Do I have a shot at HBS 2+2?
I'm a rising senior at a target school considering applying to HBS 2+2. I haven't taken the GMAT yet and will take it soon (within 8 weeks) if I have shot of getting in (given that I score 750+ on the GMAT--I scored 700 cold on a practice test and am confident I can get it up to 750+ with preparation). If I don't have a shot at 2+2, I won't bother with the GMAT until later.
Important Info:
Asian female
GPA: 3.6 in humanities major
Work Experience: boutique consulting internship, marketing internships
Essay: will be a strength, very good at essays
My main concern is my GPA. I have an upward trend, but my GPA is lower than the median at HBS. I often read on here that a high GPA is a must-have in HBS admissions, and I don't want to bother applying to 2+2 if I don't have a chance. What are your thoughts?
I would guess no. I have heard they place extra emphasis on grades given relative lack of work experience, and your 3.6 (humanities - non-technical - major) probably wouldn't cut it. Since you haven't mentioned extracurriculars I am assuming yours aren't phenomenal, which also won't help in the process. What's your reason for why you should do 2+2 vs. regular MBA admissions down the track? If you don't have an extremely compelling one, you probably aren't getting in.
Thanks for your input notthehospitalER I appreciate it! I am involved with a few extracurriculars but as you suspected nothing phenomenal--so I don't think extracurriculars will help me or hurt me. I'm applying to 2+2 because I know HBS is my top choice (I've visited and done a ton of research on b-schools), so why not apply now if I have a fighting chance and then apply again after working for a few years if I get dinged. The essay doesn't really ask why we're applying, so I plan on using the space (if I apply) to sell myself as an applicant and demonstrate why I deserve a spot. I was hoping being a female in a humanities major would help me for diversity purposes. I was also hoping the 3.6 wouldn't be a HUGE disadvantage since I'm applying from a top 10 school but I guess I was right about the GPA mattering a LOT.
Thanks again for your response--would love to hear anyone else's thoughts!
Hello aspiringconsultant You wrote
>>I agree that applying now will not hurt your chances later. So there's no harm, unless you embarrass yourself in the application, and I doubt that you will. HBS says on its website: – If you have applied to the 2+2 Program, you will be at neither an advantage nor disadvantage in comparison to other applicants.
>>You are right, the essay doesn't ask why you are applying, but the short answers and text boxes offer you 500 character (that works out to about 85 words) to explain your aspirations. That usually includes the answer to the question, "Why MBA?" >>I am not sure I can agree with you that being female with a humanities major would offer much diversity. But I could be wrong. Back in the 1980s (when I entered) it might have been true, -- but I don't think so now. Even then, there were an astonishing number of women engineers and hard science majors. You will get in on the strength of your contribution to the future class and the leadership you've demonstrated up to this point.
In sum, no harm in trying. The fee is only $100. Also, if you want to boost your GPA, apply round 3, there's no disadvantage for 2+2 students.
would you say the 2+2 gears for nontraditional applicants? my career was going towards a traditional path, solid on everything except a little lighter on work experiences (worked intern/research asst. during most of my undergrad career) and my 2+2 app in the past didn't pickup an interview... :(
You can find the average GPA of the 2+2 admits on their website (or at least could a year ago). As long as you're close to that you have some shot. Also if you do make it to the interview they'll for sure want to know why you're applying.
You need to make up for the lowish GPA (relatively speaking here. On the whole, it's solid). Do you have work experience abroad?
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