Mr. Future In FANG

Mr. Future in FANG, you are checking a lot of INSEAD boxes here. International work experience. CHECK. An international outlook. CHECK. A world-class employer at FANG. CHECK. The only worries are your 650 GMAT which is a little more than 60 points under the average class score at INSEAD. In fact, it’s also below the mid-80% range of 670 to 750. That could be an issue that would hold back an INSEAD admit. So some tough love: Retake the test and try to get into that mid-80% range. Even moving up your score by 30 points to a 680 could mean the difference between a yes or a no. If you really want this, you should just sit for the GMAT again. I know. I wouldn’t want to do it either. But if INSEAD is your dream choice, it would make a difference in your odds because you do check those other boxes.

Hi Mr. Future in FANG, Melisa here from Stratus Admissions. You have a lot of pieces in your profile that INSEAD will really like. As John mentioned, your GMAT is what might hold you back. I have worked with clients who have applied to INSEAD, who were asked to re-take the GMAT – as all else was strong. As you are working through your application, one additional area I’d suggest to dig a bit deeper is why you want to work in strategy at a FANG firm – and where you hope this will take you long term? What do you want to do aspirationally? Also, where do you want to end up post MBA geographically – sounds like you’ve had some great international experiences. Do you want to work internationally? Or head home to Kenya? Answering these questions will help you story stand out among others wanting to end up in a similar place – and show that you’ve thought through your career planning and how an MBA can help you achieve it. Also, I never like to see a 1 school strategy – I would suggest adding a couple schools to your list – Oxford, Imperial, Rotman, IESE might all be good options. Good luck!