Here the answer is straightforward: if your goal is to move to MBB in ME, just stop thinking and go to INSEAD.

I am an INSEAD MBA alumni and like you, I had been admitted to Columbia (I didn't apply for MIT but I also had also been admitted to LBS) and at the time I considered INSEAD as much better in terms of network potential, quality of life, and program.
After some years, I confirm my original choice. 

There is absolutely no need to spend a period in Abu Dhabi to increase the chances to get admitted to MBBs in ME. At INSEAD you will find plenty of people from UAE, Lebanon, and Italy (that has strong links with Dubai MBB offices) and your networking opportunities will be much better than in any other option.
 

Hey there,

I'd go for INSEAD due to

• value for money
• less opportunity cost due to relatively short program
• large networks of current MBB consultants as your classmates and an even larger network of alumni in MBB

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

All of them are good schools and in all of them you'll have the chance to get interviews in the Middle East.

But Insead has a much better presence in Middle East, which may help you not only to get referrals, but also to support you in the long run in your career, if you plan on staying in the Middle East or in Europe.

Insead should also be cheaper.

Regarding brand, Columbia and Insead are a notch above, in my opinion.

So overall Insead seems to be the best option.

Hi there,

Congratulations on the MBA offers, that’s a great achievement.

Without looking at the complete numbers and simply based on the candidates I coached, I would echo Pedro, and would expect INSEAD would be the one most promising for an MBB offer in ME.

It’s also nice that it is just 12 months and thus faster and cheaper. Plus Singapore is finally opening up, which makes it possible to live the city life / meet people for real if you want to come here – for networking that’s a huge plus.

You can also easily check the numbers as follows:

1. Look for alumni of the 3 MBAs 
2. Check how many went to MBB in Dubai
3. Normalize for the size of the MBA intake

Before you apply again, I would also look for referrals. You can find some tips here:

▶ https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/networking-as-part-of-the-management-consulting-preparation-process

In case you want to know more about recent consulting industry trends, you can find more here:

▶ https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/consulting-industry-trends-2022

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Hi there,

I'd have to agree with the rest (despite my American bais!)

Given cost considerations and ME focus, Insead makes a ton of sense.

If you appreciate the 2 year program (more time to learn/network), or you want to be in the business center of the world (New York), or you are really interested in the intersect of business and data analytics (MIT), then you might not go for Insead. But, apart from those reasons, Insead is the clear winner!

Completely agree with other coaches..INSEAD is the best choice in this case. All the best.