Harvard MBA 2026 Application
- Shruti P, Lead Consultant at GOALisB
- May 27
- 8 min read
Can an Indian get into Harvard MBA? Yes, Indian students can get into the Harvard Business School with the right preparation and hard work. The first step to get started by understanding who goes into the school and competitively positioning oneself to prepare a strong application.
HBS MBA Deadlines & Essay Prompts for the Class of 2028
If you're planning to apply to Harvard Business School’s MBA program, timing and clarity are everything. For applicants targeting the Class of 2028, HBS has released its key application deadlines and a powerful set of essays designed to draw out your values, motivations, and leadership potential.
Harvard MBA Application Deadlines – Class of 2028
Application Round | Deadline (by 12:00 PM ET) | Decision Notification |
Round 1 | September 3, 2025 | December 10, 2025 |
Round 2 | January 5, 2026 | March 25, 2026 |
Tip from experience: While both rounds are equally competitive, Round 1 often gives applicants the advantage of an earlier decision, more interview slots, and slightly better odds for scholarship consideration. If you're ready, submit early. If not, a stronger Round 2 application is always the better choice.
Harvard MBA Essay Prompts – Class of 2028
In a major shift from previous years, Harvard now asks three structured essay questions—each tailored to explore a different dimension of your candidacy. This move provides applicants with clearer guidance while still offering plenty of room for reflection and depth.
1. Business-Minded Essay (up to 300 words)
"Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve."
2. Leadership-Focused Essay (up to 250 words)
"What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become?"
3. Growth-Oriented Essay (up to 250 words)
"Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth."
HBS MBA Class of 2026 Profile: Data & Demographics
HBS MBA Class of 2026 Overview
Metric | Value |
Total Enrollment | 930 |
Applications Received | 9,856 |
Women | 45% |
International (by Primary Citizenship) | 35% |
First-Generation College Students | 11% |
Universities Represented | 296 |
Average GPA | 3.69 (US 4.0 scale) |
Average Work Experience | 5 years |
HBS MBA Primary Citizenship Breakdown in Class 2026
Region | Percentage |
Africa | 2% |
Asia | 13% |
Canada | 3% |
Europe | 8% |
Mexico, Central & South America | 5% |
Middle East | 3% |
Oceania | <1% |
United States | 65% |
U.S. Race & Ethnicity (Two Reporting Formats)
Federal Guidelines Reporting (adds to ~100%):
Ethnicity/Race | Percentage |
Asian American | 25% |
Black or African American | 8% |
Hispanic or Latino | 10% |
White | 49% |
Multi-Race | 4% |
American Indian / Alaska Native | — |
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander | — |
Did Not Report | 3% |
Multi-Dimensional Reporting (can exceed 100% due to overlap):
Ethnicity/Race | Percentage |
Asian American | 29% |
Black or African American | 10% |
Hispanic or Latino | 10% |
White | 62% |
American Indian / Alaska Native | 1% |
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander | 0.2% |
Did Not Report | 3% |
HBS Undergraduate Majors in Class
Major Group | Percentage |
Arts / Humanities | 5% |
Business / Commerce | 24% |
Economics | 19% |
Engineering | 22% |
Math / Physical Sciences | 18% |
Social Sciences | 12% |
Harvard Business School Pre-MBA Industry Background
Industry Sector | Percentage |
Consulting | 18% |
Venture Capital / Private Equity | 16% |
Technology | 12% |
Financial Services | 10% |
Manufacturing / Industrial / Energy | 9% |
Consumer Products / E-Commerce | 9% |
Health Care / Biotech | 8% |
Nonprofit / Government / Education | 6% |
Military | 5% |
Media / Travel / Entertainment | 4% |
Services | 2% |
Harvard MBA GMAT Score Ranges (Class of 2026)
Metric | Verbal | Quantitative | Total |
All Scores Range | 27–51 | 35–51 | 540–790 |
Middle 80% Range | 38–47 | 45–50 | 700–770 |
Median Score | 42 | 49 | 740 |
HBS MBA GRE Score Ranges (Class of 2026)
Metric | Verbal | Quantitative |
All Scores Range | 145–170 | 146–170 |
Middle 80% Range | 157–168 | 157–169 |
Median Score | 163 | 163 |
HBS accepts both GMAT (including GMAT Focus) and GRE without preference. 63% of students submitted GMAT scores, 41% submitted GRE scores, and some submitted both.
Harvard MBA 2025-27 Application Deadlines:
Round 1: Sep 4, 2024
Round 2: Jan 6, 2025
Harvard MBA Class of 2025: A Snapshot
Class Size: 938 students
Applications: 8,149
Women: 45%
International Students: 39%
U.S. Ethnic Minorities: 45%
Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.73
Median GMAT: 740
Median GRE (Verbal and Quantitative): 163
Average Work Experience: 4.9 years
Top Industries: Consulting (17%), Venture Capital/Private Equity (17%), Technology (13%)
Other Industries: Financial Services, Consumer Products/Retail/E-commerce, Healthcare/Biotech, Manufacturing/Industrial/Energy, Media/Entertainment/Travel, Military, Nonprofit/Government/Education, Services
First-Generation College Graduates: 11%
Domestic Universities Represented: 128
International Universities Represented: 147
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At GOALisB, we specialize in helping ambitious professionals like you navigate the competitive HBS application process. Our expert MBA Admission consultants offer personalized guidance to craft standout applications, from essays and resumes to interview prep and beyond.
Is an MBA from Harvard Business School Worth It?
Whether or not an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) is worth it depends on your personal and professional goals and priorities some that will help you decide whether to go ahead with the Harvard MBA or not:
Reputation: HBS is widely considered one of the top business schools in the world, and an MBA from HBS may be highly regarded in the job market.
Curriculum: HBS offers a rigorous and highly regarded MBA program that covers a wide range of business-related subjects.
Career opportunities: An MBA from HBS can open up a wide range of career opportunities in various industries and sectors.
Cost: An MBA from HBS is a significant financial investment, and you should carefully consider whether or not you are willing and able to pay the tuition and other costs associated with the program.
Time commitment: An MBA is a full-time program that requires a significant time commitment, and you should consider whether or not you are able to commit to the program while also balancing any other responsibilities you may have.
Is an Harvard MBA worthwhile for you or not depends on personal goals. It may be helpful to speak with current or former HBS MBA students or reach out to the admissions team for more information about the program.
How much does an MBA from Harvard cost ?
The cost of an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) varies depending on a number of factors, including your individual financial situation and the length of the program. According to HBS's website, the total cost of an MBA for the 2020-2021 academic year was $73,440 for tuition and $28,200 for living expenses, for a total of $101,640. This cost does not include additional fees or expenses, such as travel costs or professional development expenses.
It is important to note that the cost of an MBA from HBS is a significant financial investment, and you should carefully consider whether or not you are able to afford the program before applying. HBS offers a number of financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and other forms of assistance, to help make an MBA more affordable for qualified students. If you are considering applying to HBS, you may want to reach out to the admissions team for more information about financial aid options and the overall cost of the program.
What GPA do you need for Harvard MBA?
The Harvard Business School (HBS) does not have a specific minimum GPA requirement for its MBA program However, HBS is a highly competitive program, and the admissions committee seeks candidates with solid academic credentials and demonstrated academic aptitude. A high GPA can be one factor that the admissions committee considers when evaluating MBA applications.
According to HBS's website, the average GPA of incoming MBA students is 3.7. While this is not a strict requirement, it may give you an idea of the level of academic achievement that is typical of HBS MBA students. It is important to note that the admissions committee looks at a variety of factors when evaluating MBA applications, and a high GPA is just one of many considerations. The admissions committee also looks at a candidate's professional experience, leadership potential, and overall fit with the program.
If you are considering applying to the HBS MBA program, it is important to put together a strong overall application that showcases your academic and professional accomplishments and demonstrates your fit with the program.
Different Parameters of the Class Profile of Harvard MBA Class of 2024 has been listed below:
Class size: 1015
Applications received in the 2021-2022 Academic Year: 8,264
Women: 46%
First Generation: 13%
Average GPA: 3.70
Domestic Universities: 134
International Universities: 160
Average Years of Work Experience: 5.0
International: 38%
Educational Backgrounds represented in Harvard MBA:
Engineering: 28%
Business/Commerce: 24%
Arts/Humanities: 5%
Economics: 19%
Social Science: 10%
Math/Physical Science: 14%
Pre-MBA Industries represented in the class of Harvard MBA program:
Consulting: 16%
Consumer Products/Retail/E-Commerce: 9%
Financial Services: 10%
Healthcare/Biotech: 8%
Manufacturing/Industrial/Energy: 9%
Media/Entertainment: 4%
Military: 4%
Nonprofit/Government/Education: 6%
Services: 3%
Technology: 14%
Venture Capital: 16%
GMAT related information for the Harvard MBA:
Range Verbal: 29-51
Range of QA score : 34-51
Total Range: 540-790
Median VA: 42
Median QA: 48
Median GMAT score: 730
GRE related information for the Harvard MBA:
Verbal : 147-170
Quantitative : 150-170
Median Verbal: 163
Median Quantitative: 163
Transform Your Harvard MBA Application!
Don’t leave your future to chance. Schedule a consultation with our experts today and let us help you make your HBS dream a reality. Visit GOALisB for more information and to book your session.
Is it hard to enter Harvard Business School ?
Harvard Business School (HBS) is a highly competitive program, and it can be difficult to get into. According to HBS's website, the school received over 9,600 applications for the class of 2023, and the acceptance rate was just 11%. 11 out of every 100 that apply.
The HBS admissions committee looks for a variety of qualities in MBA applicants, including strong academic records, professional experience, leadership potential, and overall fit with the program. The admissions process is highly selective, and the committee carefully reviews and evaluates each application to select the most qualified candidates.
If you are considering applying to the HBS MBA program, it is important to put together a strong and well-rounded application that showcases your fit with the program and your potential as a leader. This may include demonstrating your academic and professional achievements, highlighting your leadership skills and experiences, and writing a compelling personal statement. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the admissions process and requirements, and to seek guidance from current or former HBS MBA students or the admissions team if needed.
Eligibility for the Harvard 2 year MBA program:
Undergraduate degree (4yrs) or its equivalent
A degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States or its equivalent (unless you are a senior applying to our 2+2 Program). International three-year bachelor's degree programs are equivalent.
GMAT or GRE Scores Must not be more that 5 years Old
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo test results (If applicable)
Admission Process for the Harvard MBA program:
Written Application
Interview
Post-Interview Reflection
Transcripts
GMAT/GRE Score
TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test
One Essay
Two LORs
Updated CV
Application fees: $250
Codes for Test score submission
TOEFL Code: 3444
GMAT Code: HRLX892
GRE Code: 4064
How much does Harvard MBA cost ?
Harvard MBA costs around $ 2,25,000/- for single International Students. It is in tune with the other prestigious MBA programs like the Columbia MBA or the Wharton MBA .
One year Fee Details for the Harvard MBA:
Tuition fees: $73,440
Indirect Expenses: $31,390
Required Fees: $7,934
Total Fees for Singles: $112,764
Financial Aid
Need-Based Tuition Assistance
Summer Fellowships
Average need-based scholarship awarded over two years: $84,000
Average annual need-based scholarship award: $42,000
Aid distributed each year: $43m
Median salary after HBS: $150,500
Median signing bonus after HBS: $30,000
Students receive need-based scholarships: 50%
Where do Harvard MBAs go to work?
Most around (90%) of the Harvard MBA graduates work in the US. Around 75% of the class works in the field of Finance, Consulting and Technology. The details of the Jobs the graduated fetch after completing their MBA is given below. It covers the Industry-wise as well as the Location wise details.
Job Location:
United States: 91%
Canada: <1%
Latin America: <1%
Europe: 3%
Middle East/North Africa: <1%
Sub Saharan Africa: <1%
Asia: 2%
Australia/Oceania: <1%
Industries
Consulting: 26%
Consumer Products: 3%
Entertainment/Media: 3%
Financial Services: 34%
Healthcare: 5%
Manufacturing: 5%
Nonprofit/Government: 3%
Retail: 1%
Services: 1%
Technology: 19%
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Author Bio:
Shruti P is the Lead Consultant at GOALisB, with 12+ years of experience and numerous successful MBA admissions. She is an ISB and Stanford alumnus and specializes in ISB, IIM, and top global MBA programs.
