MBA and Beyond provides MBA consulting for Haas schools of business. Learn more about the process from an expert. Apply for free profile evaluation now.

WE ARE NOW LISTED ON POETS&QUANTS

WHAT DOES HAAS LOOK FOR IN AN APPLICANT? 

Haas is a great school when it comes to tech as a post-MBA goal, making up around 40% of the placements in tech as per the employment stats. It also has a great location advantage, which is a critical factor we should consider while applying to business schools. Google, Amazon and Airbnb are among the top tech-employers for Haas.

The Haas program is built around its four defining principles (and considers the same criteria while analysing applications) :

1. Question the Status Quo

2. Confidence Without Attitude

3. Students Always

4. Beyond Yourself

WHAT DOES THE HAAS APPLICATION PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Candidates submit their written application including test scores, transcripts, essays and letters of recommendation. Once the application is complete, it goes through a thorough review process by admissions staff. After this review, about 25-30% of candidates are invited to interview. Interviews are conducted primarily by our students and alumni. An interview evaluation is then added to the application and reviewed by the admissions committee. A final decision is then made. 

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL ACCEPTANCE RATE TO THE BERKELEY-HAAS  MBA PROGRAM?

12-13% 

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE BERKELEY-HAAS MBA APPLICATION PROCESS BESIDES GMAT SCORE, PRIOR GPA, AND CURRENT JOB POSITION?

There is no one aspect that is the most important. However, fit with their distinct culture and four defining principles (aforementioned) are very important elements of application review. Berkeley-Haas brings in one of the smallest classes among peer schools and it strives to ensure that each student will contribute to the community.

Haas has 3 three application rounds, but the school encourages candidates to apply as early as they are able to submit their strongest application.

MBA admissions tips

Essay(s): Sometimes candidates overthink the essays. These are not trick questions, there is no hidden meaning, and certainly no ‘right’ answer. The best response is the one that is authentic to you! Before starting to write the essays, it is essential to understand the gaps in your profile that a B-school will help you fill, and have clarity on why you want to go for a certain B-school. Get familiar with the core values and culture of the school and try to see how you can fit in well. 

Interview: MBA interviews are primarily conducted by alumni. Among other things, they are assessing your fit with their culture and defining principles. Applicants who can articulate why they are specifically interested in a B-school and how it’s culture appeals to them will be best prepared.  Interviews are conducted blindly, meaning the only thing your alumni interviewer knows about you is what is on the resume you submitted to Kellogg.

Letter(s) of recommendation: The purpose of LOR is to provide a strong premise to your essays. Do choose recommenders who can share specific examples about your background, achievements, contribution and impact to the organization. Don’t choose recommenders based purely on title.

CV/résumé: The résumé is often the first document that admissions officers review. It provides a snapshot of your candidacy in one page. Take the time to clearly articulate your accomplishments, highlighting the skills or experiences that are most relevant for business school.

EVERY APPLICANT IS UNIQUE AND SO ARE YOU

We customise our process based on candidate’s strengths and weaknesses

UPCOMING EVENT: INSEAD Jan ’26 Intake and Application Strategy.Register now