Habits of Highly Successful Applicants to HKS, HBS, HLS, Harvard MPH,

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your graduate school application process? You’re not alone. As the founder of The Art of Applying®, I’ve guided thousands of ambitious professionals through their journey to top graduate programs. Today, let’s talk about one of the most common challenges applicants face: managing their time and energy effectively during the application process.

🎯 Why This Matters

When you’re applying to prestigious institutions like Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, or other top graduate programs, it’s tempting to try to do it all. However, this approach often leads to burnout and compromised application quality. Let’s explore smarter ways to approach your application journey.

The Myth of “Do It All”

Many applicants fall into the trap of thinking they need to:

Excel at work
Study intensively for standardized tests
Take on new leadership roles
Maintain perfect grades
Write compelling essays
Network extensively
…all while maintaining a balanced personal life

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to be superhuman to get into a top graduate program.

Key Principle #1: Don’t Overload Yourself

During your application period, it’s essential to be strategic about your commitments. Here’s what that means:

What to Prioritize:

Mental and physical health
Current academic or work performance
Family commitments
Application components
Existing meaningful commitments

What to Reconsider:

New volunteer projects
Additional work responsibilities
Starting new initiatives
Taking on leadership roles (unless specifically discussed with your consultant)

Key Principle #2: Story Over Stats

One of our foundational beliefs at The Art of Applying® is that your story matters more than your statistics. While numbers like GPA and test scores are important, they’re not the whole picture. Here’s what really counts:

Your Compelling Story:

Personal journey
Professional experiences
Academic achievements
Career vision
Values and motivations
Unique perspectives

Remember: Admissions committees want to understand the person behind the numbers.

The Test Score Trap: A Common Pitfall

Many applicants make the mistake of putting all their energy into test preparation before starting other application components. Here’s why this approach can backfire:

Problems with the “Test First” Approach:

Wastes valuable time
Creates unnecessary stress
Reduces time for other important components
Can lead to application rushing
Might result in missed deadlines

A Better Approach: Parallel Processing

At The Art of Applying®, we emphasize that “success is not sequential.” Instead of tackling one component at a time, consider working on multiple elements simultaneously:

Balanced Timeline Example:

Morning: Test prep study session
Afternoon: Draft essay ideas
Evening: Research schools and programs
Weekends: Work on supplemental coursework

This approach allows you to make steady progress across all areas while maintaining momentum and enthusiasm.

Key Principle #3: Be Open to Expert Feedback

When working with admissions consultants or advisors, being coachable can make a significant difference in your application success. Here’s how to make the most of professional guidance:

Best Practices for Receiving Feedback:

Listen with an open mind
Ask clarifying questions
Consider the expertise behind the advice
Remember that feedback comes from experience with thousands of applications
Feel free to request additional explanation or context

The Power of Professional Guidance

At The Art of Applying®, our consultants have worked with thousands of applicants. We’ve seen common patterns, mistakes, and successful strategies. When we provide feedback, it’s based on:

Years of experience
Knowledge of what works
Understanding of admission committee preferences
Proven success strategies
Deep knowledge of various programs

Making It All Work: Practical Tips for Success

Now that we’ve covered the key principles, let’s look at how to put them into practice:

1. Create a Realistic Timeline

Map out all application components
Set reasonable deadlines
Include buffer time for unexpected challenges
Schedule regular check-ins with your consultant

2. Protect Your Energy

Identify your most productive hours
Schedule challenging tasks during peak energy times
Build in recovery periods
Maintain healthy sleep habits

3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Choose meaningful activities over numerous commitments
Invest time in crafting compelling essays
Build strong relationships with recommenders
Develop depth in your story rather than surface-level achievements

4. Stay Connected to Your Support System

Regular communication with your consultant
Check-ins with mentors
Support from family and friends
Connection with fellow applicants

Moving Forward: Your Next Steps

As a Wild Card applicant, you bring unique perspectives and experiences to your graduate school applications. Your job isn’t to transform into a “perfect” applicant – it’s to present your authentic self in the most compelling way possible.

Here’s Your Action Plan:

Assess your current commitments
Create a balanced application timeline
Start working on multiple application components
Connect with experienced advisors
Remember: story over stats

Remember, at The Art of Applying®, we specialize in helping ambitious but imperfect professionals like you navigate the graduate school application process. We understand that every applicant’s journey is unique, and we’re here to help you make the most of yours.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re just starting your application journey or looking to refine your approach, we’re here to help. Our team has helped countless Wild Card applicants secure spots at top graduate programs with significant scholarship funding.

Want to learn more about how we can support your graduate school application journey? Book a Quick Call with our team to discuss your goals and how we can help you achieve them.
Remember: The graduate school application process is a marathon, not a sprint. By managing your time and energy wisely, staying open to feedback, and focusing on what truly matters, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Habits of Highly Successful Applicants to HKS, HBS, HLS, Harvard MPH, Harvard M.Arch, and HGSE | Part 2