenge
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Hiring Admissions Consultants
- Should I Hire An Admissions Consultant?
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The HBS Application Process
- Your Road Map To The HBS Application
- Timing Your Application & Using The Application Matrix
- The GMAT
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HBS Campus Visit
- Go On A Strategic Campus Visit
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HBS Resume
- Create A Flawless Resume
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HBS Essays
- Anatomy Of A Winning HBS Essay
- Suggestions For Tackling Specific HBS Essay Questions
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HBS Rec Letters
- How To Manage Your Recommendation Letters
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HBS Interview
- Illuminate HBS's Interview Room
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Funding Your HBS Education
- How To Pay For HBS
- Academics At HBS
- Life At HBS
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Networking At HBS
- Building Your Network At HBS & Beyond
- Careers & Internships At HBS
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My HBS Essays
- HBS Essay #1. What Are Your 3 Most Substantial Accomplishments & Why Do You View Them As Such?
- HBS Essay #2. What Have You Learned From A Mistake?
- HBS Essay #3B. Discuss How You Have Engaged With A Community Or Organization.
- HBS Essay #3D. What Is Your Career Vision & Why Is This Choice Meaningful To You?
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The #1 Takeaway About The HBS Application Process
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