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2+2 Program

2+2 Program

  • Application Process

Why 2+2?

What is 2+2?

A way for current students, either in college or a full-time master’s degree program, to apply to Harvard Business School on a deferred basis.
The 2+2 program 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. Download the 2+2 Program Brochure to learn more.

Who Are We Looking For?

Students from any academic background who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.

Some preference will be given to high potential individuals on paths that aren’t as well established in leading to graduate business school, including applicants that fall into any of the fields below:

  • Planning to work in an operating company
    (tech, manufacturing, consumer goods, retail, industrials, etc.)
  • From a lower socio-economic background
    (first generation in college, lower-income family background, less family exposure to graduate school)
  • Going into a technically demanding role
  • Pursuing entrepreneurship

Application Process 

Are you in your final year of study? The 2+2 Application mirrors the MBA Application but has its own deadline. Check out the Application Process page to read through the process of applying to the 2+2 Program.

2+2 Cohort Profile

1287
Total 2+2 applicants in 2022
121
Committed 2+2 students
61
Undergraduate institutions represented in the committed student pool

Undergraduate Majors

Arts/Humanities
Business/Commerce
Economics
Engineering
Math/Physical Sciences
Social Sciences

Why an MBA at HBS?

“This school gives you the opportunity to pursue whatever that big dream is, you just have to have the courage to dream big.”

Jevta Lukic
MBA 2018

MBA Voices Blog 

Myth Busting: Financial Aid for 2+2 Students

  • 01 OCT 2020
While HBS Admissions is merit-based, HBS Financial Aid is need-based, made possible by the generous support of our alumni.

How I Spent My 2+2 Deferral; Cecil Alfaro-Mora

  • 12 JAN 2022
In college I envisioned doing an MBA at some point. I thought of it as an ideal complement to my engineering background. Therefore, having a chance to apply earlier than usual was appealing. It came across as a high-reward and minimal-risk opportunity.

There Are No HBS People, Just People Who Happen To Go To HBS

  • 27 APR 2021
Getting in gave me the confidence to turn down my P and G offer and pursue a job closer to home.

2+2 Where Are They Now Spotlight: Smitha Das (MBA 2018)

  • 16 MAR 2021
With the security of the 2+2 program, I was able to take more risks, forgo traditional paths, and explore my passions – at that time, working in government.

College Programs Webinars 

The Value of an MBA for STEM MajorsThe Value of an MBA for STEM Majors

The Value of an MBA for EntrepreneursThe Value of an MBA for Entrepreneurs

The Value of an MBA for Humanities MajorsThe Value of an MBA for Humanities Majors

Applying to the 2+2 Program as an International StudentApplying to the 2+2 Program as an International Student

What's Next?

Interested in 2+2 and want to learn about the next steps in the process?
  • Application Process
  • 2+2 Deferred MBA Program Brochure
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

Ready to start your journey at HBS? Start the application process:
Application Process
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