INSEAD questions allow for a very limited number of words, the challenge here is to convey your strengths and uniqueness in a concise yet effective way, below we will share tips on how to tackle these questions.
How would you describe yourself? (Maximum 200 words)
This question gives you an opportunity to let your personality shine through, think about aspects of your personality or personal story that make you stand out. The goal of this question is not so much to introduce yourself in a formal manner (or to paraphrase your résumé) but to convey to the AdCom who you are as a person and potential classmate.
Describe all types of extra CV activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, etc.). How are you enriched by these activities? (Maximum 200 words)
To answer this question think about the extra-curricular activities you are currently involved in. Select activities that highlight your leadership, analytical or innovative skills and how you intend to apply these acquired skills to your learning environment at INSEAD. What AdComs want to see here is how you are going to contribute to the school once you join the program and as a future alumn.
Tell us what you have been doing since graduating from secondary education and what motivated your choices? (Maximum 200 words)
This section allows you to go over your studies and work experiences highlighting the reasons why you moved from one role/program/major to the other and how this progression fits into your plan to get a graduate business degree. To tackle this question think about all the pivotal career and academic decisions you’ve made so far then connect the dots with your career goals.
Please give us all the information about your activities and occupation from now until the start of the program (Maximum 40 words)
This question is a way for AdComs to understand how you intend to spend your time before the start of the program. It’s important for you to convey that you will be actively working on building a stronger profile and gaining additional experience as opposed to waiting around until the beginning of the fall semester. If you don’t have a job/internship lined up at this time think about volunteering activities or classes you are planning to take during summer in order to strengthen your profile.
Share your short and long-term career aspirations with a MIM from INSEAD. (Maximum 100 words)
Because of the limited number of words allocated here, you will need to drill down to a specific industry, company, and job title for both short- and long-term. Don’t forget to briefly mention how your Master’s from INSEAD will help you achieve your career goals. Be as specific as possible, think about specific courses, students’ organizations, or conferences that you are looking forward to.
Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee?
This question allows you to address any inconsistencies, job/academic gaps in your application, or any weaknesses. This is not a place to for you talk about additional achievements. Whatever weakness you can identify in your profile address them in a straightforward manner without making excuses. Think about the actions you took to improve/work on/address these weaknesses.
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