Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 17:41 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 17:41
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
scotchandguns
User avatar
Joined: 01 Apr 2024
Last visit: 07 Sep 2025
Posts: 4
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 4
Kudos: 0
Profile Evaluation for Aug 2025 Intake - Need Inputs 12 Jul 2024, 23:39
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I am a 2021 engineering grad from India (Tier 2 college). Post engineering, have shifted to a software sales + consulting role and have worked across 4 SEA countries. Currently based in India and I often travel for work to said countries. Note that this is not for a known brand but a medium sized tech consulting firm. I am yet to attempt GMAT / GRE.

Looking to pursue INSEAD MBA for obvious reasons. What are my chances and how do I make them better? Also, is Aug 2025 a realistic target?­
User avatar
MBAandBeyond
User avatar
MBA and Beyond Consulting
Joined: 13 Jul 2020
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 4,427
Own Kudos:
927
 [1]
Given Kudos: 166
Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
Affiliations: INSEAD and Harvard
Location: Singapore
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,427
Kudos: 927
 [1]
Profile Evaluation for Aug 2025 Intake - Need Inputs 12 Jul 2024, 23:56
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
scotchandguns
I am a 2021 engineering grad from India (Tier 2 college). Post engineering, have shifted to a software sales + consulting role and have worked across 4 SEA countries. Currently based in India and I often travel for work to said countries. Note that this is not for a known brand but a medium sized tech consulting firm. I am yet to attempt GMAT / GRE.

Looking to pursue INSEAD MBA for obvious reasons. What are my chances and how do I make them better? Also, is Aug 2025 a realistic target?­
Show more
Hi, @scotchandguns

Pursuing an MBA at INSEAD is a great goal, given your background in software sales and consulting across multiple SEA countries. Your strengths include international exposure, a diverse role showcasing versatility and a broad skill set, and potential leadership and impact. 

To maximize your chances at INSEAD and similar top MBA programs, focus on achieving a high GMAT or GRE score, ideally around 710-730, by preparing early. Highlight your professional achievements with quantifiable results to offset any lack of brand recognition. Engage in significant extracurricular activities and seek leadership roles to demonstrate your proactive involvement and leadership potential.

Network with INSEAD alumni for insights and mentorship, and secure strong letters of recommendation that emphasize your strengths and capabilities. Craft compelling essays highlighting your international experience, career goals, and alignment with INSEAD's adaptability and global perspective values. Aim to complete your tests and initial preparations by early 2024, with applications submitted in Round 1 or 2 for optimal consideration in the August 2025 intake.

If you have any further questions related to your profile or want to have a 1:1 discussion with our top profile experts, feel free to schedule a complimentary profile evaluations session with our experts . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools.­
User avatar
sostoic
User avatar
Joined: 08 Jun 2024
Last visit: 15 Nov 2025
Posts: 80
Own Kudos:
18
 [1]
Given Kudos: 7
Posts: 80
Kudos: 18
 [1]
Profile Evaluation for Aug 2025 Intake - Need Inputs 13 Jul 2024, 00:03
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi,

Your work experience, with international exposure,
would be a good match for INSEAD. That said, the information you have provided lacks career trajectory in terms of promotions or significant leadership milestones. What about extracurricular contributions? These would also matter in the essays. When are you taking the GMAT? What are your mocks saying? The answers to these would determine the round you can ideally apply to. INSEAD typically has a lengthy application and will require significant time and introspection on your end. Take your time to give it your best shot even if that means applying in R2.

Please DM in case of further queries.

All the best!
scotchandguns
I am a 2021 engineering grad from India (Tier 2 college). Post engineering, have shifted to a software sales + consulting role and have worked across 4 SEA countries. Currently based in India and I often travel for work to said countries. Note that this is not for a known brand but a medium sized tech consulting firm. I am yet to attempt GMAT / GRE.

Looking to pursue INSEAD MBA for obvious reasons. What are my chances and how do I make them better? Also, is Aug 2025 a realistic target?­
Show more

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
scotchandguns
User avatar
Joined: 01 Apr 2024
Last visit: 07 Sep 2025
Posts: 4
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 4
Kudos: 0
Profile Evaluation for Aug 2025 Intake - Need Inputs 13 Jul 2024, 00:42
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Appreciate the comments. Have DM’ed some details. Let’s chat more.

sostoic
Hi,

Your work experience, with international exposure,
would be a good match for INSEAD. That said, the information you have provided lacks career trajectory in terms of promotions or significant leadership milestones. What about extracurricular contributions? These would also matter in the essays. When are you taking the GMAT? What are your mocks saying? The answers to these would determine the round you can ideally apply to. INSEAD typically has a lengthy application and will require significant time and introspection on your end. Take your time to give it your best shot even if that means applying in R2.

Please DM in case of further queries.

All the best!
scotchandguns
I am a 2021 engineering grad from India (Tier 2 college). Post engineering, have shifted to a software sales + consulting role and have worked across 4 SEA countries. Currently based in India and I often travel for work to said countries. Note that this is not for a known brand but a medium sized tech consulting firm. I am yet to attempt GMAT / GRE.

Looking to pursue INSEAD MBA for obvious reasons. What are my chances and how do I make them better? Also, is Aug 2025 a realistic target?­

Posted from my mobile device
Show more
User avatar
MBAGuide
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Own Kudos:
942
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 2,282
Kudos: 942
Profile Evaluation for Aug 2025 Intake - Need Inputs 13 Jul 2024, 00:51
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
 
scotchandguns
I am a 2021 engineering grad from India (Tier 2 college). Post engineering, have shifted to a software sales + consulting role and have worked across 4 SEA countries. Currently based in India and I often travel for work to said countries. Note that this is not for a known brand but a medium sized tech consulting firm. I am yet to attempt GMAT / GRE.

Looking to pursue INSEAD MBA for obvious reasons. What are my chances and how do I make them better? Also, is Aug 2025 a realistic target?­
Show more
­scotchandguns   INSEAD MBA alum here and a former MBA interviewer. Hope I can add some meaningful perspective.

You are still on the lower side of the experience spectrum for INSEAD. I have seen INSEAD admit young MBB consultants, but for most others, it is somewhat critical unless you can show you have learned years worth of knowledge every year (in a way). Career growth progression is really important for INSEAD and will be a major factor in deciding who makes the final cut. The global exposure is a definite plus. I cannot emphasize enough how much INSEAD loves international experience. This is its USP for the hiring companies, and INSEAD even keeps many people with international exposure on waitlists to make sure they don't have to compromise much on this aspect even if some admits don't accept the offer. The keyword in your narrative regarding international experience should be traveling and staying in other countries for significant periods. Reflect on the cross-cultural insights, learnings, and adaptation. This is just the classic recipe for INSEAD essays :)

How can you improve your chances? Get a very high score, because in your category, the average is indeed high, so you must do better than that. That aside, you should start to engage with the school during events, meetups, webinars, etc. Speaking with alumni will help you gather unique fodder for your application and interviews.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com­
 ­


 ­
User avatar
scotchandguns
User avatar
Joined: 01 Apr 2024
Last visit: 07 Sep 2025
Posts: 4
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 4
Kudos: 0
Profile Evaluation for Aug 2025 Intake - Need Inputs 13 Jul 2024, 01:48
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks, Aanchal.

Will be focusing on a higher score, building a stronger profile and networking with the alumni.

Please suggest if there are any online groups / event pages aside from the INSEAD official website to network with the alumni better.

MBAGuide
 
scotchandguns
I am a 2021 engineering grad from India (Tier 2 college). Post engineering, have shifted to a software sales + consulting role and have worked across 4 SEA countries. Currently based in India and I often travel for work to said countries. Note that this is not for a known brand but a medium sized tech consulting firm. I am yet to attempt GMAT / GRE.

Looking to pursue INSEAD MBA for obvious reasons. What are my chances and how do I make them better? Also, is Aug 2025 a realistic target?­
­scotchandguns   INSEAD MBA alum here and a former MBA interviewer. Hope I can add some meaningful perspective.

You are still on the lower side of the experience spectrum for INSEAD. I have seen INSEAD admit young MBB consultants, but for most others, it is somewhat critical unless you can show you have learned years worth of knowledge every year (in a way). Career growth progression is really important for INSEAD and will be a major factor in deciding who makes the final cut. The global exposure is a definite plus. I cannot emphasize enough how much INSEAD loves international experience. This is its USP for the hiring companies, and INSEAD even keeps many people with international exposure on waitlists to make sure they don't have to compromise much on this aspect even if some admits don't accept the offer. The keyword in your narrative regarding international experience should be traveling and staying in other countries for significant periods. Reflect on the cross-cultural insights, learnings, and adaptation. This is just the classic recipe for INSEAD essays :)

How can you improve your chances? Get a very high score, because in your category, the average is indeed high, so you must do better than that. That aside, you should start to engage with the school during events, meetups, webinars, etc. Speaking with alumni will help you gather unique fodder for your application and interviews.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting 
 ­


 ­
Show more

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
admitStreet
User avatar
Joined: 14 Mar 2023
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 1,635
Own Kudos:
571
Given Kudos: 13
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
WE:Management Consulting (Consulting)
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 1,635
Kudos: 571
Profile Evaluation for Aug 2025 Intake - Need Inputs 13 Jul 2024, 08:42
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
 
scotchandguns
I am a 2021 engineering grad from India (Tier 2 college). Post engineering, have shifted to a software sales + consulting role and have worked across 4 SEA countries. Currently based in India and I often travel for work to said countries. Note that this is not for a known brand but a medium sized tech consulting firm. I am yet to attempt GMAT / GRE.

Looking to pursue INSEAD MBA for obvious reasons. What are my chances and how do I make them better? Also, is Aug 2025 a realistic target?­
Show more
@scotchandguns ­- some thoughts and clarifications on your profile:

1. How was your GPA in undergrad?

2. Would like to understand your work-ex better e.g. key projects/ achievements, any promotions (?), depth of your international exposure, etc. This angle can help answer whether the 3 years work-ex (as of date) is strong enough for INSEAD.

3. Understanding your career goals, how your work-ex fits in, personal/ professional journey, and particularly the motivation for (an INSEAD) MBA would be a crucial angle. Don't underestimate this, as there are no 'obvious' reasons.

4. Extracurriculars are an important angle as well. While INSEAD has technically removed the ECA prompt from their essays (I wrote about it here), this is something to highlight as well.

My initial suggestion would be to aim for a strong GMAT score, ideally 30+ points above INSEAD's average. This would help irrespective of which cycle you apply in. If you consider applying in the next cycle, my Profile Building Program could be of interest, but that is a decision to be made after deeper discussions. 

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to have a chat.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Request a free 30-min consultation
W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com­
User avatar
ARINGO
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 07 Mar 2012
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,014
Own Kudos:
1,381
Given Kudos: 1,898
GPA: 4
Products:
My Reviews
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,014
Kudos: 1,381
Profile Evaluation for Aug 2025 Intake - Need Inputs 15 Jul 2024, 12:29
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey scotchandguns
I hope you are doing well. INSEAD is a fantastic choice for someone like you. With your software sales and consulting experience along with international exposure in tech is exactly what they crave.
Having worked across 4 SEA countries with a tech consulting firm is impressive – it shows initiative, adaptability, and cultural awareness, all huge pluses for INSEAD's global environment. A strong GMAT or GRE score will play a crucial role. It would strengthen your application and showcase your academic prowess.

Showcase the results of your work in sales and consulting. Numbers speak volumes, so quantify your impact and show them the value you brought. Also look for opportunities to take on leadership roles within your company or through extracurricular activities. Demonstrate your ability to take charge. A unique story makes your profile stand out at INSEAD. Discuss your goals in more detail.

Click here to connect for a detailed profile analysis.
You can also email me your CV at: priyankak@aringo.com
Good Luck!