{"id":21333,"date":"2013-10-27T13:37:10","date_gmt":"2013-10-27T20:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=21333"},"modified":"2013-10-27T13:38:16","modified_gmt":"2013-10-27T20:38:16","slug":"insead-2014-mba-essay-tips-deadlines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/insead-2014-mba-essay-tips-deadlines\/","title":{"rendered":"INSEAD 2014 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"INSEAD\"<\/a>Bucking the trends of fewer essays and micro essays, INSEAD<\/a> requires applicants to express themselves competently in writing on multiple topics, professional and personal, and at some length in one essay (these days, 600 words is long). A key theme running through these questions is your perspective \u2013 your reflections, observations, thoughts; how you shape and present experiences. You must articulate in writing not just facts and narratives, but the thoughts, lessons, and insights you draw from them. These essays ask you to compose thoughtfully. It\u2019s notable that one of the most truly global MBA programs places such emphasis on verbal expression \u2013 give these essays effort accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Job Description Essays:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1<\/strong>. Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and, where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients\/products and results achieved. (250 words maximum)<\/em><\/p>\n

The key to strong job descriptions is \u201cresults achieved.\u201d Definitely provide the other requested elements, but the distinguishing factor will be those results. Quantifying impact usually shines a spotlight on your impact and contribution. The second most important element is \u201cmajor responsibilities.\u201d Don\u2019t list the mundane or the aspects of your job that everyone with your title will share. Where did you shoulder \u201cmajor responsibility\u201d? Be specific in these descriptions to differentiate yourself, especially if you are from a common professional group in the applicant pool.<\/span><\/p>\n

2<\/strong>. Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. If you were to remain with your present employer, what would be your next step in terms of position? (250 words maximum)<\/em><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t confuse \u201cfull description\u201d with \u201ccomplete history.\u201d How would you characterize your career since college? You also have to answer the second part of the question and you only have 250 words. Choose the most important elements \u2014 those elements that show contribution, leadership<\/a>, and since this is INSEAD, a multi-cultural and global perspective<\/span><\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> If you are currently not working, what are you doing and what do you plan to do until you start the MBA programme if applicable? (250 words maximum)<\/em><\/p>\n

State the facts straightforwardly. Note not just what you\u2019re doing but why you\u2019re doing it. If you have room and if it\u2019s relevant, consider addressing why you are unemployed at the moment. <\/span><\/p>\n

Essays<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Give a candid description of yourself, stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors, which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary. (600 words maximum)<\/em><\/p>\n

For a question like this I recommend two strengths and one weakness. If you can choose one anecdote that reveals both the strengths and the weakness, you could have a strong essay. Don\u2019t forget to discuss how these qualities influenced your personal development. For more on INSEAD 1 and writing about weaknesses, please see this video: