Law graduate with KPMG consulting experience and a 325 GRE, targeting a 2027 MBA at INSEAD or HEC to recruit into McKinsey Middle East (Dubai).

Hi there,

You have a strong starting profile. A 325 GRE is competitive for both INSEAD and HEC, and your law background combined with consulting experience, especially in ESG, will be viewed as differentiated. By 2027, the key will be showing clear impact and progression in your role.

INSEAD is the best fit for your goals given its program length and strong McKinsey Middle East pipeline. HEC is also viable, and you may want to consider LBS or IESE as additional options within your constraints.

Recruiting into McKinsey Middle East, particularly Dubai, is realistic from INSEAD and LBS and achievable from HEC with strong networking and case prep. Prior consulting experience will be a plus.

Best,
Evelina

Your GRE is good. But your experience is scattered. Brief litigation, two months in one team, then a quick switch. That looks like bouncing around, not growing. Admissions and McKinsey both notice this.

McKinsey Dubai is not easy. They hire small numbers from European MBAs. Everyone wants Dubai. You need a real reason for why the Middle East, not just "it is growing."

One thing in your favor: ESG is hot right now. If you build real expertise there over the next two years, that helps you stand out.

My advice: stop switching. Stay put. Do work that matters. Get on real projects. By 2027, you need a clear story of impact in one place. Not a resume that looks undecided.

INSEAD is a good target for your goals. HEC works too. Also look at Cambridge Judge and LBS if they fit your timeline.

The path is there. But what you do between now and 2027 matters more than which school you pick.

hey there :)

Your background puts you in a solid position overall. A 325 GRE is well within range for both INSEAD and HEC, and the mix of law plus consulting, especially with an ESG focus, gives you a profile that stands out. What will really matter over the next year or two is demonstrating tangible impact, responsibility and a clear story for why consulting and why McKinsey. INSEAD aligns extremely well with your timeline and has a very strong track record for McKinsey Middle East placements, while HEC is also a credible option. You could also look at schools like LBS or IESE given your program length preference. Recruiting into McKinsey Middle East from these schools is definitely achievable, particularly from INSEAD, and your prior consulting exposure will help if paired with strong networking and case preparation. Happy to discuss this further if helpful.

best,
Alessa :)

Overall, that's a great plan. 

If I were you though, I would attempt to apply directly to MBB Dubai every year until you actually graduate from the MBA program. 

Why? 

Because I believe that with the right application package and performance during the interviews you could get in without the MBA. 

You might want to read this material:

• • Expert Guide: Are MBAs worth it?

If you want to do an MBA, indeed, those are the right schools. But I would also include ESADE, IESE, LBS, and a few others. Apply to at least 5. 

And yes, MBB ME does recruit directly from some of these schools. I've had this situation with several candidates.

Best,
Cristian

This is a great, highly focused plan, and you have correctly identified the two best non-US programs for the Dubai consulting track.

The honest assessment is that your foundation is good—law, KPMG, and a solid GRE score (325 is competitive, though not guaranteed)—but your current timeline presents the most immediate challenge. For a 2027 application, the admissions committee at INSEAD or HEC needs to see deep, impactful career progression, typically 4–6 years of quality pre-MBA experience. You are currently light on tenure and show multiple quick moves, which the adcom will question. The next three years must be dedicated to establishing concrete impact and achieving at least one significant promotion within KPMG to signal genuine high-potential leadership. Focus on differentiating your ESG and Legal combination; that specificity is an advantage.

Regarding the McKinsey Middle East goal, you couldn't pick two better schools globally than INSEAD and HEC Paris. They are massive feeders into the GCC. However, this office is exceptionally competitive and focuses heavily on long-term commitment and regional affinity. Your recruiting success will rely less on your past experience and more on achieving distinction within your MBA program and demonstrating a clear, compelling reason why Dubai is your long-term landing spot. Be prepared to compete not just on consulting skills but also on genuine cultural fit.

To hedge your bets while maintaining the time constraint, consider adding LBS (London Business School) to your targets. While its flagship is a 21-month program, they offer significant flexibility to graduate earlier (15 or 18 months), which fits your requirement. LBS is arguably the strongest pipeline into Middle East Strategy consulting among all European schools and offers excellent visibility and networking opportunities with the Dubai offices early on. Use the next 36 months to secure a high-impact promotion, refine the narrative around your career transitions, and then apply from a position of strength.

All the best!

Hi there,

With the information you've shared so far, there is no reason for you to be rejected from said schools. Please note that depending on the school, there are also other specific qualities that they are looking for. For example, INSEAD requires international exposure. So while there is no "red flag" to not be accepted, it does not mean you will be accepted as you must demonstrate the other qualities.

These are both good schools that feed into MBB. Again, just because you go into one of these schools does not mean you're guaranteed a seat at MBB. You still have to perform in interviews.