Difference between Round 1 and Round 2 in INSEAD admissions - NOW?

Question

I remember seeing sometime back on INSEAD's website that there is absolutely no difference between round 1 and round 2 admission cycles. In fact I also remember reading somewhere that they take a fixed number of students from round 1 and 2 each, and because of more applicants applying in round 1 the chances of admissions in round 1 is lower as compared to chances of admission in round 2. However, this information, it appears, is now missing from INSEAD's website.

May any admission consultants, experts or current students who have any insights on this please inform if there has been any shift in Insead's policy towards handling round 1 and round 2?

Is there any difference from scholarship perspective?

A non-important question - compared to for other schools, fewer applicants appear active on gmatclub.com for Insead. Is there a reason or a separate portal in which the applicants are more active?

gmat2k17 · Answer

It seems as if this group is one of the most inactive groups on gmatclub.com

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

There is not that much of a difference between round one and round two. That said, I always recommend applying earlier than later if you can have your materials ready. Clients of mine this year are applying in all rounds and having good results though, so they don't fill up all of the slots at the beginning. Good luck!

Best,
Scott

GyanOne · Answer

Hi gmat2k17

- Between R1 and R2, would suggest you go for R1 if possible. The class is still being formed, and the number of applications between the first 2 rounds wont have that big a difference. At a competitive school such as INSEAD, the number of applications will never be too much of a factor in selection, so dont bank much on that. 
- The number of applicants active on gmatclub can vary a bit for different schools. This is, end of the day, one of the best forums to ask and get your queries answered, though sometimes responses could be delayed a bit. You are right - we need to make this forum a bit more active and answer faster.

Hope this helps. Feel free to come back with more queries as needed.

bb10 · Answer

Take it from someone who's suffered through the massacre that is round 2 - go for it in round 1 if possible.

You still have 9 days - March 15 right? Don't delay - push through

harsha2085 · Answer

could you tell us what happened and if this was with Insead? I am seriously considering R2 now to have more time to polish my Essays, but the more important factor is potentially meet admissions personnel at the local MBA event scheduled March 21. Not sure if I should postpone just for this reason. Any advice would help

latinoinasuit · Answer

Hello!

In case you're interested, here's the advice of someone who will be applying at R2: waiting so you can meet the admissions personnel IS NOT a valid reason to postpone your application. Improving the quality of your application would be a better reason.

In my particular case, I am giving more time to my recommenders because they are not familiar with the requirements for MBA applications and therefore need some coaching. Otherwise, I would be applying at round 1!

Cheers

1in5billion · Answer

But are you talking about R2 at INSEAD or other schools?

There is no official indication that there is any difference between the two rounds. And considering that, unlike US schools, INSEAD actually has 4 rounds ins(t)ead of 3, I speculate that R1 and R2 are the INSEAD equivalent of R1 at US schools, while only R3 can be compared to R2 at US Schools.

gmat2k17 · Answer

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I do understand that applying in Round 1 will definitely be better than in Round 2. However, I have just been provided with an international work opportunity with a role reserved generally for people with a decade more of experience than me and if I apply in Round 2, I'd have three months of such an experience to highlight in my application which I guess will give a boost to my application.

I am still in the process of application and can push through in Round 1 but I am not sure that it'd be a wise idea, plus I am not sure whether my recommenders would be able to finish writing the recommendation in such a short time.

I believe my reasons are justifiable enough to push to round 2. What do you guys suggest?

latinoinasuit · Answer

If you think your application will be stronger at R2, it's probably a good idea to wait. Of course the decision is ultimately up to you

MBADecoder · Answer

In my opinion, a  stronger  application submitted in R2 is better and would provide more chances for an interview invitation as opposed to an R1 application which could be enhanced on several fronts (better work graph, better recos and maybe better essays). Your international opportunity sounds lucrative from the MBA standpoint, specifically so if you don't already have international work experience, which is an important criteria for INSEAD.

Moreover, I get a feeling from your post that you are not entirely ready to submit in R1. I always believe that you should have no regrets later - if you feel you will submit a better application 3 months later, then take that opportunity, but try not to push beyond that.

Hope that helps.

gmat2k17 · Answer

Thanks for the wonderful advices fellow gmatclubbers.

bb · Answer

Difference between Round 1 and Round 2 in INSEAD admissions - NOW?

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