Choosing to embark on the journey to INSEAD entails understanding what the school offers and knowing the expectations and requirements for admission. INSEAD seeks individuals who will contribute to the school both academically and personally while enriching the learning experience of fellow students.
Admission Criteria:
INSEAD looks for candidates with the following key traits:
- Leadership Potential: Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential through professional and personal experiences. This includes motivating others, resolving conflicts, and making impactful decisions.
- International Motivation: INSEAD values a cosmopolitan mindset. Candidates with international exposure, language skills, and the ability to adapt to new environments are highly appreciated.
- Academic Capacity: As the academic rigour at INSEAD is intense, candidates must demonstrate their ability to cope with the demand. This is often assessed through GMAT/GRE scores and academic performance.
- Ability to Contribute: Candidates should have the willingness and ability for contributing to the INSEAD experience, adding value to peer learning, group activities, and multicultural understanding.
Application Process:
Navigating the application process can be streamlined by following these steps:
- Online Application Form: It is the first step towards joining Insead, which includes providing personal information, academic history, and employment history.
- Submission of Test Scores: Submit GMAT or GRE score. As of 2023, the average GMAT score for admitted students is around 709. Additionally, international applicants may be required to submit English language test scores such as TOEFL, PTE etc.
- Application Essays: Candidates must submit an MBA essay that provides insights into their career aspirations and reasons for choosing INSEAD.
- Recommendation Letters: There is a requirement for two recommendation letters, preferably from current or past employers.
- Interviews: Shortlisted applicants are invited for two interviews, usually conducted by INSEAD alumni. International students typically have video interviews.
- Final Decision: Successful candidates will receive an offer from INSEAD, typically 2 to 3 weeks after the interviews.
The INSEAD admissions process aims to select individuals not just academically capable but also bring diverse experiences and perspectives.
Top Tips to Secure Admission to INSEAD:
Insights from Successful Applicants
Your INSEAD application allows the admissions office to gain insight into your academic background, professional experience, leadership potential, and personal motivations. Here are some of the top tips to secure INSEAD MBA admissions, providing you with a strategic roadmap to enhance your chances of joining this prestigious institution.
Convey Authenticity:
INSEAD is interested in understanding your identity beyond your academic and professional accomplishments. Your passions, values, and life experiences constitute a significant part of your application.
Demonstrate Leadership Potential:
The college looks for candidates with demonstrated potential for leadership. Applicants can highlight instances from their professional and personal life where they led a team, or made a significant impact. The ability to lead in diverse settings is particularly valued.
Showcase International Exposure:
Applicants with international exposure through work or personal experiences stand out in the admission process. Being comfortable with diversity and possessing a global outlook is highly valued. Highlighting these experiences and the learnings they fostered can enhance your application.
Articulate Career Goals:
Successful applicants advise that you should be able to articulate your career goals coherently. The university values applicants with a clear vision of what they want to achieve professionally and how an MBA from INSEAD fits into these plans.
Prepare for the GMAT:
Though the GMAT is just one part of the application, a good score can strengthen your application. Successful applicants suggest consistent preparation, using official guides and simulating the test environment for practice.
Engage with the INSEAD Community:
Interacting with current students and alumni or attending INSEAD events can provide valuable insights into the school culture and expectations. These interactions can also aid in tailoring your application to highlight aspects that resonate with the college’s values.