IMD Essay Topic Analysis

The following essay topic analysis examines IMD’s MBA admissions essays for the 2023-2024 admissions season. You can also review essay topic analyses for all other leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips to further aid you in developing your admissions essays.

IMD Essay Topic Analysis 2023-2024

Let’s take a closer look at each prompt.

What other programs are you applying to? Of the programs you are applying to, what can IMD bring to you as a differentiator? (Word limit 100)
It is ok that you are applying to more than IMD, but beyond the other school names, your content here should be entirely focused on why IMD is the best option for you.  Do not waste space with a comparison game (“while School X has Y, IMD has Z”).  Instead, stay focused on what IMD has that appeals to you.

What is the most difficult decision you have had to make as a leader? (Word limit 300)
Business leaders are expected to make difficult decisions, often. Given the short word limit, a standard approach you might use for addressing this prompt is the STAR approach. You begin by describing the situation, the players, and stakeholders involved in the situation, before moving into the task: what you needed to accomplish in your role (as well as any challenges that you anticipated). You should then address your actions, providing an account of how you moved through the project or process–and what decision you ultimately made. Finally, you should comment on the result, the positive outcome of your decision and the resolution of the story. You’ll want to be sure to integrate why this decision, in particular, qualified as difficult.

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 50)
Given the short word limit here, applicants will not have room to dig deep into any outstanding issues.  It will be best to be direct and concise, and avoid making excuses.  Simply assert the issue and, if relevant, how you have addressed it or plan to address it.

Clear Admit Resources

Thanks for reading our analysis of this year’s IMD essay topics! As you work on your IMD MBA essays and application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s offerings:

• IMD School of Business Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
• Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to IMD
• Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to IMD