Episode #52 - Demystifying the INSEAD MBA Admissions Process: Beyond the GMAT and GRE

Episode #52 - Demystifying the INSEAD MBA Admissions Process: Beyond the GMAT and GRE

From In The Know by INSEAD by INSEAD

May 28, 2026 · 20 min · Episode 55

About this episode

This episode demystifies the INSEAD MBA admissions process, focusing on the role of GMAT and GRE scores within a holistic evaluation framework.

Navigating the admissions process for a top-tier business school can be daunting. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Jennifer Luo (Senior Director of Recruitment) and Larry Medina (Associate Director of Admissions) go behind the scenes of the INSEAD one-year MBA programme application journey to demystify standard testing requirements. They address the common anxiety surrounding the GMAT and GREs by explaining how the Admissions Committee evaluates your scores within a holistic framework. The discussion highlights why candidates should not wait for a perfect GMAT or GRE score to apply, how strong professional experience can mitigate lower test results and why the video interview and personal essays are often the most critical components in showcasing your true potential for the one-year MBA programme. Podcast Episode Timestamps: GMAT and GRE Strategies 0:00 Introduction1:22 The testing anxiety3:21 Defining holistic admissions5:01 The role of standardised tests6:31 Recommended ranges7:50 Case studies: Success with low scores8:39 Retaking the exam9:13 Mitigating low verbal scores11:18 Video interview tips12:58 The optional essay14:30 Lowest scores ever admitted15:42 When to…

People in this episode

Guests: Jennifer Luo, Larry Medina

Topics covered

  • MBA admissions
  • standardized testing
  • holistic evaluation
  • application process
  • professional experience
  • video interview
  • personal essays

Keywords

  • MBA admissions
  • GMAT
  • GRE
  • holistic admissions
  • video interview
  • personal essays
  • application tips

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: INSEAD

Products: GMAT, GRE

Books & works: INSEAD one-year MBA programme

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