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Applying to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is a dream for many aspiring leaders in public policy, government, and nonprofit sectors. However, the application process is highly competitive, and mistakes can cost applicants their chance at admission.
In this post, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and Founder of Write Track Admissions, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes made by HKS applicants over the past 10 years and how to avoid them to maximize your chances of success.
1. Not Securing Strong Recommenders in Time
Recommendation letters are critical to your Harvard Kennedy School application. Many applicants wait too long to request recommendations, leaving their recommenders with insufficient time to write a thoughtful letter. Rushed or generic letters weaken your overall application. To avoid this, approach your recommenders early and provide them with context on why you’re applying to HKS and how their insights can support your candidacy.
2. Overlooking the Importance of Standardized Test Scores
While HKS takes a holistic approach to evaluating candidates, strong standardized test scores remain essential for a competitive application. Some applicants mistakenly assume their professional experience or academic background will overshadow lower scores, particularly in English proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS or standardized tests like the GRE. Make sure your test scores reflect your readiness for HKS’s academic rigor.
3. Not Preparing Transcripts in Advance
Transcripts are a fundamental part of your HKS application, but some applicants don’t request them from their previous institutions in time. For international students, the delay is often compounded by the need to translate transcripts into English. Request your transcripts early and ensure that a certified provider completes any translations to avoid delays in submission.
4. Failing to Articulate Clear Career Goals
HKS is looking for applicants with a strong sense of purpose and direction. Not clearly articulating your career goals and how the HKS program will help you achieve them can be a major setback. Vague or disconnected goals may leave the admissions committee questioning your fit for the program. Clearly outline your career objectives and explain how the Kennedy School will provide the tools and resources necessary for your professional growth.
5. Not Responding to the Essay Prompts
Your application essays are an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences and motivation. A common mistake is not addressing the essay prompts directly, leading to impersonal or off-topic responses. Some applicants also exceed the word limit, which can signal to the admissions committee that you did not follow instructions. Stay on topic, be genuine, and adhere to the word count to present a polished application.
6. Duplicating Information Across Materials
Your resume, essays, and short-answer questions should each highlight distinct aspects of your profile. Rehashing resume content in the essays or providing repetitive information across the application results in a one-dimensional portrayal of who you are. Use each component of the application to highlight different strengths and experiences, offering a well-rounded narrative.
7. Ignoring the Optional Statement
The Harvard Kennedy School provides an optional statement to explain potential weaknesses in your application, such as gaps in employment, low test scores, or legal issues. Many applicants leave this section blank or do not use this section strategically, thinking it isn’t necessary. However, failing to address potential red flags could result in the admissions committee making assumptions. Use the optional statement to provide context and demonstrate how you’ve overcome challenges or addressed weaknesses in your profile.
8. Failing to Show You’ve REALLY Researched the Kennedy School
A common mistake is not demonstrating that you’ve thoroughly researched Harvard Kennedy School. Admissions officers want to see that you understand the school’s resources, research centers, courses, and extracurricular activities. By aligning these with your career goals, academic interests, and prior experiences, you can create a compelling narrative that highlights why HKS is the perfect fit for you. Showing this level of knowledge and connection makes your application stand out and demonstrates genuine commitment to the program.
9. Delaying Financial Aid Applications
Securing financial aid is often crucial for making HKS a viable option. Waiting until the last minute to apply for scholarships, fellowships, or other funding opportunities can lead to missed deadlines and limited financial resources. Research financial aid options early and ensure you meet all deadlines to maximize your chances of receiving support. Personally, this was critical to my decision to apply to HKS. So I spent significant time applying to as many funding opportunities as possible and ended up receiving a $92,000 scholarship that funded my HKS education, housing, and living expenses!
10. Procrastinating on the Application
Waiting until the last minute to complete your application can lead to rushed, poorly developed materials. Last-minute efforts often result in overlooked details, incomplete essays, or even missed deadlines. Begin the application process early, set incremental deadlines for each component, and give yourself time for revisions to ensure that your application is thorough and free from errors.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of being admitted to Harvard Kennedy School. Securing strong recommendations, providing clear career goals, meeting all requirements, and following instructions closely will help you submit a competitive application.
For over a decade, we have helped HKS applicants navigate these pitfalls with great success. We provide a FREE consultation to assess your needs and get you on the write track to HKS admissions success!
