Hello everyone!
I'm posting this because I got into the ESADE MiM program with the CEMS option today! While I'm elated I'm also quite worried since the refundable deposit deadline is before the decision of the other schools I've applied to and ESADE is the lowest in my preferred list of schools. I've applied in the final rounds for these schools: INSEAD, LBS, ESSEC, and ESCP.
Indian, Female, 24 (I pursued a 5 year degree)
CGPA: 8.65/10 in Bachelor's of Architecture from Pune University, India
GMAT: 710 (Q49 V38)
Work Experience:
Architect with 1 y 2m of full-time work experience in high-impact Indian railway station projects (project estimations, DPRs, Commercial viability), my work has led to the firm being awarded 9 such tenders and I've prepared presentations for several important people including the Prime Minister of India. 6 months internship in heritage documentation and conservation and 1-month internship at UNESCO Documentation and Public Information Unit (Social media +program awareness management).
Extra Curricular:
Elected Student Council Head
Editor of a national student publication
1 research paper about tourism and heritage was published and presented at a student conference
Won international awards for essay writing
College and inter-college level recognition for sustainable fashion design
Volunteer work:
1 year of volunteering while living in a remote town in Bhutan
Volunteer with United Nations Academic Impact to Nairobi: proposed a sustainable low-cost site intervention for a school for underprivileged kids
Executive member of my native village's rural charitable society: organised annual blanket donation and health awareness events
My letter of recommendations are from my thesis director and the principal architect at my former workplace, both of them knew me and the work I did thoroughly.
I consider myself to be a decent enough writer and my motivation to pursue MiM is clearly and convincingly relayed in my essays. I'm pretty focused on sustainability and leadership impact in my future career and that's what I've written about.
I want to know if I have a chance at the other schools I'm applying to or if I should give the HEFTY non-refundable deposit at ESADE. The deposit is coming out to be 10,200 euros since there's a separate deposit for CEMS. I didn't think ESADE would get back to me this soon since ESSEC and ESADE had deadlines only a day or two apart. My parents think I shouldn't be arrogant and accept ESADE's offer at this stage because who knows what could happen later. Scholarship decisions are yet to come from ESADE.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!