Profile evaluation for INSEAD

Question

Hi all,

With the following information, do you think I have a realistic chance of getting into program? I’m targeting Jan’24 semester start

GENERAL: 28 year-old male, Asian-American (dual citizen)

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND: undergrad in Finance from a small US college, GPA 2.8 and masters in Accounting from a top program, GPA 3.3

WORK: 4 years of experience overall, 2 years with a F500 medical device company where I was promoted once to senior analyst. Currently, I’m a strategy consultant with one of the Big 4 firms with a potential to be promoted to senior later this year

GMAT: after the second take, 690

EXTRA: Active involvement in a number of non-profit fundraisers and have competed as a pro-athlete

GOAL: don’t need major career pivot as I need to return to my employer due to their sponsorship. My industry focus at my current company has been Life Sciences. Therefore, I’d love the opportunity to intern for European pharma giants like Roche and AztraZeneca

Your inputs are much appreciated, thanks!

Posted from my mobile device

Usharaytoabroad21 · Answer

Hy there I see your profile and flat you to know we think there are high chancee for you. Pls connect us if you want free CV revolution. 
Usha ray to abroad
No 9460867852

Posted from my mobile device

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi  sshukh  hope this finds you well.

I see many briefly mentioned but strong points in your profile description, such as dual culture, consulting and return to employer.

Your experience in the medical device industry and your rise to strategy consultant in the life sciences industry with the Big 4 is the highlight of your profile.

If you want to stand out in the INSEAD admissions process, you should show strong growth potential in your essays and, most importantly, think about your long-term goals strategy. If you are interested in internships or potential roles eventually in healthcare or life sciences, take it a step further and talk to recruiters you will apply to for internship or job at a later stage. Get feedback on your profile and insight into the types of projects you'd like to do at these companies. This should be the foundation of your goals essay and your interview preparation for INSEAD. Many people believe that admissions are all about telling an interesting story. On the contrary, success in admissions depends heavily on the solidity of your mid- and long-term plan and your vision as a future business leader, especially if you are applying to highly competitive business schools like INSEAD.

Make your essays interesting. INSEAD is probably one of the longest MBA applications. Make sure you are able to hold the reader's attention with many many interesting personal and professional stories.

Scope for improvement- Although 690 is decent, the competition will be high. If you have a less than 48 on quant you may consider a retake. INSEAD is relatively forgiving for verbal score.

Best wishes

CMB97 · Answer

Would love some evaluation for my future MBA applications! Thanks in advance!

Background and nationality:
White german male

Undergrad information:
MSc and BSc in physics at the same major engineering-focussed german university (RWTH/ TUM/ KIT)
- MSc in Physics (1.5 german / 3.5 US GPA)
- BSc in Physics (1.8 german / 3.2 US GPA)
- Scholar of Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes during the whole studies

GMAT:
not yet done

Work experience and leadership:
Will join a tier 2 strategy consulting firm (Strategy&/ ATKearny/ Oliver Wyman) as an associate this summer.
Previously:
- interned at a Fortune Global 500 (top ten) inhouse consulting firm
- interned at a university in the middle east as a sort of teaching assistant for physics and some engineering (more riding camels than real work)
- interned at a german boutique consulting firm (a few hundred employees)
- student assistant at a Big 4 and some more less relevant

Community and others:
- Secretary and board member at a service club (think of youth organizations from Rotary/ Lions)
- Working group member at a political think tank on transatlantic relations
- Selection committee member at Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
- Deputy Chairman of the german conservative party youth organization in my high school town
- Chairman at my student fraternity (mostly fencing stuff and drinking beers)

Post MBA goals:
Not 100% sure. Very interested in PE/VC and IBD, also MBB consulting, for some years. Corporate strategy/development in the long term.

Anything else?
Plan to do the GMAT and try to apply as soon as possible to start the MBA after two (or three) years at my firm (to hopefully benefit from the firm's sponsorship).
Not sure if I will focus in an industry practice or the deals strategy practice.

Posted from my mobile device

scrantonstrangler · Answer

Hi guys, please evaluate my profile for an INSEAD admit/ also suggest any other B-schools (location agnostic) that I can target. I am open to all schools across Europe and US.

Age: 26
Undergrad: B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (2015-19) (3.33 GPA)
Job 1 : Mechanical Engineer in Dubai (UAE) (2019-2020) 13 months
Job 2: Consultant (EY)-Handling projects for Tata Steel and its subsidiaries across India/Canada/SE Asia/Europe. (2021-Current) (I started as an Analyst and got two promotions within 18 months. (36 months experience as of July '2024), 
Currently working on a merger of the aforementioned subsidiaries as part of another engagement.

Extra Curriculars in Undergrad
1. Member (AIESEC)-Business Dev and Student exchanges
2. Team Lead-ISHRAE won a grant to design an environment friendly AC

Extra Curriculars in my current job:
Mentoring students from under privileged backgrounds by understanding their inclinations towards various disciplines (Science and Commerce)

Post MBA Goals:
Get into the bigger consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, BAIN, L.E.K..) open to roles in supply chain and operations management.

Please indicate if I do stand a chance with this profile and do indicate a SAFE GMAT score as I do come from an over represented category of applicants.

Thanks in advance!

TheMBAEdge · Answer

Hey  ashesh25 ,

Given that your GPA is below median, its recommended that you give the GMAT a good shot and aim for score north of 740 to have a good shot at some top tier programs in the upcoming application cycle.

You have international experience in Dubai which is a strong positive. Additionally, working in multiple capacities across TATA Steel will give a robust understanding of project management specially since they have international operations spanning multiple geographies. It will be crucial to build on this experience in your essays and really convince the adcom why a consulting career will the best fit for you.

Your ECs are pretty strong which should paint your candidacy in a good light and can add flavor to your story.

In terms of schools, you should consider HEC Paris which can be a gateway to a consulting career in the EU along with an IMD, in addition to your INSEAD application. For the US schools, you can think about a Ross, Darden, Goizueta and Johnson for good consulting recruiting with the US.

Hope that helps?

Thank you,
TheMBAEdge

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello  scrantonstrangler ,

Thanks for sharing your profile. You seem to have a solid profile with some strong elements that can make you a competitive candidate for top MBA programs. Here's an evaluation of your profile and some suggestions for B-schools:

Academics: Your undergraduate GPA of 3.33 is decent and shows a good academic foundation. While it may not be exceptionally high, it is still within the competitive range for many business schools.

Work Experience: Your work experience as a Mechanical Engineer in Dubai and subsequent role as a Consultant at EY is valuable. The promotions within a short period demonstrate your strong performance and growth potential. Your experience working on projects for Tata Steel and its subsidiaries across different regions showcases your exposure to diverse industries and geographies, which can be advantageous for your MBA application.

Extracurricular Activities: Your involvement in AIESEC during your undergraduate years demonstrates your interest in business development and international student exchanges. Additionally, your current extracurricular involvement in mentoring students from underprivileged backgrounds showcases your commitment to social impact and leadership potential.

Post-MBA Goals: Your goal of transitioning to bigger consulting firms and targeting roles in supply chain and operations management aligns well with your prior experience and demonstrates a clear career focus.

Considering your profile and goals, here are a few B-schools you can consider:

1. INSEAD: Given your interest in European schools, INSEAD is a top choice. They value diversity, global experience, and have a strong consulting network.
2. London Business School: LBS is highly regarded for its international reputation and strong consulting connections. It offers excellent opportunities to connect with consulting firms in the UK and Europe.
3. Harvard Business School: Although it's in the US, Harvard has a global reach and offers exceptional resources and networking opportunities for consulting aspirants.
4. Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania: Wharton is known for its strength in finance and consulting. It has a rigorous curriculum and a vast alumni network that can facilitate career opportunities.
5. MIT Sloan School of Management: MIT Sloan is renowned for its focus on technology and innovation. It offers a strong consulting track and emphasizes hands-on learning.

Regarding a safe GMAT score, it's challenging to specify an exact number. However, for your profile, aiming for a GMAT score above 700 would be advisable to increase your chances of admission.

Remember that your application is not solely dependent on GMAT scores. Other factors, such as essays, recommendation letters, and interview performance, also play a crucial role. Highlight your achievements, leadership experience, and the impact you've made in your work and extracurricular activities to strengthen your application. It's important to thoroughly research each school, their values, and their specific requirements to tailor your application accordingly. Good luck with your MBA journey!

If you have any questions about your profile or the program and would like to have a more thorough and personalized discussion with our top profile experts, please feel free to schedule a free profile evaluation call with us. We would be more than happy to assist you. 
 Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Cheers!
MBA and Beyond

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi,
Just wondering how you arrived at the GPA- most Indian colleges do not follow a 4.0 grading system, So if you are converting, it may be a wrong interpretation. Most b-schools will not require you to convert your undergrad scores in any case. A high GMAt score always helps an Indian applicant considering you will be from an over represented category. The demand for a higher score tends to go up more when you apply to US based MBA programs. So, do target a score 730+. It's definitely helpful.

The thing I like about your work experience is that it is very international. that will definitely help your INSEAD application as they do look for students 
who have had international exposure. The merger experience is again noteworthy. I'd like to hear more details about the work, specifically your achievements and impact through work. Feel free to share your resume with me (email in signature).

Overall your profile is decent for the top 10-25 MBA programs. The ECAs look a little light. Your goals sound OK and you can build a story around them (will need to know more about the nature of your work to comment on this in more detail).

Regarding the b-schools- it will be difficult to advise without knowing what your GMAT score is. Like I said earlier, you could look into the top 20-25 MBA programs in the US. There are several viable options in the UK and Europe as well

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi scrantonstrangler hope this finds you well . I am an INSEAD alum and have served tenure as INSEAD admissions interviewer. You did not mention your undergraduate pedigree. Sometimes with a top MBA program, the prestige of your college can play a role in attracting extra attention, especially if your GMAT or GPA scores are average. I like your work experience, especially the international focus. It would be interesting to know what aspects of the merger you have been involved with and how that shapes your future goals for consulting. INSEAD To be honest, your chances at INSEAD largely depend on your GMAT score due to the competitive demographic. While your profile is interesting and seems to fit INSEAD's evaluation criteria (international focus, academic orientation, ability to contribute during and after your studies, leadership skills), it is important that you present your work experience and vision for your future career from a unique perspective. Keep in mind that there may be profiles with slight differences that could be preferred when it comes down to statistics. For example, the school might ultimately select a similar profile with IIT/MBB credentials or a woman applicant with a similar background in engineering/manufacturing to ensure diversity. Therefore, aim for a high GMAT score to increase your chances (740 or above). If you are focused on consulting, consider IESE in the EU. In the US, Ross might be a good choice due to its strong positioning in operations. There are many other programs, so I recommend you do your research to find the right school. ECs Your extracurricular activities are not extensive, but I recommend you think about them thoroughly and analyze whether you might have overlooked any mundane, subtle initiatives you have taken over the years. For example, traveling, learning a new language, participating in diversity initiatives in the workplace (opposing gender discrimination, promoting diversity in the workforce), supporting those in need (financially or morally), teaching disadvantaged children, organizing diversity conversations or outside activities to promote better collaboration between teams, and more. Sometimes you have to do some soul-searching to find out in what ways you have contributed to your community. Feel free to reach out should you need candid advice Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Ravello · Answer

"White" male, riding camels in Middle East, Conservative Party... aren't you a treat

GyanOne · Answer

Hello and thank you for sharing your profile. Let's dive into your profile:

- Your academic profile seems solid, with a decent GPA in Mechanical Engineering. Your extra-curricular activities during your undergrad show leadership and initiative, especially the project for ISHRAE. For GMAT, we'd recommend aiming for a score of 730+ to strengthen your application given the over-representation of Indian candidates in global MBA programs.
- As an applicant from the consulting sector, you have the advantage of a strong foundation in business problem-solving. Your post-MBA goal to continue in consulting at a bigger firm is a realistic and common transition for many applicants from this sector. However, we'd suggest you to delve deeper into your specific interest areas within consulting, perhaps specializing in a specific industry or function to make your goals stand out.
- You've demonstrated clear career progression at EY, including two promotions, which is commendable. The merger project you're working on is particularly interesting and speaks to your strategic abilities. Be ready to highlight the impacts of your work and the specific skills you've gained through these experiences. We've noticed applicants from your industry often struggle to communicate their impact beyond the team or project level, so be sure to show how your contributions have benefitted the overall company or industry.
- Next steps: Start researching the unique aspects of the INSEAD program and other potential schools and think about how these features align with your career goals. More specifically, consider how INSEAD’s ten-month, two-campus program would support your ambition to work in larger consulting firms. Additionally, start drafting your essays to articulate your story in a compelling and personal way. Remember, business schools are not just looking for accomplished applicants, but also individuals who can bring unique perspectives and contribute to their community. In response to your question, we believe that you stand a strong chance at INSEAD and other similar schools, given your profile. The GMAT is the next step.

We hope this evaluation aids you in your application journey. Feel free to post any further questions or reach out to us directly.

jdiegoal99 · Answer

Hey there! Would appreciate some evaluation for my future MBA applications! Thanks in advance!

Personal Background:
 
 Peruvian, 26 years old, from a low-income family; first-generation university graduate.

Academic Background:
 
 Bachelor’s in International Economics from one of Peru’s top local universities. 
 GPA: 3.6–3.7 (top 15% of the class). 
 GMAT: 645 (FE).

Professional Experience:
 
 Started career as an Analyst at a local Private Equity firm (1 year). 
 Transitioned to the Corp Dev (M&A) & Strategy team at a fintech firm—a Silver Lake portfolio company providing software to all major Latin American banks. 
 Advanced rapidly from Analyst to Manager in three years through two promotions, gaining direct exposure to C-suite executives and Silver Lake’s investment committee. 
 Led several transactions and closed five M&A deals; additionally, drove the implementation of innovation and efficiency projects within the firm.

Extra:
 
 Serve as a board member, mentor, and fundraiser for an NGO that supports low-income students entering the financial industry, managing a 20-member team. 
 Part-time Work as an independent consultant for a traditional search fund, developing investment theses and constructing financial models for potential acquisitions in the US.

Goals:
 
 Mid-term: Gain relevant international experience through more strategic projects (General Management programs or roles at MBB/Tier-2 firms), preferably in SEA, Middle East, or LatAm. 
 Long-term: Raise a search fund to acquire and grow assets in Latin America

ARINGO · Answer

Hi jdiegoal99
Priyanka here from ARINGO. Speaking about your profile, I see a compelling narrative. A first-gen success story, a rapid ascent in fintech M&A, and a clear drive to give back to the society. That's gold. Adcoms at INSEAD value such applicants. They're all about diversity, not just in backgrounds, but also in thought and experience. Your journey from a low-income background to leading deals at a Silver Lake-backed firm demonstrates resilience and ambition, precisely what they look for.

However, that GMAT FE score, it concerns me a bit. Are you looking for a retake? If you can pump that score even 20-25 points, that would be amazing, anything above that would further strengthen your chances.

INSEAD values intellectual horsepower. Can you talk more on how your work experience demonstrates analytical rigor beyond the test? Adcoms also value applicants with a global mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. Your M&A work, especially in a dynamic region like LatAm, shows that. But, how can you further weave in INSEAD's value of "force for good" beyond your NGO work? Think about how your search fund goals align with sustainable growth in LatAm.

Let's schedule a call to discuss more about your profile in detail.

FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION
Click here to connect.
You can also email me at: priyankak@aringo.com

MBAandBeyond · Answer

jdiegoal99  ! You’ve got a good profile, fast-track promotions, cross-border M&A deals, fintech + PE exposure, and leadership in both work and extracurriculars. INSEAD loves candidates with global experience and entrepreneurial ambitions, so your long-term search fund goal fits right in. Did you travel all 10+ or some countries? If yes, it would be a good plus for INSEAD. Talking about the GMAT, 645 FE is on the lower side for INSEAD, where the mid-80% range starts around 670+. Retaking and pushing it higher (20+ points) would make a difference. Your goals, MBB/T2 or a strategic GM role, make sense, but you’ll need to clearly connect the dots between  where you are  and  where you want to go . Your essays should hammer home your leadership, impact, and adaptability across different markets. And don’t forget, strong, detailed LORs backing up your fast-tracked growth will be key.

What’s next? Crush the GMAT, refine your story, and keep owning your leadership narrative. INSEAD values risk-takers and global thinkers, just make sure they see all these things in your application.

If you'd like, we can discuss the details of your profile (challenges, impact, achievements, international experience and more).  Please feel free to BOOK A PROFILE EVALUATION CALL.  This is your chance to get guidance from those who have been in your shoes. Register now to secure your spot!

We recently had our Coffee Session on INSEAD Jan 26' Intake R1/ R2, you can take a look at the   YOUTUBE Session   here.

“Join Our Exclusive Webinar!"

Cheers! 
 Shantanu Sharma 
  Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

MBAandBeyond · Answer

With the Round 2 (January 2026 intake) deadline fast approaching on April 22nd, time is limited, and the workload is significant. If you're   considering this round or even planning ahead for a future round/intake, starting early can make all the difference   in crafting a strong, authentic application.

If you're interested, we'd be happy to analyze your profile in depth and help you assess your chances.  Book a session, now

Good luck : )

doordash · Answer

Hello, i would greatly appreciate if i could get a quick yes or no/ analysis if you think i have a realistic chance of getting into LBS, INSEAD, HEC Paris, IESE, for their 2025 August/ September MiM admissions. heres my info:

GENERAL: 20 year-old female, Asian, living in France

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND: undergrad in Bachelors in International Business from the IESEG School of Management, GPA 3.5

WORK: 9 months of internship experience, with my internship being at ITC Limited, in the Sales and HR department (3 months each) and 3 months at Mindler (education counselling platform), (currently looking for an other year end internship in the country) was a part of various projects for Decathlon, GEP (supply chain and procurement) and even creating my own product.

GMAT: taking in 3 days 😭😭😭

EXTRA: Was a part of the Rotary Club in high-school. During undergrad, was a part of multiple clubs like Marketing, Finance.

GOAL: My goal is to work for top consulting firms like EY, Deloitte, McKinsey, or PwC as a marketing or sustainability consultant. My experiences has strengthened my problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. Long-term, I aspire to transition into corporate leadership, leveraging my consulting expertise to secure a C-suite position within 8 to 9 years of graduating from a top business school.

MBAGuide · Answer

doordash Hi happy to help You have some excellent internships on your resume (by the way, did you intern with ITC Ltd India, the FMCG giant? Which team did you work with—marketing or sales?). At first glance, these experiences make you a strong candidate for the top MiM programs. How have you been performing on GMAT mocks? Hope you’re able to achieve a balanced score, as that’s generally expected for consulting goals. Beyond applications, I’m curious about your long-term goals and their feasibility. Have you considered whether an MiM would provide sufficient exit opportunities from consulting? Do you have a latent desire to pursue an MBA at some point? Just throwing in some questions hoping you have given them some good thought. Wondering how your profile stacks up? Get a free profile evaluation and discuss a tailored plan that aligns with your goals. 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

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Thanks for sharing your profile  doordash  ! With the given information, your profile seems to have good potential, but there are some key areas to refine for a competitive shot at LBS, INSEAD, HEC Paris, and IESE. Your international background, GPA (3.5), and diverse internship experience make you a good candidate, best wishes for another high-impact internship, it will strengthen your application, as most top MiM admits have around 12 months of experience. Your GMAT score will be a crucial factor,  do you have a mock score?  Aiming for 700+ would improve your chances. While your internships at ITC and Mindler add value, top MiM programs often favor applicants with experience at well-known global firms, so securing an opportunity in consulting, marketing, or sustainability at a recognizable brand (Big 4, MBB, or a multinational) would be ideal. Your leadership experience in the Rotary Club and student clubs is a plus, but your essays need to emphasize impact and career clarity, aligning with each school’s values. HEC and IESE remain within reach. The focus has to be on acing the GMAT( good luck for your exam ), and crafting compelling essays to maximize your chances. If you’d like, we’d be happy to dive deep into your profile, know your story better and understand your chances.  Let’s strategize together and maximize your potential. Book a session.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
 Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

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