Application Process - MBA - Harvard Business School

The 2+2 program is a deferred admission process for current students, either in college or full-time master’s degree programs.

2+2 is comprised of at least two years of professional work experience followed by two years in the regular HBS MBA Program. We’re looking for innovative thinkers who have demonstrated leadership and analytical skills and want to develop their knowledge and passion to make a difference in the world. After being admitted through 2+2, students spend a minimum of two years (maximum of four years) working in a professional position in the public, private, or nonprofit sector before enrolling at HBS.

If you are planning to apply to 2+2 in 2021, you are not eligible to also apply for Peek Day or SVMP in 2021. These programs are for prospective students who are thinking about applying to HBS in future years.

2+2 Program Overview

Eligibility

If you are in your final year of study, you are eligible to apply in the current application cycle (deadline is April 29, 2021). You must graduate from your program between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021.

Bachelor's Degree Programs

Undergraduates in their final year of study are eligible to apply.

Joint Bachelor / Master's Degree Programs

Candidates in joint Bachelor/Master’s Degree programs are eligible to apply.

Master's Degree Programs

Candidates from master's degree programs who have not held a full time work position (other than internships or co-ops) are eligible to apply. To be eligible for the 2+2 Program, candidates need to have gone directly from undergraduate to graduate school.

PhD Programs, Law School & Medical School

Students enrolled in PhD programs, law school or medical school are not eligible for the 2+2 Program; instead these students should apply through the regular admissions process.

2+2 Application Overview Video

Application Steps

1: Learn More About 2+2

We want you to have a full 360 degree view of the 2+2 Program. We have several resources to help you get to know 2+2 better!

Join us for various virtual college events by registering on the Events page
Hear from HBS students and alumni about their 2+2 experience on the MBA Voices Blog
See 2+2 Program section on the Find Answers page for responses to frequently asked questions

2: Get Prepared

To be considered for admission to the 2+2 Program, your GMAT or GRE score must be dated no earlier than April 30, 2016. You must take the AWA section of either test and the Integrated Reasoning portion of the GMAT, if taking the GMAT.

For the 2021 2+2 application, HBS will be accepting online versions of the GMAT or GRE (where available) even if they do not have a writing section available. If you wish to take the online GMAT, you must take it no later than one week prior to the submission deadline (April 22, 2021), as this version of the test requires one week for scores to be issued.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant attending a non-English speaking undergraduate university, you will need to submit a TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score taken after January 1, 2019. If you are in the process of getting your master’s at an institution where courses are taught in English, but you did your undergraduate work in a language other than English, it is recommended but not required that you take the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE. For the 2021 2+2 application, HBS will accept the at-home or online versions of the TOEFL iBT and the TOEFL iTP Plus (in China in partnership with Vericant), IELTS and the IELTS Indicator, and Pearson Test of English (PTE).

3: Write Your Application

There is a nonrefundable U.S. $100 application fee (credit card only) vs. a $250 application fee for non-2+2 applicants. All active-duty military applicants do not have to pay the application fee. Details on how to request the military fee waiver are in the 2+2 application.

All applications and recommendations must be submitted online. 2+2 applications have only one deadline: April 29, 2021. Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis so your application will not be considered until the application deadline.

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