Harvard Business School is renowned for its global prestige, case method teaching, and unmatched leadership development. Its two-year MBA program emphasizes general management, ethical decision-making, and transformative personal growth. With a powerful alumni network, strong ties to top firms across industries, and access to world-class faculty and resources, HBS is especially well-regarded for careers in consulting, entrepreneurship, finance, and leadership roles across sectors.

WHOM TO CHOOSE AS YOUR RECOMMENDER?

Best bets (in this order):

• Your current direct supervisor

• A former boss (from the last 1–2 years)

• Any manager who’s directly led your work

• A mentor or business partner

• A client (only if the relationship was deep + recent)

• A social work lead (only if it’s core to your story)

Avoid picking:

• Family members (instant red flag)

• Juniors or direct reports

• Vendors or service providers

• Peers or professors (unless there’s a standout reason — and even then, risky)

Bottom line: Choose impact over title. If they’ve seen you lead, grow, or grind — they’re a strong

LOR Analysis

Question 1

Please provide specific examples of how the applicant's performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles.

Word limit: 300 words

Tips:

Anyone can say someone’s “hardworking” or “dependable” but without real examples, it’s just noise. Your recommender needs to highlight traits that matter, and back them with proof. Focus on EQ over IQ. Leadership over checkbox wins. Don’t just say you met deadlines show how you led under pressure, rallied a team, or took initiative beyond your role. If you've been promoted fast, won awards, or stood out among peers, that’s gold include it. And make sure every trait ties back to your future career goals. If you're gunning for a leadership role in impact investing, show moments where you influenced, built consensus, or pushed a bold idea forward. No vague praise. No fluff. Just sharp traits, linked to sharp stories.

Question 2

Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.

Word Limit: 250 words

Tips:

The best way to answer the weakness question? Keep it real but structured. Start with the actual weakness (don’t sugarcoat it), then share the feedback they got that made them aware of it. Show that they took it seriously no defensiveness, just maturity. Then walk through what they did to fix it: concrete actions, not vague intentions. End with the progress they’ve made and the impact it had. Every step should have an example. And remember: pick a weakness that’s fixable, not a red flag. Never choose something that questions judgment, ethics, or character. You want growth, not damage control.