Updated on November 7, 2024

To many applicants, the short answer questions seem to be a simple piece of the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) application process. However, they are an integral part of the HKS application.

Short answer questions are designed to inquire about each applicant’s ability to express themselves within a tight word limit while still revealing extensive amounts of information. They are also intended to highlight how well the applicant understands the school, the degree program, and their own goals.

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your knowledge of what the Harvard Kennedy School admissions committee is looking for and why you are their ideal applicant.

Here are some of our best tips for answering the HKS short answer questions.

How do the short answer questions affect the overall HKS admissions process?

The short answer questions on the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) application help the admissions committee understand how you meet the school’s criteria. The questions are an opportunity to show off your English language and writing talent and highlight how your personal history, work experience, skills, and goals align with HKS’s values.

What are the HKS short answer questions?

• What websites do you read to follow matters pertaining to policy issues and news you are interested in?
• What print publications do you read to follow matters pertaining to policy issues and news you are interested in?

What about for joint master’s degree programs—are the short answer questions the same?

HKS offers several different types of joint degree programs, including:

• A joint degree program in law and government with Harvard Law School (HLS) that combines a JD with an MPP or MPA-ID
• A joint degree program with Harvard Business School (HBS) that combines a Master in Business Administration (MBA) with a Master in Public Policy (MPP)
• A joint degree program with HBS that combines an MBA with a Master in Public Administration-International Development (MPA-ID)
  

HKS students can also pursue concurrent degrees:

• Students can stick to Cambridge and earn concurrent degrees through other Harvard schools such as Harvard Divinity School (HDS), Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), Harvard Medical School (HMS), or Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM)
• Students can also earn concurrent degrees such as JD/MBAs through other approved institutions
  

When applying for a joint degree at the Kennedy School, short answer questions will likely focus on a few different things:

• Explaining how combining the HKS program with another degree will benefit your career goals Describing the unique knowledge you’ll gain from each program and its coursework
• Emphasizing how the combined skillset you would gain from the program will allow you to tackle complex issues in your desired field
• Highlighting specific aspects of the HKS curriculum that complement your other degree program
• Showcasing things in your background that signal a commitment to public leadership and service
  

Example questions you might encounter:

• Why are you interested in pursuing a joint degree at HKS, and how does this program align with your career aspirations?
• What specific aspects of the HKS curriculum will complement your studies in [other degree program]?
• How will the combined knowledge from both programs enhance your ability to address complex policy issues in your desired field?
• What unique learning opportunities or research experiences do you anticipate by pursuing this joint degree?

How should I answer the HKS short answer questions?

I advise my clients and all of you who follow my advice to keep these tips in mind as you answer these two questions. These tips have worked for my clients in the past and could help turn these seemingly innocuous questions into an asset for your HKS application:

Answer the question, and weave in what you want them to know.

Use the short answer questions to explain how you meet the school’s criteria for academic success, leadership, and a commitment to public service. Weave together your experiences to tell a coherent story about how your background and habits have shaped you and how you will contribute to the school.

Depending on the questions, you may be able to touch upon concerns about your academic background, such as your performance in college, your GPA or coursework, or less than ideal standardized test scores.

(Remember, while there is no required GRE or GMAT score for HKS or the Mid-Career MPA program, the GRE or the GMAT is required for all of the two-year programs such as the MPP, the two-year MPA program, and MPA applications.)

Answer each question as fully as you can in the space you have.

For example, if you’re asked about sites, news outlets, and other policy sources you follow, try to include a variety of outlets, such as online and print publications. Include 2-4 websites for the website question and 2-4 print publications for the print publication question.

Show off the variety in what you consume to show what you bring to the table. Yes, you can reuse the same outlets for both questions but try to introduce some variety. Perhaps you read the online version of a news outlet for a certain kind of news and the print version for another type. Remember that you don’t have to only include outlets whose viewpoints align with yours.

Emphasize change.

HKS seeks students who embrace change, so show that you can change and grow. Be specific: provide a concrete example of a time you were able to adapt to a new situation with intelligence and grace.

Write in full sentences rather than just including a list.

By writing in full sentences, you can provide context for the websites and print publications you include in your response. For example:

• Tell them what part of the print publication you read. Don’t just say, “I read The New York Times.” What section(s) of the NYT do you read and why? How does this choice relate to your HKS degree goals?
• Describe when and how often you read it, such as every Sunday morning.
• Discuss your favorite topics to read about and how they relate to your intended degree program and career goals.
• Mention your favorite journalists to follow and why you follow their work.

Keep it short and impactful.

Write no more than 2-4 sentences to answer each of the two questions to stay within your word limit, demonstrate that you can adhere to instructions, and highlight your ability to say a lot with just a few words.

Don’t be a one-draft wonder.

Even if you’re great at cranking out first drafts that read well, editing is essential—even for short answer essay questions. (See more information about professional editing services below.)

How should I answer joint degree program short answer questions?

There are a few key points to address in HKS joint degree short answers:

Talk about your specific career goals.

Clearly articulate how a joint degree will directly contribute to your future professional aspirations. Describe how the synergistic knowledge you can glean from each program will overlap and enhance your understanding of complex issues.

Mention the unique learning opportunities from this joint degree program.

Highlight specific courses, faculty expertise, or research areas within HKS that are relevant to your other degree and career goals. Be specific; don’t just mention core courses that are available anywhere. Why this particular combination, and why at these schools?

Describe the impact of the combined skillset you’re seeking.

Discuss how the combined knowledge from both programs will enable you to tackle challenges in your chosen field in a more comprehensive way. Again, be as specific as you can in a small space. Examples from your career goals or experience are great.

Emphasize networking benefits.

Mention how the combined alumni network of both programs can provide valuable connections for your future career.

Do you have to follow this advice to answer these questions?

No you don’t! If a simple list would better serve your purposes, then use a list. If you’ve been looking for guidance in how to answer this question, you can use the tips above. They have consistently worked for my clients, and they can work for you too!

Can The Art of Applying help edit my HKS application materials?

Yes! We are accepting Harvard Kennedy School application materials for Rush Editing.

Are you worried about your HKS application essay, optional essay, or other aspects of your written materials? The experts at The Art of Applying have the proven essay tips for applicants to the top grad schools, including HKS.

Learn more about how our editing services can boost your HKS application, from essay prompt to final draft.

Other FAQs about the HKS application process

What is the rest of the admissions process at HKS like? 

HKS evaluates applicants based on their experience, educational background, and academic transcripts. Applicants must speak English fluently, and express themselves well in written form (both in their essays and these short answer questions). You’ll also need three letters of recommendation.

What GPA do you need for Harvard Kennedy School?

There is no cutoff GPA per se, but you must be able to show that you can successfully master the HKS coursework, including quantitative courses. The most competitive applicants have at least a 3.6 GPA.

How hard is it to get into Harvard Kennedy School? Is HKS competitive?

Yes, definitely. HKS accepts less than 20% of all applicants.

Is Harvard Kennedy prestigious? If so, in what ways?

Yes, HKS is considered prestigious in several ways. In addition to its low acceptance rate, HKS routinely ranks among the best schools for social and health policy in the world, and boasts a stellar reputation in these areas worldwide. HKS faculty shape policy, advise governments, and help run major organizations and institutions around the globe.

Other helpful links and information

Learn more about how to be a competitive applicant to HKS, including for fellowships and other financial aid, and what they are looking for.

FAQs about writing essays for HKS

HKS application essay advice

Watch this video about writing the HKS adversity essay

Here are some tips for reapplying to HKS from the school, and for more reapplication tips, watch this video from The Art of Applying to make the most of the three attempts you have for applying to HKS.