Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hi guys,

I applied to INSEAD in April this year,after missing US R3's, and was very happy to be accepted. However, I am not sure if I should apply to US schools (Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Berkeley, Columbia, Cornell Tech), as I want to end up in the US post-MBA. Time is tight as INSEAD starts in Jan 2016, whereas R1 notifications would be in Dec 2015.

About me:
-30 y/o Canadian Asian
- want to work in US post-MBA in strategy in tech
-previous experience is mixed - finance/accounting in tech and small-mid entrepreneurial
- GMAT 760

INSEAD pro's
- Jan 2016 start at INSEAD vs. Sept start for most US schools (except Jan start for Columbia 1 year program)
- I am currently not working...not sure how hard it will be to find work to fill the gap between now and next Sept if I go to the US
- 1 year - finish Dec 2016 vs June 2018 for US schools - may be better to back to work sooner as my age is relatively higher
- half the cost as US 2 year mba's, and scholarship covering 20% of tuition
- diverse/international atmosphere fits my background, but not sure how helpful it is if I want to work in US afterwards

INSEAD con's
- may be harder to find work in US and in tech post-MBA, and ultimately fail to reach my original goals
- not developing as strong of a US network
- farther from family in Canada
- 1 year (both a pro and con). Will have fuller MBA experience, deeper networks, etc with 2 years.

Other considerations
- If I do happen to get into Harvard/Stanford/MIT, may have many more doors opened and longer term utilization from the brand and network worldwide. Not sure how true this statement is and to what extent.
- lose at least 10k in deposits at INSEAD if I go to US.

Appreciate your opinions tremendously and thank you in advance!!

Sayuri

If working in US is a must post-MBA goal, INSEAD could disappoint you as most of the post-MBA jobs seem to lie in the european or singapore region.
Having said that, INSEAD is one of the unique and marvellous programs in terms of diversity represented, collaboration with Wharton and two campuses giving you a flavor of two different parts of the world, and it all happens in a year. Network-wise, you would form similar kind of bonds in a one year or a two year program. Considering your age and no possible work opportunity, INSEAD would still be a great option to consider.