Calling all ISB Applicants - (2016 Intake) Class of 2017 : ISB

Can someone pls post this year's essays.

Essay Topics:

Essay 1:
If we were to admit just one more student, make a compelling argument as to why that student should be you by describing an (only one) achievement in your personal / professional life that you are most proud of. What did you do that sets you apart from others? What did you learn?
(400 words max)

Essay 2:
Describe a (only one) defining moment in your personal / professional life when you had to make a risky decision, and explain what you did, why and the outcome?
or
Describe a (only one) situation in your personal / professional life when you had to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. How did it affect you and what did you learn?
(300 words max)

Essay 3:
What are your post ISB career plans and how will your past experiences and the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) contribute to taking you there?
(300 words max)

Essay 4 (Optional):
Please use this space to explain any career breaks / provide any other information not covered elsewhere in the application that could significantly impact your candidature at ISB.
Note: It is not necessary to write this essay. Please use this space only if there is something really significant that you would like us to know.
(200 words max)

For the Reapplicants, there is one more required essay:
Re-applicant essay:

Hi everyone...
First of all this is to say that all of the people here seem to be really dedicated and selfless helpers. Many thanks for that.
I'm an aspirant for ISB-PGP Intake of 2016 (Class of 2017).

I've recently taken the GMAT and scored a 690 (Q48, V35, IR7). I hope to get some vital help from the members here.
To start, please suggest whether 690 is enough for admissions or should I retake the GMAT before starting my application. If my profile is needed to be known, I can share that too.

There are many more queries but I thought to start with this one.

Your advises would be really helpful to me.

Thanks in anticipation.

abhigulani wrote:Hi everyone...
First of all this is to say that all of the people here seem to be really dedicated and selfless helpers. Many thanks for that.
I'm an aspirant for ISB-PGP Intake of 2016 (Class of 2017).

I've recently taken the GMAT and scored a 690 (Q48, V35, IR7). I hope to get some vital help from the members here.
To start, please suggest whether 690 is enough for admissions or should I retake the GMAT before starting my application. If my profile is needed to be known, I can share that too.

There are many more queries but I thought to start with this one.

Your advises would be really helpful to me.

Thanks in anticipation.

Hi abhigulani,

It actually depends on your Work ex and educational background. If you are from the traditional Engg background and especially in IT, then i guess 690 isnt great. I have a 710 but wasnt invited for an interview also(could have been because of my average GPA, bad essays etc..) . You still have time so I would advice you to go again for the GMAT and apply. This is just my opinion.

EbadAsh

Thanks a lot for the advise EbadAsh.

Actually, I'm an electrical engineer with good academics. I really want to retake the GMAT but I fear if I spend another couple of months I may rush through my application process as majority suggest that it takes about a trimester to build a strong application.

Btw, I'm new at this forum and its really nice and motivating to see one's posts being replied so positively.

Thanks all.

ISB Co2017 application is announced. The dates are delayed compared to previous year.

More :
https://pgpapp.isb.edu/user/KeyDates.html

Application Portal:
https://pgpapp.isb.edu/user/default.aspx

All the best.

abhigulani wrote:Thanks a lot for the advise EbadAsh.

Actually, I'm an electrical engineer with good academics. I really want to retake the GMAT but I fear if I spend another couple of months I may rush through my application process as majority suggest that it takes about a trimester to build a strong application.

Btw, I'm new at this forum and its really nice and motivating to see one's posts being replied so positively.

Thanks all.

The indian pool is quite competitive. Higher GMAT score will not guarantee admits nor lower score decreases chances of the admit.

ISB admission to be frankly, has changed a little bit and they are concentrating more on the profile and marketability than "score". If you can, take the test. Higher GMAT score will never hurt you and increases the chances of getting in. This year, admission for incoming class 2015, there are lot of people called who had their scores in the range of 670-700. But if you want peace of mind, better increase it to make 700+ .

abhigulani wrote:Thanks a lot for the advise EbadAsh.

Actually, I'm an electrical engineer with good academics. I really want to retake the GMAT but I fear if I spend another couple of months I may rush through my application process as majority suggest that it takes about a trimester to build a strong application.

Btw, I'm new at this forum and its really nice and motivating to see one's posts being replied so positively.

Thanks all.

A better GMAT score will only enhance your application. You still have sufficient time for the application. Maybe giving a GMAT 2 months from now is not such a bad idea. Anyway its upto you and how you intend to proceed with it.

All the best.

kinjiGC wrote:

abhigulani wrote:Thanks a lot for the advise EbadAsh.

Actually, I'm an electrical engineer with good academics. I really want to retake the GMAT but I fear if I spend another couple of months I may rush through my application process as majority suggest that it takes about a trimester to build a strong application.

Btw, I'm new at this forum and its really nice and motivating to see one's posts being replied so positively.

Thanks all.

The indian pool is quite competitive. Higher GMAT score will not guarantee admits nor lower score decreases chances of the admit.

ISB admission to be frankly, has changed a little bit and they are concentrating more on the profile and marketability than "score". If you can, take the test. Higher GMAT score will never hurt you and increases the chances of getting in. This year, admission for incoming class 2015, there are lot of people called who had their scores in the range of 670-700. But if you want peace of mind, better increase it to make 700+ .

That's a nice thought actually. I've started to re-prepare for the test, if at least, to improve the odds in favor.
Btw, the number of recommendations this year is 1 (I suppose it used to be 2) if i'm not wrong.

A brain teaser for all: what should a person do about his/her evaluations if he has issues with his boss... what can be other options???

Hi,

I have scored 710 on my first attempt at GMAT(Q51 V34) and aiming for ISB. However I have a GPA of only 2.8. Other than that I have engineering background from IIT and good 10 12 marks. Do you think I have a chance in getting a call and converting it due to my low GPA? Or do I need to score more to compensate it? I have 3 years work ex in consulting.

abhigulani wrote:A brain teaser for all: what should a person do about his/her evaluations if he has issues with his boss... what can be other options???

You can have your seniors in the project as the recommenders or may be the client ...

swagnikb wrote:Hi,

I have scored 710 on my first attempt at GMAT(Q51 V34) and aiming for ISB. However I have a GPA of only 2.8. Other than that I have engineering background from IIT and good 10 12 marks. Do you think I have a chance in getting a call and converting it due to my low GPA? Or do I need to score more to compensate it? I have 3 years work ex in consulting.

Given your background, I think you are good to go and there is no need for the retake.
Higher GMAT scores are typically needed for the people from the IT backgrounds.
You have many differentiating factors already. IIT brand, work ex in consulting. Focus on the application now.

Also, what is your CGPA on the scale of 10?
I think by putting it as 2.8, your being too harsh on yourself

Hi,
In for R1.
Thanks
Celestial

Hi,

I gave the GMAT and scored a 710 (Q-49/V-35). My GPA is 3.5 and I have done my engineering in IT. I currently have a work ex of 24 months in Testing in the IT Industry. I am targeting ISB Class of 2017. Is there a need for me to give the GMAT again?

Hello All !!!!

I am a mechanical engineer working in Engineering Services (Aerospace Sector) for 3 years. I gave my GMAT with 1-1.5 months preparation and ended up with a shocker 630 ......
Planning for a retake.

I have 2 queries:-

1.) How much is the GMAT cutoff for Non-IT Engineers (Mech,Civil) (on an avg)??
2.) Is it better to apply first time without international work-ex under your belt. I ll most probably travel to UK this year for 6-8 months. So is it better to come back and apply next year first time ?? or apply without international work experience??

ankurgupta03 wrote:

abhigulani wrote:A brain teaser for all: what should a person do about his/her evaluations if he has issues with his boss... what can be other options???

You can have your seniors in the project as the recommenders or may be the client ...

Thnx Ankur.

I'll search for some people of that sort... btw just to let u knw i've started to prepare for the retake... i hope to continue getting ur humble advises..

Cadaver wrote:Hello All !!!!

I am a mechanical engineer working in Engineering Services (Aerospace Sector) for 3 years. I gave my GMAT with 1-1.5 months preparation and ended up with a shocker 630 ......
Planning for a retake.

I have 2 queries:-

1.) How much is the GMAT cutoff for Non-IT Engineers (Mech,Civil) (on an avg)??
1.) Is it better to apply first time without international work-ex under your belt. I ll most probably travel to UK this year for 6-8 months. So is it better to come back and apply next year first time ?? or apply without international work experience??

Cadaver,

1. There is no specific cutoff for non-IT engineers. In general, aim for a score of 680+, and 700+ to feel even more comfortable.
2. International experience is not a huge factor at ISB, though it can help. In case you feel you are ready to apply this year (after retaking the GMAT), you can go ahead this year itself. Working in a niche sector (Aerospace) will help you as well.

Feel free to come back with more queries on this/other aspects. Happy to help.

Hi,
How to scale GPA on 4.My GPA is 6.51 on 10.