Learn by Example: Typical Day
While recognizing that no day is typical, describe a representative day.
This is an essay question that at first glance seems almost too easy: describe a typical day. How hard can that be? Do not be fooled; this is a question worth spending some time on, one that if done well can communicate a great deal about your personality and how you approach the world and solve problems.
The chronology of what you do and the hour-by-hour specifics of your diary are not all that important. What matters here is how you choose to say what you say. To simply list what you do is not going to win you many points. Your resume probably covers most of what you do (or should, anyway), so this is your chance to demonstrate why you are good at what you do and what types of experiences you will contribute as a member of the HBS community.
As you will see from the essays we have chosen, there are many approaches that can work. Bending the rules with this essay is okay, so do not feel compelled to describe your day purely chronologically. Many people, though, do exactly that, so if that is how you end up approaching the essay that is fine.
In addition to showing a range of formats that can work, we have tried to pick essays that are especially good at revealing aspects of the author’s character and personality. Some are funny but many are not. Some are strikingly well written but, again, many are not. Writing beautifully helps (sometimes a lot) but it is not a prerequisite for admission. What is? The ability to demonstrate perspective, poise, and maturity, all of which are common to all the essays we have chosen.
Most people who apply have done interesting and important things, so simply confirming or reiterating that you, too, have done interesting and important things is not going to distinguish you from the crowd. The key here is not to underestimate what seems like an overly easy question. This is an additional opportunity to help the admissions committee learn more about you and how you view the world.
