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IppoMakunouchi
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Joined: 24 Feb 2025
Last visit: 17 Sep 2025
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GMAT Focus 1: 665 Q85 V83 DI81
GMAT Focus 1: 665 Q85 V83 DI81
Posts: 38
Kudos: 7
Help Needed with Profile Evaluation | INSEAD January 2026 Intake 24 Feb 2025, 14:39
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Hi all,

I'm planning to apply to INSEAD for January 2026 MBA FT intake (R1) but having second thoughts about my score. From your experience, can you share if I stand a realistic chance? Profile Below:

- Demographics: Indian, Male, Engineer & MBA.
- Engineering Degree: From an NIT (National Institute of Technology i.e. one tier below IITs which are the top engineering schools in India) with a GPA of 7.8/10.
- MBA: From FMS, Delhi (A tier-1, top 5 B-School in India) with 72% score (top quartile in the batch).
- Work Experience: 9.5 years (by Jan'25). Initial career experience in management consulting (4.5 years), then moved to Google in a marketing role.
- International Exposure: Projects in Europe and Middle East during consulting days and trainings/business meetings in the US during Google. Did an internship from an engineering school in The Netherlands during my bachelors.
- GMAT FE Score: 665 (93rd Percentile).

I'm well aware that I'm from an over represented demographic and so, doubts are creeping in about whether I should apply in R1 or wait till R2 and try to improve my GMAT score.
Please share your advice. If you need additional information, let me know. TIA!
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MBAandBeyond
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Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
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Help Needed with Profile Evaluation | INSEAD January 2026 Intake 24 Feb 2025, 23:53
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IppoMakanouchi
Hi all,

I'm planning to apply to INSEAD for January 2026 MBA FT intake (R1) but having second thoughts about my score. From your experience, can you share if I stand a realistic chance? Profile Below:

- Demographics: Indian, Male, Engineer & MBA.
- Engineering Degree: From an NIT (National Institute of Technology i.e. one tier below IITs which are the top engineering schools in India) with a GPA of 7.8/10.
- MBA: From FMS, Delhi (A tier-1, top 5 B-School in India) with 72% score (top quartile in the batch).
- Work Experience: 9.5 years (by Jan'25). Initial career experience in management consulting (4.5 years), then moved to Google in a marketing role.
- International Exposure: Projects in Europe and Middle East during consulting days and trainings/business meetings in the US during Google. Did an internship from an engineering school in The Netherlands during my bachelors.
- GMAT FE Score: 665 (93rd Percentile).

I'm well aware that I'm from an over represented demographic and so, doubts are creeping in about whether I should apply in R1 or wait till R2 and try to improve my GMAT score.
Please share your advice. If you need additional information, let me know. TIA!
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Hi IppoMakanouchi ! Your profile looks good, with academic foundation from NIT and FMS Delhi, nearly a decade of experience spanning consulting and marketing at Google, and valuable international exposure across Europe, the Middle East, and the US. However, as an Indian male engineer(a highly competitive applicant pool), your GMAT FE score of 665, is slightly on the lower side for INSEAD. Given your second MBA, the admissions committee will closely evaluate your rationale, so a compelling narrative on WHY INSEAD is necessary for your career goals is crucial. If your essays are polished and your story is strong, applying in Round 1 is viable. Regardless of timing, crafting a standout application that highlights leadership, impact, and global perspective will be key to standing out. We would love to learn more about your profile to gain a better understanding of your journey and aspirations. Please feel free to book a profile evaluation call.

Please feel free to take a look at this BLOG.

Join our Coffee Session on March 8th, 2025

Topic: INSEAD R1 (January 2026 Intake) Countdown: Last-Minute Tips to Perfect Your Application

The Round 1 deadline is fast approaching- are you ready? Join us for expert last-minute tips to refine your essays, strengthen your story, and maximize your chances. Whether you're submitting now or considering Round 2, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to make the right call.

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