How do I get into Harvard Business School?

I just started at HBS and would give the following advice based partially on my experience, but primarily on the profile of my classmates: Apply by your mid 20's. HBS is trending younger than it used to, with the bulk of students being 24-26 years old and 3-4 years out of school. Nearly all students I've met age 30+ had long military obligations (e.g. doctor, fighter pilot). Consulting is the clearest path there. People will tell you that consultants are a dime a dozen and you're much better off doing something more interesting, but the fact of the matter is that 1 in 4 students in the entering class had worked at McKinsey, Bain, or BCG. I've heard that McKinsey Business Analysts have a 92% success rate in getting into at least one of HBS and Stanford GSB. Emphasize what makes you a great leader, not a great worker. HBS really does try to select for people that will be leaders in business and society, not people who will be great individual contributors. Make sure that your essays reflect that, and at least as importantly, make sure that your letters of recommendation reflect that as well. If it's a good fit for you, get an advanced degree in another field, either before you apply or to enroll in jointly. 1 in 9 students are pursuing a joint degree with another Harvard school. Furthermore, HBS loves applicants that show both leadership potential and technical skill. An engineering degree from a top program is a huge boost to your candidacy.