IMD $ v INSEAD

Question

Hi all,

Need some advice. I've received an admit to IMD with a scholarship. The course is expected to start from Jan 13 before which the entire fees has to be paid. I've also received an interview call from INSEAD. I'm wondering how best to negotiate this, since I'd really like to have the option to choose without paying the entire fees for IMD before the INSEAD decision comes, which will be sometime late December, early Jan.

Any suggestions would be helpful!

Edit: post mba goals are impact finance/investing, with impact consulting as a backup

bb · Answer

Congratulations on your admits - make sure to note the $10K scholarship in my signature by the way for the admitted students.

This is really tight... I think the only option will be to ask to defer to the next cohort at IMD. You can always reapply next year or ask to see if they will take you back after lapsing the deposit and tuition payment. 
P.S. Is the INSEAD Jan start or Sept?

kashta · Answer

Hi bb,

Thanks. As far as I understand, since I've paid the deposit, they'll hold my seat for next year should I defer. The INSEAD start date is September. I'm wondering if it's feasible to ask them what their refund policy is and in the meantime check with Insead if they're willing to accelerate the decision.

bb · Answer

Usually there’s no refund. Usually there’s a pretty straightforward disclosure about their refund policy which is no refund, but that’s for US business courses at least and perhaps Europe or Switzerland have different rules which I know they do for some things.

Before the pandemic it would be unthinkable to get an early decision but that has been less frowned upon after the pandemic as things are going crazy and there are rapid changes and developments so I think while the chances are slim, you could write a message and say I’m super excited about NCR which is my choice number one but I’ve also been lucky to be admitted to IMD with a scholarship. I’m even happy to forgo my deposit paid should I be admitted. I know I’m asking a lot but I’m trying to make the decision about moving countries and put things in progress and I need to decide by December 1 because of whatever reasons if it would be possible for you to consider my application with a wide priority. Throwing a compliment to sweeten the message but not a cheap one

kashta · Answer

Thanks bb,

Seems like the best option. Though I'm really also wondering if there is that much of a delta between IMD and INSEAD and if an 8 months weight makes sense. I do have the right to work, for now, in Switzerland (tied to my wife's work permit), and I'd like to work in impact investing/finance. MBB is not a non negotiable for me. Given that, I wonder if things change. Insead does come across as a consulting school where everyone gets sucked into that vortex, and maybe a smaller class at IMD might allow me to explore niche options more.

bb · Answer

INSEAD is consulting placement powerhouse. It is not a guarantee but their consulting club and training to a long way. 
In the MBA space, a larger class is actually better. Having a small class is a disadvantage on many fronts unfortunately. Yes, you can explore lots of things but there are hardly any alums in your target industry. With INSEAD you get a much deeper network. The main advantage I can see in IMD is their older cohort if you are older; you won't have many or any 26 year olds and perhaps something you may need.

I would instead look at which program gets you closer to your job. I am not well versed in EU Banking or Investment options; I know in the US impact investing is super tough after MBA - too competitive.

IMD $ v INSEAD

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