Essay-Writing Tip: Stick to the Mission

So, I’ve been going through lots of orientation activities here at HBS this past week, and through all of the welcomes, speeches, chats, etc. there has been a consistent theme.  Conveniently, this theme is also HBS’s mission.  What is it, you may ask?  Easy!  HBS exists to “Educate leaders who make a difference in the world.”

I wanted to bring this to the attention of the HBS – applying masses because it can serve as a good “compass” of sorts as you work on your essays.  Think about whether your overall “story” links back to the mission of the school.  What about you would make the admissions committee think that you will be a leader who will make a positive difference in our world?  If you consistently come back to this mission statement when framing your application, you can’t go wrong.  Now, don’t force anything, or try to draw too obvious of a connection to the HBS mission in your essay.  Believe me – HBS knows its mission statement; you don’t have to explicitly quote it back to them over and over in your application (at least I wouldn’t recommend it).  All I’m saying is that, if you’re trying to figure out what HBS is looking for, look no further.  They want leaders who will make a difference in the world.

Good luck!