How to write about goals for HBS
One thing that annoyed me was the fact that adcom and the alums kept saying how you should have a clear vision when you apply. And on the other hand, they all graduated and did something totally different. They want you to know what you want to do but keep an open mind.
exactly, goal statement is just a ritual, and at HBS it does not count much in positive way (odd, humanitarian, social enterprise goals per se dont get you extra credit beyond REAL THINGS YOU HAVE IN FACT DONE IN SUPPORT OF GOALS) but goals which are unrealistic or do not require an mba, or are muddled, can harm you., GOAL STATEMENT AT HBS CAN BE A DEAL BREAKER BUT NOT A DEAL MAKER.
How? If goals are muddled, or if they do not require an MBA, or if they sound phony and unsupported. But there is another killer castle on the other side of the chess board, if goals do not indicate enuf CHANGE fr. what you are doing, that could sound like you are not opening yourself up to TRANSFORMING experience enuf, so if you plan to stay in same industry, make goals bold, e.g. lead a company into new area of that industry.
