The Application Process

INSEAD R3 (Sept entry) deadline: 13 JAN 2016
INSEAD R1 (Jan entry) deadline: 2 MAR 2016

• Hong Kong Chinese
  Undergraduate degree in USA (non-ivy league)
  5 years ibank middle office exp in HK, currently working at JP Morgan - will be promoted to AVP in Feb and expecting a salary increase due to promotion (after R3 deadline but before R1 deadline)
  CFA/ FRM charter
  GMAT 690
  career goal: strategic marketing / management consulting
  current situation: received an offer from another B school (Sept entry)

I wonder if INSEAD will group Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong Chinese the same pool, as I heard people saying that for Chinese/Indian, they should apply in earlier round, so is it better for me to apply R1 (Jan entry), especially considering my promotion will happen in Feb.

A strong push-back to apply for Jan entry is that I have already received an offer from another school (sept entry), the worst case would be INSEAD put me on the waiting list for next Jan entry, then I probably will not hear from them until year end. Any thoughts?

I general I would recommend you apply as soon as your application is at its best. I wouldn't try to overthink the process too much and worry about which pool you will be placed in. It sounds like with your profile, you should have a good shot, but don't wait to long in case the seat you might have received is given away. Good luck to you!