IMD MBA Application Guide

IMD Business School looks for specific qualities in candidates for its MBA program. Ideal applicants have a strong academic background and significant professional experience that highlights their leadership potential and commitment to growth. A global mindset and the ability to navigate complex business environments while adapting to diverse cultures are highly valued.

Successful candidates also demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, allowing them to collaborate effectively and contribute to a dynamic learning environment. IMD prioritizes innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, seeking individuals who are not just problem solvers but also visionaries capable of driving organizational change. A passion for continuous learning and a proactive approach to challenges are essential traits in the selection process.

FIMD appreciates candidates with a clear understanding of their career goals and how the MBA program aligns with those aspirations. This clarity, along with a willingness to engage deeply with the curriculum and the IMD community, distinguishes successful applicants. Ultimately, IMD seeks individuals ready to embrace the program’s challenges and leverage their experiences to make a meaningful impact in the business world.

Degrees and Transcripts:

• Original diplomas and official transcripts, including the grading scale, must be provided for all university degrees or their equivalents.
• Official translations to English or French are required for every document

GMAT/GRE score:

• IMD recommends that candidates should aim for a score of 585-805 or an equivalent GRE score

English proficiency: The whole program is taught in English, and the Admissions team will assess your knowledge of the language during the assessment day

The IMD MBA program mandates that applicants have at least two years of full-time postgraduate work experience, showcasing their career advancement. Generally, students in the program have between three to eight years of experience. To support this, candidates will need to provide a one-page resume using the IMD CV Template.

Along with their CV, applicants must also include the contact information for one professional recommender. This individual should be familiar with the candidate, have collaborated with them directly, and be capable of emphasizing the candidate’s professional accomplishments, interpersonal abilities, teamwork, and leadership qualities.

IMD advises candidates to provide and submit the recommender’s contact details at least two weeks prior to the application deadline. This allows sufficient time for the recommender to fill out and submit IMD’s online form. Please note that only professional email addresses are accepted (no Hotmail, Gmail, etc.).

 Required Essay: Tell us your story. (Make sure you include specific examples that would be relevant to the application process.) Minimum length 300 words and maximum 400.

• Start by reviewing the information the admissions committee already has about you, such as academic achievements, test scores, and recommendations. This will help you avoid repetition and ensure your essay adds new insights, presenting a fuller picture of yourself
• Keep in mind that IMD does not impose rigid guidelines on the content of your essay. The admissions committee is genuinely interested in understanding you on a deeper level. They are inviting you to share what you believe is most significant about your journey and experiences, so approach this essay as an opportunity to convey your unique narrative and perspective as a candidate
• Consider this essay as your personal “elevator pitch” to the committee. Reflect on the essential information they need to evaluate your fit for their program. Focus on authenticity and ensure that you portray yourself genuinely, highlighting the qualities that make you a strong candidate for IMD
• With a limited word count, carefully choose which aspects of your background to emphasize, aligning them with the school’s admissions criteria. While mentioning professional experiences is fine, prioritize personal attributes and experiences not covered elsewhere in your application
• Use this essay as a platform to highlight a diverse range of qualities and experiences that illustrate your well-rounded candidacy. Whether it’s an intriguing work experience, a significant extracurricular involvement, or a personal achievement tied to your heritage, sharing these elements will enrich your narrative and provide the committee with a fuller understanding of who you are beyond your academic credentials

 Optional Essay: Is there any additional information that is critical for the Admissions Committee which has not been covered elsewhere in this application? (i.e. re-application, health, grades, etc.) (Word limit 100)

• Prep Zone recommends that applicants use the school’s optional essay to clarify any confusing aspects of their application, such as low grades or test scores. This prompt is specifically designed for that purpose. If there are elements in your profile that may raise questions for the admissions committee, this is your opportunity to address those concerns
• While IMD allows you to share additional significant information, the space is limited. Carefully consider whether the admissions committee needs more information to evaluate your application thoroughly. Not responding to this prompt will not negatively impact your candidacy. If you choose to include extra details, ensure they are concise and relevant

 Career Question 1: Do you already have a network in place? (Word limit 50)

• IMD’s strict 50-word limit indicates a preference for straightforward, factual responses, so keep your answer concise and to the point
• The admissions committee aims to assess if the program aligns with your postgraduate career aspirations, which is crucial for many applicants
• If your chosen career path relies on a strong network and neither you nor IMD can provide that, they may determine the program isn’t suitable for you; conversely, if you already have connections, this factor may be less critical in their evaluation

Career Question 2: What skills and experiences will aid your post-MBA career goals? What are the challenges and road blockers that you may experience and how will you overcome them? (Word limit 200–300)

• IMD seeks to assess your understanding of the professional role or industry you aim for, along with your self-awareness regarding the skills you possess and those you need to develop. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your research on the MBA program and highlight specific resources that will aid your growth. Be concise in identifying the skills and experiences that IMD can help you acquire, as this will strengthen your case for why the school is a good fit for you
• The second part of the prompt evaluates the depth of your career planning. It’s important to convey that you don’t merely expect an MBA to automatically advance your career. Instead, illustrate that you have considered potential challenges and devised strategies to overcome them. This level of preparation will show the admissions committee your commitment to your goals and your resilience in facing obstacles

Career Question 3: What is your plan B if you are not able to secure your ideal job post MBA? (Word limit 50)

• Candidates often believe they need to present a singular, clear career goal to impress the admissions committee. However, IMD encourages applicants to explore and express a secondary option, recognizing that plans can change unexpectedly
• The school values adaptability and wants to see that you can pivot and commit to a different direction if needed, demonstrating your readiness for such transitions
• It’s essential that your backup goal aligns closely with your skills, interests, and ambitions, ensuring it doesn’t appear arbitrary. For instance, proposing a goal in technology consulting alongside a backup in human resources may raise doubts, as these fields typically require distinct skill sets

Similar to IESE, IMD organises assessment days where personal admissions interviews take place, along with a variety of tasks that candidates must complete. These activities play a crucial role in shaping the committee’s final decision. The assessment days can take place virtually or in-person. The assessment dates are included in the Deadlines table.

On assessment day, candidates will begin with a personal interview conducted by a member of the admissions committee. This interview will delve into the candidate’s background, future career aspirations, and their motivation for pursuing the IMD MBA. The interviewer will have read the candidate’s entire application, so candidates should review their materials and prepare for questions on essays, information, CV that they have submitted.

Once the personal interview concludes, candidates will undertake an individual assignment that resembles a case study. They will receive a question and have approximately 30 minutes to prepare their response, after which they will present their findings to the interviewer.

After completing the individual assignment, candidates will engage in a group discussion and deliver an impromptu team presentation. Prior to assessment day, candidates will receive a business case via email, which they will discuss with their small group during this segment. After about an hour of collaboration, their team will present their collective conclusions.