Application Deadlines JAN 2011 intake

• INSEAD asked me to scheduled TWO interviews
• The first interviewer was a woman, CEO of a holding, very nice and friendly. She read my application and prepared questions. The second interviewer was a man, CEO of the local organization of a finance group. He was very friendly as well, but seemed to be very busy and I had an impression he hadn't read my application before the interview.
• Both 1 hour; by Alumni
• Why an MBA?, why now?, Why INSEAD? Any preference between Singapur or Fonty? why is that? Why not a 2 year's MBA? What are your future professional plans?..
• Do all those Q&A in paper. Always bring a copy of everything in paper, in a folder. They look at your level of readiness. My first interviewer, did not find his folder, and he asked me..did u bring one? I had one with all the info necesarry. Then he smiled and said: I have mine right here. It was a test.
• Prepare yourself, your experience and this interviews are key for success, no matter how far from the average GMAT score. I entered with a 7.5 years experience, food experience and a 620 GMAT!
• What if you don't get into INSEAD?
• Have you applied to any other schools?
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
• What is your role in a team?
• How would your other team members describe you?
• How do you adapt to new (cultural) environments?
• What is your experience in working with people from different cultures?
• What is the added value of INSEAD as you already have a M.Sc. in Business Administration?
• Is your partner coming with you
• Be yourself, INSEAD alumni in general are really cool people
• Know why you want to go to INSEAD. Both my interviews focused quite heavily on teamwork, so no harm to be well prepared to answer questions on that topic.
• One of the interviewers told me that we were supposed to do (small) part of the interview in English. The other interview was 100% in my native language.
• Where do you see yourself on 5 years? Do you have any leadership experience? What was the most interesting international exposure you had? Why INSEAD? Why now? Tell me about your team at work. What are your strenghts/weaknesses?..
• As most interviewees have mentioned, know the Big 3: Why an MBA? Why now? Why INSEAD? Know yourself and your own motivations for going. Your interviewers will likely see through BS, and flimsy rationale. Be prepared to be challenged. You most likely won't get a case interview, but be prepared for the full behavioral barrage. Know yourself and be yourself. If you're reading this in preparation for an interview, you've already made it past the first 50% cut, which is impressive. So give yourself a firm pat on the back and a hearty handshake; you'll do fine.