This post was originally published in October 2013. The information in this post about the Harvard interview process is still accurate but the data cited here is for past years. When it says "last year" it does not mean the year before now when you're reading it.
Generally we believe that Harvard’s method of releasing interview invitations is a good one. They batch them together and then have two specific days on the calendar where everyone huddles around their computers and watches their inboxes like hawks waiting for a little mouse to scurry out. Or maybe the BSers are the mouses and…
While much of the blahg is available completely for free, the content here is reserved for members with full blahg access only ($9.95/month for six months, cancel anytime). Please login to view this content or purchase a membership.
CelerIP says
Essay Snark,
Thanks for this – I think many anxious applicants who are constantly refreshing Gmatclub or BeatTheGmat forums should hear the logic of this argument: even if there are a lot of interview spots left, this has nothing to do with their chances of getting an invite. As soon as they hit the submit button, there was nothing they could control or influence.
I, too, was disappointed about not receiving an invite this week, and to be honest, I’m not all that hopeful of getting an invite next week either. I, like many others, have solid “stats” and I believe I have executed the application to the best of my ability. However, HBS has stressed again and again that their job was not to rate the strengths of their applicant from low to high, but to build a class full of compelling candidates – selection, not evaluation. With this logic, people shouldn’t feel that they are “entitled” to an invite just because they have a high score, a high GMAT, blue-chip background.
essaysnark says
@CelerIP, the “selection, not evaluation” thing is key, you’ve got that exactly right. HBS needs to build a diverse class. Diversity takes many (many) forms; there’s not one definition of it. But we can tell you, from reading lots and lots of apps, that many BSers – as amazingly well qualified as they may be – sound a lot like many others when we see them presented on paper. The high GPA and high GMAT are just a starting point; then it comes down to what have you done with your life – and perhaps the circumstances you’re coming from. It’s a habit of leadership that Harvard is looking for, and it shows through in all aspects of an application – and it’s the reason why they’ve de-emphasized the essays. We’re pretty good at predicting the ones that Harvard will definitely want to meet – if that’s you, we’ll tell you as much when we see your profile and pitch – but those are few and far between. Usually we’re telling people, “You can try, but it’s Harvard, and we can’t say how it will work out.” That doesn’t prevent people from believing that they will be The One, and yes, it can definitely be disappointing if Harvard doesn’t see it that way. This process is a massive roller coaster of emotions.
Anyway, CelerIP, you seem to have the right attitude, so kudos to you for the balanced head on your shoulders. Good luck on the other apps! People often fail to remember at this stage that just because Harvard takes a pass, doesn’t mean that other schools will too. Bschool admissions are independent events. If someone is strong enough that they believe they’re Harvard material, then UNDOUBTEDLY another school will agree! It’s actually OK if that school doesn’t end up being Harvard. 😉
EssaySnark