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Calling all Applicants: INSEAD Jan 2019 Intake (Class of Dec 2019)

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Tygra89

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Schools: Insead Sept'18 (WA) HEC Sept 2018 Intake (A) LBS '19 (II)

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06 Mar 2018, 03:02

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hellpriest

Just submitted my Round 1 application! Now on to the video interviews! On a side note has interest in INSEAD dropped off slightly from the last year's peak...I read that GMAT scores have also gone down between Sep and Jan intakes of 2017/18

I think total number of applications has significantly gone up (FT ranking, Trump effect & a lot of people cannot afford a 2 year MBA anymore, in time & cost).

gy88

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06 Mar 2018, 03:33

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Tygra89

hellpriest

I think total number of applications has significantly gone up (FT ranking, Trump effect & a lot of people cannot afford a 2 year MBA anymore, in time & cost).

Is this true?

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Tygra89

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06 Mar 2018, 03:36

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gy88

Tygra89

hellpriest

I think total number of applications has significantly gone up (FT ranking, Trump effect & a lot of people cannot afford a 2 year MBA anymore, in time & cost).

Is this true?

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

I read this on different places (FT ranking research report, gmatclub forum replies from people applying, etc...)

UnofficialMBA

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06 Mar 2018, 06:48

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yes they had a 60%+ increase in applications for Sep'17 intake. I am not sure hows the situation now.

krc

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07 Mar 2018, 20:36

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Hey Folks

Need some suggestion & motivation around here.

Background: 2008 UG candidate from an Indian University. 7.9/10 CGPA. 2013 PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma In Management - Full time) candidate from One of top 20 B-Schools in India. Second best college on east coast. (Atleast at the time i attended. To give some perspective for non-Indian peers in this group - stood among top 1700 of around 1,00,000 applicants for this program.). Currently married & have a kid under 1Yr old. Turned 31 few days back but young at heart. Over 7Yrs Work exp spread across different profiles ranging from IT consultant, Regional Sales Manager in Consumer Durables & currently a Project Manager. Looking for a more focused global 1Yr - MBA program (NYU Stern Tech MBA/INSEAD/Richard Ivey or the likes). Prime reason for going for second MBA - Going Global. Adding a global study & work experience to my resume. I understand that incurring a 50-60Lakh loan at this stage of career/Life is a substantial burden given I have a kid & a mortgage, but willing to take the leap looking at a longer term (10Yr) perspective.
Currently I am on the verge of booking my GMAT slot towards April End and kick start application process by May 9th in line with 2nd round deadline for INSEAD for Jan 2019 intake. I know there is lot of work pending yet, given that i haven't started any serous prep of GMAT/Essays/LoR yet. Willing to burn midnight oil for next couple of weeks to rev the engine.

Suggestion needed:
1. Inputs if Global MBA program is a good choice for me after a 2Yr FT MBA in India. (I know i need to back it up with strong reason for 2nd MBA)
2. Any major advantage in rushing for the R2 deadline than taking slow with the R3? (Scholarship Aid? I personally feel aid of 8000 - 20000 Euro is not a significant game changer for a 82000 Euro program)
3. Is INSEAD a best bet for me if i target a score of around 720+ in GMAT.
4. What are the additional schools fellow aspirants with similar profiles are looking into?

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

MBAPrepCoach

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08 Mar 2018, 23:34

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Nomad2461

Thanks MBAPrepCoach. I will keep this word limit in mind. I have a couple of questions regarding recommenders

@Nomad2461

1. Can recommenders be mentioned one at a time?
No idea what you mean here, mentioned where? The newspaper? (JK.)

2. Once submitted as a recommender (and not the submission of the full application) can it be changed?
Yes last I checked, however these types of policies change frequently so ask your AO. For sho.

3. What is the usual deadline for recommenders to finish writing their answers

Because you are relying on their holiday/vacation schedule I do this first thing after the CV in my process, after having learned about my client's "stories" so we can brainstorm good talking points to submit to the recommender.

Give them two week and check in after week 1. I recommend creating some kind of artificial time constraint to motivate but ever better, take them out to coffee or dinner and talk this all through with them so it feels easy. The answer is - depends - but dont cut it close.

COUNT ON THE FACT THAT YOU WILL NEED TO GO BACK TO THEM. Despite all the preventative measures some recommenders think they know what to do but do not. Even experienced ones.

4. The supporting document mentions "additional letters". Can this be used to give more LoR? If yes, then what is the format that they should follow?

Yes, but it is often used as a letter of support by an INSEAD alumni who knows you well and can speak to your character/fit/value. If you have one of those great, otherwise, select a recommender who provides a new angle on who you are. If both other recommenders are from work, choose someone from the Board you are on or the Organizing Director you work alongside with at XYZ charitable/social justice concern.

Lots of questions, but I am just getting done with my essays and a little anxious about the recommenders now.
Hmm. Are you applying this round?

Yikes, this advice might be too late. My recommendation would be to create a lot of structure set up dates to meet.
the #1 guideline: they should be able to narrate a story *end to end* about a work or community project, which demonstrates how you embody the qualities business schools are seeking. Make a claim (qualities) and then support that claim. (story to illustrate qualities.)

I encourage you and everyone to work openly with recommenders NO MATTER WHAT. Dont put your fate in someone else's busy and preoccupied hands.
It's important you maintain control of the content here because an inconsistent letter will torpedo your candidacy.

MBAPrepCoach

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09 Mar 2018, 05:12

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krc

Hey Folks
@Hi krc.
Your screenname is making me crave fried chicken.
I can answer your questions below, but encourage you to post in Ask Admissions Consultants as well.
this thread is not for profile evaluations.

Need some suggestion & motivation around here.

Background: 2008 UG candidate from an Indian University. 7.9/10 CGPA. 2013 PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma In Management - Full time) candidate from One of top 20 B-Schools in India. Second best college on east coast. (Atleast at the time i attended. To give some perspective for non-Indian peers in this group - stood among top 1700 of around 1,00,000 applicants for this program.). Currently married & have a kid under 1Yr old. Turned 31 few days back but young at heart. Over 7Yrs Work exp spread across different profiles ranging from IT consultant, Regional Sales Manager in Consumer Durables & currently a Project Manager. Looking for a more focused global 1Yr - MBA program (NYU Stern Tech MBA/INSEAD/Richard Ivey or the likes). Prime reason for going for second MBA - Going Global. Adding a global study & work experience to my resume. I understand that incurring a 50-60Lakh loan at this stage of career/Life is a substantial burden given I have a kid & a mortgage, but willing to take the leap looking at a longer term (10Yr) perspective.
Currently I am on the verge of booking my GMAT slot towards April End and kick start application process by May 9th in line with 2nd round deadline for INSEAD for Jan 2019 intake. I know there is lot of work pending yet, given that i haven't started any serous prep of GMAT/Essays/LoR yet. Willing to burn midnight oil for next couple of weeks to rev the engine.

Suggestion needed:
1. Inputs if Global MBA program is a good choice for me after a 2Yr FT MBA in India. (I know i need to back it up with strong reason for 2nd MBA)

Why do you need this? I would make sure your current education won't get you there within a couple years before spending $82K on this.
Will this allow you to get your dream job? If not, what is the point and how is your current education not sufficient. dont want to rain on your parade but not seeing a compelling reason here.

2. Any major advantage in rushing for the R2 deadline than taking slow with the R3? (Scholarship Aid? I personally feel aid of 8000 - 20000 Euro is not a significant game changer for a 82000 Euro program)

Things get competitive for Indians and Chinese in Round 3; those slots get filled up real quick.
I encourage round 2 however the quality of your application is the most important thing.

3. Is INSEAD a best bet for me if i target a score of around 720+ in GMAT.

Not sure what you mean? You can target whatever you like but..? You mean if you actually have a 720+?
If over 720 then top US programs are within reach (for your profile, I would say 720, because overrepresented)
however 720 or less I think it's the best you can do. Also go for schools noted below.

4. What are the additional schools fellow aspirants with similar profiles are looking into?

Most applicants to LBS also apply to INSEAD, they are both global programs.
For those applying to J-Term, often applicants will also throw their hat in the ring for EU schools: HEC, IMD, IESE, IE, and maybe Rotterdam and/or ESSEC.
September batch more so Oxbridge, LBS.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

krc

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09 Mar 2018, 09:47

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MBAPrepCoach

krc

Hey Folks
@Hi krc.
Your screenname is making me crave fried chicken.
I can answer your questions below, but encourage you to post in Ask Admissions Consultants as well.
this thread is not for profile evaluations.
@MBAPrepCoach
KFC! lol!!
Sure i will drop a note to admission consultants as well.

Need some suggestion & motivation around here.

Background: 2008 UG candidate from an Indian University. 7.9/10 CGPA. 2013 PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma In Management - Full time) candidate from One of top 20 B-Schools in India. Second best college on east coast. (Atleast at the time i attended. To give some perspective for non-Indian peers in this group - stood among top 1700 of around 1,00,000 applicants for this program.). Currently married & have a kid under 1Yr old. Turned 31 few days back but young at heart. Over 7Yrs Work exp spread across different profiles ranging from IT consultant, Regional Sales Manager in Consumer Durables & currently a Project Manager. Looking for a more focused global 1Yr - MBA program (NYU Stern Tech MBA/INSEAD/Richard Ivey or the likes). Prime reason for going for second MBA - Going Global. Adding a global study & work experience to my resume. I understand that incurring a 50-60Lakh loan at this stage of career/Life is a substantial burden given I have a kid & a mortgage, but willing to take the leap looking at a longer term (10Yr) perspective.
Currently I am on the verge of booking my GMAT slot towards April End and kick start application process by May 9th in line with 2nd round deadline for INSEAD for Jan 2019 intake. I know there is lot of work pending yet, given that i haven't started any serous prep of GMAT/Essays/LoR yet. Willing to burn midnight oil for next couple of weeks to rev the engine.

Suggestion needed:
1. Inputs if Global MBA program is a good choice for me after a 2Yr FT MBA in India. (I know i need to back it up with strong reason for 2nd MBA)

Why do you need this? I would make sure your current education won't get you there within a couple years before spending $82K on this.
Will this allow you to get your dream job? If not, what is the point and how is your current education not sufficient. dont want to rain on your parade but not seeing a compelling reason here.

Lets say there I always wanted to do a global program, and didn't have the resource till now. And next 2-3Yr time frame is the last I can build my career and rest is a marathon on the chosen track. I will put in more compelling reason in my essay.

2. Any major advantage in rushing for the R2 deadline than taking slow with the R3? (Scholarship Aid? I personally feel aid of 8000 - 20000 Euro is not a significant game changer for a 82000 Euro program)

Things get competitive for Indians and Chinese in Round 3; those slots get filled up real quick.
I encourage round 2 however the quality of your application is the most important thing.

Ok. Thanks for this input.

3. Is INSEAD a best bet for me if i target a score of around 720+ in GMAT.

Not sure what you mean? You can target whatever you like but..? You mean if you actually have a 720+?

Just wanted to know how important GMAT score would be for my profile.

If over 720 then top US programs are within reach (for your profile, I would say 720, because overrepresented)
however 720 or less I think it's the best you can do. Also go for schools noted below.

4. What are the additional schools fellow aspirants with similar profiles are looking into?

Most applicants to LBS also apply to INSEAD, they are both global programs.
For those applying to J-Term, often applicants will also throw their hat in the ring for EU schools: HEC, IMD, IESE, IE, and maybe Rotterdam and/or ESSEC.
September batch more so Oxbridge, LBS.

I was also looking into NUS,ESADE,IVEY as well. Will make note of above colleges as well.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

Many thanks for your inputs.

homaiooni

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09 Mar 2018, 14:41

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Dear MBAPrepCoach,
I have read your points on recommendation letters. I have one more question in this regard. The recommendation form has 6 questions. Approximately how long the answers have to be by the recommender? I mean how many words for each question is reasonable?

MBAPrepCoach

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Updated on: 10 Mar 2018, 15:54

Originally posted by MBAPrepCoach on 10 Mar 2018, 00:08.
Last edited by MBAPrepCoach on 10 Mar 2018, 15:54, edited 1 time in total.

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krc

MBAPrepCoach

krc

Hey Folks
@Hi krc.
Your screenname is making me crave fried chicken.
I can answer your questions below, but encourage you to post in Ask Admissions Consultants as well.
this thread is not for profile evaluations.
@MBAPrepCoach
KFC! lol!!
Sure i will drop a note to admission consultants as well.

Need some suggestion & motivation around here.

Background: 2008 UG candidate from an Indian University. 7.9/10 CGPA. 2013 PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma In Management - Full time) candidate from One of top 20 B-Schools in India. Second best college on east coast. (Atleast at the time i attended. To give some perspective for non-Indian peers in this group - stood among top 1700 of around 1,00,000 applicants for this program.). Currently married & have a kid under 1Yr old. Turned 31 few days back but young at heart. Over 7Yrs Work exp spread across different profiles ranging from IT consultant, Regional Sales Manager in Consumer Durables & currently a Project Manager. Looking for a more focused global 1Yr - MBA program (NYU Stern Tech MBA/INSEAD/Richard Ivey or the likes). Prime reason for going for second MBA - Going Global. Adding a global study & work experience to my resume. I understand that incurring a 50-60Lakh loan at this stage of career/Life is a substantial burden given I have a kid & a mortgage, but willing to take the leap looking at a longer term (10Yr) perspective.
Currently I am on the verge of booking my GMAT slot towards April End and kick start application process by May 9th in line with 2nd round deadline for INSEAD for Jan 2019 intake. I know there is lot of work pending yet, given that i haven't started any serous prep of GMAT/Essays/LoR yet. Willing to burn midnight oil for next couple of weeks to rev the engine.

Suggestion needed:
1. Inputs if Global MBA program is a good choice for me after a 2Yr FT MBA in India. (I know i need to back it up with strong reason for 2nd MBA)

Why do you need this? I would make sure your current education won't get you there within a couple years before spending $82K on this.
Will this allow you to get your dream job? If not, what is the point and how is your current education not sufficient. dont want to rain on your parade but not seeing a compelling reason here.

Lets say there I always wanted to do a global program, and didn't have the resource till now. And next 2-3Yr time frame is the last I can build my career and rest is a marathon on the chosen track. I will put in more compelling reason in my essay.

2. Any major advantage in rushing for the R2 deadline than taking slow with the R3? (Scholarship Aid? I personally feel aid of 8000 - 20000 Euro is not a significant game changer for a 82000 Euro program)

Things get competitive for Indians and Chinese in Round 3; those slots get filled up real quick.
I encourage round 2 however the quality of your application is the most important thing.

Ok. Thanks for this input.

3. Is INSEAD a best bet for me if i target a score of around 720+ in GMAT.

Not sure what you mean? You can target whatever you like but..? You mean if you actually have a 720+?

Just wanted to know how important GMAT score would be for my profile.

If over 720 then top US programs are within reach (for your profile, I would say 720, because overrepresented)
however 720 or less I think it's the best you can do. Also go for schools noted below.

4. What are the additional schools fellow aspirants with similar profiles are looking into?

Most applicants to LBS also apply to INSEAD, they are both global programs.
For those applying to J-Term, often applicants will also throw their hat in the ring for EU schools: HEC, IMD, IESE, IE, and maybe Rotterdam and/or ESSEC.
September batch more so Oxbridge, LBS.

I was also looking into NUS,ESADE,IVEY as well. Will make note of above colleges as well.

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

Many thanks for your inputs.

krc You're welcome, so as far as your reason to get another MBA I think that you really need to work with a career coach or something to identify what your goal is and why.

Most Business Schools have you take a test called Career Leader. This is actually an assessment I work on with my clients as well and it's definitely worth the $100. Because you will need to articulate your interests and motivations in your essay to make it convincing. What you have so far to me is not honestly.

The MBA ROI is really all about getting you to that dream job and if you don't know what that is yet and you can't speak about it with some degree of specificity and passion...you are a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. don't take a "ready fire aim" approach to something as important as your career.

I have to say I'm a little confused about some of the other choices...NUS and Ivy are not really what I would consider Global programs on the same level as London Business School and insead, arguably even Oxford. ?

Sad reality is yes the GMAT is important for you because the competition you're facing is going to be amazing and also have a GMAT. So it is kind of a threshold.

However I will say that people in your profile group tend to kind of get it wrong when it comes to approaching the application. Their orientation tends to be very businesslike which is the absolute opposite approach you should be taking.

So there's some opportunity to separate yourself from that perspective. Doing the application well is actually not something most people do. But most of them don't even really know what that means even really because they're not communications experts.

Hope this helps.
Farrell

https://mbaprepcoach.com

MBAPrepCoach

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[1]

Updated on: 10 Mar 2018, 15:56

Originally posted by MBAPrepCoach on 10 Mar 2018, 00:41.
Last edited by MBAPrepCoach on 10 Mar 2018, 15:56, edited 2 times in total.

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homaiooni

@homaiooni Dear MBAPrepCoach,
I have read your points on recommendation letters. I have one more question in this regard. The recommendation form has 6 questions. Approximately how long the answers have to be by the recommender? I mean how many words for each question is reasonable?

If you are applying to other schools, which you frankly should, take a look at the limitations for those first. That way you don't have to go back to your recommender over and over to have them craft another letter for the word limit of that school. So I tend to go with the most restrictive word limit.. and then see what else could be added that needs to be added for schools that have a more generous limit. At least we have a core we can work from and then add other examples.

Don't think of this is a free-for-all, these are already very long applications and so they're giving you this opportunity so that if something does need to be expressed you can but by no means is this a challenge for you to fill up the application with a bunch of unnecessary blither. More is not better at all ever.

I would recommend you really focus on what the claims are that you want to make what are the things about your candidacy that you're establishing. My approach is that we take your brand and then use many different examples to demonstrate that brand.

So take the claim statement and then give them two examples of how you illustrate that maybe three. I would definitely not go over 700 words for any one question and stick to 500 if possible. Which is standard and generally the guideline for a lot of programs.

https://mbaprepcoach.com

hermi

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10 Mar 2018, 02:08

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Hi,

I also do have a v quick question. I was wondering how binding the word limitations are, and what is the acceptable number of words on top of the pre-determined limit?
For example for Essay 3 (word limit is 300), I have 350 words. Is that ok?

Thanks

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10 Mar 2018, 07:56

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hermi

hermi I answer this question earlier in the thread.

You will want to stay under 10% over the word limit and make sure not to do that on every question...I do think you should strive to get it down to 330.

Ask yourself what can go and the story will stay intact?

Is there anything you're adding for emphasis but could be expressed effectively in one sentence?

As an editor that's what I think about.

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merlion

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10 Mar 2018, 08:53

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hermi

Perhaps the rules have changed recently. I just submitted my application, and it would not allow me to submit until I was within the official word limit.

merlion

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10 Mar 2018, 09:30

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Hi All - I just submitted my INSEAD application. INSEAD is my top school for a whole host of reasons. My plan is to only apply there in the first round, and then apply to HEC and/or IE in a later round if I don't get into INSEAD.

On paper, I don't see any reason I wouldn't get into INSEAD aside from my age (34), my amount of work experience (12 years), and my perhaps overrepresented nationality (dual American/Canadian). I feel I can sufficiently balance those factors with other parts of my application, including my desire to use the MBA for a career change. But of course, admissions processes are subjective, so I do feel like I need a backup plan.

I'm wondering, would it benefit me in any way to apply to all three schools at the same time? For example, if one school offers me a scholarship, can I use that as leverage to get a scholarship at another school?

MBAPrepCoach

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10 Mar 2018, 11:01

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merlion

hermi

Perhaps the rules have changed recently. I just submitted my application, and it would not allow me to submit until I was within the official word limit.

Wow! Thank you so much for reporting this that's extremely helpful to know. Yes that's very unusual. In the past they have not been that strict.

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10 Mar 2018, 11:09

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merlion

Yes I would absolutely recommend that.

Everybody is going to think like you. They are going to try for the dream school first and then go to the backup school.

And so what do you think that does to your chances at backup school?

Same applies to situation with regards to scholarships and housing if applicable.

People get an interview and think they will convert an interview into an offer but half of them are wrong. So before you start playing that game I would recommend you just get some applications in the hopper.

Kind of the ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure idea here.

Good luck!
Hope this helps.
Farrell

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merlion

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10 Mar 2018, 11:17

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merlion

Thanks, Farrell! Very helpful.

shettytarun

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10 Mar 2018, 11:37

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merlion

hermi

Perhaps the rules have changed recently. I just submitted my application, and it would not allow me to submit until I was within the official word limit.

Wow! Thank you so much for reporting this that's extremely helpful to know. Yes that's very unusual. In the past they have not been that strict.

https://mbaprepcoach.com

Hi, I am facing the same problem. I am not able to submit my application as I have exceeded the word limit but its still within 10% excess of the word limit.

Essay 1 - 541 / 500
Essay 2 - 436 / 400
Essay 3 - 310 / 300

I have spent months on the essays to reduce at this point will be a huge challenge. I have sent a mail to INSEAD, hoping it's just a bug and they will correct it.

Has anyone else come across this problem and tried to reach INSEAD, your replies will help. Thanks

homaiooni

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10 Mar 2018, 14:30

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homaiooni

Wow! 500 words is more than enough for answering each recommendation letter's question. Thank you very much.
Talking about word limits, I have another question. What is the maximum words you suggest for short answer questions (job essays)? I have read in some websites that they should be no more than 300 words, but it's not possible for me to explain my career path within this limit.