Calling all IESE MBA applicants 2020 intake (Class of 2022)

Hello everyone,

Kicking off this topic so those considering applying for next year's (2020) admission, to be the class of 2022, can ask their questions

Myself, I'm currently in preparation Mode to start my MBA this September, but I will still try to reply to any questions I know the answer to.

DEADLINES

Early Decision Round September 3, 2019
Round 1 October 10, 2019
Round 2 January 8, 2020
Round 3 March 3, 2020
Round 4 May 5, 2020

IESE MBA APPLICATION ESSAYS

Application Essay #1
What do you want to be remembered for? (word limit 300 max)

Application Essay #2
Describe your short and medium term post-MBA goals? (word limit 300 max)

Optional Essay
I wish the admissions committee had asked me… (word limit 300 max)
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Welcome all IESE applicants. I've added stats table and app tracker in the first post.

Application quick question. They ask "What other schools are you applying for and what selection criteria are you using?" I am a little confused on the wording. What do they mean by selection criteria? Do they mean which school is 2nd 3rd 4th or do they actually want a reason these are your other application choices?

Hey!
The goal here isn't to know any sort of ranking.
They want to know why you picked the schools you picked.
In my case my selection criteria were (off the top of my head) :
Ideally Spain,
2 year program
Focus on ethics, innovation, doing well
Good fit

So I had a list of
IESE, esade
I added LBS (not Spain but 2 year program)
I added MIT (same as above)
Didn't add or consider Harvard or instead as from talks with them I didn't feel the fit was there (and instead is a 1 year program)

I also added IE, as it is a renowned school, but its a 1 year program and in Madrid.

Eventually I only submitted to IESE and withdrew my application to Esade (since I got accepted in my school of choice)

Basically they want to see that you didn't just randomly applied, that there is a logic in your application.

If you say one of your filters is a 2 year programme, but your applied schools are half 1 and half 2 years, you'll certainly be asked about that (probably under why MBA, why IESE)

I hope I answered your question, any further questions, please do ask.

Posted from my mobile device

This is a great piece of advice! I am sure this will help not only in answering a question that you guys are discussing but also in the actual selection of schools.

jdrizzo89 I recently addressed this in the IMD forum; my response below

Q: MBA Prep Coach, do you have any expert advice on how to handle this essay?

What other programs are you considering? Of the programs you are considering, what can IMD bring to you as a differentiator? (Word limit 100)
If we mention highly ranked programs such as INSEAD, will it send a signal to adcom that I am treating IMD as a safety school and unlikely to attend if I get admits from my top choices?

A: In this question, you want to pick adjacent programs to some degree: similar ranking and like IMD, leadership development oriented. So maybe another school that has a well-developed personal deep dive course(s.) Or has an industry focus more so than consulting or finance.

This speaks to the core of what differentiates IMD. I do think it might be a mistake to put down INSEAD here because if you have the right stats, they know they will probably not “win” you if they choose you. Also, INSEAD is really quite a different program from IMD and so this will undermine the sincerity of your application.

They want to know: if I invite you to my party will you come, or will you make an excuse last minute and I will have to scramble to invite more guests? IMD wants to pick the “best” applicants but also the applicant that think IMD is the best as well; their first choice.

I recommend everyone do a fair bit of research on IMD to get clear on what IMDs value proposition is specifically for them and their career; probably should be some aspect of personal development, introspection, and leadership. And how industry focus. How they would benefit from a simulation-type learning environment.

A good place to start would be the interview with the Dean by Touch MBA. https://touchmba.com/tag/imd/
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Thanks. I think this is a little different than IMD style though. So I guess the criteria is just a few words on why you are considering that school? It is set up to respond like this.

School 1
Criteria

School 2
Criteria

School 3
Criteria

School 4
Criteria

Posted from my mobile device

Oh! I had forgotten about this. Well anyways, hopefully this will be helpful for other schools.


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In this case look at my example.
I just checked my application and I wrote

ESADE
Large quantity of alumni based in Spain / More than 12 months / High percentage of international students

IE
Large quantity of alumni based in Spain / High percentage of international students

In my case it was quite clear IE was my safety school/ 3rd choice, but it went matter so much, since this wasn't my IE application.

Make sure never to give reasons that clash with the school you're applying to.

No matter who you apply to they should feel that regardless what other schools/reasons you list they are your first choice

Posted from my mobile device

Hello, is anyone looking at applying at IESE early round on September 4th? Do you know if it legally binding (like Columbia?)

I don't believe it's legally binding.
I applied last year in Ed and nothing like that was ever mentioned. Usually you have to be fairly certain though since you'll receive your decision and your first payment due way sooner than you'll get the other schools decisions.

So it may not be binding, but if you change your mind it will cost you the non refundable 3k € you will have paid

You can check the payment dates for each payment per round.

Hope this helps

Posted from my mobile device

ms111 I can't find it on their website this year, but last year it was specifically stated that it was not binding


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Guys, when should I expect a mail from IESE ? I have submitted my application for Ed round on Sep 3rd.

Any other guys who have also applied for ED round?

Congrats, looking forward to hear how the interview went.

Posted from my mobile device

Hey! In Argentina, everyone I know that applied received the e-mail today. I believe they are doing it by region.

Congrats for the interview invite... When is your interview scheduled? .......

no date yet, prob next week

Hey guys,

Anyone from India invited to interview? My application status still shows "submitted".