xx

[arupriaa]

xx

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

Without knowing a GMAT score or a GPA, it is very difficult to evaluate your chances at being accepted. However, regardless of your nationality, grades and scores, it will be challenging to be admitted to a top business school such as INSEAD without any volunteer experience and very limited extracurriculars. Top schools want well rounded individuals who can prove themselves outside of the workplace.

I am sure there are other things that you do in your free time so this may just be a matter of how you frame those activities. I would give some thought as to how to better present this on your application if you want to improve your chances. Or, if you have really done very little in the last few years, I'd suggest getting more involved in your community now!

Best of luck to you!

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

ALSO - while it may be helpful if you come from an underrepresented group, this will only make an impact if you can convincingly explain WHY this gives you a unique perspective or a unique set of experiences. Having an English education might make you seem less unique than someone who has only worked/lived in Malaysia. Again, this is all about how you present yourself in your essays. Your nationality doesn't matter - it is having diverse/different points of view that schools care about!!

[arupriaa]

xx

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

It will be very helpful that you have work experience in Malaysia. I'd also suggest perhaps reaching out to an organization that you have contributed to financially and see if there is an opportunity for you to take a leadership role (even helping with fundraising or consulting to the board of directors, etc.). Sometimes that can be a good way to get involved in a more meaningful way.

Just remember that everyone applying to business school is short on time because most have very demanding jobs (requiring both long hours and travel), but, the applicants that really stand out are those who still take time (and make time) to get involved in other activities. It might be as simple as being involved in your church on Sundays or mentoring needy children. I would expect that there are things that you currently do which would "count" as extracurriculars - you just need to think outside the box - do you love to cook or are you an avid reader or history buff? Do you like to learn new languages or travel to remote areas? Just some things to think about....

Again, good luck - you have plent of time to augment this aspect of your profile!

[arupriaa]

xx