For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions.

In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts.

In this segment, we tackle the third question:

Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

In this episode, we discuss:

• What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't),
• A discussion of what "curiosity" means in the context of this question and what curiosity-related experiences might be appropriate for this essay
• Possible ways to structure your essay response,
• Specific things you should do when answering this question,
• Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and
• How this essay fits into your larger application

This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode.