Both are amazing options, so you really cannot go wrong. 

I doubt that your life will go significantly differently based on the brand of one rather than the other. 

I tend to prefer things that challenge me, so if I were you, I'd go for INSEAD. But if you think you'd be more comfortable at HEC, then go for that one. 

I've had candidates from both who went on to get offers across consulting so I can confirm that both schools are amazing. 

Here's also an article I wrote with a framework for deciding whether to go for an MBA and which one specifically:

• Expert Guide: Are MBAs worth it?

Best,
Cristian

Please don't undermine our self at settle for less. 

Yes, it can be intensive, but a lot of your colleagues won't be working that hard… and usually people on the bottom 5% are not really trying…. if you were accepted, you have what it takes to be successful.

If you are worried, start preparing now (learn excel, powerpoint, take some accounting and marketing courses). But please don't take a worse option just because you are afraid.

By the way, EYP, OW, Kearney won't be easier… 

Hi there,

Q: May I seek your advise on choosing MBA, as INSEAD, HEC Paris and IESE have accepted me? 

For consulting, INSEAD has the strongest brand name.

I would recommend checking the past performance of the MBA in terms of placement to understand what could work better given your goals.

You can check it as follows:

1. Go to LinkedIn
2. Add the universities as "School", one by one (if possible, target the MBA only)
3. Filter by each MBB/target company as “Current company” for your target geography
4. Check how many school alumni joined your target firms
5. Normalize for the size of the MBA intake (if available)

Good luck!

Francesco

No sure why every coach is saying “both” where there are 3. Maybe they're not truly reading :)

If it were me?

I would pick INSEAD followed by IESE followed by HEC.

INSEAD just has such a strong brand that I would suck it up for a year…I mean, do you really think MBB/consulting will be any easier?

If you're honestly worried about hard work/stress, reconsider going into consulting!

Again, I'm saying what I would do. Proper advice requires me to actually know/understand your values + goals!

Hi there,

INSEAD 100% (though I am obviously biased) - it is better than all the other schools you mentioned on all criteria. Please don't worry about the academics as most people who fail (bottom 5%) is due to lack of effort or other personal reasons. Hope this helps. 

Cheers,
David