INSEAD Sept 2009 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips

Hi Linda,

As always, thanks for the useful information and tips about this round of applications!

Any tips on whom I should choose for my second recommendation for INSEAD?

My first recommendation is from my former project supervisor at my last management consulting firm, where I had a tenure of about three years.

I’m torn between my choice for the second recommendation, though. I have only been at my current firm for less than a year, so I have not even finished a full review cycle here yet. And I don’t want to "break the news" about leaving so soon after I joined, even if matriculation would only begin next year.

On the other hand, my direct supervisor at my former firm has already offered to write a recommendation, one that would somewhat complement my first recommendation nicely.

So based on the above, should I go with two different supervisor recommendations from my previous firm, or is it really vital to have a current supervisor from INSEAD, even if the exposure is very limited?

Hi Linda,

I am looking to apply to Insead, its a very last minute decision but will be attempting for the last round once I have given my gmat.

Unfortunately my undergraduate degree was a disaster and I did not do well and graduated from a mid level Uni in England.

With strong essays and a good gmat score, what would be my chances of getting into Insead. And, what would be a good gmat score? Keeping in mind that this will be the one factor that will have to offset my bad grades in my undergrad.

thanks and regards,

Hi Linda,

I am currently applying to INSEAD but I am struggling slightly with Essay 5.

"Describe a situation taken from school, business, civil or military life, where you did not meet your personal objectives, and discuss briefly the effect."

A few years ago, I founded a networking club for young employees of top firms in the city/region where I work. The club eventually did not work out. Do you think that this example would answer the question (as it is more an extra-curricular activity and not so much an example taken from my business or civil life)?

I appreciate your feedback!

Regards,
Melanie

Hi Linda,

I have been working in a Wind Energy company, called Vestas for the last 9 months. This is my first job, and before this I had done my under graduation in Mechanical Engineering.

During the first 6 months in this company I was involved in a rotational training program, after which I joined the sales and business development dept., as a technical person. Now, I feel that a MBA from INSEAD, which is in the heart of the wind industry in Europe, will really help me, boost my career growth.

I was looking to apply for the Fall- 2010 session. By then, I would have a little more than 2 yrs of work experience behind me (including the 6 months of training).

How much should I aim for in the GMAT, and how do you rate my chances, for getting a call from INSEAD considering my job profile in an industry which is new, different and exciting?

Thanks.!

Hi Linda,

I have the following profile
Indian, IT Male
10+ years in leading IT company
5 years global experience around India / US / Australia.
Extra curricular activties ok
Fast promotions in company
Only thing is my GMAT is 650
Have applied for INSEAD Jan 2010 R2

Can you please comment on my chances?

-Vineet

Wow! do u really see Vineet’s profile unlikely to be accepted?? I see it really good (only gmat could weaken it a little)

Cheers

Dear Linda

Please let me know your comments on my profile.

I am planning on applying to INSEAD- Jan 2010 2nd round during may 2009.

My profile :
Indian Female , age 30
7.5 years of IT experience + wee bit of Marketing
International work ex: US, Middle East, India
Entrepreneurship: New venture- Middle East in construction 2008
GMAT 670 2nd attempt- previous attempt 640.

What would you suggest- retake the GMAT or apply with current score ?

Eagerly awaiting your response. Thanks !

Regards
Eliz

IT? Eliz, I’d rather you apply in R1 for September 2010 intake… a much safer bet.

Paco,

I hate to be discouraging, but even with your good academics and work experience, you need to raise your GMAT to have a good chance of acceptance to INSEAD. I advise a retake. Your age is less of an issue at INSEAD.

Best,
Linda

The information you provided is competitive for INSEAD. If you would like Accepted to help you, please let us know. (http://www.accepted.com/services/mbaservices.aspx .

Best,
Linda

The above information is competitive for INSEAD, but apply to additional schools too.

Best,
Linda

Kapil,

I’m not sure whether or not INSEAD will consider applicants who already have an MBA. You need to ask INSEAD. Sorry.

The other information is competitive.

Best,
Linda

Pedro,

You have a competitive profile for INSEAD. I am optimistic.

My initial reaction was that you should not talk about why INSEAD will be good fro your wife and baby, but why you will be good for INSEAD. However, schools want to know that offers of admissions could be accepted and family reasons can legitimately contribute. I have to say that how you handle the topic could make it a plus or even a negative. It could go either way.

Best,
Linda

Dear Linda,

Please advise on the following:
I am a 30 year old investment banker from Singapore
Female
Age: 29
Education: Msc Finance, BBA business
Working experience:1 year in IT consultancy and 4 years in Investment Banking.
Problem is that my GMAT score is only 650.
Do you think i should still send in my application for Jan? OR shall I retake my GMAT and wait to apply for the sept intake instead?

How does insead take late applicants?

Thanks for your time.

Vanessa,

What was the percentile breakdown of your GMAT score?

Linda

Hi Linda,
I have a 84% verbal and 64% quant. Average 80% .I do however come from a quant background. Do you think that can be negated?
Thanks

Hi Linda,
I’m planning on applying to INSEAD at R2 for Jan 2010. What are your comments on my profile?

Portuguese female
Age:28

Work experience: 6 years (3 years as Key Account Manager for the Leading Portuguese Telecom, and 3 years in Strategy Consulting, with projects in Portugal, Spain, Venezuela, Colombia and Czech Republic

Academics: 2nd in class year 2003 in best management school in Portugal + executive program in innovation management and entrepreneurship

GMAT: 660 (1st try)
TOEFL: 117 out of 120

Work closely with Mozambican NGO and other charity associations.

Weak spot: GMAT

Best,
Jo

The breakdown was 74% verbal, 77% quant, 83% overall.

Dear Linda,
I’m a Malaysian, female, aged 30. Been an investment banker in Malaysia for 6 years. Would like to join the family business after my MBA. Graduated with 2.2 from LSE. GMAT score 620 but am aiming to retake it soon. Planning to go for R3 for Jan 2010 intake. What do you think my chances are for this intake? Should I wait for the Sept 2010 intake instead? Thanks

Penny,

I think a lot is riding on that GMAT score. I also am concerned that the 2.2 from LSE will prove a serious obstacle at INSEAD even if you raise your GMAT. (I’m assuming that the 2.2 is on a 4-point grading scale and that yu have not "translated" it from a percentage grade.) Unless you are approaching 35, I would take the extra time to get your highest possible GMAT score and perhaps take some classes to show that you can perform and excel academically.

Best,
Linda

Hi Linda,
I have 10 yrs of experience in Telecommunications in Project Leading roles. I have international exposure with 2.5 yrs direct working in UK, 3-4 trips of US/EU and dealing with Taiwan and Korean customers .I have M.E. and B.E. with First Honours degree.
My GMAT is 610 [49Q 24V] 69% Overall.. What do you think of my chances in INSEAD.

Regards
gaurav

Gaurav,

Your experience is competitive as are your undergrad grades, however, I am concerned about your GMAT. Per BW, the 20-80% range for GMAT in INSEAD’s EMBA program last year was 620-726. Your score is below the bottom end and you are coming from a highly competitive subgroup. Your 24V is going to raise red flags. I recommend you retake.

Best,
Linda

You’re welcome.

If your IT experience includes international exposure and some evidence of managerial capability, then you are competitive at all the programs with INSEAD being more of a stretch program.

Best,
Linda

Dear Linda, I was hoping you could let me know whether I would be competitive for a position at INSEAD in January 2011 (assuming I have a strong GMAT which I have yet to take).

My profile is:
Australian Female
31 years old
8 years experience as a lawyer, primarily in corporate and finance law
New York and Australian qualified
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science (Honours)
LLM from Georgetown University (Dean’s list)
Will have 10 years experience as lawyer with law firms (including practicing on Wall Street in New York, for US firm in Russia and now good UK firm in Scotland)

Any chance if I get a good GMAT – say 700+

Thanks very much

Thanks Linda, much appreciated. I certainly have international experience as I spent the last 2 years doing M&A in Russia and am now based in Scotland. My aim is to get into consulting. I also speak basic French and Russian but plan to get my French up to the required level for my entry language. I am also completing a diploma in finance and investment through Kaplan which I started 2 years ago in Australia, sponsored by the law firm I worked for. I am hoping all of this will boost my application.

Thanks

Dear Linda,
Could you please give a quick evaluation?
GMAT 760 (first try)
Liberal arts undergrad from state school, 3.5 GPA
JD from top 5 law school, top 10% grades
2.5 years WE at top Wall Street law firm in corporate law, 2 years experience teaching/paralegal work.
CPA eligible (plan to take exam but haven’t yet)
Several years work experience in China and Hong Kong; native English speaker, functional Mandarin

Am I a good candidate for INSEAD?

Also, I was planning to apply for the 3rd round for the Jan 2010 intake, but do you think this is a mistake and I should wait for the 1st round Fall 2010 intake?

The stats you provide are competitive at INSEAD.

Linda

Linda

I have been looking at your advice above and would definitely appreciate any feedback you can give on my intended application! I have set out a fairly wordy description of myself below:

I am hoping to apply to Insead in the first round this year for September 2010.

My background is four years in corporate law (which I know is unusual) and I hope to use the MBA to transition into a business role.

In terms of academics, I have a 2:1 from Cambridge in Law. My undergraduate was split into a Part 1 in French and German and part 2 in Law. I received a scholarship for getting first class grades in the first year, but my grades are otherwise unremarkable. (I do not know what my GPA/class ranking would be since UK universities don’t tend to use those metrics).

I sat the GMAT yesterday and received a 720 – a slightly dissapointing score especially given that it had a strong bias to the verbal side. (47V/43Q). The overall percentile was 95%.

My intention for references is to supply letters of reccomendation from: (a) an ex partner at my firm who is now General Counsel at an investment bank who i worked for last year and (b) the general counsel / executive VP of a client whose early stage wind development company I was seconded to, again last year. Both are people I am confident will give me good references.

The energy business was fascinating and either working in the renewable energy field or working for a bank / fund providing finance for such ventures is where I am hoping to go with an MBA. I appreciate, however, that this might be both a change of position and sector which may be a jump.

In terms of international exposure, I worked abroad in Brussels for 6 months in competition law earlier in my career, and obviously speak (or at least could speak at University) French and German to a high level.

My questions are as follows: Should I retake the GMAT to attempt to improve the quant side? Am I weakening my application by providing only references from people I am not currently working for (I am keen to avoid prejudicing my current job)? Is my law background a hurdle? Do you think my application will look competitive overall? And finally, how much should I be specific in describing where I would like the MBA to take me?

Many thanks for any help!

Kemper,

While GMAT above is correct that you can attempt to show quant skills in other ways, I think it is a tough sell at INSEAD. (You should ask your recommenders to comment on your quantitative skills.) If you think you can improve your quant score and INSEAD is your top choice, then I think you should retake to maximize your chances. If your practice tests were right around 70% or you have taken it previously with similar results, then I would not retake. Realize that if you take multiple times, INSEAD will use the best scores from each section.

You are not hurting your application by using previous employers, but say why you are using only previous employers in the application.

Your law background is not a hurdle or a negative, but the stereotypical lawyer "doesn’t do numbers." Consequently, I think it’s even more important for you to show that you can "do numbers." Additionally, you need to emphasize the aspects of your work related to business and your future goals.

Energy is a growing sector so there is less concern about the change. In my mind, an MBA goal should include your desired function and industry. Furthermore, there is nothing wrong and a lot right in saying this is my primary goal, but if the economy prevents me from making the full switch to X, my backup plan is to do Y. Y will be more closely related to work you have done in the past. (See http://www.accepted.com/mba/applyingbschoolcrisis.pdf for more on that point.)

Other than your quant score, you seem to have a competitive profile for INSEAD, but that quant score is important. They want to know you can do the work. It is an intensive program.

Best,
Linda