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2024-2025 INSEAD MBA Essay Analysis and Tips

Admit expert.

• July 23, 2024

With a total of 2,000 words across seven essays, the INSEAD application essays are among the longest of any top-tier business school. And that doesn’t count the two essays that aren’t required.

When you’re just starting out and looking at a blank page, this can be scary. But after working with many applicants we’ve understood that the INSEAD application gives you the best chance to tell your story and make a strong case for yourself than almost any other business school application out there.

There are 2 types of essays that INSEAD asks all the candidates to submit:

• Career essay
• Motivation essay

In this article, we have shared tips and analyses for all these essays which are a part of the INSEAD MBA application for the 2025 intake.

Let’s take a look at INSEAD MBA application deadlines

Jan 2025 intake

August 2025 intake

Jan 2026 intake

INSEAD MBA essay analysis

Career essay 1.

Briefly summarize your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (word limit – 200 words)

The goal of this question is to give the reader an idea of where you are in your career right now. Don’t think too much about it, because you’ll have plenty of time in later essays and other parts of your application to go into more detail about your big achievements. 

Make sure to tell us your job title, organization, where you work, and what your main responsibilities are.

Even if you’ve worked at the same company for a long time, it’s best to stay focused on your current role and duties, as directed. Consider that this will serve as the adcom’s introduction to your application, so you may want to give the reader a sense of where you fit in the company’s organizational structure and what you do for a living.

Feel free to list a few accomplishments if there’s room, but don’t list the same one you wrote about in your accomplishments essay again in another part of the application. 

Include leadership and teamwork if they are important, as well as any international projects or work that has an international scope. As much as possible, try to use numbers to convey your impact.

Career Essay 2

What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company instead of going to business school? (200 words max)

The admissions committee seeks to obtain a sense of your present career momentum by focusing on what your next logical move would be in your current firm (i.e. without an MBA). 

You should be able to explain how you plan to take on more responsibility in the future, whether it be in terms of project size and complexity, the number of personnel you manage, or the company’s financial results. 

If applicable, you should also include an idea of when you expect to be promoted to this position. You should be able to provide a thorough response in 100-150 words for this question due to the fact that the information needed is more limited than the other short responses in this section.

But if you don’t have a natural progression in your organization, you may want to take a different method. You’ll have to watch your language and refrain from blaming management for your lack of advancement or sense of stagnation. 

If you don’t think you’ll be able to progress in the same company because of external factors like the company’s size, location requirements if you’d have to switch office headquarters, the skill set required to advance (ideally skills that an MBA would provide), or another existing roadblock, then you should state that you don’t expect that you’ll be able to do so in the future. 

Once you’ve proven that an MBA is a sole key that unlocks the door to the future, you may discuss how an MBA can help you achieve your goals.

Career Essay 3  

Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (300 words max)

This essay allows you to go beyond your resume and explain why you made the decisions you did. Make sure to give it the attention it deserves as a part of your broader narrative as an application. 

Writing this essay gives you the opportunity to elaborate on aspects of your professional history that might not be immediately apparent from a cursory glance at your resume. 

Remember, the INSEAD adcom is searching for a candidate who can show that their career has progressed in a logical manner and that they have been on an upward trajectory from the beginning. 

Approach this essay prompt chronologically, beginning with your first job and ending with your current position. 

Keep in mind that your resume and a subsequent essay will provide ample opportunity for you to elaborate on your achievements. Insist on showcasing your rise through the ranks at each company, along with notable achievements you’ve had while working there. 

Even if you have substantial job experience or have held multiple different positions, you should save your word count for the most important section of this essay: explaining why you made the decisions you did.

Career Essay 4

Discuss your short and long term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words max)

Because there are just 100 words to deal with, you’ll need to answer this question both efficiently and effectively. When you’re done with your MBA, what is your immediate post-MBA professional ambition, and where do you envision yourself in 10 to 15 years?

The position you hope to occupy after completing an MBA school should be named, along with 1-2 organizations where you would like to work. Sample company names and suggestions for specific job titles will help you get a better sense of what you’re looking for. Geographic location can be included. Ideally, try to include a few phrases describing why you are so enthusiastic about this career path.

Also discuss your long-term goals for the next 10 to 15  years by describing the role you expect to play, as well as the influence you hope to make in that job. If there is enough room, it would be a good idea to discuss how an MBA could help achieve these goals, and why INSEAD is an excellent choice.

Career Essay 5 (Optional)

If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme. 

There is no word limit, but we recommend limiting your response to 300 words. INSEAD has added a question that gives people who are unemployed a chance to explain their situation. 

There is also a section for people who plan to take more than two months off between the time they submit their applications and the time they start INSEAD’s program. 

In either case, applicants should show that they are (or will be, if they are taking a leave) actively building skills, making connections, and moving closer to their career goals. 

This essay is a great place to talk about how you plan to make the most of the time between applying to INSEAD and starting the program. 

For example, you could talk about how you plan to do more volunteer work, go to more conferences and professional development workshops, try to get a short-term job before starting the MBA program, or make other plans.

Motivation Essay 1

Give a candid description of yourself, stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary. (500 words max)

Motivation Essay 1 Analysis

INSEAD’s “candid description” essay seeks your authenticity and vulnerability as you delve into the enjoyable facets of your life beyond the formal academic and professional dimensions.

Be mindful not to mention hobbies or sports in this segment, as those will be addressed in a subsequent question. Instead, concentrate on delineating your character through 5-6 distinct qualities.

Utilize these traits as foundational pillars to construct an intricate portrait of your identity, interwoven with life events that molded you into this person.

Infuse vibrancy into your portrayal by intermingling self-assessed attributes with vivid anecdotes.

Moreover, delve into the reasons you believe each quality accurately characterizes you. Strive for a balanced overview by incorporating traits that resonate well on both a resume and in an interview, while also revealing your personality beyond professional realms.

How to write INSEAD’s Motivation Essay 1

Tips to write effectively:, create lists.

Craft a list of qualities that aptly define you. Alongside each attribute, create a parallel segment where you can either relate it to an event that highlighted this trait or emphasize its innate nature.

This catalog serves as the foundation upon which to construct your response. For instance, if portraying yourself as outgoing and a people person, expound on your natural affinity for striking up conversations with strangers.

Elaborate on the enrichment you derive from these interactions—learning and sharing insights. Illustrate how this quality intertwines with your community-building pursuits, propelling members to engage in philanthropic local activities, such as cleaning a nearby pond or organizing events for the marginalized.

Rethink strengths and weaknesses

Embrace the concept of ‘weakness’ as a pathway to personal growth. Uncover the reasons behind your ongoing struggle with this facet, narrating your evolving awareness of its significance in your life. Maintain a candid and transparent tone throughout this exploration.

Shifting to your strengths, illuminate the path that led you to perceive these attributes as valuable assets. Elaborate on specific instances where you harnessed these strengths not just for your own benefit, but also to create positive impacts for those around you. Move beyond mere restatements of well-known traits; instead, craft engaging narratives that lend richness to your descriptions. This approach will infuse your portrayals with depth, offering an insightful glimpse into your character.

• Start with a confident introduction, listing a couple of strengths and weaknesses that best define you.
• Elaborate on why you consider these traits to be the most representative of you.
• Further delve into how these characteristics have impacted your life, either fostering personal growth or presenting challenges.
• Conclude by briefly outlining your strategies to harness your strengths and address your weaknesses.

Motivation Essay 2

Consider a situation where you failed to achieve your objective(s). How did you handle failure? What did you learn about yourself and/or your interactions with others from this situation? (400 words max)

Motivation Essay 2 Analysis

When approaching the INSEAD MBA admissions essay prompt about handling failure, it’s essential to reflect deeply on a specific experience where you faced setbacks. This prompt not only seeks to understand how you dealt with failure but also aims to uncover your resilience, self-awareness, and ability to learn from difficult situations. Your response should demonstrate personal growth and highlight how the experience shaped your interactions with others and your approach to future challenges.

Tips for Writing the Essay

• Be Specific : Choose a clear, concrete example of failure that had a significant impact on you. Avoid vague statements and focus on a particular incident.
• Show Vulnerability : It’s okay to admit mistakes or shortcomings. Authenticity can resonate with the admissions committee, showcasing your human side.
• Focus on Learning : Highlight what you learned about yourself and others. Discuss how the experience influenced your perspective and future actions.
• Structure Your Response : Use a clear structure to guide the reader through your narrative. This will help maintain clarity and focus.
• Stay Within the Word Limit : Be concise and ensure every word adds value to your narrative. Aim for clarity and precision in your language.

Framework for the Essay

• Briefly introduce the situation of failure. Set the context for the reader by mentioning the objective you aimed to achieve and the significance of that goal.
• Elaborate on what went wrong. Describe the circumstances surrounding the failure, including your role and any relevant details that provide insight into the situation.
• Discuss your initial feelings and reactions to the failure. Were you disappointed, frustrated, or motivated to change? This section should convey your emotional response.
• Reflect on what you learned about yourself and your interactions with others. Consider aspects like resilience, teamwork, communication, or leadership. Highlight any specific insights that emerged from the experience.
• Conclude by explaining how you applied these lessons in subsequent situations. Discuss how this experience has shaped your approach to challenges and interactions with others moving forward.

By following this framework, you can craft a compelling narrative that not only addresses the prompt but also showcases your growth and readiness for the challenges of an MBA program.

Optional Motivation Essay

Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (300 words, maximum)

Applicants are encouraged to contribute any material that they believe is relevant to their application in this openly phrased optional essay (in addition, of course, to explaining extenuating circumstances or acknowledging weaknesses in their applications). Candidates should, however, keep in mind that INSEAD’s essay prompts span a wide range of topics, so it’s a good idea to see if their essay answers any of these questions.

Let us help you get into INSEAD

We will help you write essays that portray your unique strengths and experiences in the most favorable light so that your application shines above the rest. We have helped hundreds of students get into top US and European business schools. Let us help you too.

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Essay Writing Tips for Your MBA Application

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Writing essays can be one of the most challenging aspects of the MBA application. Yet, they are a crucial element in the admissions process, giving you a unique opportunity to introduce yourself and your achievements and providing valuable information to the admissions team on your motivations and overall fit for the programme.

As such, to guide you through this important process, we thought you may appreciate a few pointers from our admissions team on how to write strong essays. They recommend the following tips:

“The best essays we have read always strike a balance.”

Be original

We encourage you to stay away from clichés and to create original content. In other words, we want to get to know the real “you”, so be honest and reflect deeply on what unique experience you can bring to the programme. It may help you to think about what you would say to a friend or a sibling over coffee in response to each of the questions.

INSEAD selects a variety of profiles to complete the class; from people who have taken the more traditional business routes in their careers to others with medical, humanities or military backgrounds. This means that there is no standard template and no perfect mould to which you need to fit.

So try to avoid writing what you think the admissions committee would like to hear and follow your own instincts ; for instance, you can mix in elements from your personal life that can shed light on your passions, pursuits or accomplishments. The best essays we have read always strike a balance between personal and professional details .

You can try to think about stories and anecdotes from your childhood, high school or undergraduate studies. Of course, you should make sure that the stories from personal and professional situations convey something about you and relate to the questions. And one more thing, please bear in mind that original doesn’t mean intimate or inappropriate.

Grammar, sentence construction, words and terms used, clarity of expression

These things reveal a lot about you, even if they seem like small details. We understand that you are juggling your application amidst many other responsibilities and this can be challenging at times.

However, it is important to stay focused, to plan appropriately and to take sufficient time to write, review and edit your essays in order to ensure that the image you are projecting is not skewed by inaccuracies, unclear sentences or technical jargon and acronyms. Respecting the word limit and answering the question are also very important points.

For those of you who are not keen writers, keeping a diary where you capture all the fleeting thoughts you have during the day can prove to be very helpful. Writing in bullet points rather than full sentences at first may also help you to get started.

Eventually, you will have enough material to start writing a first draft of each essay. It can take up to 8–10 weeks to prepare for the essay component of the application and it is common to have to re-write them several times until you are happy with the result.

It can take up to 8–10 weeks to prepare for the essay component of the application.

Detail clearly your work experience

We need to be able to understand your professional responsibilities and experience as this is one of the most important assets you will be bringing into the classroom. To state, for example: “I manage IT projects”, is not enough; instead, you need to describe the nature of your work using concrete and specific examples.

It is also important to provide a description of your organisation, the structure, market and product, especially if you work for a family business or a small- to medium-sized enterprise.

When you talk about your experience, it’s normal to underline your strengths but make sure to focus on your areas of improvement as well. Finally, if you have been unemployed for a period of time or there’s a gap in your job history, it is advisable to give an honest explanation instead of avoiding it.

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INSEAD MBA Essay 2024-2025: Analysis, Tips, Framework

By Arvind Kumar

28 August 2024

Applying to INSEAD , one of the world’s leading business schools, requires more than just a stellar resume and a high GMAT score. The essays you submit are crucial in painting a comprehensive picture of your professional journey, personal development, and future aspirations.

For the 2025 MBA admissions, INSEAD’s essay prompts are designed to delve deep into your career trajectory and motivations for pursuing an MBA.

This article provides detailed analysis, expert tips, and a winning framework to help you craft standout essays that align with what the INSEAD admissions committee is looking for.

Motivation Essay 1

Motivation essay 2, optional motivation essay, career essay 1, career essay 2, career essay 3, career essay 4, optional essay, final thoughts: insead mba essays for 2025 intake, motivation essays for insead mba 2025 intake.

The INSEAD MBA program places a strong emphasis on personal growth, self-awareness, and leadership potential.

The Motivation Essays are a crucial part of your application, offering you the opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your professional achievements.

Let’s dive into what the admissions committee is looking for in each of these essays, how to craft a winning response, and some tips to help you stand out.

Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary (maximum 500 words).

What INSEAD’s Admissions Committee Seeks:

In this essay, INSEAD is looking for a deep, introspective understanding of who you are as an individual. The admissions committee wants to see beyond your resume and achievements to get a sense of your personality, values, and the key experiences that have shaped your character.

They are particularly interested in your ability to self-reflect, identify both strengths and weaknesses, and understand how these traits have influenced your life choices and development.

Framework to Write a Winning Essay:

• Introduction – Setting the Stage: Start with a brief introduction that gives an overview of your personal identity. This could be a defining statement about who you are or a unique aspect of your personality that sets the tone for the rest of the essay.
• Strengths and Weaknesses – Balanced Self-Reflection: Dedicate a section to discussing your strengths. Use specific examples to illustrate how these strengths have played out in your personal and professional life. Next, transition into your weaknesses, being honest but also demonstrating your efforts to work on these areas. Avoid the trap of turning a strength into a weakness (e.g., “I’m too much of a perfectionist”).
• Influential Factors – Life-Shaping Experiences: Reflect on the key experiences, people, or environments that have significantly influenced your personal development. Whether it’s your family, cultural background, or a pivotal event, explain how these factors have shaped your values, beliefs, and behaviors.
• Conclusion – Personal Growth and Aspirations: Conclude with how these strengths, weaknesses, and experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the MBA and your future goals. Emphasize your commitment to personal growth and how INSEAD’s environment will help you continue this journey.

Tips for Writing:

• Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. Admissions committees can easily spot insincerity, so be truthful about your strengths and weaknesses.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Use anecdotes and examples to bring your traits and experiences to life. This makes your essay more engaging and relatable.
• Avoid Clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases and focus on what truly makes you unique.
• Reflect Maturity: Acknowledge your flaws with maturity and demonstrate a proactive approach to self-improvement.

Drop us a line  if you’d like to have a chat about your MBA applications – we’d be glad to be of help!

Consider a situation where you failed to achieve your objective(s). How did you handle failure? What did you learn about yourself and/or your interactions with others from this situation? (maximum 400 words)

This essay is an opportunity for INSEAD to evaluate your resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. The admissions committee wants to understand how you deal with setbacks, your ability to learn from failure, and how you use these experiences to grow personally and professionally. They are looking for self-awareness, accountability, and a positive attitude toward challenges.

• Introduction – The Context: Briefly describe the situation where you failed to achieve your objective. Provide enough context for the reader to understand the significance of the failure, but keep it concise.
• Failure – The Experience: Detail what went wrong and why. Be honest about your role in the failure. Whether it was due to a misjudgment, a lack of preparation, or external factors, owning your mistakes is crucial.
• Handling Failure – Your Response: Discuss how you reacted to the failure. Did you take immediate action to rectify the situation? How did you manage your emotions and the impact on those around you? This section should highlight your resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Learning – The Takeaways: Reflect on what this experience taught you about yourself and your interactions with others. Focus on the lessons learned and how you’ve applied these insights to prevent similar failures in the future. This is your chance to show growth and maturity.
• Be Honest: Don’t downplay the failure or make excuses. The admissions committee values honesty and self-awareness.
• Highlight Growth: Focus more on what you learned from the failure than the failure itself. Show how the experience has made you a better person or leader.
• Be Specific: Avoid vague statements. Clearly describe the actions you took and the lessons you learned.
• Keep it Positive: While the essay is about failure, maintain an optimistic tone by emphasizing personal growth and the positive outcomes of the experience.

PRO TIP: Conclude the essay by highlighting how the lessons you learned can be applied to your MBA journey and in your life/ career post MBA.

INSEAD MBA Admit with Scholarship for Indian Applicant: Success Story & Insights

Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (maximum 300 words)

This optional essay is your chance to address any potential gaps or weaknesses in your application or to share something unique that doesn’t fit into the other sections. The admissions committee is looking for any additional information that could strengthen your candidacy or provide context to areas that might raise questions, such as gaps in employment, low test scores, or unusual recommenders.

• Introduction – The Need for This Essay: Start by briefly explaining why you’re writing this essay. If you’re addressing a gap or weakness, acknowledge it upfront.
• Explanation or Additional Information: Provide a clear and concise explanation of the issue or share the unique aspect you want the committee to know. Be straightforward and avoid overly detailed explanations that could detract from the main point.
• Positive Framing – What You’ve Done Since: If addressing a gap or weakness, focus on what you’ve done to mitigate it. For example, if you’re explaining a low GPA, discuss any additional coursework or professional achievements that demonstrate your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.
• Conclusion – Reinforcing Your Candidacy: Conclude by reinforcing your strengths and how this additional information makes you a stronger candidate for INSEAD. Emphasize your commitment to the MBA program and how you’ll contribute to the INSEAD community.
• Be Concise: This essay is optional, so only include it if you have significant information to share. Keep it brief and to the point.
• Don’t Rehash Your Resume: Avoid repeating information that’s already covered elsewhere in your application.
• Be Honest and Direct: If addressing a weakness, own it and explain how you’ve worked to overcome it.
• Use it Wisely: Only write this essay if it adds value to your application. If your application is already strong, it’s okay to leave this essay out.

Shantanu’s journey to the INSEAD MBA: Insights & Takeaways

Career Essays for INSEAD MBA 2025 Intake

INSEAD’s Career essays offer a unique opportunity to showcase your professional journey, career aspirations, and how the INSEAD MBA will propel you forward.

Let’s dive into each of these essay prompts and explore how you can effectively present your story.

Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (200 words maximum)

What the insead mba admissions committee seeks.

The first career essay is all about context. INSEAD wants to understand your current role within the larger organizational framework. They’re looking for clarity on what you do, how you contribute, and the impact of your work.

The admissions committee seeks evidence of your leadership potential, problem-solving skills, and your ability to deliver results. They also want to see your level of responsibility and how it aligns with the trajectory of your career growth.

Framework to Write a Winning Essay

• Role Overview : Start with a concise statement about your position and the nature of your work. Mention the department, team, or function you belong to within the organization.
• Key Responsibilities : List 2-3 of your main responsibilities. Focus on those that demonstrate leadership, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
• Impact and Achievements : Highlight specific results you’ve achieved. Use quantifiable metrics where possible, such as revenue growth, cost savings, or successful project completions. If relevant, mention the size of the budget you manage or the number of people you supervise.
• Client/Product Involvement : If your role involves client interaction or product management, briefly mention how you contribute to these areas and any successes you’ve had.

Tips for Writing

• Be Concise and Specific : With only 200 words, every word counts. Avoid general statements and focus on tangible outcomes and specific examples.
• Use Numbers : Quantifying your achievements can significantly enhance your essay. For example, “Led a team of 10 to increase sales by 15% within six months” is far more compelling than “Managed a sales team.”
• Tailor to Your Audience : Remember, the admissions committee might not be familiar with the nuances of your industry. Write clearly and avoid jargon.

PRO TIP: Highlight your differentiating factors e.g. international exposure especially if you have collaborated with teams abroad. INSEAD particularly values this angle.

What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company instead of going to business school? (200 words maximum)

This essay asks you to reflect on your career trajectory and demonstrate self-awareness. The admissions committee wants to see that you have a clear vision of your professional growth and understand the opportunities available within your current organization. They’re also assessing whether your decision to pursue an MBA is well-considered and aligns with your long-term career goals.

• Current Career Path : Begin by briefly acknowledging your current role and the typical next step within your organization. This shows that you’re on a recognized career path.
• Next Position : Clearly state the position you would likely move into next. Describe the responsibilities and how they would differ from your current role. This could include increased leadership responsibilities, larger budgets, or more strategic decision-making.
• Alignment with Career Goals : Explain how this next step aligns with your long-term career goals. Even though you’re discussing a hypothetical promotion, it’s essential to show that this role would be a stepping stone in your career development.
• Show Ambition : While you’re discussing a role within your current company, it’s important to convey ambition. Highlight how the new role would challenge you and help you grow.
• Be Realistic : Don’t overreach. The role you describe should be a logical next step based on your current experience and performance.
• Link to MBA Goals : Subtly hint at why an MBA is a better option than staying on your current path. For example, you could mention the need for broader business knowledge or international experience that your current company cannot provide.

Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (300 words maximum)

INSEAD wants to see how your career has evolved since graduation, the choices you’ve made, and the logic behind those decisions. They’re interested in understanding your career progression, any strategic pivots, and how your experiences have prepared you for an MBA. The admissions committee also looks for consistency and alignment between your past experiences and your future aspirations.

• Career Overview : Start with your first job out of university, then briefly describe each subsequent role. Focus on key transitions, promotions, and shifts in your career path.
• Rationale for Decisions : For each career move, explain why you made that choice. Did you move for greater responsibility, to gain new skills, or to enter a different industry? Show that your career progression has been intentional and strategic.
• Key Achievements : Highlight major accomplishments in each role, especially those that demonstrate growth, leadership, and impact. This will help the admissions committee see the trajectory of your success.
• Preparation for MBA : Conclude by briefly connecting your career journey to your decision to pursue an MBA. This sets the stage for the next essay where you’ll discuss your aspirations.
• Be Chronological : Stick to a chronological format to ensure clarity. This also helps the reader follow the natural progression of your career.
• Focus on Transitions : Emphasize the moments when you made significant career decisions. This helps demonstrate your strategic thinking and self-awareness.
• Show Growth : Highlight how each role has contributed to your personal and professional growth. This shows the admissions committee that you’re someone who is constantly evolving and seeking new challenges.

PRO TIP: Discuss any instances where you’ve demonstrated entrepreneurial traits, such as initiative, innovation, or risk-taking. INSEAD particularly values candidates who exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset and are proactive in seeking opportunities.

Discuss your short and long term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words maximum)

This prompt is about clarity and focus. INSEAD wants to know that you have a well-defined career plan and that their MBA is an essential part of that plan. They’re looking for candidates who have a clear vision of what they want to achieve in the short and long term and who understand how INSEAD’s program will help them get there.

• Short-Term Goals : Start with a concise statement of your immediate post-MBA goal. Be specific about the industry, function, and role you’re aiming for.
• Long-Term Vision : Briefly describe your ultimate career aspiration. This should be ambitious yet realistic, showing your long-term vision.
• INSEAD’s Role : Conclude by mentioning how INSEAD’s MBA will help you achieve these goals. This could be through specific courses, global exposure, or the school’s network.

If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme.

The optional essay is your chance to address any gaps in your employment or to explain your plans if you intend to leave your job before starting the MBA program. The admissions committee is looking for proactive planning and purposeful use of your time. They want to see that even outside of a traditional work environment, you’re continuing to grow, learn, and prepare for the next phase of your career.

• Explanation of Gap : If you’re not currently working, briefly explain the reason. This could be due to a personal choice, an industry shift, or a planned transition.
• Activities and Occupations : Detail how you’ve been or will be spending your time. This could include professional development, volunteer work, travel, or other meaningful activities.
• Preparation for MBA : Conclude by mentioning how these activities are helping you prepare for the MBA program. Show that you’re using this time productively to ensure you hit the ground running when you start at INSEAD.
• Be Honest : If there’s a gap, address it head-on. Don’t try to hide it, but rather show how you’ve used this time to your advantage.
• Show Proactivity : Emphasize how you’re taking initiative during this period. Whether you’re learning new skills, exploring industries, or contributing to your community, show that you’re being proactive.
• Tie to MBA Preparation : Always bring it back to how this time is preparing you for your MBA journey. This shows foresight and commitment to your future goals.

Writing your INSEAD MBA essays is a journey of self-discovery and strategic storytelling.

By following the analysis and tips provided, you can craft essays that not only highlight your professional achievements and personal growth but also clearly demonstrate your fit with INSEAD’s values and programs.

Remember, the goal is to create a narrative that is both authentic and compelling, ensuring that your application stands out in the highly competitive admissions process.

With thoughtful preparation and a clear strategy, you can present a strong case for why you belong in the INSEAD MBA Class of 2025.

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August 17, 2024

INSEAD MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2024 – 2024]

Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of essays, including job descriptions, that INSEAD asks you to provide. The wonderful thing about the INSEAD application is that you’ll leave no stone unturned when describing your background to the adcom, including your professional experiences, career goals, and personal and academic background. INSEAD wants to learn all about you, so take its application as an opportunity to really share your full profile. 

Firstly, the job description section is incredibly straightforward – no need to agonize here about what to write. Be direct and succinct when INSEAD asks you to (1) summarize your job, providing relevant details, (2) describe what your next step would be if you stayed with your current company, (3) write a full description of your career path, and (4) discuss your short- and long-term career goals for after you have earned your INSEAD MBA. Ther word counts for all these responses are limited, so it benefits you to answer in simple, black-and-white terms. You do not need to do a lot of brainstorming or research here. Simply answer the questions. 

Secondly, INSEAD asks you to write reflective essays – and to do so succinctly. In addition, a video component balances this emphasis on written communication. INSEAD’s adcom wants to see you articulate your thoughts in a spoken, interpersonal style as well. Check out some of Accepted’s tips on how to prepare for a video interview . Ultimately, verbal acuity really matters in the INSEAD program, because the ability to comprehend, synthesize, communicate, and act on complex ideas across cultures is central to global leadership .

Motivation is a key driving interest of the INSEAD adcom. Its core application essays are even termed “motivation” essays. Keep the word “motivation” in the forefront of your mind as you draft your essays. You should express not just what you’ve done but why . What drives you? What propels your choices, decisions, and actions? These written essays are the “getting to know you” element of INSEAD’s application. Taken together in both form and content, the written and video components should portray both your sophisticated communication abilities and your awareness of who you are and what inspires you, moves you, and propels you forward.

Ready to get to work on your INSEAD application? Read on.

INSEAD application essay tips

• INSEAD application deadlines

INSEAD class profile

Job description questions .

Job Description 1: Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (200 words maximum) 

Job Description 2: What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company instead of going to business school? (200 words maximum) 

Job Description 3: Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (300 words maximum) 

Job Description 4: Discuss your short and long term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words maximum) 

Optional Job Essay: If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme. 

Treat these questions as straightforward statements that need to be answered directly, and be sure to honor the word count! This will help you stay on track.

Motivation essay #1

Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary (maximum 500 words).  

Here, INSEAD really wants to get to know you as a person, so focus on who you are versus what you do . This question gets to a key point: How well do you know yourself, and are you able to openly acknowledge your motivations and shortcomings? (Perhaps one could interpret the question as “Are you mature?”) Note that “strengths” and “weaknesses” are plural – and they should be personal, not professional, characteristics. A personal weakness, such as “impatience with detail,” could certainly have professional impact, but don’t cite a weakness that is purely work related.

Also, don’t make the mistake of trying to portray a weakness as a strength (“I’m just too dedicated to work!”). This isn’t the time to try to spin negatives into positives. Instead, be honest about yourself, and be sure to brainstorm before getting into the nitty-gritty of writing. How would you describe yourself to a friend or family member? How would they describe you? Provide examples. These examples can vary in length – sometimes, just a sentence will suffice. 

The main formative factors you choose to cite could be related to and integrated with your strengths/weaknesses. In addition, you can discuss key elements of your background that differentiate or distinguish you and are truly key to your personal development.

Be aware that there is potential for some overlap between this essay and Essay #2, so consider both questions together, and organize your content accordingly before you start writing.

Motivation essay #2

Consider a situation where you failed to achieve your objective(s). How did you handle failure? What did you learn about yourself and/or your interactions with others from this situation? (maximum 400 words)  

This is another situation where you want to avoid spinning a negative into a positive – though you might certainly have had a positive learning outcome from having made a mistake. Be honest here. The committee is asking you to reflect on a time when you truly failed. Describe what happened (succinctly, of course) and how you navigated the failure. Spell out what you learned about yourself and from others. This is really the time for self-reflection. 

Optional Essay

Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the admissions committee? (Maximum 300 words)

Use the optional essay to explain anything that needs clarification and/or to give the adcom one more reason to accept you. Do not use it to provide just a superficial summary, a restatement of your other essays, or anything similarly boring and trite. If you choose to write an optional essay, that reveals something you haven’t yet discussed.

Video 

After you submit your application, you will receive a link, inviting you to provide a video interview. Your application will be deemed complete only after you submit . Without any indication of the topic from the adcom, you should be ready for anything. Resubmission will not be possible. 

For this application component, presentation matters. If INSEAD only wanted content, the adcom could have written essays only. The committee is looking to see how you respond in “real time” as part of its initial assessment of you. Find that balance between being yourself and being professional. You want to be polished, but not slick or contrived. This “perfect balance” will be different for everyone, depending on their culture, personality, profession. My advice is always to prepare for this video as you would for a job interview (so many are virtual these days!). Treat INSEAD’s video interview with the same level of professionalism and preparation. If you haven’t had formal training in giving a presentation, it would be a good idea to try recording some videos of yourself responding to random questions. Then, analyze the videos, looking as well as listening.

INSEAD application deadlines 

Source: INSEAD website

**Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with INSEAD directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

Here’s a look at a typical INSEAD MBA class (data taken from the INSEAD website ).

Admits: approximately 1,000

Average age: 29

Age range: 23-35

Range of years of work experience: 3-8

Work or home countries: 75

Different nationalities: 110

Primary student backgrounds

• Management consulting
• Financial services
• Corporate sectors 
• Technology/Media/Telecom

You’ve worked so hard to get to this point in your journey. Now that you’re ready for your next achievement, make sure you know how to present yourself to maximum advantage in your INSEAD application. In a hotly competitive season, you’ll want a member of Team Accepted in your corner, guiding you with expertise tailored specifically for you. Schedule a free consultation today!

Kara Keenan Sweeney has more than 15 years of experience in MBA admissions, having worked for some of the world’s top business school programs, including Columbia Business School, INSEAD, and The Lauder Institute’s joint degree MA/MBA program with The Wharton School and the MA/JD program with Penn Law at the University of Pennsylvania. Kara has guided, coached, and counseled thousands of MBA and EMBA applicants, reviewed innumerable applications, sat on admissions committees, and interviewed countless applicants, including while running Wharton’s Team Based Discussions both virtually and in person. Want Kara to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! 

Related Resources:

• Get into INSEAD, the Business School for the World , podcast Episode 520
• Optional and Open-Ended Essay Questions: What’s the Best Strategy?
• Should I Use AI for My MBA (Grad/College) Applications?

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INSEAD MBA Essays for 2024-2025

The INSEAD MBA application for the August 2025 intake is now live. Here are the deadlines , and you’ll find these INSEAD MBA essays within the online application. Once again, INSEAD asks applicants to answer a series of short-answer job description questions and motivation essays.

INSEAD MBA Essays

Job description questions.

The job questions are not essays. Hence, the number of words is not so important. People need to be comfortable writing 3 lines or 20. Some applicants work for companies that are well known and only 3 lines are sufficient to describe them; others work for small companies where it is more important to give the full picture.

Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (200 words maximum)

What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company instead of going to business school? (200 words maximum)

Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (300 words maximum)

Discuss your short and long-term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words maximum)

If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme.

Motivation Essays

Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary (maximum 500 words)

Consider a situation where you failed to achieve your objective(s). How did you handle failure? What did you learn about yourself and/or your interactions with others from this situation? (400 words)

Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (maximum 300 words)

Wondering how to begin on your INSEAD MBA essays? Check out this article with essay writing tips direct from the school’s admissions team. For more information on applying, visit the INSEAD MBA admissions website .

If you need guidance on your INSEAD MBA application or wish to discuss your business school plans, don’t hesitate to reach out for a complimentary analysis  of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

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Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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INSEAD MBA Essays : Sample Essays & Writing Tips

MBA & Beyond Team

22/12/2023 | 11:13 am

If you’re reading this, you’re likely considering or already in the process of applying to INSEAD’s renowned MBA program. It’s no secret that the application essays play a pivotal role in your admission process. They are not just forms to be filled out but canvases for you to paint a vivid picture of who you are, your aspirations, and what you bring to the table.

INSEAD’s MBA program is known for its rigorous academic standards and diverse student body. Crafting essays that stand out is crucial, as they provide a unique opportunity for you to showcase your individuality, experiences, and perspective. Let’s dive into what it takes to write essays that resonate with the admissions committee and increase your chances of getting into one of the world’s top MBA programs.

INSEAD MBA Highlights :

• INSEAD MBA GMAT
• INSEAD MBA Class Profile
• INSEAD MBA Scholarships
• INSEAD MBA Eligibility
• INSEAD MBA Essays
• INSEAD MBA Interview Questions

UNDERSTANDING THE INSEAD MBA ESSAY REQUIREMENTS

Before you start typing away, it’s important to understand what INSEAD is looking for in its MBA essays. The application process for INSEADinvolves several essays, each serving a distinct purpose and requiring a thoughtful approach. Let’s break down these requirements:

• Number of Essays: The INSEADMBA application includes seven mandatory essays, categorized into two types – career/job type essays and motivational essays
• Essay Length and Depth : The essays vary in length but collectively constitute a substantial portion of your application. This allows you to provide in-depth insights into your professional experiences and personal motivations.

CAREER OR JOB TYPE ESSAYS

These essays focus on your professional background and aspirations. They are designed to gauge your career progression, professional achievements, and future goals. Here’s a quick overview:

• Current Job Summary: Describe your current or most recent job, including major responsibilities and achievements (200 words max).
• Next Career Step: Discuss what your next position would be if you continued in your current company (200 words max).
• Career Path Description: Provide a detailed account of your career since university, emphasizing the rationale behind your choices (300 words max).
• Career Aspirations: Elaborate on your short and long-term career goals post-MBA from INSEAD(100 words max).

Each of these essays requires you to reflect on different aspects of your professional journey and articulate them succinctly. It’s not just about what you’ve done but also why you’ve done it and where you plan to go with an INSEADMBA in your toolkit.

MOTIVATION INSEAD MBA ESSAYS

The motivation essays at INSEADare your window to showcase who you are beyond your professional accomplishments. These essays delve into your personal characteristics, life experiences, and the factors that have shaped your journey so far. Let’s break them down:

• Self-Description: Give a candid description of yourself, highlighting your strengths and weaknesses, and the main factors influencing your personal development (500 words max).
• Proudest Achievement and Learning from Failure: Describe your most significant achievement and a situation where you failed. Reflect on how these experiences impacted your relationships and what you learned from them (400 words max).
• Extra-Professional Activities: Discuss your involvement in activities outside your professional life, such as clubs, sports, arts, and how they have enriched you (300 words max).

These essays are your chance to bring out your personality, values, and the unique attributes you will bring to the INSEAD community. They require introspection and honesty, and are an opportunity to reflect on your journey, your growth, and how your experiences have prepared you for the challenges of an MBA at INSEAD.

STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE ESSAY WRITING

Writing compelling essays for INSEADis an art that combines honesty, clarity, and creativity. Here are some strategies to help you create essays that will capture the attention of the admissions committee:

Be Original: Avoid clichés and write in a way that truly reflects your unique experiences and perspectives. Think about what sets you apart from other applicants and how you can bring your individuality to the forefront in your essays

Attention to Language: The clarity of your writing, grammar, and sentence construction says a lot about you. It’s important to write in a way that’s understandable and relatable, avoiding technical jargon and acronyms that might confuse the reader

Detailed Work Experience : Be clear and specific when describing your professional responsibilities and experiences. If you have gaps in your employment, address them honestly rather than omitting them

Remember, your essays are not just answers to questions but stories about who you are. They should flow naturally, engage the reader, and provide a comprehensive picture of your background, aspirations, and personality.

COMMON CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Embarking on the INSEAD MBA essay writing journey can be daunting, but you’re not alone in this challenge. Here are some common hurdles applicants face and how to overcome them:

Want to pursue an MBA but not sure if your profile fits?

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• Feeling Overwhelmed by the Essay Length : INSEAD’s essays, collectively reaching around 2,000 words, can seem intimidating. The key is to start early and break down the writing process into manageable parts. Focus on one essay at a time and give each the attention it deserves.
• Striking the Right Balance : It’s challenging to maintain a balance between professional and personal content. While your career achievements are important, INSEAD also values who you are outside of work. Ensure your essays reflect a well-rounded individual.
• Maintaining Originality : With so many applicants, standing out can be tough. Avoid writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, be genuine and share your true self and unique experiences.
• Addressing Gaps or Weaknesses : If there are gaps in your employment or areas of weakness, address them head-on. Use these as opportunities to show your self-awareness and how you’ve grown or plan to grow from these experiences.

Remember, the goal is not just to complete the essays but to create a compelling narrative that provides a window into your life and aspirations.

Concluding Thoughts

As you wrap up your INSEAD MBA essays, remember that these are more than just application requirements; they are a platform for you to share your story, your aspirations, and your potential to contribute to the INSEAD community. Your essays should reflect the depth of your experiences, the clarity of your goals, and the uniqueness of your personality.

Your journey to securing a place in the INSEAD MBA program is a significant step towards your future. With dedication, introspection, and strategic planning, you can craft essays that not only meet the application requirements but also resonate with the admissions committee.

In conclusion, approach your INSEAD MBA essays with honesty, creativity, and self-reflection. This process is not just about getting into a program; it’s about understanding and presenting the best version of yourself. 

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > 2023 – 2024 INSEAD MBA Essay – Analysis and Sample Essay Structure

2023 – 2024 INSEAD MBA Essay – Analysis and Sample Essay Structure

Posted by Suheb Hussain | Mar 10, 2023 | Business Schools , GMAT Focus Edition , MBA Admissions , MBA Application Process

INSEAD is one of the most popular business schools in the world, and among the best 1-year programs globally. With campuses in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and now in San Francisco, it is truly “the business school for the world”. INSEAD is among the few top schools globally with two intakes in a year – September intake and January intake. Candidates, therefore, can plan their application in a manner that instead of applying late to one intake, may apply early to the next intake.

Here are the INSEAD Application Deadlines for the September 2024 intake.

INSEAD MBA Application Deadlines 2023-2024

INSEAD also has one of the most demanding MBA applications out there, with about 7 required essays to be submitted by the applicants. The two types of essays asked in the application are:

Job Description Questions

Job Description Essay 1

Job description essay 2, job description essay 3, job description essay 4.

Motivation Questions

Motivation Essay 1

Motivation essay 2, motivation essay 3.

In this article, we will go deeper to analyze the expectations and the right approach for each of the essays that the INSEAD MBA application requires.

INSEAD MBA essay – Job Description Essays

Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (200 words maximum)

Schools often ask this question somewhere in their application, not always categorizing it as an essay. INSEAD has dedicated a full essay to it, clearly with the intent of understanding your current role deeper – remember, it’s a one year program and you will start connecting with recruiters even before your program is mid-way through.

Straightforward as it may seem, there are a few imperatives you should stick to while writing this essay:

• Do not lift and drop from your job description. JDs are the worst way to introduce a function to the Ad-Comm. You don’t want to sound like a boring HR officer reaching out to job-seekers.
• Instead, you may want to break your work down into smaller nuggets, simpler pieces. But I won’t stretch this exercise to the level of explaining it to a six-year-old kid. Remember, the Ad-Comm is a group of accomplished individuals, but they may not be accomplished in your field. Hence this is the first test of your MBA application — how easily can you explain a complex value proposition to a client if you were consulting them at McKinsey. The skill to simplify your job but not vehemently play it down is what this essay begets. For example, something like:

“I am the sole contact in the first line of defence for risk portfolio of structured rates derivatives and exotics focused in EMEA region, supporting an HFT desk based out of London. This also requires an examination of market movements in rates, tenor volatilities, curve spreads, and time decay. I am also responsible for issuing dealing authority to designated Volcker sub-desks for effective market making and to curb intuitive punting.”

… can be presented as:

“I serve as the primary analyst for assessing and managing market risk in EMEA portfolio of structured rates derivatives and exotic products worth $20 billion. I support the London desk, which deals in high-frequency trading. I have been working in this role for last 3 years. The role requires on a daily basis, a detailed analysis of factors of market volatility. I am also responsible for issuing guidelines to Volcker desks to ensure legal and risk-appetite boundaries are not breached. I work in a team of eight people, of which two report directly to me. The job requires intense analytical, quick-thinking, and cross-functional skills.”  

• Short, crisp sentences
• Avoid industry acronyms and jargons
• Simple explanation, but not utterly simple
• Clear mention of teamplay (working in a team of () people, working across cross-functional teams, directly work with several lateral teams, etc.)
• Managerial leadership (if any)

One may find it tempting to copy-paste certain points from the resume, but remember, there are no shortcuts to success (certainly not at INSEAD). The adcom has your resume as well, and it may not be exciting to read the same lines again.

What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company? (200 words maximum)

Tricky, but not difficult. Applicants often present how they have hit a glass ceiling and that an MBA will be the solution to all their problems. Bad idea, always! If you can’t show that you are doing awesome at work, you are more likely looking for an exit route and not the path to success. This question seeks to understand how well you are doing.

This essay demands a candidate to lay down a roadmap they have envisaged for themselves — MINUS the MBA. What if you hadn’t thought of doing an MBA? What if you saw multi-fold growth in your current role/organization/sector? What if you loved your job so much that nothing could break you away from it? What if you didn’t have Colin Farrell from Horrible Bosses at work? What if due to a financial constraint, or God forbid a personal issue, you just couldn’t go for an MBA? Well, the reason isn’t important—you ought to think, what if you were going to continue in the same firm?

Here, INSEAD wants you to introspect. The Ad-Comm wants to give you a chance to see if you could convince yourself that you needed an MBA before you wrote it down for them. What are the next steps you should be taking to climb up the professional ladder in your firm? How long before you were going to hit a promotion? Are there any pockets of learning in your current role that you are yet to consider? How would your responsibilities change, evolve, and transform over time? All these questions would give you an ideal springboard to ace this essay!

Towards the end, it would provide a nice footnote if you candidly addressed the gap that an MBA degree would bridge, and that without an MBA, you won’t reach where you want and deserve to be. This should round up a great essay for you!

Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (300 words maximum)

This essay requires you to rationalize the professional decisions you have made since graduation. From the outside, it looks like a simple task. You could glorify your decisions by painting a nice, ideal picture of your job. You could associate unparalleled benefits with your current role, which prompted you to take up the job in the first place. Learnings, virtues, experiences, ideas, avenues—everything that your career choices brought, you could list them down and submit a flawless essay.

But we all, including the Ad-Comm, are well aware, that most of our choices in the closely enmeshed social structure of the society are externalized. Our choices are governed by external factors such as parental expectations, peer pressure, societal norms, labels of the coloured collars, etc.—unless you were one of those few fortunate ones who heard their calling in the very beginning itself.

Thus, this essay beckons you to accept your decisions as your own. You might have made a rookie mistake of following the herd, but that doesn’t vilify you or question your decision-making abilities.

Accepting those erroneous judgments showcases a strong character. On the other hand, if you were smart enough to make all the right calls, justify that with examples. The key is to stay aware that any or all of your choices must have provided you skillsets, perspectives, insights, and experiences. It’s imperative that you clearly mention what you learned from them, as it shows that you aim to make the most of your decisions, whether right or wrong.

This essay also serves as a nice spindle of your career trajectory, thereby showing how streamlined or wayward your career has been. However, the good part is, that an MBA serves both kinds of audiences. Thus, there are no negatives of an essay that says you need an MBA to help you make an informed career choice/switch; or one that says that you want a launchpad to move further in your pre-MBA discipline.

Discuss your short and long term career aspirations with or without an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words maximum)

This could have been a standard MBA essay, but INSEAD has given it a major twist this year by including a “without an MBA” clause to it.

“With an MBA from INSEAD”

Here, INSEAD wants you to contemplate on your rationale behind wanting to pursue an MBA, and how it helps your cause in achieving your long-term career goals. At the same time, your short-term goal lays down a clear indicator of your thought process in making conscious career decisions. It wouldn’t look too coherent if you aspired to build an ed-tech venture for differently-abled people in the long run but were to seek a finance/banking role straight out of your MBA.

“Without an MBA from INSEAD”

This is tricky because, for most of the candidates, MBA serves as transportation from their current job to their aspirational role. They all rationalize the MBA as the next or the first step towards their long-term goals. In such a situation, to rationalize the same set of goals for the near and long-term without an MBA could be an uphill task, while to furnish a different set of goals could highlight your indecision.

In such a situation, the most astute way of enlisting your goals is to keep them realistic while being ambitious and visionary. You should give it a good amount of thought and come up with more than one way of achieving your targets. For this, surfing LinkedIn to see people with different profiles working for the same organization could be a good starting point. You could also look at several certification courses being offered online, which intend to cover at the least the theoretical MBA curriculum. Be sure to put forward some realistic estimates on the timelines by which you aim to achieve these goals if an MBA didn’t happen. It can act as a marker of clear and resolved thinking.

INSEAD MBA Essay – Motivation Essays

Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary. (500 words max.)

This has been a trademark INSEAD essay for some years now. From the outside, it may give off as a mirage of a professional essay wanting of you to wax a lyrical about your strengths, while passing a few weaknesses off as hidden strengths (read: extreme workaholism, not able to say no, strict ideals, and principles, etc.). No. A big, fat, blunt NO. One shouldn’t make the mistake of treating it as a method to perform a SWOT analysis, or even risk weighing it as a medium to make the Ad-Comm hear what they might be reading in five thousand other applications. The key to ace this essay is simple—EMBRACE AND NARRATE YOUR VIRTUES AND VICES ALIKE.

This essay is more about what makes you…you. Who were you as a child? What was your upbringing like? Those childhood fantasies, parent/sibling relationships, your neighborhood, your school. What drove your first major decisions? Was there a laughable incident during childhood when you exhibited your first business model to the outside world? Or a seminal moment when your sibling or a friend introduced a novel concept? Some personal experiences leading to a fundamental shift in the worldview?

Remember—every applicant in your pool is hard-working, dedicated, honest, meticulous, and so on. The Ad-Comm reads about the same set of qualities over and over again. What truly sticks is the story behind each virtue. You’d never be remembered as a team player. But there is a higher chance of being remembered as a high-performing team player who copped the fall for a collective failure so that the weakest member wasn’t fired. [ example ] STORYTELLING, remember.

Here, do NOT hesitate in laying bare your inadequacies, if there were any [ unless you believe otherwise ]. Remember, this essay is about you the person, not you the achiever. Unfulfilled dreams, inevitable disturbances, any inclination you couldn’t make big in—IT IS OKAY TO BE IMPERFECT. Characters are made during adversities, so recall what you learned off your bad days. Self-awareness makes a person attractive, cover-ups don’t. A balanced mix of your strengths derived from situations resulting from your weaknesses is the cornerstone of this essay.

By this time, you should be 375-400 words into the essay. At this point, your essay is in the weeds, and this is where you exactly want it to be. Now is the time to thread every narrative into a streamlined, cohesive plot and answer some pertinent questions to put a decisive floor to your story:

• How does an MBA add to your personal development? How does an MBA specifically from INSEAD consolidate this point?
• Professional achievements aside, what is it that you really look ahead to achieve? What makes you happy? Does this step bring you any closer to that goal?

Before you set out to write this essay, try this small exercise—think of one word that best describes your whole life as of yet. Just make that the title of the story you are about to narrate!

Describe the achievement of which you are most proud and explain why. In addition, describe a situation where you failed. How did these experiences impact your relationships with others? Comment on what you learned. (maximum 400 words)

Usually, B-schools ask candidates to write one essay on a standout achievement, and another on their lessons from failure. What INSEAD has done here is squeeze a lot of things into one essay—achievement, failure, interpersonal relationships, and impact on them, learnings, etc. Hence, more than descriptive, you ought to be smart here.

In an ideal structure, this essay should follow a 200-100-100 scheme. 200 for the two anecdotes you want to pick up for success and failure. 100 are to be devoted to the impact they might have had on your interpersonal relationships. Final 100 are your insights, learnings, and takeaways.

Selection of events

Many candidates come up with this question—”what should we pick as the biggest achievement of my life?” There are certain markers of an “achievement” being the right fit for this essay:

• Look out if your “achievement” had any major external impact. You could have been a topper throughout, but that’s not the kind of achievement this essay is looking for. You could have helped underprivileged kids with what you learned at school and helped them pass their exams with great marks. Or you could have invented something or discovered a cool scientific fact during college and received a patent. Again, without undermining your achievement AT ALL, it’d have sounded a much better fit FOR THIS ESSAY had you also set up a college patent advisory to make your peers understand the nuances of patent registration and safeguarding their intellectual property.
• See if any of your achievements are global/international in nature. INSEAD is big on global experience and international exposure, and such an achievement could really turn the tide in your favour. For e.g., were you in London on the day of Brexit helping your firm evade losses due to market crash? Or did you initiate a global movement for handicraft artists and raised big funds to help their cottage businesses? Or do you like mountaineering and have managed to scale some or all of the seven major peaks of the world? Measure the international quotient of your achievements.
• Another thing that can really hit a home run is success against an impediment. All humans are susceptible, and all susceptible are humans. Each one of us has struggled with an impediment at least once in their life. They may come in the form of a disability, an addiction, a personal loss, repeated failures, bullying, racism, sexism, conservatism, disturbed surroundings, etc. What really matters is that you or anyone trumped that impediment and came out of it. Such an inspiring story weaves your strong character, tenacity, and resilience into a nice fabric of wholesomeness and makes you a strong candidate in the eyes of Ad-Comm.

When it comes to “failures”, again there are a few markers. The Ad-Comm expects to read about the moments where despite your hard work, efforts, and sincerity, you failed to achieve desired results. Your failures may be attributed to one or several reasons—lack of ability or training, unexpected roadblocks, or any other external factor. Explain the circumstances in which you were stranded in a failed situation. But do understand this—in no way, this narrative is going to make your application any weaker. In fact, a joke goes around the candidate circles that the bigger the failure, the stronger is your essay. Your choice of the event reflects your ability to own up your failures as much as your successes, which in turn speaks volumes about your character. However, more than the selection of event of “failure”, you should focus on HOW you coped with a particular failure. We may have relatively smaller failures which simply called for a correction of course. And then there are some life-altering failures that change your worldview for good. You need to pick those inflection points and translate them into this essay.

Learnings and relationships

The next 200 words represent the fulcrum of this essay. You are required to showcase how efficient and judicious you were in learning from your laurels and your mistakes. It also shows your ability to break the situation down into simpler pieces and segmenting your life-events with rationality and precision. It is equally important that your successes don’t lift you off the ground, and your failures don’t drive you into it. Your successes shouldn’t give you an Imposter Syndrome, you should be able to weigh them absolutely. You ought to mention the key insights you got about your own character, personality, and behavior from this retrospection.

You are also required to reflect upon your interpersonal relationships as your life went through ebbs and flows. What were some key soft lessons you picked up about people? Have your achievements and failures made you appreciate the diversity of thought and humility? Have they made you a better team-player? Do you understand the difference between authority and leadership? Are you now able to delay your judgments about others until they have proven themselves? More such examples about people-relationship should give your essay more colour and an extremely productive ending.

Describe all types of extra-professional activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, politics, etc). How are you enriched by these activities? (maximum 300 words)

INSEAD is highly focused on the extra-curricular achievements and activities a candidate has been a part of throughout their career. The Admissions Committee looks for those who have maintained a parallel hobby/passion while pursuing their mainstream professional goals. In this regard, it helps greatly if a candidate has remained engaged with a particular activity even after college since most of the extra-professional activities are given a platform during that phase. Hence it carries a lot of value to have remained loyal to your hobbies.

At this juncture of your application, the Admissions Officer going through your profile knows very well about your career trajectory and aspirations. While you could have laid down some great points about your professional decisions, MBA demands an all-round personality and not a proverbial bookworm. Thus hobbies like sports, music, visual and performing arts, traveling, quizzing, etc. are valued highly. Any engagement with social impact also finds its space in this essay (unless you have a long-term career goal in this field and have already described it in previous essays). Initiatives and participation in education, environment, gender and sexuality, disaster management, political awareness, etc. are invaluable additions to this essay.

One critical point to AVOID for candidates is to treat this essay lightly. Any mention of leisure activities such as “listening to music, reading books, watching movies” can be hugely detrimental, since these kinds of activities do not project a candidate’s all-round and unique development. However, an extended interest in these areas—such as blogging/vlogging about movie/literature reviews, members of a music club to explore hidden talent, and bring it to limelight through social media pages and distribution channels, etc. are also qualified ingredients for this essay.

For the second part of the prompt, candidates should focus on soft skills they develop apart from hard skills learned for an activity. A solo sports player (ex. Badminton) can narrate about their lessons in self-motivation, self-control, personal regime, and tenacity; while a team-sport player can cite learnings like teamwork, adaptability, compassion, collegiality, responsibility towards others, loyalty, etc.

The same goes for engagements in music, dance, other artforms, social work, traveling. You could pen stories about the kind of people you met during your travels and what all did you learn from them. The romance of roaming around in unfamiliar streets and still finding a charm in doing that, or the beauty of enjoying the process of working towards a common humanitarian cause while it lasts.

This essay should bring out your social and cultural quotient, and basically tell the Admissions Committee how much fun and congenial you can be. Do note that INSEAD categorizes this as “Motivation Essay” for a very strong reason. What you do beyond your work, things that drive you on a daily basis, activities, and interests that you are passionate about, deeply establish your motivations in life and the qualities that define your personality.

Applying to other top schools? You may benefit from the following:

• Kellogg MBA Essay Analysis
• MIT Sloan Essay & Cover Letter
• Wharton MBA Essay Analysis
• Yale SOM Essay Analysis

About the Author

Prashant Tibrewal is the founder of Admit Square Consulting and has mentored 1000+ MBA aspirants to get into top global universities such as Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, Oxford, HEC, ISB, etc. Prashant has also served on the Board of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) and led the AIGAC Conference 2020, attended by admissions officers from 25+ top-ranked MBA programs.

Admit Square Consulting has mentored applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply to top MBA programs. With a proven track record of 10+ years, and admits to universities such as Stanford, MIT, Kellogg, Cambridge, INSEAD, etc., Admit Square was awarded the Most Successful International MBA Consulting Company in India at the India Education Awards, 2019. With a team of Consultants from top business schools such as MIT, Yale, LBS, and Oxford, Admit Square offers 100% Money-back Assurance on its services. You may send your details to [email protected]  for a free profile evaluation.

If you are planning to take the GMAT, we can help you with a personalized study plan and give you access to quality online content to prepare.  Please write to us at [email protected]. We are the most reviewed GMAT prep company on GMAT club  with more than 2500 reviews   and are the only prep company that has delivered more than 700+ scores than any other GMAT club partner .   Why don’t you take a free trial and judge for yourself?

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Guide to Mastering INSEAD’s Essays

         In last year’s admission cycle, Gurufi editors and consultants helped nearly a dozen applicants earn admission into INSEAD. INSEAD’s approach and values are a bit idiosyncratic, and their multiple admissions essays require a lot more thought and planning than schools that use just a single, longer essay. Below is a comprehensive guide to INSEAD’s essays, but if you need additional help reach out to us. We have sixteen years of experience helping MBA candidates earn admission into their dream schools. Gurufi focuses on the written parts of the application -personal statement, CV, etc.

Applying to INSEAD's MBA program can feel like navigating a complex labyrinth, with its requirement of seven essays totaling 2,000 words, not including the optional ones. People looking to simply repurpose their other personal statements will be bitterly disappointed, as the structure and format of INSEAD’s application doesn’t really allow that. Their admissions staff suggests dedicating eight weeks to planning and wring their essays. With focus and a plan, it needn’t be that long ( and certainly I can help you with that! ), but the point remains: this application shouldn’t be an afterthought; it requires its own planning and effort.

Unlike many top-tier MBA applications that force candidates to choose between highlighting their career achievements or personal qualities, INSEAD provides ample space for both. This allows applicants to delve into the nuances of their career paths and personal journeys, presenting a well-rounded profile to the admissions committee.

The upside, though, is that INSEAD’s process aligns with its mission of wanting to assess you holistically. The multiple essays (along with the interviews and letters of rec), provide a chance for you to paint detailed, nuanced, granular, and vivid picture of your personal and professional lives.

Essay Strategies

• Career Essay 1 : Career Essay 1 in the INSEAD application is your opportunity to provide a clear, concise snapshot of your current or most recent professional role. This essay acts as a foundational piece, setting the stage for the detailed narrative that will unfold in your subsequent essays.

This essay should be a succinct summary of your current or most recent job. You want to focus on major responsibilities, leadership roles, and significant achievements. Also think in terms of “what did I accomplish?” and “how did I contribute substantively?” Also, avoid industry jargon. Using too much jargon makes you sound less human and often people don’t quite realize that terms that are common in their industry aren’t universally known, even to business-savvy readers. Most importantly, though, jargon often obscures the basics of your job. You want to convey your role, how you’ve exceled, and areas where you’ve grown, and talking like an HR bot will obscure that.

Some additional tips:

• Contextualize Your Role : Begin by situating your position within the broader framework of your organization. Specify your title, the nature of the business, and your department’s function. This helps the reader understand the scope and scale of your role.
• Highlight Key Responsibilities : Distill your day-to-day responsibilities into a coherent narrative. Focus on aspects that showcase your skills and leadership abilities. If you manage a team, describe the size and scope of your leadership. If you handle budgets, give a sense of scale.
• Achievements and Impact : While brevity is key, weaving in one or two significant achievements can add depth. Choose accomplishments that demonstrate measurable impact, such as revenue growth, project success, or process improvement. Use quantifiable metrics to add credibility.
• Leadership and Teamwork : If relevant, mention instances where you led teams or collaborated on international projects. This demonstrates your ability to work in diverse environments, a quality highly valued at INSEAD.
• Avoid “leveraging” : People use “leverage” as a verb far too loosely. You want to be precise. As a rule, I usually tell clients not to use the word at all. Instead, think specifically about what you did and use that insight to select a more precise verb.
• Connect to Your MBA Goals : Implicitly, your essay should start painting a picture of why an MBA, and specifically an INSEAD MBA, is the logical next step in your journey. While you won't delve into future goals here, the skills and experiences you mention should align with the narrative you'll build in subsequent essays.

Career Essay 2: The Next Career Step

For Career Essay 2, your task is to outline your anticipated next step within your current organization. This essay allows you to illustrate your career trajectory and potential within your current context.

• Define the Next Role : Clearly state what your next position would be. If possible, include the job title and a brief description of new responsibilities and the potential for increased leadership. Obviously, all aspects of the essay that project forward should feel connected to your past, present, and the education you seek at INSEAD. The things you hope to do in the future should, therefore, inform which experiences and moments from your past you choose to highlight.
• Contextualize the Promotion : Explain why this role is the logical next step. Discuss any new skills or experiences you would gain and how they align with your long-term career aspirations.
• Brevity and Clarity : With only 200 words, be succinct. Focus on the essentials that convey a clear picture of your upward mobility within your company. Again, make sure your future is logically connected to your past and present as well as your goals at INSEAD.

Career Essay 3: Career Path Narrative

This essay is your opportunity to elaborate on your career journey since university.

• Chronological Narrative : Start from your first role post-university and work your way to the present. This chronological approach helps in painting a clear picture of your career progression.
• Rationale Behind Choices : Emphasize why you made specific career moves. This insight is crucial in understanding your decision-making process and career strategy.
• Highlight Transitions : If you’ve made significant shifts, such as industry changes or geographical moves, explain the reasoning and what you gained from these experiences.

Career Essay 4: Post-MBA Aspirations

With a tight 100-word limit, this essay must be direct yet impactful.

• Immediate and Long-Term Goals : Clearly state your post-MBA goal and your vision for 10-15 years down the line. How does one lead to the other?
• Specificity : Mention specific roles, companies, industries, and locations. Explain briefly why you are passionate about this trajectory.

Motivation Essays

Motivation Essay 1: Candid Self-Description

This essay is a deep dive into your personal characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and influential life events. Be honest, but make sure that you’re neither overly negative nor too effusive in self-praise. One good trick is to ask that person in your life who both loves you AND can speak to you bluntly about your missteps. Ask them, “what’s my superpower, what’s my kryptonite, and if you had to introduce me to a stranger at the start of a long trip together, what would you say?” These sorts of lighthearted questions can help your friend provide you with useful insights that can inform how you write this essay.

• Personal Qualities : Identify and discuss the personal traits you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest and introspective.
• Life Influences : Reflect on the key factors and events that have shaped your personal development. Use examples to illustrate these influences.
• Depth Over Breadth : Choose a few significant themes rather than trying to cover too much. This approach allows for more meaningful insight into your personality.

Motivation Essay 2: Achievement and Failure

This essay requires you to discuss a proud achievement and a situation where you failed.

• Balanced Narrative : Allocate roughly equal space to both the achievement and the failure. Be specific about the circumstances, your role, and the outcome. Also, you’re likely smart to avoid something that is cringy and overly personal, BUT don’t humble brag. Saying something like, “I fail because I just work too hard and care too much” will make your reader groan with annoyance.
• Lessons Learned : Reflect on what these experiences taught you and how they have affected your relationships and personal growth. Frankly, the lesson you learned is the most important part of the failure piece of this essay, so focus mostly on that. The specific mistake is less important than your response to it, how you grew, and how it highlights the kind of person you aspire to become.
• Professional and Personal Balance : While professional examples are valuable, don’t shy away from including a personal story if it provides meaningful insight into your character.

Motivation Essay 3: Extra-Professional Activities

This essay is about your life outside of work and how these activities enrich you.

• Diverse Activities : Discuss various involvements such as volunteering, hobbies, or sports, focusing on those with significant time commitment or impact.
• Personal Enrichment : Explain how these activities have contributed to your personal development. What skills or insights have you gained?
• Depth and Insight : Go beyond a mere listing of activities. Delve into why these activities are meaningful to you and how they shape your worldview.

NSEAD's Holistic Admissions Approach

Finally, a note about INSEAD's holistic admissions approach. They take this very (!!) seriously, so make sure that your essay shows lots of different aspects of your life and passions. Their admissions process is multifaceted and seeks to understand applicants as individuals, assess their fit with the program, and look beyond mere test scores or

professional achievements. This approach is about uncovering the person behind

the application. As such, keep these things in mind:

• Understanding the Individual : INSEAD aims to grasp the entirety of an applicant's journey, including their personal experiences, values, and motivations. This understanding allows the admissions committee to see how applicants have evolved over time and how they respond to challenges and opportunities.
• Assessing Fit : Fit is about more than academic ability. It's about how an applicant's aspirations, personality, and values align with INSEAD's culture and ethos. The school looks for evidence that applicants can thrive in its dynamic, diverse, and rigorous environment.
• Looking Beyond Clichés and Test Scores : INSEAD values uniqueness and authenticity. The admissions committee seeks applicants who can bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences to the table, rather than those who fit a stereotypical mold.
• Comprehensive Evaluation : Every aspect of the application is important. Essays, recommendations, interviews, and academic records collectively paint a picture of the applicant. This comprehensive approach ensures a fair and thorough assessment of each candidate's potential. They values:

* Originality is Key : Avoid clichés. Be honest and reflective about your unique

experiences. Balance professional details with personal insights.

* Diverse Profiles : INSEAD values diversity. Whether your background is in business, medicine, humanities, or the military, focus on what sets you apart.

* Personal and Professional Anecdotes : Use stories from different stages of your life to illustrate your points. Ensure these narratives are relevant and add depth to your answers.

For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com . Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at [email protected] . Check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn .

Published in MBA , Gurufi , Admission Consultants , Applications and Blog

mbaMission’s INSEAD Insider’s Guide

Updated for 2023-2024!

Our most recent Insider’s Guide takes a closer look at the international powerhouse INSEAD. The school surpassed such prestigious U.S.-based schools as the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School in the 2018 and 2019  Financial Times  rankings, in which it was named the best business school in world. With campuses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, INSEAD offers its students a truly global and multicultural experience—in fact, the most recent incoming class featured students of 88 nationalities . Learn more about the school’s various teaching methods, Personal Leadership Development Programme, and global study exchange opportunities, as well as life on campus in Fontainebleau, France.

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Oranienbaum (Lomonosov)

Still commonly known by its post-war name of Lomonosov, the estate at Oranienbaum is the oldest of the Imperial Palaces around St. Petersburg, and also the only one not to be captured by Nazi forces during the Great Patriotic War. Founded by Prince Menshikov, Peter the Great's closest adviser, the Grand Palace is one of the most opulent examples of Petrine architecture to have survived to the present, although until very recently the palace itself has been greatly neglected. After Menshikov's death, Oranienbaum passed to the state, and was used as a hospice until, in 1743, it was presented by Empress Elizabeth to her nephew, the future Peter III. Peter made Oranienbaum his official summer residence and transformed one corner of the park, ordering the construction of a "Joke" Castle and a small citadel manned by his Holstein guards. This peculiar ensemble, called Petershtadt, was mostly demolished during Pavel's reign. Antonio Rinaldi, the Italian-born architect who also designed the Grand Palace at Gatchina and the Marble Palace in St. Petersburg, was commissioned by Peter in 1758 to build a modest stone palace next to the fortress, and this has survived.

After Peter was deposed, Rinaldi was commissioned by Catherine the Great to build the Chinese Palace, in the Upper Park, as her official country residence. However, Catherine spent little time at Oranienbaum, which she had grown to hate during her marriage to Peter, and by the end of the 18 th century the estate had been turned into a Naval Cadet College. The palace became an Imperial residence again in the reign of Alexander I, and retained that status until the Revolution, when it was immediately opened as a museum. Although never captured by the Germans, Oranienbaum was bombarded during the war and, while the Grand Menshikov Palace survived intact, its restoration was given much lower priority than the more famous estates at Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo. Today, the small but elegant park has been almost completely restored, while the full restoration of the palaces has finally gained momentum over the last decade.

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