How to Write INSEAD MBA Essays in 2024?
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INSEAD is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, diverse student body, and global focus. To gain admission into the INSEAD MBA program, applicants have to submit a series of essays that showcase their academic and professional achievements, goals, and personal qualities. We have included everything in this article for INSEAD MBA Essays requirements. Check it out!
With campuses in Singapore and France, INSEAD Business School is a global leader in business education. Globally renowned for its demanding curriculum, global atmosphere, and focus on leadership development, INSEAD draws bright and diverse individuals from all over the world. Candidates must respond to several thought-provoking essay challenges as part of the INSEAD MBA application process in order to reveal their professional experiences, character traits, and career goals.
At INSEAD, embracing other perspectives is not just a catchphrase; it is the arsenal of skills that innovative leaders are made up of. The essay topics provided by INSEAD are a blank canvas on which you can paint the vivid experiences, audacious goals, and distinctive shades that define your identity, as you begin your application process. Let us examine each prompt in detail and see which colours you will need to use to create an eye-catching self-portrait that will stand out in the eyes of the admissions committee (Ad Com).
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INSEAD MBA Essay Prompts 2024-25
There are four MBA admission essays along with one optional essay that are required for admission applications. Check out the details below:
Essay 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)
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Consider this as the introduction to your work—a brief overview of your current position. Provide specific examples of your daily duties, teams you have led, finances you have overseen, and the impact you have made. Emphasise achievements that show off your skills as a leader and an individual contributor.
This INSEAD MBA essay is an opportunity for you to explain the background of your most recent or present employment. Quantify your scope of work, whether it is the number of direct reports you supervised, the amount of money or revenue you handled, or the important projects or initiatives you led, to go beyond an overall job description. Above all, highlight tangible outcomes and quantifiable accomplishments that demonstrate your capacity for leadership and work ethic.
Essay 2: What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company? (200 words)
If you were to remain with your current company, what lies ahead? Illustrate your vision for growth within this familiar terrain. Perhaps you aspire to lead a new division, spearhead an overseas expansion, or pioneer cutting-edge initiatives. Show that you are not just looking to INSEAD for an exit strategy, but rather to elevate your trajectory.
INSEAD wants to see that you have a long-term vision that extends beyond their MBA program. Do not just state a desire for a promotion; articulate your realistic next steps by researching potential lateral or upward moves at your current company. Demonstrate your ambition by sharing innovative ideas for new initiatives or markets that you would like to explore. This shows you are a forward-thinker invested in continuous growth.
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)
To capture the winding road that brought you here, zoom out now. Describe how your career has changed after graduating from college and provide the reasoning behind each change. Tell tales of obstacles surmounted, turning points that altered your viewpoint, and the recurring themes that surfaced along the process. This story is not only about where you have been; it is also about the realisations that have helped you succeed in your future endeavours.
Make use of this ample 300-word INSEAD MBA essay to create a coherent storyline centred around your career to date. Instead of just listing positions in chronological order, make connections between them by explaining the thought processes and driving forces behind each job change. Carefully incorporate stories about significant turning points, challenges you have overcome, and important lessons you have discovered.
Essay 4: Discuss your short and long-term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words) 
Summarise your professional vision in 100 succinct words or less. What are your short and long-term objectives? How will an INSEAD MBA be the spark that gets you closer to your goals? Be clear, concise, and confident in the lasting impression you hope to leave behind.
You must clearly explain in this brief essay how an INSEAD MBA would support your future professional aspirations. Give as much detail as you can about the employment opportunities, sectors, or business ventures you hope to pursue in the near (1-3 years after graduation) and long term (5-7 years). Express clearly how INSEAD’s academics, resources, and global perspective position you to achieve your goals, rather than just reciting lofty ideals.
Optional 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.
Use this essay to demonstrate that if you are quitting your work more than two months before the INSEAD MBA begins, they are deliberate growth strokes rather than blank areas. Perhaps you are improving your abilities through online classes and building your portfolio. Alternatively, you might paint your canvas with social responsibility by volunteering. Maybe you are not only visiting somewhere to see the sights, but to have experiences that will widen your viewpoint on the world—something INSEAD values much.
The secret? Declare your intent, a purpose. Every action you take should be a calculated step towards your career, your masterpiece. Show INSEAD that your growth never ceases, even when you are on hold.
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Personal Essays for MBA Application at INSEAD 2024-25
Apart from the four main essays and one optional essay, explained above, there are also three personal essays and another optional essay that are part of the INSEAD MBA application.
Personal 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 (500 words). 
This is your best work yet—a 500-word INSEAD MBA self-portrait. Reveal the person behind the accomplishments by looking past the resume and credentials. What qualities make you who you are? What fundamental beliefs and significant life events have influenced your perspective? Tell the Ad Com the truth about your areas of strength and growth, letting them into the most intricate details.
You have the opportunity to create a comprehensive, multifaceted, portrayal of yourself, by responding to this prompt. Instead of simply listing personal qualities, carefully demonstrate your true nature, driving forces, and moral compass, through introspection and particular stories. Which life-altering experiences moulded your identity? How have you balanced your perceived strengths and weaknesses? This essay should capture the entirety of your lived experiences and how they have fused into your unique perspective.
Personal Essay 2: 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 (400 words).
Every masterpiece bears the artist’s legacy of perseverance. In the 400 words of this INSEAD MBA essay, spotlight your proudest achievement, then juxtapose it with a poignant setback. What impression was shaped by these disparate experiences? What insights on patience, modesty, and interpersonal relationships, did you derive? This essay is not just about retelling stories; it is also about discovering your potential for personal development and self-awareness.
The key to answering this prompt is duality—choose two related experiences that show different sides of your personality and development. The accomplishment needs to be measurable and precise; engross the reader in your strategy for leveraging that success with vivid specifics. Then, turn tactfully to a different kind of failure—either personal or professional—by being as open about the difficulties encountered and the errors committed. What stands out, though, is how reflective you are; how have these two radically different results affected your motivations, emotional intelligence, and capacity for overcoming obstacles? Show discernible development, maturity, and vulnerability.
Personal Essay 3: 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? (300 words) 
Fill in this INSEAD MBA 300-word essay with the vivid colours that make your life more fulfilling outside of the workplace. Share the many strands that come together to form your unique identity, whether they are artistic expressions, athletic achievements, or community service projects. Describe how these encounters have broadened your outlook and the special insights you will provide to the INSEAD community.
To avoid giving the impression that the preceding essays are unduly careerist, you might use this prompt to examine the complex aspects of your personality that you do not focus on in your work life. Determine the interests, leisure activities, and extracurricular pursuits that keep you socially conscious, balanced, and intellectually curious. Rather than just listing activities, give concrete examples of how each broadens your perspective by offering chances for significant influence, new perspectives, or a variety of abilities. These colour your candidature in ways that go beyond professional successes.
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Optional Essay: Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (300 words) 
Q: Â Is Singapore Management University hard to get into?
According to various sources, Singapore Management University has an acceptance rate of around 45% which makes it moderately selective for international student admissions. Some of the general admission requirements at the university are given as follows:
- Academic Transcripts
- International Qualifications that are equivalent
- Standardized Test Scores
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
After the student receives an offer letter, they are required to give the admission interview to be enrolled.
Q: Â How to get into INSEAD Singapore?
To get into INSEAD Singapore applicants must be all-rounders. Prospective applicants must showcase an outstanding academic performance, often including top grades and standardised scores. Moreover, to get into the university the student's application must convey a unique story that makes the applicant very different and unique from other applicants. This could be through personal essays, Recommendations and many more. INSEAD Singapore wants students who will contribute meaningfully to the university showcasing good leadership, commitment and engagement. Hence this is how students can get into INSEAD Singapore.
Q: Â Why Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School - France?
Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School in France because:
- Academic excellence: ESSEC Business School is a top-ranked institution in France and is known for its high-quality education. The school has been ranked among the top schools in France and is recognised globally for its academic programs.
- International exposure: The school has a strong international network and welcomes over 200 graduate exchange students each year from top business schools and universities around the world.
- Career opportunities: ESSEC Business School has a strong connection with top companies, such as L'Oréal, Danone, and Procter & Gamble.
Q: Â How expensive is it to live at ESSEC Business School - France?
According to the ESSEC Business School's official website, the estimated cost of living in France for a student is between €7,000 and €11,000 per year, with an average of €8,000. This includes housing (which includes utilities, charges, and insurance), meals, local transport, telephone, health insurance for the year, and miscellaneous expenses (excluding leisure). The cost of accommodation varies depending on whether you choose to live on or off-campus, with one-bedroom apartments in Paris starting at €800 per month.
Q: Â How to get into INSEAD Singapore?
To get into INSEAD Singapore, for the master’s programs, the admission criterion that is followed is given below:
- Ability to contribute: Students must be able to contribute to the INSEAD experience before and after the program
- Academic capacity: Admission requirements must be met by students be it meeting the general academic requirements or submitting standardized test scores
- International motivation: Students must have flexibility and adaptability in multicultural environments
- Leadership potential: Work experience and quality of achievements are also considered by the university
Apart from the points given above, do check out the application deadlines and submit the application form in the specified timeline only.
Q: Â How can I apply for NUS Singapore from India?
Applications to all the courses offered by NUS are done via online application portals of the university. Check out the steps below to see how to fill undergraduate and postgraduate applications on dedicated portals:
Undergraduate Applicants:
International applicants need to follow these steps to apply to an undergraduate programme at NUS:
Step 1: Visit myaces.nus.edu.sg/uasonline2/catD/catDapplform.do and sign up to apply.
Step 2: Enter personal details and contact information.
Step 3: Enter details of academic qualifications.
Step 4: Enter information on university/tertiary education.
Step 5: Enter the information on all outstanding achievements.
Step 6: Insert the programme details and paste the application material in the boxes provided.
Step 7: In this step, input the following:
- Next-of-kin information
- Personal identification number
- Application fee
- Financial aid
- Other information
- Tuition grant
Step 8: Read the declaration carefully.
Step 9: Press the ‘Continue’ button to complete the application.
Graduate Applicants
International applicants need to follow these steps to apply to a graduate programme at NUS:
Step 1: Sign up on the university’s application portal at inetapps.nus.edu.sg/gda2/Applicant.aspx/Account/SignUp.
Step 2: Click on ‘Create New Application’ and choose the following:
- Programme type
- Faculty
- Programme
- Department
- Specialisation (area of study)
- Source of finance
- Specify in case of ‘other source of finance’
- Academic load
Step 3: Read the instructions from the faculty/department/school carefully.
Step 4: Fill up the information as stepping through the application process.
Step 5: The system will perform an application completeness check for the selected programme.
Step 6: Once the above steps are completed, fill up the declaration section.
Step 7: Click on the 'Submit' button in the declaration page to complete the submission.
Step 8: To make an online payment for the application/acceptance fee and view details of your application (e.g. application status and admission status), click ‘View Application/Make Payment/Submit Reply on Offer of Admission’ at the menu on the left.
Step 9: To make changes to basic programme information for an application, click ‘Edit’.
Step 10: To apply to multiple programmes within the same application cycle and to change the order of preference, please click on the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ links as required.
Q: Â How to apply for a France visa?
Applying for a student visa to study at Sorbonne University or any other institution in France requires several steps. Here is a general guide to help you with the process:
Acceptance Letter from Sorbonne University:
- Before applying for a visa, you should have already been accepted into a programme at Sorbonne University. Ensure you have received an acceptance letter or an enrollment certificate.
- You may need to demonstrate your proficiency in French or English, depending on your program's language of instruction. Check the specific requirements for your program.
Please note that visa requirements and procedures may change over time, and it's essential to check the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the French Consulate or Embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date information.
Q: Â Why to choose ESSEC Business School - France for MBA in France rather than HEC Paris?
ESSEC Business School and HEC Paris are both prestigious institutions offering MBA programs in France. In terms of global standing and recruitment, HEC Paris has a better reputation outside of France. However, ESSEC Business School offers a more affordable option for students, especially those taking loans. ESSEC Business School is ranked around 13 in Europe in QS rankings 2023 and has a more affordable tuition fee, reduced to approximately 35,000 Euros with a scholarship.
HEC Paris is ranked as the top business school in Europe in QS rankings 2023 and has a higher tuition fee of 98,000 Euros.
In 300 words or less, share an important yet unspoken part of your journey:
- There is always one work of art that adds an unexpected dimension to the collection—a hidden gem. This essay is the standout piece of your INSEAD MBA application. Demonstrate innovative leadership by highlighting a unique initiative you led. For example, ‘I founded TechforGood, an initiative that leveraged AI to reduce restaurant food waste by 30% across Paris’. This highlights how you can use technology to address urgent global concerns, which is exactly in line with INSEAD’s emphasis on meaningful innovation.
- Showcase your resilience by outlining a significant obstacle you overcame. For instance, ‘I converted hardship into opportunity when my tech company shrunk. I started a freelancing consultancy and helped 15 start-ups by using my expertise to improve their operations. This demonstrates your spirit of entrepreneurship and flexibility, two qualities that INSEAD greatly admires.
- Give Essential Context: Take proactive measures to address any inconsistencies in your application. ‘In Fall 2022, I led Berkeley’s largest hackathon, ‘Code for Climate’, at the same time as my grades took an uncommon downturn. Having over 500 people, from 30 nations, during this event, sharpened my global leadership abilities’. Turn any limitations you may have into evidence of your versatility.
Overall, this optional essay is your tactical advantage. While other essays describe your career path, this one highlights the intangible traits that make you stand out: persistence, creativity, and a distinct perspective that will benefit INSEAD’s varied student cohort.
So, with each essay, you are contributing to the creation of a masterpiece that embodies your unique essence, depth, and dynamism, rather than merely responding to questions. So, grab a brush, blend your brightest colours, and create a sequence of self-portraits that will amaze the Ad Com at INSEAD with your artistic ability.
Additionally, if you would like some advice from an expert to improve your strokes? You may easily manage your applications with the assistance of our seasoned staff of editors and counsellors, who will provide you with expert feedback and application strategy direction. After all, before releasing their masterpiece to the public, every artist can profit from a change of perspective. So, what are you waiting for? It is time to create your INSEAD application masterpiece!
Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Topper Counselling services on our website. For other queries feel free to get in touch with us in the comments below. To read more about MBA Essays from top universities, visit our website.
MBA Essays of Leading Universities
How to Write INSEAD MBA Essay FAQs
Q. How can the INSEAD essays highlight my capacity to adapt to different cultures and my global perspective?
A. Share examples of how you have led foreign initiatives, collaborated with varied teams, or adjusted to different cultural contexts to demonstrate your global perspective. Pay attention to how these experiences enhanced your ability to communicate across cultural boundaries, impacted your perspective, and equipped you to succeed in the varied environment, at INSEAD. Connect these instances to the ways in which you will participate in INSEAD MBA’s global classroom discussions and collaborative learning.
Q. What is the best way to illustrate personal growth and self-awareness in my INSEAD application?
A. Reflecting on significant times of difficulty or failure and demonstrating how those events assisted in the development of new abilities, maturity, or resilience are crucial components in demonstrating personal progress. Give concrete instances of how you came to recognize your own strengths and shortcomings and explain the steps you took to do better. This not only demonstrates your capacity to grow from failures but also indicates that you are ready for the INSEAD MBA’s leadership development concentration.
Q. How do I highlight my professional and extracurricular achievements in the application process to INSEAD?
A. Balance your professional success with serious extracurricular involvement by showing that you have a well-rounded profile. Describe leadership roles, initiatives, or projects, in the professional sphere, and back it up with examples from your personal life, such as community service, sports, or artistic pursuits. You can tell how these activities helped develop elements of your leadership style, creativity, or teamwork skills, and how they will benefit your contribution to the INSEAD MBA class.
Q. What is the most effective way to address failures in the INSEAD essays?
A. When talking about failures, emphasize how the experience affected your professional and personal development and what you learned from it. While it is important to be transparent about your struggles, you should also take the time to describe how you overcame them and how they strengthened your resolve or better equipped you to face obstacles in the future. This strategy demonstrates maturity, self-awareness, and a growth mindset—qualities that INSEAD values.
Q.What are tips on how to make my career goals shine in my INSEAD application?
A. Be precise on your short-term and long-term career goals: what is your vision for what you want to be able to achieve professionally in the next few years? Phrase it in terms that are specific rather than vague-try to explain, again, the industry, the role, the contribution you want to make, as well as why these goals mean so much to you. Show how an INSEAD MBA uniquely positions you to realize these aspirations by referencing such things as courses, networks, or opportunities that connect with your aspirations.
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