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Hello everyone,

I have a unique background and am planning to pursue a 1-year MBA next year, preferably at INSEAD. I would like to ask whether INSEAD and similar schools would admit me or if they require post-graduate experience.

Three years ago, I joined an AI and Data consulting team at one of the Big 4 firms in the Middle East while simultaneously starting university. I worked three days per week (and full-time during academic breaks) while pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

I will be graduating in May and am wondering whether I would be able to get into top schools or if they wouldn’t count my experience.

Besides my work and studies, I launched an AI club at my university, leading a team of 30 and engaging 270 participants. I have also joined many community clubs and initiatives where I help people get into consulting.
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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)?
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Hi, can anyone please dm the group link for Singapore admits?
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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)?
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Hi everyone, does applying in Round 1 for the January intake have a higher chance of acceptance compared to Round 3 for the August intake, or are they mostly similar?
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Hi everyone, does applying in Round 1 for the January intake have a higher chance of acceptance compared to Round 3 for the August intake, or are they mostly similar?
People do say INSEAD treats each round equitably. But I personally know from user behaviour that there’s a natural decline in later rounds (people don’t generally want to apply- for May be visa reasons, or jan option is available by them and so on)

If anyone is targeting Jan intake and needs a profile review, feel free to DM
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Officially, INSEAD maintains that chances of admissions are equal amongst rounds. Having said that, it helps to apply in the early rounds if you belong to a particularly competitive demographic (e.g. Indian Male).

My advise is to apply when you're ready i.e. if you feel you can improve your score and/ or have other updates on your profile, applying in R1 for Jan intake would be better. On the other hand, if you believe your profile is already strong and offers minimal opportunities to improve, R3 for Aug intake can be looked at.

There's also some differences between the Jan and Aug intakes e.g. the Jan intake allows you to pursue an internship in summer. Based on your preferences, one intake could suit you more than the other. Check out this article for the key differences.

hope this helps.

regards,
arvind
ashuagr
Hi everyone, does applying in Round 1 for the January intake have a higher chance of acceptance compared to Round 3 for the August intake, or are they mostly similar?
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admitStreet
Officially, INSEAD maintains that chances of admissions are equal amongst rounds. Having said that, it helps to apply in the early rounds if you belong to a particularly competitive demographic (e.g. Indian Male).

My advise is to apply when you’re ready i.e. if you feel you can improve your score and/ or have other updates on your profile, applying in R1 for Jan intake would be better. On the other hand, if you believe your profile is already strong and offers minimal opportunities to improve, R3 for Aug intake can be looked at.

There’s also some differences between the Jan and Aug intakes e.g. the Jan intake allows you to pursue an internship in summer. Based on your preferences, one intake could suit you more than the other. Check out this article for the key differences.

hope this helps.

regards,
arvind
Hey, can you tell me how you hyperlinked the text? On phone or desktop ?
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Hey, can you tell me how you hyperlinked the text? On phone or desktop ?
Hey, on desktop - there’s an option to add a hyperlink when you select text.

--arvind
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admitStreet
Hey, on desktop - there’s an option to add a hyperlink when you select text.

--arvind
Oh yeah, on desktop you can get that functionality. I’m on phone chat.

Thanks though!
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Has anyone gotten INSEAD R2 interview decision? This is for July 2026 intake.
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^didn’t hear anything yet
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Hi everyone! Just wanted to share this information with all that our applicants have started receiving interview invites. We are also waiting for more, so everyone there is nothing to worry about at the moment. But keep an eye on your inbox. Good luck!
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Hi all!

Exclusive Webinar Alert!
🌟 Ace Your INSEAD Jan ’26 Intake Applications 🌟
MBA and Beyond is thrilled to invite you to an interactive and focused webinar dedicated to the INSEAD Jan ’26 Intake and crafting a winning application strategy!

Speakers: Praveg Maheshwari, INSEAD Alumni and Shantanu Sharma, Founder, MBA and Beyond

What you can expect from the Session:
-International Exposure: Can you get into INSEAD without it?
-INSEAD’s January Intake vs. September: Which is Right for You?
-Mastering Personal and Professional Essays: Storytelling strategies to highlight your unique profile.
-Leveraging Non-Traditional Backgrounds for INSEAD Applications.
-Securing Scholarships and Financial Aid at INSEAD.
-Q&A with the successful applicants.

📅 Date: 6th December 2024
⏰ Time: 9:00 PM IST | 11:30 AM ET

Secure Your Spot Now: Register here
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MBAandBeyond
Hi everyone! Just wanted to share this information with all that our applicants have started receiving interview invites. We are also waiting for more, so everyone there is nothing to worry about at the moment. But keep an eye on your inbox. Good luck!
Any Indians have received invite yet?
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Anyone from R1 receive scholarships?
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bschool2021
Anyone from R1 receive scholarships?
Yes. What’s the scholarship range for INSEAD? Merit-based ones
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