How to write INSEAD MBA essay?

Question

Sudheer R · Accepted Answer

If you&rsquo;re planning to write a strong essay for INSEAD&rsquo;s MBA, the first thing you need to do is be honest and clear. INSEAD asks you several questions about your goals, experiences, strengths, and even your personal life. So don&rsquo;t try to sound too perfect&mdash;just be real and talk about who you are.
Start by explaining your career journey so far, and then clearly talk about your short-term and long-term goals. INSEAD wants to see if you have a solid plan and if their program fits into that plan. So make sure you explain why this MBA is important for you right now.
Also, INSEAD cares a lot about diversity. So if you&rsquo;ve worked with people from different countries or backgrounds, share that experience. It shows you&rsquo;ll fit well into their international classroom.
Lastly, keep your language simple and easy to read. Make sure your essay has a clear structure, and always answer the exact question they&rsquo;ve asked. Don&rsquo;t add extra stuff. Being clear, focused, and real is what makes your essay stand out.

Hema A · Answer

The key is to be authentic and let your true self shine through. INSEAD values originality, so avoid clich&eacute;s and share genuine stories that highlight your unique experiences and perspectives. Think about what sets you apart and how your journey aligns with INSEAD's diverse community.​
Clarity and precision are crucial. Ensure your essay is well-structured, free of grammatical errors, and adheres to the word limit. Use clear and concise language to effectively convey your thoughts. It's also beneficial to have someone review your essay to provide feedback on its coherence and impact.​
Additionally, provide specific examples of your professional achievements and clearly detail your work experience. This helps the admissions committee understand your background and the value you bring to the program. Remember, the essay is your opportunity to showcase your personality, aspirations, and fit for INSEAD, so take the time to reflect and present a compelling narrative.​
Want to know the best ways to write an essay? Read this BLOG to know how you can stand out from rest of the crowd

Richa C · Answer

INSEAD has multiple essay prompts, and each one is there to help them understand you better. Start by answering each question simply and directly. When they ask about your strengths, weaknesses, or leadership experience&mdash;use real stories from your life or work. Don't try to sound perfect. Just be yourself.
Also, focus on showing why you want to do an MBA at INSEAD and how it fits your career plans. Talk about the global exposure, diverse class, or something specific about the school that matches your goals. Make it personal&mdash;not something copied or general.

Finally, write like you're talking to someone who really wants to know you. Keep your words simple. Don't try to use big or fancy terms. A good essay at INSEAD is one that feels real, shows clear thinking, and makes your story easy to follow.

Aarushi S · Answer

To write strong INSEAD MBA essays, focus on clarity, decisions, and real self-awareness. INSEAD isn&rsquo;t just asking for achievements &mdash; it wants to know why certain choices were made, what lessons came out of them, and how they shaped future goals.
For example, instead of saying &ldquo;led a team during a product launch,&rdquo; explain why leading that team mattered &mdash; maybe it was the first time handling conflict, or making a tough call under pressure. If you switched careers or relocated, talk about the reasoning behind it and what that revealed about your values.
When writing about challenges, pick a moment where something changed &mdash; maybe a failed pitch, a toxic work environment, or a risky move that didn&rsquo;t pay off. What matters is the reflection, not just the outcome.
The best essays feel personal, intentional, and specific. Not impressive for the sake of it, but honest and well thought through.

J Bajwa · Answer

Start by being original and authentic. INSEAD values honesty and wants to understand the real you. Reflect deeply on your unique experiences and how they've shaped your aspirations. Avoid clich&eacute;s and present genuine insights into your personal and professional journey. ​
Next, pay close attention to grammar, sentence construction, and clarity. Well-structured essays with clear expression demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Take the time to write, review, and edit your essays to ensure they are polished and free from errors. ​
Finally, detail your work experience clearly. INSEAD seeks to understand your professional responsibilities and achievements. Provide specific examples that highlight your contributions and the impact you've made in your roles. This approach will help the admissions team assess your potential to contribute to the INSEAD community.