IESE MBA Application Guide

IESE Business School’s activities are centred around three management axes:

• a global mindset: IESE values candidates who demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for diverse cultures and communication styles, as the program is known for its multicultural student body representing over 65 nationalities
• a general management approach: IESE aims to educate business leaders with a broad understanding of all aspects of management, not just a specific functional area, and seeks candidates who can demonstrate a holistic approach to business challenges
• a people-centred vision, with the ethics and social responsibility that entails: IESE emphasises the importance of ethical and social responsibility, and seeks candidates who are passionate about creating value beyond just numbers, with a focus on the human side of business

IESE’s core values are integrity, excellence, and spirit of service. The school’s ethical and moral principles are rooted in the Christian tradition. These values emphasise the importance of individual rights, freedom, and dignity, viewing each person as the essential core of any organisation within society.

Official transcripts in English or translated to English (certified translation)

GMAT/GRE test score:

• The IESE MBA program accepts a GMAT (10th edition) score range of 580 to 750, while the Focus edition ranges from 545 to 715. IESE advises aiming for a score at or above the 50th percentile for both formats
• For the GRE, the acceptance ranges are as follows: Verbal scores range from 143 to 170, and Quantitative scores also range from 143 to 170. The median score for Verbal is 156, and for Quantitative, it is 161

English proficiency proof:

• Recommended score of TOEFL 105 | IELTS 7.5 | PTE Academic 68 (C1), and Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English minimum level B
• Exemptions apply for candidates whose native language is English, those who have earned their university degree in English, or individuals who have resided for a minimum of two consecutive years in a country where English is the primary language

The IESE MBA program requests one CV or resume, ideally confined to one page. While there is no specific format required for the CV, applicants are encouraged to highlight their international experiences, regardless of their scale, given the program’s emphasis on global exposure.

Additionally, the program mandates one letter of recommendation, although candidates may submit up to three. This recommendation should ideally come from a current employer and should provide insights into the applicant’s professional abilities.

Candidates are advised to select recommenders who have a strong understanding of their work through meaningful, direct interactions within the past three years. These individuals should be able to share specific anecdotes and examples that reinforce their claims and should be genuinely motivated to craft a thoughtful letter. If a current supervisor is unavailable, letters from former employers, clients, or involvement in extracurricular activities, such as volunteer organisations, may also be acceptable.

Recommenders will need to answer the following questions using the IESE online form:

• Please elaborate on your professional relationship with the candidate providing details on such – the duration of your relationship, nature of projects you worked on, and so on, etc) (100 word limit)
• How do the candidate’s performance, potential, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
• Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)

The IESE MBA applicants will need to complete one mandatory essay and have the chance to provide more information in an optional essay.

 Mandatory essay: What are your immediate career goal after graduation and your mid-term career goal 5-10 years after graduation? How will the IESE MBA program help you achieve them?” (word limit 300 max)

• This common career goals essay is seen in various business school applications, but IESE’s 300-word limit is stricter compared to some other schools. You should clearly present your short-term plans right after the MBA and your medium-term goals, typically five years post-graduation, while linking these ambitions to your past experiences and the skills you wish to gain from the MBA program
• Clearly define your career aspirations as you embark on this new journey, being specific yet concise about your immediate post-graduation plans and long-term objectives, including the industries and roles that inspire you, as well as any particular companies or responsibilities that appeal to you
• Reflect on the skills, experiences, and networks necessary for achieving your goals, and pinpoint the unique resources and opportunities at IESE that will support your development in these areas. Engage in comprehensive research beyond the school’s website by connecting with current students, alumni, and faculty to gather insights about the community and offerings. If possible, participate in in-person events or explore online options to enhance your understanding of how an IESE MBA aligns with your career aspirations

 Optional Essay: What would you like to highlight about yourself or your journey which may have not been captured in your application? (word limit 300 max)

• This question allows candidates to highlight a significant aspect of their application that may not be covered in their forms, résumé, or other essays. Completing this essay can enhance your application by addressing any concerns, such as a low GPA, test scores, work history, or the choice of recommenders
• For those from competitive applicant groups, this essay presents a valuable opportunity to differentiate yourself by sharing a unique hobby or a compelling story. Consider discussing instances where you showcased leadership, ethical decision-making, entrepreneurial initiative, or persuasive abilities, as these qualities often resonate with admissions committees
• If you need to clarify a potential concern regarding your application, keep your explanation concise and straightforward. Focus on the facts without making excuses. For instance, you might mention additional coursework taken to improve a weak academic record or a recommender who, while not your direct supervisor, can vouch for your leadership capabilities. Whatever you choose to write about, aim to connect it to your future experiences in the MBA program and your career aspirations

Applicants for the IESE MBA program are required to submit Video Essays as a component of their application. After candidates have submitted their written application and paid the associated fees, they will receive a link to the Kira platform within 24 hours. This link must be completed by the deadline for the Application Round and will expire 48 hours after it is received. The application will be deemed complete and ready for review only after IESE has received the responses to the video questions. Additional instructions will be provided along with the link.

There are four questions:

Please tell us how we should pronounce your name

• You will have 15 seconds to think, 20 seconds to answer

Please introduce yourself to the IESE MBA Admissions Team

• You will have 1 minute to prepare and 90 seconds to answer
• Use this chance to showcase your distinct qualities and strengths, allowing the IESE admissions team to see what truly defines you.
• While the question may seem straightforward, be thoughtful about the aspects you choose to highlight.
• Remember that IESE values leaders who are community-oriented and globally aware, so take this opportunity to strengthen your personal brand and align with the school’s principles. Additionally, consider mentioning aspects of your background, like volunteer experiences or unique skills, that you haven’t had the chance to discuss previously. Avoid reiterating your goals or reasons for wanting to join IESE, as you’ve already addressed that in another essay; instead, focus on crafting an introduction that makes a memorable impression

Question 3 and 4 are randomised questions. You will have 1 minute to prepare and 90 seconds to answer.

• You will be presented with a random behavioural question that may focus on your personal traits or provide an opportunity to share a professional example that showcases your character
• To excel in this section, consider what the question is truly asking and how you can illustrate your achievements and values. Reflect on how you want the admissions committee to gain insights about you that go beyond your application
• If faced with a traditional behavioural interview question, draw from specific examples. Remember to express your authentic self and highlight your commitment to teamwork and collaboration. While it’s tempting to respond casually, ensure your answer is structured and meaningful, aligning with IESE’s preference for globally-minded leaders who value diversity

For video essays, Prep Zone recommends the following:

• Ensure that your video and microphone setup is functioning properly. As is common with video essays, it’s advisable to use a laptop for recording your responses rather than a tablet or smartphone. Verify that your equipment is operating correctly and that your Wi-Fi connection is strong enough to support the recording
• Dress in suitable professional attire, and choose a clean, stable background to avoid any distractions for the admissions committee; a shaky camera can be disorienting
• While it might be tempting to use props like signs or personal items in your video, we recommend focusing on delivering a clear response to the question instead, as this approach is likely to resonate more with your audience than a series of distracting visuals

 In-person interviews at IESE are conducted by invitation only and can take place on the Barcelona campus, through video conferencing, or with admissions directors who travel globally to meet candidates each year. These interviews will be held in English.

Interviewers will have thoroughly reviewed each candidate’s application, so candidates can anticipate tailored questions that reflect their submissions. The duration of the interview is typically between 45 and 60 minutes.

 Assessment Day serves as an extended interview experience. It is not mandatory for all candidates, especially if IESE already has sufficient information regarding an applicant’s profile. However, participation is strongly encouraged. This day provides IESE with a practical opportunity to assess candidates and determine who would be a suitable match for their program. While essays, test scores, and recommendations are still taken into account, this is a significant opportunity for applicants to leave a lasting impression.

The day generally includes introductions and a case study presentation, where candidates will collaborate in groups to analyse and present an assigned case study. Therefore, applicants should brush up on their case study skills and learn how to effectively contribute, lead, and support their peers in a team setting.