Harvard MBA TOEFL Score Requirement

At Harvard Business School, the MBA program captures the attention of thousands of international students each year due to its highly competitive nature and the recognition it has worldwide. It resonates with the prestige which it has built with the name and due to that, numerous applicants from different countries attempt to enroll in this MBA program. It is a mandatory requirement for international students who are applying for the MBA program at Harvard Business School to provide proof of an English language skill such as the TOEFL test. However, it is necessary to acquire the knowledge of the minimum score requirement as well as a few strategies to start with your preparation. 

This blog will explore the minimum TOEFL score acceptable for the Harvard MBA program, information about the other proficiency tests, and also offers a few strategies for taking the TOEFL test. You can level up your chances of being accepted to the MBA program at Harvard Business School by acquiring the needed knowledge.

Why is TOEFL scores important at Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School has a language requirement for all international students whose first language is not English. This is because the MBA program at HBS is offered in English and students need to be adequately fluent in order to participate actively in the lectures, case studies, in class and group discussions. It is for the applicants who have graduated from a non-English speaking undergraduate institution where they have to submit language proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test. 

However, if a graduate program was completed in English, it is recommended to submit one of these tests, although it is not mandatory. Harvard Business School does not have a minimum language proficiency score in order to submit an application. The Admissions Board for MBA programs still advises prospective applicants to attain a minimum TOEFL score.

TOEFL Score at Harvard Business School

Even though Harvard Business School does not mention a particular score for a language proficiency test, it is important to consider that there are expectations of the students. Since the MBA course in Harvard Business School is quite challenging, an individual must have the skills to comprehend the information. 

The table below mentions the minimum score requirement at the Harvard Business School for an MBA program. 

Can I apply to Harvard Business School without TOEFL?

Even though it is necessary to take the TOEFL exam, the Harvard Business School also considers other language proficiency scores to process the application further.

The table depicts the minimum requirements which one must have to continue with the application process of the MBA program at Harvard Business School.

The official copies of the test scores must be sent to the Harvard Business School. In case of TOEFL, it must be sent from ETS and Pearson for the PTE. 

There are a few situations where TOEFL scores are not needed in order to apply for an MBA program at Harvard Business School. 

• If the applicants have completed an undergraduate or a graduate course which was taught in English, they might be exempted. If you have completed an undergraduate or acquired a graduate degree at an institution where English is the medium of instruction, you may be exempted from taking the TOEFL exam. This is usually the situation for applicants who are from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or most regions of the world which offer the same range of qualified expertise.
• In the case of applicants with a high GMAT score, they might be exempted from taking any language proficiency scores. However, this varies and the scores would be reviewed on an individual basis.

How to start with the preparation of the TOEFL exam?

In order to score more than the minimum TOEFL scores as recommended by Harvard Business School, the following strategies can be incorporated to help you prepare and ace the exam.

•  It is advisable to start preparing for the TOEFL exam atleast two to three months prior to the test date. This will allow you to cover all the sections individually, do a focused study, and practice regularly. 
• Always attempt full-length practice tests so that you become comfortable with the exam structure and improve your time management skills. This will also prepare you for the actual exam as these practice tests closely resemble the format. 
• You can also participate in activities where English is a primary language used like reading novels, watching movies or lectures, or interacting with native speakers. This will guide you to understand the intonations and accents from other countries and boost your confidence level. 
• Even though all the four segments of the test are important, you need to acquire different skills to attempt individual sections. For most test takers, there will be at least one segment that might seem difficult. However, these can be improved through regular practice by focusing on areas of improvement. 
• Remember not to panic on the test day. While preparing for the exam, you must take care of your mental and physical health. It is therefore necessary to sleep well the night prior to the exam and also reach the test centre well before the time. 
• Dive into the preparation tips today and remain calm and stress free during the course of the test so that it will become easy for you to not only give correct answers but also to ace the exam.