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viralchotai001
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Calling all INSEAD MBA Applicants: Aug. 2025 Intake Class of Jul 2026 24 Apr 2025, 15:30
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How important the video essays are? I bombed it like no one would ever have
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viralchotai001
How important the video essays are? I bombed it like no one would ever have
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I listened to an interview last year between a key member of the Adcom and a large admissions consulting firm. Adcom person said that it was only a means of fishing out applicants who they might have otherwise turned down.
It was criteria that would give them a reason to say yes; not a reason to say no. This might be a lie, but that is their story on paper.
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viralchotai001
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Calling all INSEAD MBA Applicants: Aug. 2025 Intake Class of Jul 2026 25 Apr 2025, 09:01
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MBAPrepCoach
I listened to an interview last year between a key member of the Adcom and a large admissions consulting firm. Adcom person said that it was only a means of fishing out applicants who they might have otherwise turned down.
It was criteria that would give them a reason to say yes; not a reason to say no. This might be a lie, but that is their story on paper.
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At least this is calming tilp the official rejection :|
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Calling all INSEAD MBA Applicants: Aug. 2025 Intake Class of Jul 2026 26 Apr 2025, 07:03
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viralchotai001
How important the video essays are? I bombed it like no one would ever have
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We can understand this feeling viralchotai001 , it’s easy to be hard on yourself after something like this. But hope for the best!

The video essay plays a meaningful role in the admissions process. It allows the committee to assess your communication skills, personality, and fit with the INSEAD community. The adcom isn’t looking for perfection, they recognize the difficulty of answering questions spontaneously and appreciate authenticity above all. It gives them a rare opportunity to see candidates in action, which can be a deciding factor when choosing between applicants.

Even if you feel it didn’t go as planned, it doesn’t automatically mean the outcome will be (-ve)

INSEAD, values the entire application holistically. Trust that your overall story still shines through, good luck : )
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WA@txz207
Quote:

*JuvenalUrbino writes:*
Did anyone receive an admission/rejection for the R4 Aug 2025 intake yet? Deadline is May 2nd and getting more and more curious!
Yes
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Congrats!! When did you hear back from adcom?l
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When to expect a pre selection decision for Jan 2026 R2 application?
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Hey,

Totally understand how you’re feeling—video essays can catch even the most confident applicants off guard. But take a deep breath: while they do matter to some extent, they are just one part of your overall application and rarely the deciding factor on their own.

For INSEAD specifically, based on the experience of our team at Admit Scholar—including alumni of the program—what matters more is what you say rather than how smoothly you say it. They’re looking for clarity of thought, authenticity, and alignment with the INSEAD mindset. They don’t expect perfect delivery—it’s more about your content, motivation, and self-awareness.

Yes, the video essays are used to get a quick sense of your personality and communication style, but they’re not meant to be high-stakes. A video essay that felt “off” can absolutely be offset by a compelling written essays, and a well-rounded profile.

We’ve seen several students who didn’t feel confident after their video submission still go on to receive offers—including from INSEAD. What matters now is focusing on what comes next.

viralchotai001
How important the video essays are? I bombed it like no one would ever have
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Calling all INSEAD MBA Applicants: Aug. 2025 Intake Class of Jul 2026 03 May 2025, 08:57
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tejasbadani
Well I just got an interview invite with this score. So yes.
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Hi I am having the same score. But I am thinking of applying. What are the chances. How did you make up for the low score. Can I DM you?
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vaishmahe
Hi I am having the same score. But I am thinking of applying. What are the chances. How did you make up for the low score. Can I DM you?
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Sure go ahead
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Hey Everyone, anyone heard anything on the waitlist front?
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Hi everyone,
I’m from India and come from a non-traditional background for an MBA. I graduated in foreign languages and currently work at Amazon as a Team Lead in Quality Assurance. My current CTC is around $15,000, and growth from here seems slow and limited.

I decided to go for an MBA and took the GMAT-F, scoring 715. I applied to many schools on my own without any consultant and got interview calls from almost all of them.

Right now, I have admits from:

Simon (55% scholarship)

EDHEC (50% scholarship)

WashU Olin (50% scholarship)


I’m also waitlisted at:

Tuck Dartmouth (Round 3)

UNC Kenan-Flagler (Round 2)

Vanderbilt Owen (Round 2)


I’ve also completed my interview for INSEAD Jan 2026 intake, and I feel the interview went really well.

Now I’m feeling quite confused. Given the current job market, I’m unsure whether to go for an MBA or not. I don’t have a tech or business academic background, which worries me, especially when I think about breaking into consulting or product roles after MBA. But at the same time, if I stay in my current job, growth will be slow, and with the current industry uncertainty, I don’t even know how long the role will last.

I have worked hard and delivered some good projects at Amazon, and I believe I have the potential to do well. But pursuing an MBA would mean betting completely on myself and stepping away from the stability I have now.

I’m open to both product and consulting roles post-MBA, but I know it’s not going to be easy without prior experience.

I’m looking for honest advice from people who’ve been through similar decisions. Would you recommend going for the MBA in my situation? I know it’s a subjective question, but I’d really appreciate hearing different perspectives.
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Quote:

*vsg700 writes:*
Hi everyone,
I’m from India and come from a non-traditional background for an MBA. I graduated in foreign languages and currently work at Amazon as a Team Lead in Quality Assurance. My current CTC is around $15,000, and growth from here seems slow and limited.

I decided to go for an MBA and took the GMAT-F, scoring 715. I applied to many schools on my own without any consultant and got interview calls from almost all of them.

Right now, I have admits from:

Simon (55% scholarship)

EDHEC (50% scholarship)

WashU Olin (50% scholarship)


I’m also waitlisted at:

Tuck Dartmouth (Round 3)

UNC Kenan-Flagler (Round 2)

Vanderbilt Owen (Round 2)


I’ve also completed my interview for INSEAD Jan 2026 intake, and I feel the interview went really well.

Now I’m feeling quite confused. Given the current job market, I’m unsure whether to go for an MBA or not. I don’t have a tech or business academic background, which worries me, especially when I think about breaking into consulting or product roles after MBA. But at the same time, if I stay in my current job, growth will be slow, and with the current industry uncertainty, I don’t even know how long the role will last.

I have worked hard and delivered some good projects at Amazon, and I believe I have the potential to do well. But pursuing an MBA would mean betting completely on myself and stepping away from the stability I have now.

I’m open to both product and consulting roles post-MBA, but I know it’s not going to be easy without prior experience.

I’m looking for honest advice from people who’ve been through similar decisions. Would you recommend going for the MBA in my situation? I know it’s a subjective question, but I’d really appreciate hearing different perspectives.
Show more
you got an interview invite already?

did you apply in R1 or R2?
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Not yet, submitted my application on April 15th.

WA@bwl987
anyone from R2 for J26 got an interview invite?
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WA@bwl987
anyone from R2 for J26 got an interview invite?
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Anyone?
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not yet
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Hey,

First of all, congratulations on everything you’ve achieved so far. Getting a 715 on the GMAT-F, multiple interview calls, and scholarship admits is a big accomplishment. It shows you’re capable, driven, and resourceful, Qualities that business schools and employers really value.

We completely understand the dilemma you’re facing. Leaving a stable job for an MBA especially in a slow job market can feel risky. But here are a few points to consider:

1. Your background is a strength, not a weakness
Coming from a non-traditional background actually helps you stand out. Business schools look for diverse experiences what matters most is how you connect your background to your post-MBA goals.

2. Career growth in your current role seems limited
You’ve already identified that growth at Amazon may be slow. An MBA opens up more structured and high-growth career paths especially in consulting and product roles — even for people without prior experience in those fields.

3. Your current offers are solid, and stronger ones may come
Simon, WashU, and EDHEC are good programs — and scholarships help reduce the financial risk. If you convert INSEAD, Tuck, or Kenan-Flagler, your options will get even better, especially in terms of global reach and job opportunities.

4. Yes, the market is tough — but timing also matters
It’s true that recruiting is competitive, but waiting another year also has a cost. You might still be in the same role, with limited growth. A good MBA can give you access to stronger networks, better roles, and a clearer path forward.

5.Have a clear strategy, not just hope
With the right school and a focused plan, people from similar backgrounds have successfully transitioned into top consulting and product roles. You’ve already done the hard part by getting this far on your own.

In short, if you believe in your long-term potential and are willing to put in the work, this is a good time to take that step. It’s not just a degree, it’s a platform for the next phase of your career.

vsg700
Hi everyone,
I’m from India and come from a non-traditional background for an MBA. I graduated in foreign languages and currently work at Amazon as a Team Lead in Quality Assurance. My current CTC is around $15,000, and growth from here seems slow and limited.

I decided to go for an MBA and took the GMAT-F, scoring 715. I applied to many schools on my own without any consultant and got interview calls from almost all of them.

Right now, I have admits from:

Simon (55% scholarship)

EDHEC (50% scholarship)

WashU Olin (50% scholarship)


I’m also waitlisted at:

Tuck Dartmouth (Round 3)

UNC Kenan-Flagler (Round 2)

Vanderbilt Owen (Round 2)


I’ve also completed my interview for INSEAD Jan 2026 intake, and I feel the interview went really well.

Now I’m feeling quite confused. Given the current job market, I’m unsure whether to go for an MBA or not. I don’t have a tech or business academic background, which worries me, especially when I think about breaking into consulting or product roles after MBA. But at the same time, if I stay in my current job, growth will be slow, and with the current industry uncertainty, I don’t even know how long the role will last.

I have worked hard and delivered some good projects at Amazon, and I believe I have the potential to do well. But pursuing an MBA would mean betting completely on myself and stepping away from the stability I have now.

I’m open to both product and consulting roles post-MBA, but I know it’s not going to be easy without prior experience.

I’m looking for honest advice from people who’ve been through similar decisions. Would you recommend going for the MBA in my situation? I know it’s a subjective question, but I’d really appreciate hearing different perspectives.
Show more
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When can we expect interview invites to start rolling for J26 R2 applicants?
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