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Thinking about applying to Harvard Business School? Mark your calendar—HBS just released its MBA deadlines for the 2026 application cycle. Whether you're targeting Round 1 or weighing your odds in Round 2, timing is everything.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the key dates, what to expect in each stage of the application process, and how to set yourself up for success. From interview invites to the post-interview reflection, here’s everything you need to know to hit submit with confidence.
Read: Harvard Business School MBA: Acceptance Rate, Deadlines, Cost, Requirements, & Program Overview
HBS Application Deadlines (2026)
| Round | Applications Due | Decisions Released |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 |
| Round 2 | Monday, January 5, 2026 | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 |
- All applications must be submitted online by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on the stated deadline.
- Applications received after September 3, 2025 will be considered Round 2.
- Applications received after January 5, 2026 will not be considered.
HBS only accepts one application per cycle. You may apply in either Round 1 or Round 2, but not both.
2+2 Deferred Admission Program (for college seniors and eligible master’s students)
The application deadline for Harvard's 2+2 deferred MBA program is April 22, 2026, by 12:00 PM Eastern Time. All applications are reviewed after the deadline; this is not a rolling admissions process. Final decisions will be released on June 25, 2026. The application typically opens in December 2025.
Additional notes:
- All deadlines are at 12:00 PM ET, not midnight.
- There is no Round 3 for the traditional MBA program.
- The 2+2 program is designed for students applying in their final year of school, to defer matriculation for 2–4 years of professional experience.
- HBS may update exact dates or policies on its official admissions page.
For more info on the 2+2 program, head to An Overview of the HBS 2+2 Program: And How to Kick Off Your Application
Which Application Round Should You Apply To?
The general rule of thumb is that the earlier you apply, the better. As each round passes, there are fewer spots available. Typically, we recommend applying to Round 1 if you can. If you have less time to prepare, apply to your top choices in Round 1 and leave Round 2/3 for the backups.
The caveat to this is that if applying in a later round means significantly improving your application, it may be worth it. Applying earlier gives you an advantage, but that advantage will be moot if your application is not as good as it could be.
When Are Interview Invitations Released?
Harvard Business School does not publish official interview invitation dates. However, based on reports from recent applicants, HBS typically begins releasing interview invites during the following windows:
- Round 1 Interviews: Early October to mid-November 2025
- Round 2 Interviews: Late January to early March 2026
Interview invitations are sent on a rolling basis within each round, and not receiving one immediately does not necessarily mean a rejection. HBS may also release invitations in multiple waves.
What to Expect During Your HBS Interview
Your interview will last about 30 minutes and will be conducted either via Zoom or in person with a member of the MBA Admissions Committee. During the interview, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your experiences, aspirations, and why you believe HBS is the right fit for you. It's a chance for the admissions team to get to know you better beyond your application materials.
Remember, the interview is your chance to show your passion, personality, and readiness for the HBS MBA program. Be authentic, be yourself, and be prepared to engage in a meaningful conversation about your goals and experiences. The best way to prepare for an interview is to realistically practice ahead of time, and we highly recommend doing so with an expert.
For more advice, read our article, How to Ace the HBS MBA Interview.
The Post-Interview Reflection
After your interview, you’ll be asked to complete a 300 to 450-word Post-Interview Reflection. Keep in mind, however, that this is not another formal essay; think of it more as a chance to reflect on your interview experience. You’ll also have 24 hours to submit the reflection to the online application system, so take some time to let the interview sink in before you begin.
One key note: The admissions committee has said that they will be much more generous in their reaction to typos and grammatical errors than with ‘pre-packaged responses.’ That being said, any reflections that look like they were written before your interview will immediately be flagged.
If you're looking for more advice on how to nail the Post-Interview Reflection, read the following article written by one of our expert coaches: How to Write a Powerful HBS Post-Interview Reflection.
MBA Coach Recommendations
To give yourself the best chance of admission to HBS, we highly recommend working one-on-one with a coach. They’ll be able to provide personalized tips and guidance that are customized to your background and goals. Below are some of our top coaches. Browse all of them here.
HBS MBA Application Overview (2026)
To apply to Harvard Business School’s full-time MBA program for Fall 2026 entry, you’ll need to prepare the following materials. Requirements may differ slightly if you are a reapplicant, joint degree applicant, or applying through the 2+2 deferred program.
Transcripts
Applicants to Harvard Business School must provide transcripts showing the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some degrees from international universities that offer three-year baccalaureate degrees are valid as well. At the time of application, you can upload unofficial transcripts, but you’ll need to submit an official copy upon an offer of admission.
Standardized Test Scores
HBS expects applicants to submit scores from either the GMAT or GRE within specific timeframes aligned with the application rounds. If you are applying for Round 1, you must have taken the GMAT or GRE on or between September 3, 2020, and September 3, 2025. If you are applying for Round 2, you must have taken one of them on or between January 5, 2021, and January 5, 2026.
Next, read GMAT vs. GRE: Which to Take and How to Ace Both
English Language Proficiency Tests
If your undergraduate degree was not conducted entirely in English, you must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following tests:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Duolingo English Test
If you’ve completed a graduate degree in English, submitting a test score is encouraged but not required.
Essay
HBS places significant weight on the written essays—they’re your opportunity to share your story, goals, and values beyond the resume. For the 2026 cycle, applicants are asked to respond to the following prompts:
- Business-Minded Essay (300 words) - Reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations, and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve.
- Leadership-Focused Essay (250 words) - What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become?
- Growth-Oriented Essay (250 words) -Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth.
These essay prompts are some of the most important parts of your application, as they give you the opportunity to explain why Harvard Business School is the right fit for you. For advice on writing your essays, read our article on the New HBS Essays.
Letters of Recommendation
You must submit two letters of recommendation by the application deadline. HBS does not specify who these should come from, but strong recommenders typically include:
- A current or former supervisor
- A mentor who knows your professional or leadership potential well
Recommenders should be able to speak in depth about your character, impact, and potential—not just list your achievements. For guidance, read: How to Get the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter
Resume
Your resume should highlight your professional trajectory, including key achievements, responsibilities, and skills acquired throughout your career. It serves as a snapshot of your professional journey and provides context for your MBA candidacy.
Read: How to Craft the Ultimate MBA Resume
MBA Resume Examples
Download this free resource to see resume examples from MBA admits to top programs
Fee
The application fee for the HBS MBA program is $250 and is non-refundable. Applicants to the 2+2 deferred admission program pay a reduced fee of $100.
To continue on your HBS MBA application journey, read Harvard Business School–MBA Program and Application Overview and How I Got Into Harvard Business School With Low Test Scores.
Final Thoughts
Applying to HBS is no small feat as the deadlines are strict, the competition is intense, and every part of the process, from essays to interviews to that last-minute post-interview reflection, matters. But with the right game plan, it's absolutely doable. Whether you're applying in Round 1 or Round 2, the key is to put forward an application that’s clear, compelling, and deeply authentic.
If you want expert guidance to make that happen, from someone who knows what HBS is really looking for, work 1:1 with a top MBA admissions coach. Many of them are former AdCom members or HBS grads, and they’ve helped hundreds of applicants turn great stories into admit calls. Browse top HBS coaches here.
Read these next:
- The Different Types of MBA Programs—and Which One is Right for You
- What is an MBA Degree? An Expert Guide
- MBA Requirements: What You Need to Apply (and What Top Programs Really Look For)
- T25 MBA Acceptance Rates, GPA, & Test Scores
- The Top 25 MBA Programs—Acceptance Rates, Tuition, and More
FAQs
When is the Harvard MBA application due for 2026?
- For Round 1, the deadline is September 3, 2025. For Round 2, it's January 5, 2026. All applications must be submitted by 12 PM ET on the deadline.
Is it better to apply to HBS in Round 1 or Round 2?
- If your application is ready, Round 1 is generally better since more spots are available. But if waiting lets you significantly improve your candidacy, Round 2 can still be a strong option.
When does Harvard send out interview invitations?
- Round 1 interview invites usually go out between early October and mid-November. For Round 2, expect invites from late January through early March.
What’s the HBS Post-Interview Reflection?
- It’s a 300–450-word write-up due within 24 hours after your interview. It’s meant to be a genuine reflection, not a polished essay, so don’t pre-write it.
Can I work with a coach to help with my HBS application?
- Yes. Working with a coach can make a huge difference, especially for essay strategy, interview prep, and positioning. Leland has several expert HBS coaches who’ve helped applicants get in.
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