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Nov 1909:00 AM PST
-10:00 AM PST
What’s in it for you- Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with Jenifer Turtschnow, CEO ARINGO. Come with your details prepared and ARINGO will share insights! Pre-MBA Role/Industry, YOE, Exam Score, C/GPA, ECs Post-MBA Role/ Industry & School List.
Nov 1910:00 AM EST
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Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs.
Nov 1911:00 AM PST
-12:00 PM PST
Round 2 is here — and it’s your chance to make your MBA dream happen! Join GMAT Club’s LIVE discussion with two top experts from The Red Pen, Gunjan Jhunjhunwala and Natasha Mankikar, as we break down everything you need to know- Nov 12
01:00 PM EST
-11:59 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs. 
Nov 2010:00 AM EST
-10:30 AM EST
If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
Nov 2009:00 PM IST
-10:00 PM IST
Join our free expert-led Essay Workshops to discover how to choose impactful stories, highlight your core values, and align your background with each school’s distinct culture, making every word truly count.
Nov 2108:30 AM EST
-09:15 AM EST
Get the inside scoop on what makes Emory’s Goizueta Business School great, learn how you can present a strong MBA application, and connect with an Admissions Director to get your questions answered.
Nov 2109:30 PM IST
-10:30 PM IST
Learn how to craft powerful, authentic essays by mastering the 3 “WHYs” every top MBA program looks for: Why MBA, Why Now, and Why This School.
Nov 2408:00 PM PST
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Inquire for a free profile evaluation and guarantee statement for possible admits and scholarships!
18 Jan 2025, 06:43
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INSEAD stands out as one of the world's premier business schools, offering an accelerated 10-month MBA program renowned for its global perspective, diverse cohort, and rigorous academic environment. But how can you make your application stand out and increase your chances of acceptance? Here’s a breakdown of what INSEAD is looking for, from personal storytelling to clear career goals, and tips on how to position yourself as an ideal candidate.
1. Your Personal Story: Show What Makes You Unique
INSEAD is deeply interested in your personal story. When applying, it’s not just about your resume, your application needs to convey who you are, your motivations, and the life experiences that shape your perspective. The admissions team wants to understand the journey that led you to this point, so be candid in your essays about your interests, your passions, and your global outlook.
Do you have experience living abroad? A multicultural background or a unique story about overcoming significant challenges? These can be powerful elements in your application that showcase the breadth of your experiences. INSEAD values diversity in all its forms, and it’s a great idea to highlight how your background can add value to the global classroom.
2. Communicate Clear Career Goals
INSEAD is looking for applicants who have a clear, realistic career plan. With the MBA program lasting only one year, your goals should be executable within this condensed timeframe. It’s essential to think about both your short-term goals and how the INSEAD MBA will help you achieve them.
If you plan to switch industries or pursue an internship, the January intake could be a better fit, giving you more time to find the right opportunity. However, your post-MBA goals must align with INSEAD’s 10-month curriculum, ensuring that your career trajectory is feasible and well thought out.
3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Numbers
When it comes to accomplishments, focus on the impact, not just the numbers. Many applicants tend to compare themselves based on metrics such as sales figures, revenues, or promotions. While these are important, admissions committees are more interested in your personal achievements, how you've made a difference, and how your experiences shaped your personal growth.
Highlight significant life events that have impacted you as a person, not just as a professional. What lessons have you learned? How have you developed over time? Use this section to show who you are beyond your job titles and statistics.
4. Extracurriculars: More Than Just Volunteer Work
Worried that you don’t have enough extracurricular activities? Don’t be. INSEAD values your life outside of work, but it’s not about the quantity of activities you’ve done, it’s about the passion and depth you bring to them. Share your interests, whether it’s a personal hobby, a meditative practice, or involvement in your community. Even if you don’t have NGO experience, showing how you spend your time outside work can reveal your personality, interests, and how you engage with the world around you.
5. Career Changers
INSEAD is perfect for those looking to make a significant career pivot. Whether you’re switching industries, functions, or countries, around 80% of students make at least one of these changes during their MBA. Be clear about how INSEAD’s curriculum will help you transition and why it’s crucial for achieving your post-MBA goals.
6. Low GMAT Score
If your GMAT score is on the lower end, don’t be discouraged. While the average GMAT at INSEAD is 709, admissions committees understand that one number doesn’t define you. If your GMAT score is below the 70th percentile, ensure your application shows strong academic ability, either through your undergraduate record or additional coursework in areas like finance, accounting, or statistics.
7. Low Work Experience
INSEAD typically sees applicants with 2-10 years of work experience, but it’s not just about quantity—it’s about the quality of your experience. If you have only a couple of years of work experience, you’ll need to demonstrate exceptional achievements, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the classroom.
8. Limited International Experience
INSEAD is known for its international outlook. While international experience can be a strong advantage, it’s not limited to just traveling abroad. Focus on demonstrating your adaptability, how you work with diverse teams, and how you’ve contributed to international or cross-cultural environments.
9. Final Thoughts
INSEAD is a globally-minded school that values diverse perspectives and personal growth. If you feel that your profile has gaps, remember that every applicant has areas to improve. What matters most is your ability to articulate how your background, experiences, and goals align with INSEAD’s values. Be authentic, clear, and passionate about why you want to be part of this prestigious program. If you’re unsure about your application or want to know more about your chances at INSEAD, consider connecting with an INSEAD alumnus to grab more insights.
If you are applying to INSEAD January intake, please note that the following essay questions are required as part of your application:
Job Description Questions
1. Provide a summary of your career since graduating from university, explaining the rationale behind your key decisions and career progression. Include a description of your current (or most recent) role, covering the scope of your work, major responsibilities, employees under your supervision, budget size, clients/products, and any notable results achieved. (500 words maximum) (REQD)
2. Describe your short- and long-term career aspirations, including your target geography, industry, and function. How do you plan to bridge the gap between your current position and these goals, and how will INSEAD help you achieve them? (300 words maximum) (REQD)
Essay Questions
1. Give a candid description of yourself as a person and a leader, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses you recognize in yourself. Explain how you are actively working on your development, sharing key experiences that have shaped you, providing specific examples where relevant. (500 words maximum) (REQD) (Same as the September Intake Essay)
2. Describe a highly stressful situation you faced and how you managed it. What did this experience teach you about yourself and your interactions with others? (400 words maximum) (REQD)
3. Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (300 words maximum) (Same as the September Intake Essay)
Activities and Interests
1. Please list significant extracurricular/extra-professional activities in which you are/have been involved, starting with your most recent activities (i.e. sports, performing arts, associations, club memberships, hobbies, community activities, etc.)
Describe the activities you listed above and explain how they have enriched your life (e.g., skills developed, personal growth, community impact). (300 words maximum) (REQD)
Schedule a profile evaluation call according to your convenience!
Feel free to “Join Our Exclusive Webinar!"
1. Your Personal Story: Show What Makes You Unique
INSEAD is deeply interested in your personal story. When applying, it’s not just about your resume, your application needs to convey who you are, your motivations, and the life experiences that shape your perspective. The admissions team wants to understand the journey that led you to this point, so be candid in your essays about your interests, your passions, and your global outlook.
Do you have experience living abroad? A multicultural background or a unique story about overcoming significant challenges? These can be powerful elements in your application that showcase the breadth of your experiences. INSEAD values diversity in all its forms, and it’s a great idea to highlight how your background can add value to the global classroom.
2. Communicate Clear Career Goals
INSEAD is looking for applicants who have a clear, realistic career plan. With the MBA program lasting only one year, your goals should be executable within this condensed timeframe. It’s essential to think about both your short-term goals and how the INSEAD MBA will help you achieve them.
If you plan to switch industries or pursue an internship, the January intake could be a better fit, giving you more time to find the right opportunity. However, your post-MBA goals must align with INSEAD’s 10-month curriculum, ensuring that your career trajectory is feasible and well thought out.
3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Numbers
When it comes to accomplishments, focus on the impact, not just the numbers. Many applicants tend to compare themselves based on metrics such as sales figures, revenues, or promotions. While these are important, admissions committees are more interested in your personal achievements, how you've made a difference, and how your experiences shaped your personal growth.
Highlight significant life events that have impacted you as a person, not just as a professional. What lessons have you learned? How have you developed over time? Use this section to show who you are beyond your job titles and statistics.
4. Extracurriculars: More Than Just Volunteer Work
Worried that you don’t have enough extracurricular activities? Don’t be. INSEAD values your life outside of work, but it’s not about the quantity of activities you’ve done, it’s about the passion and depth you bring to them. Share your interests, whether it’s a personal hobby, a meditative practice, or involvement in your community. Even if you don’t have NGO experience, showing how you spend your time outside work can reveal your personality, interests, and how you engage with the world around you.
5. Career Changers
INSEAD is perfect for those looking to make a significant career pivot. Whether you’re switching industries, functions, or countries, around 80% of students make at least one of these changes during their MBA. Be clear about how INSEAD’s curriculum will help you transition and why it’s crucial for achieving your post-MBA goals.
6. Low GMAT Score
If your GMAT score is on the lower end, don’t be discouraged. While the average GMAT at INSEAD is 709, admissions committees understand that one number doesn’t define you. If your GMAT score is below the 70th percentile, ensure your application shows strong academic ability, either through your undergraduate record or additional coursework in areas like finance, accounting, or statistics.
7. Low Work Experience
INSEAD typically sees applicants with 2-10 years of work experience, but it’s not just about quantity—it’s about the quality of your experience. If you have only a couple of years of work experience, you’ll need to demonstrate exceptional achievements, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the classroom.
8. Limited International Experience
INSEAD is known for its international outlook. While international experience can be a strong advantage, it’s not limited to just traveling abroad. Focus on demonstrating your adaptability, how you work with diverse teams, and how you’ve contributed to international or cross-cultural environments.
9. Final Thoughts
INSEAD is a globally-minded school that values diverse perspectives and personal growth. If you feel that your profile has gaps, remember that every applicant has areas to improve. What matters most is your ability to articulate how your background, experiences, and goals align with INSEAD’s values. Be authentic, clear, and passionate about why you want to be part of this prestigious program. If you’re unsure about your application or want to know more about your chances at INSEAD, consider connecting with an INSEAD alumnus to grab more insights.
If you are applying to INSEAD January intake, please note that the following essay questions are required as part of your application:
Job Description Questions
1. Provide a summary of your career since graduating from university, explaining the rationale behind your key decisions and career progression. Include a description of your current (or most recent) role, covering the scope of your work, major responsibilities, employees under your supervision, budget size, clients/products, and any notable results achieved. (500 words maximum) (REQD)
2. Describe your short- and long-term career aspirations, including your target geography, industry, and function. How do you plan to bridge the gap between your current position and these goals, and how will INSEAD help you achieve them? (300 words maximum) (REQD)
Essay Questions
1. Give a candid description of yourself as a person and a leader, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses you recognize in yourself. Explain how you are actively working on your development, sharing key experiences that have shaped you, providing specific examples where relevant. (500 words maximum) (REQD) (Same as the September Intake Essay)
2. Describe a highly stressful situation you faced and how you managed it. What did this experience teach you about yourself and your interactions with others? (400 words maximum) (REQD)
3. Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (300 words maximum) (Same as the September Intake Essay)
Activities and Interests
1. Please list significant extracurricular/extra-professional activities in which you are/have been involved, starting with your most recent activities (i.e. sports, performing arts, associations, club memberships, hobbies, community activities, etc.)
Describe the activities you listed above and explain how they have enriched your life (e.g., skills developed, personal growth, community impact). (300 words maximum) (REQD)
Schedule a profile evaluation call according to your convenience!
Feel free to “Join Our Exclusive Webinar!"
