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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

1577
Total 2+2 applicants in 2020
129
Committed 2+2 students
65
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?

Video Embed

“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.

2+2 Where Are They Now Spotlight: Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes (MBA 2017)

  • 08 SEP 2020
My journey, my life before college, my undergraduate experience, my time at HBS - has been one of becoming. Baby Alexxis could never have imagined where she would end up.

How SVMP Helped Me Take My Next Steps (2+2) and Find Myself

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

2+2 Where Are They Now Spotlight: Curtis Wu (MBA 2018)

  • 06 OCT 2020
The 2+2 program offered me a way to learn the language and tools I would need to tackle tough problems at the interface of science and business.

College Programs Webinars 

Video Embed

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

Video Embed

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

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

Video Embed

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
  • Recorded Virtual Events
  • Experience the Virtual Venture into Management
  • Discover the Virtual Peek Experience

Application Process

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