Berkeley Haas
Why Haas?
At Haas, everything starts with a mindset. The school's Defining Leadership Principles — like "Question the Status Quo" and "Confidence Without Attitude" — aren't just slogans. They shape the classroom, guide the conversations, and influence how students approach everything from case discussions to startup pitches. Berkeley's culture rewards curiosity, humility, and a willingness to challenge norms, making it a natural home for people who want to think deeply and act boldly.
Its West Coast location also means Haas sits at the center of innovation. With close ties to the Bay Area's startup ecosystem, students are never far from the next big idea or investor meeting. Whether you're joining a fintech venture, diving into sustainability, or exploring social impact, the proximity to Silicon Valley, combined with Berkeley's academic rigor, gives Haas a unique edge for those looking to build, lead, and rethink what business can be.
🎓 MBA Class Profile (Class of 2026)
Key Demographics
- Enrolled Students: 295
- Acceptance Rate: 25.3%
- Yield Rate: 38.4%
- Women: 42%
- International: 38%
Academic Profile
- Average GPA: 3.65
- Median GMAT Score: 730
- GRE Verbal: 161
- GRE Quant: 162
- Average Work Experience: 5.7 years
💼 Employment Statistics (Class of 2024)
Job Placement
- Median Base Salary: $160K
- Median Signing Bonus: $30K
- Received Offers (within 3 months): 86%
*Not all offers included a signing bonus
Top Industries
- Consulting: 25%
- Technology: 24%
- Financial Services: 16%
- Healthcare: 8%
- CPG / Retail: 6%
🎤 Interview Tips
Unique Interview Feature:
Haas interviews are typically conducted by alumni and tend to focus heavily on values, self-awareness, and cultural fit. Interviewers are often probing for authenticity, humility, and alignment with Haas's Defining Leadership Principles. The tone is friendly but reflective, and the questions often explore how you engage with others and navigate ambiguity.
| Common Questions Unique to Haas | Prep Tips |
|---|---|
| How do you plan to contribute to DEI at Haas? | Be specific and personal. Reflect on past actions you've taken to support DEI and connect those to opportunities you see at Haas whether it is clubs, initiatives, or community work. |
| Tell me about the biggest professional risk you've taken, how it turned out, and what guided your decision. | Choose a story where the stakes were high and your decision-making was intentional. Highlight what you learned regardless of the outcome, and how it shaped your approach to leadership. |
| Tell me about a time you were proved wrong, how you felt, and what you learned. | This question tests humility and growth mindset. Don't shy away from vulnerability. Show how you changed your thinking and used the experience to become a better teammate or leader. |
| Tell me about a time you influenced someone to collaborate on a project outside of their scope. | Focus on your ability to build trust and find shared purpose. Highlight your communication, empathy, and ability to motivate others without formal authority. |
Note: For a full list of potential interview questions, check our MBA interview guide.
📅 Application Deadlines
| Round | Application Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 22, 2023 | December 14, 2023 |
| Round 2 | January 4, 2024 | March 28, 2024 |
| Round 3 | April 4, 2024 | May 9, 2024 |
Note: All deadlines are at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Haas conducts interviews by invitation only after reviewing applications.