Ace INSEAD MBA Round 2: Strategy, Tips, Essays & Examples

If you’re an MBA aspirant aiming to Ace INSEAD MBA Essay in Round 2, this guide is for you. Drawing directly from the recent INSEAD Round 2 success workshop transcript, we’ll unpack key INSEAD MBA requirements, essay writing strategy, common pitfalls, and insider tips. Alongside, we’ll include important facts about INSEAD MBA rankings, fees, timeline, and admission requirements so you have a complete roadmap. Let’s dive in.

Pre-Writing Checklist to Ace INSEAD MBA Essay

Before diving into your INSEAD MBA Round 2 essays, take time to reflect and plan. These quick steps—based on the workshop’s best practices—help you build a solid foundation and boost your chances to Ace INSEAD MBA Essay.

1. Map Life Events to INSEAD Values

List 3–4 pivotal life experiences that reveal leadership, international outlook, and resilience. INSEAD MBA admissions value candidates who can demonstrate global mindset and personal growth, not just professional titles.

2. Identify Genuine Strengths and Weaknesses

From those experiences, pick authentic strengths and weaknesses (e.g., conflict resolution, delegation, or being unapproachable turned into approachable). Link them to both personal and professional moments for a 360-degree story.

3. Define Skill Gaps INSEAD Will Fill

Match your career goals with INSEAD MBA resources—courses, clubs, professors, and network opportunities. Clarify which INSEAD MBA requirements (e.g., international exposure, leadership development) will help bridge those gaps.

4. Set Your Timeline and Budget

Review the official INSEAD MBA timeline, fees, and scholarship options early. This ensures your essays—and the rest of the application—reflect realistic planning and financial readiness.

💡 Pro Tip: Doing this groundwork makes the actual writing smoother and ensures every paragraph aligns with your goals, strengths, and the INSEAD MBA experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A Style)

Q1: What do admissions want from INSEAD Round 2 Essays?

A:

• The admissions committee wants stories that reflect impact, leadership, growth. Just stating achievements isn’t enough; you need to tie them back to what changed, how you changed.
• They especially appreciate clarity about why INSEAD: personal motivations, campus choice (France / Singapore), how the MBA connects to your mid-/long-term goals.
• Authenticity matters: showing both strengths and weaknesses, and reflecting on learning points, makes your essay stand out.

“Don’t just list your promotions – show what you did, how you grew, what you will bring to the class.”

Q2: How should one structure INSEAD Round 2 Essays to ace them?

A:

Part	What to Include
Opening / Hook	A brief but vivid story or defining moment — something unique and personal.
Middle	Key professional experiences: leadership, decision making, challenge & adversity. Don’t skip reflection. Show quantifiable impact where possible.
Why MBA & Why INSEAD	Clearly state your goals, explain why INSEAD MBA in particular (campus, format, international diversity, network). Tie to your background.
Weaknesses / Shortcomings	Be honest, but also show how you addressed them; what you learned.
Future Plan	Where you aim to be post-MBA; roadmap. Don’t be vague.

• Use transitions, make paragraphs stick together.
• Avoid repeating what’s already obvious in your resume.
• Use strong, active language.

“Each essay needs both what happened and *why it mattered” — apply that.

Q3: What are common mistakes to avoid in the INSEAD MBA essays?

A:

• Being generic: essays that could apply to any applicant. Avoid clichés.
• Overemphasis on awards or titles without showing what you learned or contributed.
• Weak linkage between experiences and goals — if your essay says you want consulting, but your experiences or motivations don’t align, the essay feels disconnected.
• Ignoring INSEAD’s requirements: campus preference, multiple essays, video interview, demonstrating international outlook.
• Poor editing: grammatical mistakes, weak storytelling, no flow.

Q4: What do I need to know about INSEAD MBA admission requirements, timeline & fees?

A:

• Admission Requirements: bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), strong analytical ability, leadership potential, international motivation, proficiency in English. INSEAD also expects applicants to indicate a campus preference.
• Timeline / Deadlines for Round 2 (for August 2025 Intake): Application deadline is 22 April 2025; Interview decision notification 23 May 2025; Final Decision 04 July 2025.
• Fees / Financing: Tuition for August 2025 intake is €103,500; for January 2026 intake is €107,600. Living expenses for the duration of the 10-month program are approx. €30,000 in Fontainebleau and ~€32,000 in Singapore. Scholarships are available and ~36% of the class gets one. Average award ~€23,700.

Q5: How to integrate these official requirements into essay strategy?

A:

• Use the requirements (leadership, analytical ability, international outlook, campus preference) as checklist items: ensure each essay touches upon these dimensions if relevant.
• Mention your campus choice and why: showing awareness of INSEAD’s global campuses strengthens your argument.
• Since tuition and fees are high, showing seriousness: e.g. scholarship plans or financial awareness can show maturity and preparedness.

Q6: Sample insights / mini examples (from transcript) to illustrate strong essays

A:
Here are condensed examples / tips that illustrate strong content:

• A candidate started by narrating a moment when they had to lead a failing project, turned it around with teamwork & innovation, then reflected on what leadership meant to them. That gap + growth made an impact.
• Another example: showing a professional weakness (say, public speaking), then describing concrete steps taken (joining a speaking club, leading small presentations) and results. This shows self-awareness.
• Emphasis on why INSEAD: e.g., “I want INSEAD’s 10-month format to accelerate my career switch / exposure to international teams.” Don’t omit this — admissions often refer back to it.

Q7: How should you prepare / polish your essays before submission?

A:

• Multiple drafts: get feedback from peers who know INSEAD or MBA essays.
• Check for strong flow & coherence: ensure each paragraph ties to the main message.
• Proofread for grammar, clarity, and conciseness.
• Include strong intro & conclusion. The conclusion should tie back to your hook or opening story.
• Use metrics / numbers where possible (impact, scale, cost, benefit etc.).
• Ensure that essays align across your other application components (CV, recommendation letters, interviews). Consistency helps to Ace INSEAD MBA Essay.

Quick-Facts Sidebar: INSEAD MBA Overview

(to satisfy your request for rankings, timeline, fees, admission etc.)

Category	Key Data
Program Duration	~10 months for August intake; ~12 months for January intake, including a short break.
Tuition Fees	€103,500 (Aug 2025), €107,600 (Jan 2026)
Living Expenses Estimate	~€30,000 (Fontainebleau) / ~€32,000 (Singapore)
Scholarships	~36% of class receive; average award ~€23,700.
Round 2 Deadline (2025 August Intake)	Application: 22 April 2025; Interview decision: 23 May 2025; Final decision: 04 July 2025.

Conclusion & Final Tips to Ace INSEAD MBA Essay

• Begin your essay early — give ample time for reflection, revisions, and feedback.
• Always align your story with why INSEAD MBA, both in terms of what you bring, and what you aim to gain.
• Use specific, personal stories to illustrate leadership, growth, and adaptability.
• Be mindful of grammar, flow and coherence — these matter as much as content.
• Don’t forget to mention campus preference, tie your goals, and show awareness of fees/timeline/scholarships — all of which strengthen your overall application beyond just the essays.

Let’s get it done! Stay focused, be authentic, and let your unique story shine through with MBA&Beyond.