3. Why do you want an MBA? (400 words)

　　A variation of the standard career goals essay required by many business schools, this essay is actually a new addition for HBS this year. While an inquiry about applicants’ “career visions” had been among the school’s essay options over the past few seasons, this is the first year in some time that candidates have been required to address the ‘why MBA’ subject. While this question is fairly standard, Harvard’s 400 word limit is a bit tighter than that of many schools. As HBS is an impact-oriented school that prides itself on shaping future leaders, applicants would be wise to focus this essay on how an MBA will help them gain the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their career goals. In doing so, applicants will need to clearly state what their future plans are. A quick mention of applicants’ interest in HBS’s MBA program, perhaps naming some key courses and clubs, will also help to clarify why they want to gain their business degree from Harvard specifically.

　　虽然这个问题相当标准，但哈佛大学400字的限制要比很多学校更严格。哈佛商学院是一个注重效果的学校，自诩自己塑造的是未来的领导人，所以申请人将重点放在HBS将如何帮助他们获得MBA的知识和技能，以实现自己的职业目标这方面，将是明智的选择。这样，申请者需要清楚地说出自己的未来计划。也许提一些学校的俱乐部和课程，将有助于这方面的解释。