INSEAD JANUARY 2011 INTAKE

Thought I'd chip in with my 2c. Yesterday was a full day of INSEAD for me. I had both my interviews, one lunch interview and one evening interview, as well as attended an INSEAD presentation/networking session.

Interviews
With regards to some of the theories being floated here. I've read other peoples' experiences and I think there are some theories I don't believe to be true. Firstly, the 'good cop, bad cop' thing probably isn't true, it could just be coincidence. Both my interviewers were pretty nice and I cannot say at anytime that I felt there was a bad cop. Another person posted about seniority of interviewers, both my interviewers were very senior, probably of similar rank in their respective industries.

As for the interview formats both were highly conversational. The first one, with a partner at a leading global consulting firm was casual, and over lunch at a local cafe. We had a lot of casual conversation about France, Singapore, travel in general, sports and general interests and what to expect of the INSEAD experience. The interviewer did at one point say he had a few questions that he 'had to ask' me but we kept digressing to general topics of interest. There were a few questions on my work, the industry I work in, my company's strategy etc but before I knew it he said he doesnt have anything else he wanted to ask. I was not formally asked 'why insead', 'why now' etc. But I did state my reasons as part of general conversation and my intentions were clear anyway. The entire interview lasted 1:45 and I actaully thought it as a great experience. The guy was great, and someone I would really be able to learn off as a classmate and someone I'd appreciate having as a fellow alum. As it was over lunch, I pushed to pay the bill (afterall, alumni aren't getting paid for this and you should at least offer, or at least I believe). No feedback was given but I felt it went well.

Coming into the 2nd interview I expected (from what people said on this forum) to come across a 'bad cop' however this guy was pleasant and again the interview was relatively conversational. My interviewer actually had a print out of the form they need to complete for the school and while I didn't see the questions I could see it was broken into sections and multiple (5+) pages long. I was directly asked 'why INSEAD' straight off but everything else was just casual conversation. My interviewer gave me tips for Fonty, accomodation etc etc and said I'd fit right in. I took this as a positive sign.

All in all I was very impressed with the calibre of both interviewers. They portrayed the school positively, although realistically, and they both had solid career progression as a result from the school (they both talked to me about their reasons, their pre and post MBA careers as well). Another thing to note is I sent both interviewers my full app form including essays. As I presented myself fully in my essays I had nothing to lose/hide from doing this and both my interviewers read my essays in full and picked up little things in it as points of discussion which was great. So I actually suggest for people to do this although you don't technically have to.

Event
I've attended the online event one month ago (not the second life one but the other software they use) and last night I attended a presentation in my home city. The 'official' part of the presentation is pretty much identical in both cases and are pretty much pitched towards people who are going to apply. If you have already made the decision to apply one would hope you already know that diversity is one of the key differentiators and that they have two campuses. Following the presentation there is an informal Q&A with INSEAD marketing reps. There are few bits of info that aren't published anywhere, such as that only 35 students can go to Wharton in per group each year (meaning 70 across both intakes in a year) but otherwise anything they don't normally divulge they won't answer... ie. admission rates, yields, etc.

For people that have already applied/in the process of applying the best part is after this around 10 or so alumni turn up, give a short intro of their pre/post careers and their backgrounds. We had people originally from the US, Europe,South America, Asia Pacific all represented so the diversity aspect was truly on show. Q&A was then directed to them and then there was some mingling and networking. If you get an opportunity you should attend this.

Okay that was a bit more than 2c but hope this helps someone