Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 10:10 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 10:10
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
1,539
 [7]
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
 [7]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
6
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
VodkaHelps
Joined: 01 Nov 2017
Last visit: 05 Apr 2020
Posts: 75
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 171
GMAT 1: 640 Q49 V28
GMAT 2: 700 Q50 V35
GMAT 3: 680 Q47 V36
GPA: 3.84
Products:
GMAT 3: 680 Q47 V36
Posts: 75
Kudos: 98
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
aidmit
Joined: 11 Jul 2017
Last visit: 08 Dec 2021
Posts: 63
Own Kudos:
Posts: 63
Kudos: 20
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
avatar
melsains
Joined: 02 Aug 2018
Last visit: 27 Jul 2019
Posts: 3
Given Kudos: 33
Posts: 3
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Does anyone know what the word limit is for the letters of recommendation? Thanks!
User avatar
ARLeeConsulting
User avatar
ARLee Consulting
Joined: 19 Dec 2017
Last visit: 02 Oct 2025
Posts: 493
Own Kudos:
Status:MBA Admissions and Career Coaching by INSEAD alum and former Samsung HR Head.
Affiliations: INSEAD MBA'11D (experience as admissions interviewer), SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS
Read our Verified Client Reviews on GMAT Club:
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 493
Kudos: 216
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi melsains,

there is really no word count limit. So don't worry.

Typically the strengths answer is the longest, but even if your recommender writes around 500 words, this is okay.

I hope this helps.

Good luck
Alex
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi VodkaHelps your screenname made me laugh.
Profile evaluation requests are not permitted in this thread; there is a separate thread for profile evaluations or you can also post it in Ask Admissions Consultants.
VodkaHelps
Hi experts,

I recently scored 680 on the GMAT (Q47, V36, IR 6). I was expecting a higher grade though because I was scoring consistently between 690-720 (Quant usually 49-50). I was planning to apply for the first round but eventually deferred to the 2nd Round. I do understand that having GMAT in 700s will undoubtly increase chances, but how do I stand with my profile. I have been preparing for GMAT 6 months already and it did require a lot of time dedicated for just the preparation which I may not have as much as more work tasks are building up at the end of the year. I wonder if I do stand chances to get admitted for the 2nd round with the current GMAT score. Please see my profile below, and thank you for spending time reviewing it.

My profile:

    Ethnicity: Ukrainian (50%) Vietnamese (50%)

    Fluent Languages: Vietnamese, Russian, Ukrainian

    Academic Language: English

    Age: 26 years old. will turn 27 by the time program starts.

    WE: 6 years by the time program starts.
    Industry and position:
    - High-tech Security Company (Midsize, from California, US)
    1 year - Customer Support
    3 years International Sales Engineer Manager
    1 year (currently) Product Development Manager.
    I was responsible of managing projects for this High-tech Security Equipment Company in the whole international market (Except the US). Spent lots of time traveling in Middle East (UAE, Saudi, Turkey, Egypt), Asia (India, Singapore, Thailand, Australia) and Canada. Worked with high government officials in security sector. Managed customers' expectations, development process, and engineers. Currently is leading the product management for new products for the company.

    - Founder of a nightclub (2 years, currently closed down). Midsize nightclub in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city downtown. 200 people capacity. Operated for 2 years.

    Education: Business Administration - concentration in finance from University of Washington, Foster School of Business. (graduated 2013)
    GPA: 3.84

    Hobbies: Played piano for 12 years, Taekwondo 1st dan black belt.

    Reason for MBA: to move up to a senior management position within the current company
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi aidmit, sorry for the late response here; could you please guide profile request posters to the profile evaluation or ask admissions threads in the future?
Profile evaluations are not allowed in this thread.
aidmit
INSEAD looks for the following 4 factors in prospective candidates-
1 Ability to Contribute
2 Academic Capability
3 International Motivation
4 Leadership Potential

As per your profile, You can display strong traits of all the four factors. Ensure that you put forward a good application.

As far as GMAT score is concerned, 680 is on the lower side. Average GMAT score of school is 709. Hence, I would always recommend applying with a GMAT score of 700 and above.

VodkaHelps
Hi experts,

I recently scored 680 on the GMAT (Q47, V36, IR 6). I was expecting a higher grade though because I was scoring consistently between 690-720 (Quant usually 49-50). I was planning to apply for the first round but eventually deferred to the 2nd Round. I do understand that having GMAT in 700s will undoubtly increase chances, but how do I stand with my profile. I have been preparing for GMAT 6 months already and it did require a lot of time dedicated for just the preparation which I may not have as much as more work tasks are building up at the end of the year. I wonder if I do stand chances to get admitted for the 2nd round with the current GMAT score. Please see my profile below, and thank you for spending time reviewing it.

My profile:

    Ethnicity: Ukrainian (50%) Vietnamese (50%)

    Fluent Languages: Vietnamese, Russian, Ukrainian

    Academic Language: English

    Age: 26 years old. will turn 27 by the time program starts.

    WE: 6 years by the time program starts.
    Industry and position:
    - High-tech Security Company (Midsize, from California, US)
    1 year - Customer Support
    3 years International Sales Engineer Manager
    1 year (currently) Product Development Manager.
    I was responsible of managing projects for this High-tech Security Equipment Company in the whole international market (Except the US). Spent lots of time traveling in Middle East (UAE, Saudi, Turkey, Egypt), Asia (India, Singapore, Thailand, Australia) and Canada. Worked with high government officials in security sector. Managed customers' expectations, development process, and engineers. Currently is leading the product management for new products for the company.

    - Founder of a nightclub (2 years, currently closed down). Midsize nightclub in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city downtown. 200 people capacity. Operated for 2 years.

    Education: Business Administration - concentration in finance from University of Washington, Foster School of Business. (graduated 2013)
    GPA: 3.84

    Hobbies: Played piano for 12 years, Taekwondo 1st dan black belt.

    Reason for MBA: to move up to a senior management position within the current company
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Sending lots of well wishes to those of you applying for Round 1 today!

If you are applying for R2 - make today your start day if you are not already underway.

Pull together work anecdotes, and hunt down any missing results, so you can coach recommenders.
User avatar
VodkaHelps
Joined: 01 Nov 2017
Last visit: 05 Apr 2020
Posts: 75
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 171
GMAT 1: 640 Q49 V28
GMAT 2: 700 Q50 V35
GMAT 3: 680 Q47 V36
GPA: 3.84
Products:
GMAT 3: 680 Q47 V36
Posts: 75
Kudos: 98
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MBAPrepCoach
Hi aidmit, sorry for the late response here; could you please guide profile request posters to the profile evaluation or ask admissions threads in the future?
Profile evaluations are not allowed in this thread.
aidmit
INSEAD looks for the following 4 factors in prospective candidates-
1 Ability to Contribute
2 Academic Capability
3 International Motivation
4 Leadership Potential

As per your profile, You can display strong traits of all the four factors. Ensure that you put forward a good application.

As far as GMAT score is concerned, 680 is on the lower side. Average GMAT score of school is 709. Hence, I would always recommend applying with a GMAT score of 700 and above.

VodkaHelps
Hi experts,

I recently scored 680 on the GMAT (Q47, V36, IR 6). I was expecting a higher grade though because I was scoring consistently between 690-720 (Quant usually 49-50). I was planning to apply for the first round but eventually deferred to the 2nd Round. I do understand that having GMAT in 700s will undoubtly increase chances, but how do I stand with my profile. I have been preparing for GMAT 6 months already and it did require a lot of time dedicated for just the preparation which I may not have as much as more work tasks are building up at the end of the year. I wonder if I do stand chances to get admitted for the 2nd round with the current GMAT score. Please see my profile below, and thank you for spending time reviewing it.

My profile:

    Ethnicity: Ukrainian (50%) Vietnamese (50%)

    Fluent Languages: Vietnamese, Russian, Ukrainian

    Academic Language: English

    Age: 26 years old. will turn 27 by the time program starts.

    WE: 6 years by the time program starts.
    Industry and position:
    - High-tech Security Company (Midsize, from California, US)
    1 year - Customer Support
    3 years International Sales Engineer Manager
    1 year (currently) Product Development Manager.
    I was responsible of managing projects for this High-tech Security Equipment Company in the whole international market (Except the US). Spent lots of time traveling in Middle East (UAE, Saudi, Turkey, Egypt), Asia (India, Singapore, Thailand, Australia) and Canada. Worked with high government officials in security sector. Managed customers' expectations, development process, and engineers. Currently is leading the product management for new products for the company.

    - Founder of a nightclub (2 years, currently closed down). Midsize nightclub in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city downtown. 200 people capacity. Operated for 2 years.

    Education: Business Administration - concentration in finance from University of Washington, Foster School of Business. (graduated 2013)
    GPA: 3.84

    Hobbies: Played piano for 12 years, Taekwondo 1st dan black belt.

    Reason for MBA: to move up to a senior management position within the current company

Could you please remove it then?

Thank you
avatar
asifh
Joined: 13 Apr 2018
Last visit: 31 Oct 2018
Posts: 10
Given Kudos: 6
GMAT 1: 640 Q48 V31
GMAT 1: 640 Q48 V31
Posts: 10
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Has anyone given video interview? Would you care share the questions here? Thanks
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
asifh
Has anyone given video interview? Would you care share the questions here? Thanks
Hi asifh this is a compilation of questions that I've gathered from applicants over the years, my request would be that you share with us your questions here as well. Kind of a pay-it-forward system.

Just as an FYI it's a new cycle so I'm not certain about how many of these they are still using.

[url]mbaessaycoaching.com/2017/03/07/insead-video-interview-questions-tips/[/url]

https://mbaprepcoach.com
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
VodkaHelps
MBAPrepCoach
Hi aidmit, sorry for the late response here; could you please guide profile request posters to the profile evaluation or ask admissions threads in the future?
Profile evaluations are not allowed in this thread.
aidmit
INSEAD looks for the following 4 factors in prospective candidates-
1 Ability to Contribute
2 Academic Capability
3 International Motivation
4 Leadership Potential

As per your profile, You can display strong traits of all the four factors. Ensure that you put forward a good application.

As far as GMAT score is concerned, 680 is on the lower side. Average GMAT score of school is 709. Hence, I would always recommend applying with a GMAT score of 700 and above.

[quote="VodkaHelps"]Hi experts,

I recently scored 680 on the GMAT (Q47, V36, IR 6). I was expecting a higher grade though because I was scoring consistently between 690-720 (Quant usually 49-50). I was planning to apply for the first round but eventually deferred to the 2nd Round. I do understand that having GMAT in 700s will undoubtly increase chances, but how do I stand with my profile. I have been preparing for GMAT 6 months already and it did require a lot of time dedicated for just the preparation which I may not have as much as more work tasks are building up at the end of the year. I wonder if I do stand chances to get admitted for the 2nd round with the current GMAT score. Please see my profile below, and thank you for spending time reviewing it.

My profile:

    Ethnicity: Ukrainian (50%) Vietnamese (50%)

    Fluent Languages: Vietnamese, Russian, Ukrainian

    Academic Language: English

    Age: 26 years old. will turn 27 by the time program starts.

    WE: 6 years by the time program starts.
    Industry and position:
    - High-tech Security Company (Midsize, from California, US)
    1 year - Customer Support
    3 years International Sales Engineer Manager
    1 year (currently) Product Development Manager.
    I was responsible of managing projects for this High-tech Security Equipment Company in the whole international market (Except the US). Spent lots of time traveling in Middle East (UAE, Saudi, Turkey, Egypt), Asia (India, Singapore, Thailand, Australia) and Canada. Worked with high government officials in security sector. Managed customers' expectations, development process, and engineers. Currently is leading the product management for new products for the company.

    - Founder of a nightclub (2 years, currently closed down). Midsize nightclub in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city downtown. 200 people capacity. Operated for 2 years.

    Education: Business Administration - concentration in finance from University of Washington, Foster School of Business. (graduated 2013)
    GPA: 3.84

    Hobbies: Played piano for 12 years, Taekwondo 1st dan black belt.

    Reason for MBA: to move up to a senior management position within the current company

Could you please remove it then?

Thank you[/quote]Narenn

https://mbaprepcoach.com
User avatar
oss198
Joined: 18 Jul 2013
Last visit: 01 Jan 2023
Posts: 68
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 120
Location: Italy
GMAT 1: 600 Q42 V31
GMAT 2: 700 Q48 V38
GPA: 3.75
GMAT 2: 700 Q48 V38
Posts: 68
Kudos: 412
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi, I have 2 questions :
1) How important is the video interview ? I have the feeling to have poorly performed (stuttered, ecc.), I was tired and stressed out (I did it the night of the deadline, it was not possible before).
2) All decisions for interviews will be given on the 19 October 2018 ? Or can we get contacted before ?
avatar
TheProdigalSon
Joined: 29 Mar 2018
Last visit: 27 Nov 2018
Posts: 9
Own Kudos:
2
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Location: India
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V41
GPA: 3.3
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V41
Posts: 9
Kudos: 2
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
oss198
Hi, I have 2 questions :
1) How important is the video interview ? I have the feeling to have poorly performed (stuttered, ecc.), I was tired and stressed out (I did it the night of the deadline, it was not possible before).
2) All decisions for interviews will be given on the 19 October 2018 ? Or can we get contacted before ?

1. Like every other component, the video essay is only a part of the application. If your written essays demonstrate a compelling story, they'll be interested in learning about you.
2. 19th Oct is the final date by which you will be contacted. Very likely that you will be contacted before then.
User avatar
oss198
Joined: 18 Jul 2013
Last visit: 01 Jan 2023
Posts: 68
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 120
Location: Italy
GMAT 1: 600 Q42 V31
GMAT 2: 700 Q48 V38
GPA: 3.75
GMAT 2: 700 Q48 V38
Posts: 68
Kudos: 412
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
TheProdigalSon

1. Like every other component, the video essay is only a part of the application. If your written essays demonstrate a compelling story, they'll be interested in learning about you.
2. 19th Oct is the final date by which you will be contacted. Very likely that you will be contacted before then.

Thanks, have you submitted your application ? Everything went well ?
avatar
subirroy
Joined: 01 Nov 2017
Last visit: 03 May 2019
Posts: 70
Own Kudos:
48
 [4]
Given Kudos: 29
Location: Singapore
GMAT 1: 770 Q50 V46
GPA: 4
WE:Business Development (Other)
GMAT 1: 770 Q50 V46
Posts: 70
Kudos: 48
 [4]
4
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Just thought I'd post my video questions here in case somebody looks it up at some point. I used a list on the website of MBAPrepCoach for my video interview prep and it was super helpful ! To anyone reading this for round 2 - don't be nervous, you've got this :)

In no particular order -

1. Describe someone you know who lives a meaningful life and why
2. Have you ever faced discrimination ? How did you react ?
3. How do you keep track of yours and your companies vision
4. Name 3 key factors why you picked INSEAD
avatar
saagarvarma18
Joined: 31 Aug 2014
Last visit: 28 Jan 2023
Posts: 11
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Location: India
Posts: 11
Kudos: 1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi,

Can we have insead alumni submit additional recommendation letters on our behalf post submission of the R1 application?

Thanks in advance!
User avatar
aidmit
Joined: 11 Jul 2017
Last visit: 08 Dec 2021
Posts: 63
Own Kudos:
Posts: 63
Kudos: 20
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Yes, it never hurts if an alum vouches for you. Make sure that the alum who is writing for you knows you well and puts a strong case for you.

saagarvarma18
Hi,

Can we have insead alumni submit additional recommendation letters on our behalf post submission of the R1 application?

Thanks in advance!
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Six weeks away from Round 2 deadline - if you haven't already, definitely get started on your applications.

I recommend you start thinking about the Strengths/Weakness essay (motivation #1) early in the process so things can percolate.

Check out my PowerPoint for tips. https://www.dropbox.com/s/ffymnxanj46n55o/MBA%20Prep%20Coach%20Presentation%20edited.pptx?dl=0
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi subirroy THANK YOU SO MUCH for sending over the questions and the kind words, will add these to my compilation!
I wish you all the luck in the world~

subirroy
Just thought I'd post my video questions here in case somebody looks it up at some point. I used a list on the website of MBAPrepCoach for my video interview prep and it was super helpful ! To anyone reading this for round 2 - don't be nervous, you've got this :)

In no particular order -

1. Describe someone you know who lives a meaningful life and why
2. Have you ever faced discrimination ? How did you react ?
3. How do you keep track of yours and your companies vision
4. Name 3 key factors why you picked INSEAD
   1   2   3   4  ...  26   
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7443 posts
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
231 posts