Harvard Business School (HBS) 2+2 Pack

The Harvard Business School 2+2 program is one of the most elite and competitive programs available. It offers especially qualified college juniors the opportunity to defer admission to the HBS MBA program for two years, while they gain valuable professional experience at a Harvard affiliate firm.

The Manhattan Elite Prep Admissions Consulting Team has developed a complete guidance package designed specifically for the HBS 2+2 admissions process. By customizing our proven admissions consulting process to the HBS 2+2 Program's rigorous requirements, we help candidates put their best foot forward. Below is a basic structure of what our HBS 2+2 Admissions program is composed of, though bear in mind that each package is individually tailored to the strengths and experiences of each applicant.

Started in 2008, the Harvard Business School (“HBS”) 2+2 Program has offered innovative college juniors the opportunity to apply for deferred admission to the HBS MBA program. Prior to enrollment, accepted students will gain two years work experience at the hands of a Harvard affiliate employer. To prepare students for the workforce, HBS hosts a summer program where each admit is allotted a career coach and begins to build a foundation for professional growth. The following summer students will return to HBS for a more intensive leadership training session. Students will then gain one more year of professional experience before returning to HBS to utilize their newfound knowledge in the classroom.

The program is geared towards developing the leadership skills of individuals whose aspirations don’t fit the traditional corporate career mold. Academic fields and areas of interest may include art, activism, and engineering. While the goals of each applicant may vastly differ, all should maintain academic excellence and express a desire to make a difference in a specific field. The highly diverse and competitive applicant pool includes the following representative statistics for a recent year.

Demographics:

• Applicants: 844
• Admits: 115
• Admit Rate: 13.63%
• Woman: 39%
• International: 27%

Educational Background:

• Engineering & Natural Sciences: 50%
• Humanities & Social Sciences: 44%
• Business Administration: 4%

Academic Information:

• Average GMAT: 727
• Average GRE Q: 767
• Average GRE V: 679
• Average GPA: 3.75

Only college juniors or those who have the equivalent academic credentials will be considered. All materials must be submitted online. Competitive applicants will be offered an interview. After the interview a final decision will be made.

Application Materials

• 4 Application essays
• Current resume
• 2 Recommendations from professors, mentors, or advisors
• Transcripts from all undergraduate academic institutions attended (full-or part-time)
• GMAT or GRE scores
• TOEFL or IELTS score (if applicable)
• The application process requires thought and precision. It is recommended to begin preparing at least three months before the deadline.
• Typical essay questions are as follow:
  • Required Questions
    • Tell us about something you did well. (400 words)
    • Tell us about something you wish you had done better. (400 words)
  • Joint degree applicants only:
    • How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and a personal level? (400 words)

The deadline for submitting applications to HBS’s 2+2 Program is typically in early April. Candidates will be notified of their admissions status by May.