You Don’t Need to Be a Genius to Get into INSEAD, Oxbridge or LBS – Here’s Why

Think you’re not “good enough” for a top MBA? Let me tell you something: auch dort kochen sie nur mit Wasser. (German for : They put their pants on one leg at a time there too, just like everyone else.)

I studied at Yale and Cambridge (and was accepted to several other top programs) with a GPA of 3.3 from a completely average undergrad institution and a GRE score of 320 — nothing that screams “superstar” on paper. What made the difference? Hard work, a clear story, and a strategic approach to my application.

The truth is: students at top MBA programs aren’t all geniuses. Most are simply focused and driven individuals who know how to play to their strengths and pursue their goals with purpose. You don’t need to be perfect — you need to be authentic, strategic, and well-prepared.

At both Yale and Cambridge, I met some truly brilliant minds — but also plenty of average, and frankly, even below-average students. What united them wasn’t raw intellect — it was that they knew what they were doing and were willing to put in the work.

What I want to tell you is this: getting into a top MBA is possible for almost anyone. It’s not about being a genius or having a flawless résumé — it’s about planning ahead, being intentional, and showing commitment.

And here’s a bonus: top European MBA programs are more accessible than many think. Unlike the ultra-competitive US schools, admission rates at places like IE, ESMT, Oxford, or INSEAD often hover around 30% or higher.

So if you've been doubting whether you're “MBA material” — stop. You are. You just need the right support to tell your story.