Need help tackling to write up your HBS "further consideration" letter?
As Harvard Business School is entering its final stages of Round 1 and preparing for Round 2 (the Round 2 deadline is January 5th), HBS is offering an option to submit additional information to be considered when your candidacy is reviewed with the Round 2 applicant pool. This article is all about how to approach your HBS "further consideration" letter.
What are the criteria for the HBS “further consideration” letter?
This is an optional step. This additional information is not required when your application is reviewed in Round 2.
The Update Form will enable you to present additional information you would like to highlight since your application was submitted in Round 2 (limit words to 400 words).
HBS will only consider content you provide – they will not consider additional support letters from external parties.
The deadline for this letter is Friday, December 18th 2020. After this date, the form will no longer be available.
Also, you may be considering attaching an updated resume along with your HBS "further consideration" letter, but HBS' preference would be to highlight any significant changes by uploading a document to the form itself instead of submitting a new resume.
So, how do you approach writing the HBS "further consideration" letter?
Here are a few questions you should consider when deciding what is most relevant to cover in your waitlist update letter:
What new projects have you done since submitting your application?
For every new project… what portions did you “lead?"
How were you staffed on these new projects?
Do these projects represent the “first of its kind” for you or the firm?
Who is going to benefit from your work?
What about the other stuff you do at work (like recruiting)?
Have you interacted with any HBS alumni since applying?
Also, have you taken over any responsibilities from senior colleagues who may have left the firm or the group?
Based on what you can say, position yourself as a pioneering leader.
Conclude by telling HBS that they are your first choice.
All in all, this is not just an update on what you have been up to that is “significant.” It is an update on what is relevant to HBS. In other words, you have to consider if what you are saying aligns with what HBS is looking for in their applicants.
They want leaders. They want people who have a history of overcoming challenges and obstacles. They want people who are willing to push the limits and take smart risks. They want people who will do well in their learning environment. Read here for more specific information of what exactly HBS is looking for.
Lastly, and most importantly, try to keep the format of your HBS "further consideration" letter to a page. Make it look like a formal letter with a salutation and a closing. Good luck!
TO DISCUSS YOUR MBA CANDIDACY AND/OR LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO WRITE YOUR OWN HBS "FURTHER CONSIDERATION" LETTER, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SET UP AN INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF AMERASIA’S TALENTED MBA CONSULTANTS AND COACHES.
Recieved the HBS “Further Consideration” letter?
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