Last visit was: 14 Aug 2026, 09:20 It is currently 14 Aug 2026, 09:20
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
AtharvaaPatil
Joined: 02 Oct 2025
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 9
Given Kudos: 8
Products:
Posts: 9
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
WA@znr7078
User avatar
WhatsApp Bridge
Joined: 28 Jan 2025
Last visit: 24 Oct 2025
Posts: 39,968
Own Kudos:
Posts: 39,968
Kudos: 1,984
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
rbaranozdemirhbs
Joined: 15 Mar 2025
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 28
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 16
Location: Turkey
GPA: 3.75
Posts: 28
Kudos: 2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
Apoorv0194
Joined: 15 Jul 2025
Last visit: 13 Aug 2026
Posts: 116
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 23
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q85 V82 DI81
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q85 V82 DI81
Posts: 116
Kudos: 11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Quick profile review for INSEAD to understand my chances:

M 31, India
Chemical Engineer + Tier 2 Indian MBA.

10th : 9.0 GPA
12th: 64.8%
Undergrad: 69.49% (seems low but among top 3 in my department - first class with distinction)
MBA: 8.27 GPA

6 years of work experience ( 2 years B2B marketing and sales in Ceramic production environment; 2 years with Cisco as a client in stakeholder training/consulting and 2 years and running in Data Analytics and AI Marketing team for Indian MNC)

Looking to pivot to strategy/operations consulting environment with a 2nd MBA

GMAT FE:655

Extra curriculars and others: some csr activity support with the organisation, won some debate competition, was student coordinator for clubs during undergrad and Postgrad, 1st runner up in the national eSports competition organised by IMTG for their cultural fest etc, an Instagram page with 250+ posts since Covid (out of hobby).


P.S. I understand my GMAT SCORE is on the lower end.
User avatar
Nikhil
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 22 May 2017
Last visit: 13 Aug 2026
Posts: 13,573
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 3,450
Affiliations: GMATClub
GPA: 3.4
WE:Engineering (Technology)
Products:
Posts: 13,573
Kudos: 10,312
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
📌 *INSEAD Live Session Alert!*

Get insider tips on your INSEAD application straight from Expert Consultants!

🎯 What you’ll get: Tackling INSEAD’s 7 job-description & career-question essays, highlighting your international motivation, application red flags etc.

🗓 Date: July 30, 2026
🔗 RSVP for Free: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/m ... al%20media
User avatar
GradOcean
Joined: 10 Feb 2026
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 183
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 183
Kudos: 27
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi,

Your GMAT isn't a major concern. A 655 is around INSEAD's average range, so I wouldn't consider it a significant weakness.

The more important questions your application needs to answer are:
  • Why pursue a second MBA?
  • Why is this the right time?
  • Why INSEAD?
  • Why consulting, and why not continue building your career in data analytics?
Your application should present a coherent and compelling narrative that clearly demonstrates your motivation, career clarity, and why INSEAD is the right platform to help you achieve your goals.

With about 1.5 months left before the Round 1 deadline, you still have ample time to put together a strong application. Give it your best shot and apply in R1—it will maximise your chances of admission.

Happy to connect if you’d like to discuss your profile in more detail.

Phone: +91-9892714308
Apoorv0194
Quick profile review for INSEAD to understand my chances:

M 31, India
Chemical Engineer + Tier 2 Indian MBA.

10th : 9.0 GPA
12th: 64.8%
Undergrad: 69.49% (seems low but among top 3 in my department - first class with distinction)
MBA: 8.27 GPA

6 years of work experience ( 2 years B2B marketing and sales in Ceramic production environment; 2 years with Cisco as a client in stakeholder training/consulting and 2 years and running in Data Analytics and AI Marketing team for Indian MNC)

Looking to pivot to strategy/operations consulting environment with a 2nd MBA

GMAT FE:655

Extra curriculars and others: some csr activity support with the organisation, won some debate competition, was student coordinator for clubs during undergrad and Postgrad, 1st runner up in the national eSports competition organised by IMTG for their cultural fest etc, an Instagram page with 250+ posts since Covid (out of hobby).


P.S. I understand my GMAT SCORE is on the lower end.
User avatar
MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 12 Aug 2026
Posts: 2,520
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 29
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Apoorv0194

INSEAD is very vocal about valuing applicants with a strong international dimension, unless there's another compelling hook in the profile that clearly sets them apart. Think, what is that hook in your case? Your career trajectory seems ok, although I dont have the full context, but the key will be connecting it to what INSEAD actually looks for in its applicants. The GMAT is definitely an area for improvement. For INSEAD, you ideally want your career narrative to do the heavy lifting, but having a score that's above average for your demographic is still important. For Indians, the average is high. I did have an Indian mentee who was admitted with a 645 in the last cycle, but even I would consider that an exception rather than the norm. So I would certainly recommend raising your score.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]­



Apoorv0194
Quick profile review for INSEAD to understand my chances:

M 31, India
Chemical Engineer + Tier 2 Indian MBA.

10th : 9.0 GPA
12th: 64.8%
Undergrad: 69.49% (seems low but among top 3 in my department - first class with distinction)
MBA: 8.27 GPA

6 years of work experience ( 2 years B2B marketing and sales in Ceramic production environment; 2 years with Cisco as a client in stakeholder training/consulting and 2 years and running in Data Analytics and AI Marketing team for Indian MNC)

Looking to pivot to strategy/operations consulting environment with a 2nd MBA

GMAT FE:655

Extra curriculars and others: some csr activity support with the organisation, won some debate competition, was student coordinator for clubs during undergrad and Postgrad, 1st runner up in the national eSports competition organised by IMTG for their cultural fest etc, an Instagram page with 250+ posts since Covid (out of hobby).


P.S. I understand my GMAT SCORE is on the lower end.
User avatar
Apoorv0194
Joined: 15 Jul 2025
Last visit: 13 Aug 2026
Posts: 116
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 23
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q85 V82 DI81
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q85 V82 DI81
Posts: 116
Kudos: 11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Quote:

*MBAGuide writes:*
https://gmatclub.com:443/forum/memberli ... Apoorv0194

INSEAD is very vocal about valuing applicants with a strong international dimension, unless there's another compelling hook in the profile that clearly sets them apart. Think, what is that hook in your case? Your career trajectory seems ok, although I dont have the full context, but the key will be connecting it to what INSEAD actually looks for in its applicants. The GMAT is definitely an area for improvement. For INSEAD, you ideally want your career narrative to do the heavy lifting, but having a score that's above average for your demographic is still important. For Indians, the average is high. I did have an Indian mentee who was admitted with a 645 in the last cycle, but even I would consider that an exception rather than the norm. So I would certainly recommend raising your score.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]


> Quick profile review for INSEAD to understand my chances:
> M 31, India
> Chemical Engineer + Tier 2 Indian MBA.
> 10th : 9.0 GPA
> 12th: 64.8%
> Undergrad: 69.49% (seems low but among top 3 in my department - first class with distinction)
> MBA: 8.27 GPA
> 6 years of work experience ( 2 years B2B marketing and sales in Ceramic production environment; 2 years with Cisco as a client in stakeholder training/consulting and 2 years and running in Data Analytics and AI Marketing team for Indian MNC)
> Looking to
For the international exposure part - is physically relocating to a different geography important?

I have worked with spanish colleagues at my first job and during my 2nd job, I worked with more than 100 client organisations (mostly MNCs) across US, EMEA and APAC region.

Quote:

*GradOcean writes:*
Hi,

Your GMAT isn't a major concern. A 655 is around INSEAD's average range, so I wouldn't consider it a significant weakness.

The more important questions your application needs to answer are:

Why pursue a second MBA?
Why is this the right time?
Why INSEAD?
Why consulting, and why not continue building your career in data analytics?
Your application should present a coherent and compelling narrative that clearly demonstrates your motivation, career clarity, and why INSEAD is the right platform to help you achieve your goals.

With about 1.5 months left before the Round 1 deadline, you still have ample time to put together a strong application. Give it your best shot and apply in R1—it will maximise your chances of admission.

Happy to connect if you’d like to discuss your profile in more detail.

Phone: +91-9892714308
> Quick profile review for INSEAD to understand my chances:
> M 31, India
> Chemical Engineer + Tier 2 Indian MBA.
> 10th : 9.0 GPA
> 12th: 64.8%
> Undergrad: 69.49% (seems low but among top 3 in my department - first class with distinction)
> MBA: 8.27 GPA
> 6 years of work experience ( 2 years B2B marketing and sales in Ceramic production environment; 2 years with Cisco as a client in stakeholder training/consulting and 2 years and running in Data Analytics and AI Marketing team for Indian MNC)
> Looking to
Thank you. Appreciate your support.
User avatar
MBADecoder
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 3,029
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 231
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,029
Kudos: 836
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Apoorv0194

For the international exposure part - is physically relocating to a different geography important?

I have worked with spanish colleagues at my first job and during my 2nd job, I worked with more than 100 client organisations (mostly MNCs) across US, EMEA and APAC region.

No, its not necessary that you travel abroad for showing international experience. At the same time, saying alone that you work in international teams is not enough. You must show how this international experience has enriched your perspective and appreciation for different cultures / evolved your world view / developed certain skills like adaptability, cultural sensibility, leadership, influence on others and how all this has made you a more effective person or professional.

Read my blog on this topic: What Indian Applicants should keep in mind when applying to INSEAD

Your experience in the second job looks very relevant; however don't assume the admissions team will understand your development and growth due to this experience, until you highlight it aptly in your application.

Also, looking at your profile, I advise that your goals justify the need for an MBA from INSEAD. You will need to connect the dots between your past experience, future goals and the need for an INSEAD MBA very concretely.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: [email protected]
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation

Testimonials: https://mbadecoder.com/testimonials/
650+ Admits to M7/T15 b-schools |15 years consulting experience | work directly with Founders
User avatar
ARINGO
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 07 Mar 2012
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 3,475
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1,963
GPA: 4
Products:
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,475
Kudos: 1,494
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Are You Applying to the Right MBA Schools?
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is building the wrong school list.
A balanced shortlist isn’t just about rankings, it should match your profile, career goals, and competitiveness.

We’re offering a complimentary MBA School Shortlisting Review for applicants applying this cycle. We’ll review your profile and the schools you’re considering, and let you know if your list makes strategic sense.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE SCHOOL SHORTLISTING SUPPORT
User avatar
AdmitExpert
User avatar
Admit Expert Admissions Consultant
Joined: 11 Mar 2022
Last visit: 05 Aug 2026
Posts: 372
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 4
Status:MBA admissions consulting
Location: India
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 372
Kudos: 38
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello,

You already have an MBA, so INSEAD will scrutinize the "why a second MBA" question very closely - your pivot story into strategy/operations consulting needs to be airtight and clearly show why your Tier 2 MBA + 6 years didn't already get you there, and why INSEAD specifically closes that gap.

At 31 with 6 years, you're within INSEAD's reach age-wise, but the GMAT at 655 is on the lower end for their typical admit range, so a retake would meaningfully strengthen your file. Your academic dip in 12th and undergrad is offset well by strong ranks and postgrad performance, so that shouldn't be a major concern. We have admitted candidates to INSEAD with scores around 625/635 as well, so if you are not able to improve the score also its fine, we can focus on boosting your stories further to offset it.

The bigger lever here is positioning - your consulting/stakeholder exposure (Cisco) and analytics background are useful, but you'll need a very sharp narrative connecting B2B sales, training, and data/AI marketing into a coherent case for strategy consulting, since right now it reads as three fairly different tracks.

INSEAD is a genuine reach here but not unrealistic with a tightly built narrative - worth exploring further with proper brainstorming and storytelling.

Admit Expert offers a free 1:1 profile evaluation. We have helped many applicants over the years secure admission to INSEAD and can help you with the same. Please reach out for a detailed evaluation.

Apoorv0194
Quick profile review for INSEAD to understand my chances:

M 31, India
Chemical Engineer + Tier 2 Indian MBA.

10th : 9.0 GPA
12th: 64.8%
Undergrad: 69.49% (seems low but among top 3 in my department - first class with distinction)
MBA: 8.27 GPA

6 years of work experience ( 2 years B2B marketing and sales in Ceramic production environment; 2 years with Cisco as a client in stakeholder training/consulting and 2 years and running in Data Analytics and AI Marketing team for Indian MNC)

Looking to pivot to strategy/operations consulting environment with a 2nd MBA

GMAT FE:655

Extra curriculars and others: some csr activity support with the organisation, won some debate competition, was student coordinator for clubs during undergrad and Postgrad, 1st runner up in the national eSports competition organised by IMTG for their cultural fest etc, an Instagram page with 250+ posts since Covid (out of hobby).


P.S. I understand my GMAT SCORE is on the lower end.
User avatar
Theeldertwin
Joined: 28 Dec 2025
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 159
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 85
Concentration: Strategy
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q84 V84 DI79
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q84 V84 DI79
Posts: 159
Kudos: 32
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi, post filling the form, will a one on one call be scheduled? How does it work?
ARINGO
Are You Applying to the Right MBA Schools?
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is building the wrong school list.
A balanced shortlist isn’t just about rankings, it should match your profile, career goals, and competitiveness.

We’re offering a complimentary MBA School Shortlisting Review for applicants applying this cycle. We’ll review your profile and the schools you’re considering, and let you know if your list makes strategic sense.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE SCHOOL SHORTLISTING SUPPORT
User avatar
ARINGO
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 07 Mar 2012
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 3,475
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1,963
GPA: 4
Products:
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,475
Kudos: 1,494
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
If you’re working on your INSEAD application right now, I’d love to ask you something...
How’s it going?

Every year, I speak with applicants who are surprised by just how much goes into the INSEAD application. Between the essays, career goals, recommendations, and everything else, it can feel like a lot to manage.

So I’ve decided to open up a few complimentary profile review calls for Thursday and Friday this week.

I’m Jenifer Turtschanow, CEO, ARINGO MBA Admissions Consulting, and if you’re wondering

Whether you’re presenting your strongest application,
Whether your school strategy makes sense, or
If you just want an experienced set of eyes on your profile, I’m happy to help.

If you’d like to talk, Click here to book a slot.

Looking forward to speaking with some of you!
User avatar
WA@hit8115
User avatar
WhatsApp Bridge
Joined: 28 Jan 2025
Last visit: 24 Oct 2025
Posts: 39,968
Own Kudos:
Posts: 39,968
Kudos: 1,984
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This post came through our private GMAT Club WhatsApp Group.
Join the WhatsApp Community or Log in to view the full message.
User avatar
rbaranozdemirhbs
Joined: 15 Mar 2025
Last visit: 14 Aug 2026
Posts: 28
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 16
Location: Turkey
GPA: 3.75
Posts: 28
Kudos: 2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
**Is INSEAD MiM worth taking on significant debt for?**

I am a Turkish applicant targeting strategy consulting/MBB. If I receive little or no scholarship, INSEAD would require substantial debt.

Would INSEAD’s brand, network, and career opportunities justify this risk, or would a lower-cost MiM such as NOVA SBE—or another solid European program under €10,000—be the smarter choice?

Would you personally choose INSEAD without a scholarship?
User avatar
ARLeeConsulting
User avatar
ARLee Consulting
Joined: 19 Dec 2017
Last visit: 08 Aug 2026
Posts: 498
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: 498
Kudos: 218
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Yes, I'd personally choose INSEAD even without a scholarship.

If your goal is MBB and similar firms, INSEAD will certainly give you much better access to their recruiting than most lower-cost MiMs. However, access doesn't guarantee an offer. You still need to get shortlisted and, most importantly, perform well during the interviews.

If you do receive an offer from one of these major firms, you'll probably be in a position to pay off your debt relatively quickly.

rbaranozdemirhbs
**Is INSEAD MiM worth taking on significant debt for?**

I am a Turkish applicant targeting strategy consulting/MBB. If I receive little or no scholarship, INSEAD would require substantial debt.

Would INSEAD’s brand, network, and career opportunities justify this risk, or would a lower-cost MiM such as NOVA SBE—or another solid European program under €10,000—be the smarter choice?

Would you personally choose INSEAD without a scholarship?
User avatar
Yogiyoke
Joined: 01 Aug 2026
Last visit: 13 Aug 2026
Posts: 5
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Products:
Posts: 5
Kudos: 5
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Can anyone share the Timelines
User avatar
WA@znr7078
User avatar
WhatsApp Bridge
Joined: 28 Jan 2025
Last visit: 24 Oct 2025
Posts: 39,968
Own Kudos:
Posts: 39,968
Kudos: 1,984
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This post came through our private GMAT Club WhatsApp Group.
Join the WhatsApp Community or Log in to view the full message.
User avatar
WA@znr7078
User avatar
WhatsApp Bridge
Joined: 28 Jan 2025
Last visit: 24 Oct 2025
Posts: 39,968
Own Kudos:
Posts: 39,968
Kudos: 1,984
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This post came through our private GMAT Club WhatsApp Group.
Join the WhatsApp Community or Log in to view the full message.
User avatar
WA@lss7444
User avatar
WhatsApp Bridge
Joined: 28 Jan 2025
Last visit: 24 Oct 2025
Posts: 39,968
Own Kudos:
Posts: 39,968
Kudos: 1,984
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This post came through our private GMAT Club WhatsApp Group.
Join the WhatsApp Community or Log in to view the full message.
   1   2   3   
Moderator:
IE Thread Master
2 posts