Harvard Business School MBA deadlines 2026–2027
Every HBS round, decision date and requirement for the class entering in fall 2027, plus a plan to get your application in on time.
All HBS application rounds
| Round | Application due | Decision released | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 9, 2026 · 12:00 PM ET | December 10, 2026 | Closed |
| Round 2 | January 5, 2027 · 12:00 PM ET | March 25, 2027 | Next deadline |
| 2+2 (college seniors) | April 28, 2027 · 12:00 PM ET | June 30, 2027 | Later |
- HBS has only two rounds for the regular MBA. Applications received after the Round 2 deadline are not considered.
- The 2+2 round is a separate deferred-admission program for college seniors and graduate students without full-time work experience.
- Interviews are by invitation only: 30 minutes with an Admissions Board member who has read your application, followed by a written reflection due within 24 hours.
What you need to submit
Online application
Personal details, education, work history and activities, entered in the HBS application portal.
Resume
Your professional resume, uploaded with the application.
Essays
HBS publishes this year's prompts and word limits with the application. Start drafting early.
Recommendations
Submitted by your recommenders through the portal, so give them weeks, not days.
Test score
Usually a GMAT or GRE. Check HBS's test policy for alternatives and waivers. International applicants may also need an English test.
Fee or fee waiver
An application fee applies. Most schools offer fee waivers for some applicants.
A week-by-week plan for Round 2
- By November 17Ask your recommenders and tell them the January 5 deadline. Book a test date if you don't have a score yet.
- November 24 – December 15Draft and redraft your essays. Update your resume so it matches what you'll write in the application.
- By December 15Fill in the application form itself: personal details, education, jobs, activities. Leaving this to the last week is how people end up rushing.
- Around December 22Check in on your recommendations. Proofread everything with fresh eyes.
- By January 4Submit a day early. Portals slow down near the cutoff.
Fill the HBS form in minutes, not evenings
The essays deserve your time. Re-typing your address, schools, GPA, jobs and dates into yet another portal doesn't.
- Save your details once in one profile, or import them from your resume.
- One click fills the form on HBS and the other schools you're applying to.
- Your essays stay yours. Long answers are only filled if you turn that on.
Other MBA deadlines
Fill It Up is not affiliated with or endorsed by Harvard Business School. Dates are taken from the school's official admissions site as of October 21, 2026. Always confirm there before you submit.