Calling all ISB PGP Applicants - (2023 Intake) Class of 2024 : ISB - Page 382

Hello,

If you are already focusing on scoring high on the GMAT why not go ahead and prepare for the CAT as well. From what you have mentioned here, there is no signal that you should not apply to ISB or that it is a waste of time. It is competitive for sure. If you lack extracurriculars, now is a good time to add it. Given the critical nature of this decision, it is pragmatic to research all options that you are eligible for, given your criteria and prepare to apply to them. Writing the CAT exam will open up a lot of options for you to apply to business schools in India (at 2 years of experience), which do not accept the GMAT score.

All the best!

Fforbarca wrote:Hi all
Can someone guide me should i even try prepaing for isb or am i wasting my time and go for cat again.
Please be as honest as possible.
10th 9.2
12th 84
Ug engineering 70 (tier1)
Workex 2 years mnc got best performer here
Extracurricular close to nil
Can a high gmat score compensate or should i focus on cat.
Thanks!

MHBS wrote:I am planning for ISB 2024. I will be having work exp of 7 years by june 2024. 10th - 92%, btech in Eee from NIT with 9.28 CGPA. I am working in product based MNCs. Could someone please tell me what does ISB look at some one with 6 to 7 years of exp. And what can be the extra curricular activities required.

Hi MHBS

Irrespective of your age or years of work experience these are the key aspects business schools (including ISB) look for in MBA/PGP candidates-
1. Proof of career progression:
Perhaps the most important criterion on an MBA application. You want to show your growth trajectory over the years. B-Schools will view your promotions and incremental work responsibilities as a sign of your potential. Even for applicants with only 2 years of full-time experience, demonstrating growth with progressive responsibilities in short term projects can help them show the breadth and depth of knowledge to the schools and ace a top admit. Therefore this one is really key.

2. Clarity on goals:
Employability is a big factor when it comes to handing out admits to potential students. Schools may not admit or list this as an official criterion, but they surely question whether each applicant, if granted an admit, would be able to achieve his or her objective out of an MBA/PGP program. Even at ISB, of all the questions asked in the PGP interviews, the question about applying to ISB PGP is the most important. Failure to describe PGP-justifying goals is a common mistake made by PGP rejects.

You can read more about this here - https://gmatclub.com/forum/fail-proof-s ... l#p3120560

3. Proof of leadership potential and good people skills:
Your personal narrative essays and your resume can serve as a repository of your accomplishments, breakthroughs, and challenges at each stage of your career to demonstrate your leadership potential. Highlight evidence of uniting people behind a common goal, utilizing the talents of others, motivating teams, developing a vision, challenging the status quo, identifying and solving new problems, or prioritizing the organization's needs over personal interests.

4. Academic inclination:
A decent academic background is important. A low GPA can create problems. But since your academic trajectory has been good, you need not worry. But you need to attain a decent score on GMAT / GRE that shows consistency in your academic aptitude. Irrespective of whether you are from an elite or non-elite undergrad college, you should highlight accomplishments during your undergraduate years that identify you as an academically focused individual. Mention scholarships, exceptional GPAs, awards such as hackathons or case competitions, and leadership positions you held during your college time.

5. Extracurricular activities:
While it is good to show some hobbies or interests and community service in your application, do not feel nervous if you are unable to recall any recent engagements. You can also look for unusual themes in your profile that schools do not automatically associate with your profession. For example, a P&L manager of an FMCG business started her first job as a teacher for school children. A brand manager at an E-commerce company had a gap year on his resume during which he became a yoga instructor. Look for unique experiences, distinctive hobbies, or travel experiences that balance the predictability of your professional profile. In my experience, I have seen that applicants usually do not realize in early stages of application how they have contributed to their community. It could take a little introspection to unravel it all.

Feel free email us as mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com should you need to discuss your profile in detail.

Best wishes
MBAGuide Consulting
+91 9971200927

How important is it to focus on the Integrated Reasoning section since it does not affect the score?