Managing Director Introduction
Hi all! My name is Rupal Gadhia and I just joined the team here at Harvard Business School as the Managing Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. This is honestly the opportunity of a lifetime for me as HBS has had such a profound impact on my life. In a few short months, I will be celebrating at my 20th year reunion from HBS. After almost two decades in marketing and consulting, I am so grateful to come back to the place that shaped me into the professional and leader I am today.
In my past month in this role, I have had the amazing opportunity to get to meet and read about many of you. I have been so moved by your stories, your journeys, and the difference you are making in the world. Thank you for applying to HBS and sharing your stories with us. It is such an honor to learn about the remarkable impact you are having on your companies, communities, and humanity.
I look forward to continuing to meet you and learn more about you!
Round 1 Interview Invitations
Thank you to everyone who submitted a Round 1 application. Next Wednesday, October 4, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time, all Round 1 applicants will receive an update via their Application Status page on next steps in our process. There are three possibilities:
- Invite to Interview – this is very good news! If you are in this group, you will receive additional information regarding the process on October 4. On October 5 you will be able to choose the date and time for your interview.
- Further Consideration – this is also good news. We ask a small group of strong applicants to wait until Round 2, at which point we will review your application again. More information will be shared with you via email if you receive a “Further Consideration” update.
- Early Release – unfortunately, this means we are not able to move you to the next step in our process. Our hope is that by letting you know this news early, you can move forward with other plans.
We thank everyone who submitted a Round 1 application to HBS – we enjoyed getting to know you!
Meet the Class of 2025
Last month we welcomed the Class of 2025 to campus. It’s always such a delight to see 900+ students arriving from all over the world, representing many different backgrounds, life experiences, and professional interests. Our Class of 2025 is a remarkable group, filled with enthusiasm to connect with one another and dive into the HBS experience. Learn more about the first-year class here.
Introducing the New Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid
Jana Kierstead here. I’m writing with an exciting announcement: Rupal Gadhia (MBA 2004) will be the next managing director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid, effective October 10th, 2023. We could not be more excited to welcome Rupal to the team!
Rupal comes to HBS after a successful career across brand and strategy roles. Here in MBA Admissions and Financial Aid, Rupal will oversee our admissions process that aims to deliver a high-quality MBA class with wide-ranging talents and experiences. She will also work to build on our efforts to increase access and affordability for applicants and students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Keep an eye out for Rupal’s first blog post soon. In the meantime, you can read more about her in our Press Release.
Welcome Rupal!