Strategies to Impress Adcoms with Authentic Storytelling
                     How to Make Adcoms See 
Beyond Your Stereotype
A guide to breaking typecasts and standing out in your INSEAD 
application — by showing how you think, not just what you did.
MBA STRATEGY INSEAD
The Problem with Predictable 
Stories
Adcoms already have a mental picture of your profile before reading a single line 
— based on nationality and profession. Many applicants follow the STAR framework 
mechanically, telling predictable stories that reinforce stereotypes rather than 
challenge them.
Generic frameworks and task-focused writing limit your ability to stand 
out. Depth of thinking is what separates strong applications.
Upgrade How You Use Frameworks
When reflecting on any situation, three dimensions of thinking matter most:
Power Dynamics Risk Assessment Communication Strategy
How you read the room and How you evaluated risk — time, How you tailored your approach 
chose the right way to operate money, or credibility — for the to the culture and context you 
within it. organization. were working in.
A Story That Shows Real Thinking
When a manufacturing company moved its HQ from China to India, a young 
production manager faced a trust breakdown between two global teams. Instead 
of enforcing hierarchy, she recognized the real risk was losing credibility and 
long-term collaboration.
She facilitated an in-person workshop, enabling difficult conversations and a joint 
way of working — completely resetting team collaboration.
Most applicants omit the thinking behind the action. That thinking is 
exactly what Adcoms want to see.
Know Your Typecast — Then Counter It
Every profile carries assumptions. Awareness is the first step; proof is the second.
Tech & Finance Low GPA
Seen as analytical but lacking people skills. Show Seen as lacking seriousness. Counter with strong 
stakeholder influence and leadership without test scores, relevant courses, or clear 
authority. improvement.
Nonprofit / Impact Marketing
Seen as idealistic. Show you understand how Seen as vague. Connect actions to outcomes — did 
impact is funded, and how capital and technology sales move? Did customer behavior change?
drive change.
Age Is Not the Issue — Clarity Is
Older Applicants Younger Applicants
Show clear progression and intent. An Shift focus to impact. Show how much 
unconventional or entrepreneurial responsibility you handled early and 
path, explained well, becomes a that you've already operated beyond 
strength — not a liability. your years.
Align Your Stories to School Values
Not all schools look for the same things. Before writing a single essay, understand what each school values most.
Research First Tailor Every Story Show Self-Awareness
Some schools prioritize analytical Even strong experiences fall flat if Adcoms want clarity, impact, and 
ability; others value collaboration, they aren't aligned to what the candidates who bring diverse 
leadership, or global exposure. school explicitly values. thinking to the classroom.
What Adcoms Really Want to See
How You Think How You Operate Why You Add Value
Decision-making under ambiguity Context awareness and Unique perspective and 
and without authority. intentional, culturally-sensitive meaningful contribution to the 
action. classroom and beyond.
Get your profile evaluated — free one-to-one sessions available. Reach out to discuss your unique situation 
at mbaguideconsulting.com.