締切日に続き、Harvard Business Schoolのエッセイ課題もリリースされました。
http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/application-process/Pages/default.aspx

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?

There is no word limit for this question.  We think you know what guidance we’re going to give here. Don’t overthink, overcraft and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that those of us who don’t know your world can understand.

Harvard Business Schoolの締切日が発表されました。
http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/Pages/default.aspx

◆Round 1
・Deadline: September 7, 2016
・Notification: December 7, 2016

◆Round 2
・Deadline: January 4, 2017
・Notification: March 22, 2017

◆Round 3
・Deadline: April 3, 2017
・Notification: May 10, 2017

Please note that each “round” represents a distinct period in which you may apply, not a succession of steps for your application. You may apply in one round only, one time in an application year.

Given past experience, we anticipate that many candidates will submit their online application materials very close to 12 noon on submission deadline dates. To avoid heavy server traffic and potential delays, we encourage candidates to submit application materials as early as possible.

Applications received after 12 noon on September 7, 2016 will be considered in Round 2. Applications received after 12 noon on January 4, 2017 will be considered in Round 3. Applications received after 12 noon on April 3, 2017 will not be considered.

Recommendationの作成に関する注意事項ならびに、課題内容もご確認ください。
http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/application-process/Pages/default.aspx

You will need to have two recommendations submitted online by the application deadlines.

Recommenders will be asked to fill out a personal qualities and skills grid and answer our two additional questions (see below).

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all recommendations are submitted online by the deadline date for the round in which the applicant is applying.

Use your best judgment on who you decide to ask – there is no set formula for who should be your recommenders. We know it is not always possible to have a direct supervisor write your recommendation – we would not want you to jeopardize your current position for the application process. Look at the questions we are asking recommenders to complete. Find people who know you well enough to answer them. This can be a former supervisor, a colleague, someone you collaborate on an activity outside of work. How well a person knows you should take priority over level of seniority or HBS alumni status.

■ Recommender Questions

Recommendations must be completed online. The recommendation form includes the following questions, along with other types of questions:

How do the candidate’s performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)

Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)

■エッセイ課題
昨シーズンと同じく、１つの課題です。
http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/Pages/from-the-admissions-director.aspx

There is one essay question for the Class of 2018:

It’s the first day of class at HBS. You are in Aldrich Hall meeting your “section.” This is the group of 90 classmates who will become your close companions in the first-year MBA classroom. Our signature case method participant-based learning model ensures that you will get to know each other very well. The bonds you collectively create throughout this shared experience will be lasting.

Introduce yourself.

Note: Should you enroll at HBS, there will be an opportunity for you to share this with them.

We suggest you view this video before beginning to write.
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Yes, it’s “new”…but most of you are embarking on this business school application journey for the first time too!

Why do we like it?

• It’s just about as straightforward and practical as we can make it. It gives you a chance to tell your story however you choose. Imagine simply saying it out loud. This is what we mean when we’ve been encouraging you to use your own “voice” when approaching this part of the application. We have no pre-conceived ideas of what “good” looks like. We look forward to lots of variance.

• It’s useful. You will actually be introducing yourself to classmates at HBS.

Why did we drop the “optional” option?

• We were trying to signal that the essay wasn’t The Most Important Element of the application so we thought saying “optional” might accomplish that. But, this season, every applicant submitted a response. We get it. You want to tell us things.

Tell us again what the essay is for?

• For you: an opportunity to pause and reflect. Business school is a big experience – it’s exciting, it’s an unknown, it’s a beginning, it’s an investment in your future. Stopping to reflect and gather your thoughts in writing is a useful exercise. That’s not just our opinion – it’s what we hear from students all the time.

• For us: a chance to get to know you beyond the elements of the application that feel fixed and stationary. Can also be a starting point for interview conversations.

予定通り、現地時間の15日（金）に発表されました。
http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/Pages/application-dates.aspx

◆Round 1
Deadline: September 9, 2015
Notification : December  2015

◆Round 2
Deadline: January 6, 2016
Notification: March 2016

◆Round 3
Deadline: April 4, 2016
Notification: May 2016

以下、注意事項が続きますのでご確認ください。
Applications received after 12 noon on September 9, 2015 will be considered in Round 2. Applications received after 12 noon on January 6, 2016 will be considered in Round 3. Applications received after 12 noon on April 4, 2016 will not be considered.

When Should I Apply?

To avoid overwhelming server traffic generated by the high volume of applications we receive, candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible prior to the deadline of each round. We encourage applicants to apply in the first or second round, as space in the class may be limited by the third round. In addition, applying in the earlier rounds will give candidates more time to address the following issues:

•International candidates needing visas will find that applying in Round 3 makes the timing of their visa application stressful.

•International candidates admitted in Rounds 1 and 2 find that it’s helpful to have the additional time to work on English proficiency.