I am in the same boat as you. I’m trying to find out anything that I can and from what I have found your best bet to make yourself stand out from the crowd are, . (1) Be involved in something that shows your ability to LEAD as that is what HBS is about, building leaders (2) An option is to be in a career that is different and unique to most of the people who try and get in (a.k.a. ibankers, lawyers, consultants) I heard of some guy getting in that worked at UPS. (3) Have traits and qualities that make you stick out from the average rich, ivy leaguer like get a Professional degree in your field a.k.a CFA,CPA,CFP,etc or learn a different language. (4) Have a great story, I heard of a guy who got in but had a story of him bicycling from Alaska to Argentina’s tip (don’t need to be so drastic), something that makes them remember you and talk about you. Aside from your basic prep like your GMAT these 4 things will give you better chances than the average joe .