With the number of applications to top business schools in Europe soaring, INSEAD business school has become one of the best and most preferred MBA programs and destinations for many international applicants seeking a higher education in business. 

While many applicants dedicate countless of hours trying to get the perfect GMAT or GRE score and to write the perfect essays, many tend to rush through the video part of the application. This is a very terrible mistake. 

The video section of the application helps give the admission committee a chance to put a face with a name to the application. The videos are essential to the whole admissions process, as they allow the committee to decide wether the applicant’s communication style and values match those of the majority of students and staff at INSEAD. In fact, the video essay is perhaps more influential in the decision making process of the admission committee than the admissions interview and the essays. 

Why does INSEAD require a KIRA video essay? 

INSEAd started requiring applicants to submit the the video essay part of the application in 2016, and it has quickly become the most critical part of the whole application process to their top programs. This is because it gives them the chance to truly know more about the applicant, and it helps them identify those red flags that could potentially influence their decision to reject some applicants. 

The admission committee want the applicants to consider the video essays as an opportunity to share passions, motivations and who they truly are. They are mostly interested in getting a good view of the person they are, and to see how they really think on issues and different topics. 

How does the INSEAD Kira video questions work? 

After submitting the application, the person will receive an email from Kira Talent. This email will contain a link that directs them to the platform containing the video essays. 

The applicant must sign in and start the session. They will then get four questions. The applicant has 45 seconds to brainstorm and think about the best way to answer, and exactly one minute to answer the question. Applicants cannot redo the questions and once you have recorded your answer, it is final. 

Applicants should always submit their video essay responses no more than 48 hours after the round’s deadline which are available on the INSEAD website. 

Some Kira video question samples: 

• Why INSEAD? 
• What are you expecting to lear at INSEAD?
• What are the challenges you want to accomplish at INSEAD
• What do you know about the INSEAD MBA?
• How will you respond to your team’s underperformance?
• Please describe a situation where you worked well with a person with a different opinion
• What is success for you in a career?
• What do you consider to be unethical leadership?
• When was the last time you had a disagreement over a cultural norm that led to conflict?
• How do you communicate or act to gain respect as a manager?
• Who is a manager you look up to, and why?
• How will you offer constructive feedback to a colleague?