The INSEAD MBA application details for the August 2026 intake are now live, with some changes to the essay prompts. Keep reading for detailed INSEAD application timeline and tips for how to tackle the INSEAD MBA application.
Last summer, Personal MBA Coach was fortunate to visit the beautiful INSEAD campus during the 2024 Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) conference. There, we met with the entire Admissions Committee in both formal and informal settings and spoke with current students and alumni to learn more about what sets the school apart, what INSEAD is looking for in its applicants and more! INSEAD can be a great option for applicants looking for a shorter, intense MBA program and/or those interested in studying or working internationally.
If you are applying to INSEAD, visit our INSEAD school page for more program-specific information or reach out to learn more!
INSEAD MBA Deadlines (January 2026 Intake)
Round 1: March 11, 2025
Round 2: April 22, 2025
Round 3: June 17, 2026
Round 4: August 5, 202
INSEAD MBA Deadlines (August 2026 Intake)
Round 1: September 16, 2025
Round 2: November 4, 2025
Round 3: January 20, 2026
Round 4: March 10, 2026
Tips For Tackling The INSEAD MBA Essay Questions
Essay 1: Give a candid description of yourself as a person and a leader, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses you recognize in yourself. Explain how you are actively working on your development, sharing key experiences that have shaped you, providing specific examples where relevant. (500 words maximum)
This is your chance to show INSEAD how you will add uniquely to the school’s diverse and international student body and how you will show up as a leader on campus.
With such a broad question, it is tempting to tell your life story and recount your resume: We recommend not doing so. Instead, think about your personal story and leadership highlights, selecting only the elements of your profile that truly make you unique. As with all strong MBA applications, show, do not tell. Instead of listing your characteristics, let the reader see how you have demonstrated them in action. A strong essay will then take this a step further, letting the reader know why these characteristics are important to you.
While most applicants will focus on their strengths, do not forget to candidly discuss your weaknesses. INSEAD is looking to bring in a cohort of students who are capable of humility and have the self-awareness necessary to come to Fontainebleau with a growth mindset.
MBA applicants have plenty to learn, so this is your chance to show your humility. Avoid false weaknesses such as “I work too much” or “I am a perfectionist.” After selecting a weakness or two to share, be sure to take the time to discuss what steps you have already taken to address these weaknesses. As always, be specific!
Essay 2: Describe a highly stressful situation you faced and how you managed it. What did this experience teach you about yourself and your interactions with others? (400 words maximum)
MBA students will undoubtedly manage through stressful situations on campus and will continue to do so as leaders throughout their careers. In fact, as INSEAD shared with Personal MBA Coach during our campus visit, at its inception, INSEAD sought to unite global leaders after World War II. They strongly believe that students need to learn to find common ground and, to this day, assign all students to a study group with a strict policy against any changes. This means, as an INSEAD student, you may face stressful situations from day one.
Use this essay to convince INSEAD that you are poised to succeed. With only 400 words to share both the story and your learnings, select a story that is easy to set up so that you can quickly get into the details. Be specific as you outline the steps you took and why you took them. Let the reader see that you have learned from this experience and are someone that others would want to roll up their sleeves and work with.
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 maximum)
The optional INSEAD essay should only be answered by those with extenuating circumstances. Read more on our approach to optional essays here.
Maximize Your Admissions Success with Personal MBA Coach
If you are applying to INSEAD, visit our INSEAD school page for more program-specific information. If you are looking to maximize your chances of success, Personal MBA Coach is here to guide you through our comprehensive packages.
