Hi
kmatz,
I guess you're asking which are the best essays to address why you're applying to INSEAD, right? If so, the short answer is that you don't need to use any of the essays for that. I always say that if INSEAD wanted to know why you're applying to INSEAD, they would ask directly (just like most schools do).
Historically, the Job Description essays had no word limit - just "short answer" in brackets next to each prompt, which left applicants confused. How short is a "short answer"? 50 words? 200? With no clear limit, many applicants wrote lengthy responses to the goals essay, sometimes reaching 800–900 words, covering not only their goals but also their reasons for applying to INSEAD.
However, several years ago, INSEAD introduced strict word limits for all Job Description essays, including just 100 words for the career goals one. So, the message was clear: "
Get straight to the point. Simply tell us your goals - no need to explain why you want an MBA or why you love INSEAD so much."
Because of the brutal 100-word limit, some applicants now use the
Optional Essay to explain why they're applying to INSEAD. While this is okay, if you have more important aspects that you need to cover in the Optional Essay (e.g., gaps in your resume, choice of recommenders, extenuating circumstances during college that affected your grades, etc...), my advice is to prioritize these over "Why INSEAD." Again, if they wanted to know, they would ask directly.
Other essays where applicants usually make some brief references to INSEAD are:
-
Motivation Essay #1 (candid description + strengths & weaknesses) - to tie their weaknesses with how INSEAD can help them improve.
-
Job Description Essay #2 (next role if remaining in the same company) - to explain the role an MBA from INSEAD will play in helping them pivot in their careers.
But following the above is by no means a requirement to get accepted. Plenty of applicants make zero references to INSEAD in their essays and do get accepted.
I hope this helps.
Warm regards,
Alex
kmatz
Hi im wondering which essay are people using to talk about INSEAD specific things other than the goals one (which seems to have very limited space to cover this point)?