• The A.V. Club
  • The Takeout
  • The Inventory

Harvard Business School made application essays mandatory again because overachievers won’t stop writing them

“Optional”? Sure.

Two years ago, Harvard Business School took the highly unusual step of removing the word count limit from its application essays, and making them entirely optional. The point was that getting into the school “is not an essay writing contest,” and nixing the word count made the experience more like the real world, admissions head Dee Leepold told Bloomberg .

At the time, the administration thought that they might get some essay-less applications where the credentials and recommendations would speak for themselves.

But of course, the sorts of overachievers that apply to HBS see “optional” and think “absolutely mandatory to demonstrate commitment.” Every single applicant for the class of 2017 submitted an “optional” essay.

From  Leepold’s blog post last week announcing changes to the admissions process:

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.

So the required essay is restored for the class of 2018. It’s still in simplified form compared to years past though, with just one rather open-ended question:

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.

There’s still no word limit.

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.

Home / Essay Samples / Psychology / Adolescence / Youth Violence Needs To Be Stopped

Youth Violence Needs To Be Stopped

  • Category: Psychology
  • Topic: Adolescence

Pages: 1 (404 words)

Views: 1037

  • Downloads: -->

--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.

Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?

are ready to help you with your essay

You won’t be charged yet!

Conformity Essays

Big Five Personality Traits Essays

Resilience Essays

Operant Conditioning Essays

Problem Solving Essays

Related Essays

We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service  and  Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Your essay sample has been sent.

In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->