Book Summary65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays, by Lauren Sullivan and The Staff of the Harbus

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of 65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays

Crafting persuasive submissions to gain entry into Harvard Business School.

The book provides samples of essays that successfully garnered the interest of Harvard Business School's admissions panel.

The collection of essays demonstrates a broad spectrum of answers to application prompts and the diverse backgrounds of successful applicants, each presented in a unique style.

The authors of "65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays" highlight that there is no exclusive essay writing strategy that guarantees admission to Harvard Business School. The anthology showcases an array of writing styles and unique approaches to addressing the prompts, mirroring the individual backgrounds of the candidates. The variety of applicants underscores that there is no typical profile for HBS candidates, which should inspire individuals contemplating an application to cherish their distinctive characteristics.

The anthology showcases essays from individuals with diverse histories, including those with experience in sectors like military and nonprofit work, as well as professional music, in addition to established professions like consulting and investment banking. The compilation includes essays characterized by swift and complex narrative techniques, while some are notable for their introspective and reflective attributes. The writer acknowledges the range of writing skills and command of language among individuals, showcasing examples that range from simple and direct prose to more creative and complex expressions. The collection of successful admissions essays underscores the importance placed by the admissions committee on genuine self-examination and authenticity.

The book emphasizes the importance of captivating the reader through authentic and heartfelt communication within the application materials, rather than conforming to a rigid format.

To create an essay that will make an impact on the Harvard Business School admissions committee, Sullivan and the staff of The Harbus stress the importance of being genuine and capturing the reader's interest in your story, instead of adhering to a specific formula. The authors guide you to let your unique personality shine through your essays, emphasizing that HBS is looking for real people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, not cookie-cutter applicants who try to fit a specific...

65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays Summary The essay highlights an individual's development and capacity for leadership.

The publication highlights stories that showcase the applicant's growth, introspection, and capacity for leadership.

Applicants demonstrate their leadership abilities through examples of overcoming setbacks, managing teams, and guiding others

The authors recognize that leadership can manifest in many forms, from overcoming personal setbacks to managing large teams. The book showcases a collection of narratives where applicants have demonstrated their leadership abilities, highlighting their proficiency in inspiring, guiding, and effectively leading teams. This encompasses instances of candidates spearheading initiatives in their workplaces, launching enterprises or charitable organizations, managing cross-cultural discrepancies, taking the helm during demanding circumstances, and assisting relatives during trying periods.

The actions of the applicants consistently led to notable results, including improved collaboration, the promotion of consensus, or positive contributions to the community. An illustrative essay demonstrates how a candidate took on a crucial role in leadership, surmounted a significant challenge within a project, and led the team to success by...

65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays Summary Articulating an individual's professional aspirations and prospective objectives.

Applicants specify their professional ambitions by outlining their short-term and long-term objectives, explaining how these targets are important to their individual dreams.

Candidates demonstrate a comprehensive and meticulously researched understanding of the profession they plan to enter.

Lauren Sullivan and the staff at The Harbus recommend that candidates craft a unique and actionable plan to fulfill their career goals. The authors underscore the significance of having a solid and well-informed understanding of the chosen career path, which encompasses a comprehensive knowledge of the industry, position, and required skills. Candidates must not only identify the profession they aspire to but also justify its ideal fit with their unique abilities, passions, and values.

The essay describes a candidate's ambitions to explore the healthcare venture capital industry, highlighting the distinctive skills developed from past experiences in the realms of finance and technology. The candidate's connection to the healthcare industry developed from watching family members work in medicine and overcoming a personal health challenge. This essay demonstrates not only a...

65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays Summary Showcasing accomplishments and overcoming challenges

The applicants identified three pivotal events that significantly altered their life paths.

Candidates describe the individual importance and insights gained from each achievement.

The authors believe that notable accomplishments can stem from personal, academic, professional, or extracurricular experiences. The authors argue that the critical element lies in the way these achievements have catalyzed the applicant's growth on a personal level, offering deep insights into their life. For example, overcoming a substantial personal challenge, like recovering from a serious illness or handling intricate family relationships, can demonstrate an individual's steadfast determination and resilience. Exhibiting leadership capabilities can be manifested by accomplishing notable objectives in a professional setting, guiding a group towards triumph, or founding an enterprise or charitable organization, all actions that showcase a person's capacity to guide and influence others.

The book frequently emphasizes the way applicants' experiences have molded their perspectives, detailing what drives them, the obstacles they have faced, and their ensuing contemplations. The authors...

65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays Summary Exploring moral quandaries and individual passions.

Candidates anticipate facing and carefully evaluating the toughest ethical challenges that will arise in their future careers.

Candidates exhibit a sophisticated comprehension of managing intricate ethical scenarios with honesty.

The writers emphasize that this particular essay subject provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their moral compass and their skill in handling intricate business scenarios. Harbus recommends that applicants focus on the unique ethical dilemmas pertinent to their field, showing a profound understanding of the complex challenges they might encounter.

For example, an applicant who aspires to work in international development described the challenges of balancing economic development goals with the potential negative externalities for local communities, such as environmental impact, displacement, and social disruption. The applicant demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the complex ethical decisions pertinent to their area of specialization.

Candidates outline a thorough strategy crucial for developing the abilities needed to adeptly navigate ethical dilemmas.

The authors emphasize the importance for candidates...

65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays Summary The essays provide a detailed representation of the writer's personal attributes and background.

The book presents a wide variety of backgrounds and profiles of applicants.

The essays highlight that there is no single formula that applicants to Harvard Business School must follow.

Sullivan and the team at The Harbus highlight that each person's path to Harvard Business School is distinct, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. There’s no specific professional background, extracurricular involvement, or personal profile necessary to guarantee admission. The publication showcases a variety of compositions authored by HBS aspirants, encompassing individuals from military backgrounds, entrepreneurial ventures, artistic endeavors, and community activism, all of which reflect the diverse array of personal narratives that constitute the HBS community. Harvard Business School seeks a varied cohort of candidates who will contribute unique perspectives and foster an engaging, collaborative learning environment.

Applicants craft their essays to offer a holistic depiction of their distinct identities.

The writers recommend that applicants should employ all six essay...