{"id":26561,"date":"2014-12-02T12:25:05","date_gmt":"2014-12-02T19:25:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=26561"},"modified":"2014-12-02T12:25:05","modified_gmt":"2014-12-02T19:25:05","slug":"insead-2015-mba-essay-tips-deadlines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/insead-2015-mba-essay-tips-deadlines\/","title":{"rendered":"INSEAD 2015 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Insead-2-225x300\"<\/a>INSEAD is bucking a trend \u2013 whereas many b-school applications have recently leaned toward \u201cminimalist\u201d essays, for INSEAD you still have to write several thought-provoking and challenging essays. In the program with perhaps the most intensive global focus, verbal acuity matters, because the ability to reflect on, synthesize, actualize, and communicate complex ideas across cultures is central to global leadership. <\/span><\/p>\n

The INSEAD<\/a> essays are divided into two categories: Job Description Essays and Motivation Essays. The use of the word \u201cmotivation\u201d should be forefront in your mind as you draft those essays; the concept should appear directly or indirectly in each. It means that the adcom wants to know what drives you, what propels your choices, decisions, and actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Essay 1.<\/strong> Briefly summarize 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. What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company? (350 words max)<\/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 outcomes usually shines a spotlight on your impact and contribution.<\/span><\/p>\n

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? Focus on responsibility above and beyond what is typically expected of someone at your level. Be specific in these descriptions to differentiate yourself, especially if you come from a common professional group in the applicant pool. Address the hypothetical next step question succinctly; a sentence or two will usually suffice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Essay 2.<\/strong> Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. It should be written as if you were talking to someone at a social gathering detailing your career path with the rationale behind your choices. Discuss your short and long term career aspirations. (350 words max)<\/p>\n

Yup \u2013 this is a goals essay question, hidden within the \u201ccareer summary\u201d question hidden within the \u201cjob description\u201d section! The implication is that INSEAD sees your career goals as part of a continuum, and so present them that way \u2013 even if changing careers. The emphasis on the decision points of your career trajectory underscores this implication. The adcom wants to see how you conceive and conceptualize a career path as much as what happened in it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, don\u2019t confuse \u201cfull description\u201d with \u201ccomplete history.\u201d Choose the most important elements \u2014 those elements that show contribution, leadership, and, since this is INSEAD, a multi-cultural and global perspective. <\/span><\/p>\n

Essay 3 (optional).<\/strong> If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the program starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the program.<\/p>\n

State the facts straightforwardly -- 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

Motivation Essays:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Essay 1.<\/strong> Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), 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 max)<\/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, it\u2019s efficient with space and can strengthen the 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:<\/span><\/p>\n