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

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ConncarERA

Joined: 10 Oct 2014

Last visit: 19 May 2016

Posts: 23

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Location: United States

Concentration: Technology, Strategy

Schools: ISB '17 (WL) Tepper '17 (D) Johnson '17 (D) Duke '17 (D) Ross '17 Insead Sept '16 Tuck '17

WE:Research (Telecommunications)

Schools: ISB '17 (WL) Tepper '17 (D) Johnson '17 (D) Duke '17 (D) Ross '17 Insead Sept '16 Tuck '17

Posts: 23

Kudos: 13

24 Feb 2016, 22:31

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Hi,

I am kind of stuck in a scenario to pick between the 2 schools. I have interviewed for ISB and eagerly awaiting results on March 5th. In the meanwhile, I just received an offer from NUS, Singapore and my decision is to be made by the 4th of March (1 day before the ISB decision). Would appreciate your inputs on making this decision and also wanted to find out if it is okay to write to ISB and ask them for some direction and this could be a major decision by just 1 day.

Any inputs are much appreciated. Thanks

RW911

Joined: 17 Feb 2015

Last visit: 28 Nov 2016

Posts: 19

Own Kudos:

[1]

Given Kudos: 25

Location: India

GMAT 1: 680 Q47 V37 Verified score

GMAT 2: 710 Q48 V38 Verified score

WE:Other (Finance: Investment Banking)

GMAT 2: 710 Q48 V38 Verified score

Posts: 19

Kudos: 6

[1]

25 Feb 2016, 01:02

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ConncarERA

I remember asking this during my inquiry calls. I was able to eke out a "yes" from their rep. when I asked them if they would convey their decision a bit in advance if it were necessary. But my interview date itself is only on 28th, so I don't think it would matter much to me.

In my personal opinion, you should ask them. All the best.

ConncarERA

Joined: 10 Oct 2014

Last visit: 19 May 2016

Posts: 23

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Location: United States

Concentration: Technology, Strategy

Schools: ISB '17 (WL) Tepper '17 (D) Johnson '17 (D) Duke '17 (D) Ross '17 Insead Sept '16 Tuck '17

WE:Research (Telecommunications)

Schools: ISB '17 (WL) Tepper '17 (D) Johnson '17 (D) Duke '17 (D) Ross '17 Insead Sept '16 Tuck '17

Posts: 23

Kudos: 13

25 Feb 2016, 19:40

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Thanks for the info. I wrote to ISB to find out what the status is. Now its up to them.

swatkat

Joined: 03 May 2014

Last visit: 12 Mar 2017

Posts: 7

Given Kudos: 8

WE:Management Consulting (Telecommunications)

Posts: 7

Kudos: 0

26 Feb 2016, 03:03

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Hi!

I was going to apply for Class of 2019 for ISB under the EEO.

Profile :
10th-90%, 12th-95%
Graduation - Bachelors in Economics with Honors, DU (2015 batch) (74%)

Work ex : Telecom Consulting (close to a year) at Big 4
Co-curriculars : Fest, NGO,Magazine Editor, NSS, etc

What score do I need on the GMAT ?

kunalarora23

ISB School Moderator

Joined: 29 Dec 2014

Last visit: 13 Mar 2021

Posts: 73

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 6

Concentration: Finance, Strategy

Schools: LBS MIF '17 Insead July'17 ISB '17 (D) Rotman '18

GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34 Verified score

Schools: LBS MIF '17 Insead July'17 ISB '17 (D) Rotman '18

GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34 Verified score

Posts: 73

Kudos: 38

26 Feb 2016, 04:36

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swatkat

Hi,

There in nothing known as 'Ideal GMAT Score'. There is a very broad range for ISB admits/shortlisted candidates (ranges from as low as 600 to as high as 780). Just remember, it is one piece of the whole puzzle. Given that you acads are good, you can get away with slightly lower GMAT score. So try to give your best shot.

Wish you luck!

swatkat

Joined: 03 May 2014

Last visit: 12 Mar 2017

Posts: 7

Given Kudos: 8

WE:Management Consulting (Telecommunications)

Posts: 7

Kudos: 0

26 Feb 2016, 05:54

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kunalarora23

swatkat

Thank you Kunal!

Also, are there any negative marks for the work profile you have? Do they prefer people from elite consulting firms over big4? (Sounds like a stupid question, but I heard someone say this so just needed to confirm)

kunalarora23

ISB School Moderator

Joined: 29 Dec 2014

Last visit: 13 Mar 2021

Posts: 73

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 6

Concentration: Finance, Strategy

Schools: LBS MIF '17 Insead July'17 ISB '17 (D) Rotman '18

GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34 Verified score

Schools: LBS MIF '17 Insead July'17 ISB '17 (D) Rotman '18

GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34 Verified score

Posts: 73

Kudos: 38

26 Feb 2016, 06:06

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swatkat

kunalarora23

swatkat

Thank you Kunal!

Its all relative buddy. Of course work experience with a stronger brand name is better. Same as the case with engineering from IIT vs from non-IIT (an example). Being said that, as I mentioned earlier as well, there are a lot of things at play simultaneously while evaluating one's profile. Institute like ISB takes an holistic approach. In my view, there should not be any 'negative' marks for your association with Big 4 audit firms.

shyamnambiar

Joined: 24 May 2015

Last visit: 22 Nov 2017

Posts: 174

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 103

Status:Alumnus & GSB Prez - ISB Co17

Affiliations: PMI

Concentration: Leadership, Strategy

Schools: Schulich Sept"18 (A) ISB '17 (M) Kenan-Flagler '18 (A)

GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38 Verified score

GPA: 3.9

WE:Operations (Aerospace and Defense)

Products:

Schools: Schulich Sept"18 (A) ISB '17 (M) Kenan-Flagler '18 (A)

GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38 Verified score

Posts: 174

Kudos: 47

26 Feb 2016, 06:07

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ConncarERA

ISB does not give out decisions (usually) before the decision date. However, there is nothing to lose in asking!

shyamnambiar

Joined: 24 May 2015

Last visit: 22 Nov 2017

Posts: 174

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 103

Status:Alumnus & GSB Prez - ISB Co17

Affiliations: PMI

Concentration: Leadership, Strategy

Schools: Schulich Sept"18 (A) ISB '17 (M) Kenan-Flagler '18 (A)

GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38 Verified score

GPA: 3.9

WE:Operations (Aerospace and Defense)

Products:

Schools: Schulich Sept"18 (A) ISB '17 (M) Kenan-Flagler '18 (A)

GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38 Verified score

Posts: 174

Kudos: 47

26 Feb 2016, 06:12

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kunalarora23

swatkat

I'd say, target a scoreof between 700-730 to be really comfortable. It is not difficult with the requisite preparation.
It is rare to get through with less than 680, unless you have really outstanding facets at work to boast of. Your 10th and 12th scores are good, but Graduation % is not too great.
Hope the frank answer helps you.

chandrae

Joined: 02 Jul 2015

Last visit: 09 May 2016

Posts: 16

Own Kudos:

203

Given Kudos: 45

Posts: 16

Kudos: 203

26 Feb 2016, 06:16

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Hi, have been trying to get in touch with current students at ISB in relation to few clarifications about my career goals etc.and about life at campus...which is the best way I could reach out to any of them?

kunalarora23

ISB School Moderator

Joined: 29 Dec 2014

Last visit: 13 Mar 2021

Posts: 73

Own Kudos:

[2]

Given Kudos: 6

Concentration: Finance, Strategy

Schools: LBS MIF '17 Insead July'17 ISB '17 (D) Rotman '18

GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34 Verified score

Schools: LBS MIF '17 Insead July'17 ISB '17 (D) Rotman '18

GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34 Verified score

Posts: 73

Kudos: 38

[2]

27 Feb 2016, 02:32

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chandrae

Hey,

Best way is to find some one in your social circle. Another way is to connect through LinkedIn.

Also, you can try the ISB Student Connect thing (Link: https://www.isb.edu/pgp/student-connect). I have not tried the student connect thing but looks good. You can actually check the past experience and industry of the current students and then connect with whom so ever you want to as per your goals/interests.

chandrae

Joined: 02 Jul 2015

Last visit: 09 May 2016

Posts: 16

Own Kudos:

203

Given Kudos: 45

Posts: 16

Kudos: 203

27 Feb 2016, 09:49

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I tried via student connect but did not get a reply...so am looking for other ways..may be I should look in LinkedIn...thanks ..will try.

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pheonix157

Joined: 05 Oct 2014

Last visit: 02 Mar 2016

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

27 Feb 2016, 21:37

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Hi

I gave my GMAT in Oct'15 and secured a score of 700 . I applied to ISB schools for round 2. Unfortunately , I did not even get interview call. I was told and I feel my profile wasn't really bad(If I can say so)

. Right now, I am just not able to understand where I went wrong.
It would be of immense help if anyone could review my essays .
Please PM me.

Thanks in advance!

saikiransomala

Joined: 10 Apr 2015

Last visit: 18 Apr 2016

Posts: 60

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 101

Location: India

Concentration: Healthcare, Strategy

Schools: HKU'16 (D) ISB '17 (D) CEIBS '18 (A) CUHK '17 (A)

GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34 Verified score

GPA: 2.4

WE:Marketing (Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)

Products:

Schools: HKU'16 (D) ISB '17 (D) CEIBS '18 (A) CUHK '17 (A)

GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34 Verified score

Posts: 60

Kudos: 22

27 Feb 2016, 21:43

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Hi pheonix157,

Relax. Try to chalk out your entire career roadmap and then apply for Round 1 2018.

Scan your strengths and add a new dimension to your profile in this year. Start working towards this and build the application.

Good luck.

Posted from my mobile device

mindsprout

Joined: 24 Feb 2015

Last visit: 09 Mar 2016

Posts: 7

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Given Kudos: 22

Posts: 7

Kudos: 33

28 Feb 2016, 12:49

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Hi,

I am getting really stressed over here, got over with my interview last Friday, but mine seemed to be a stress interview, they were not smiling and one of the panelist didn't smiled at all to me

From what I saw on these last few pages, those who went through stress interview were rejected in the end.

Any suggestions?

chandrae

Joined: 02 Jul 2015

Last visit: 09 May 2016

Posts: 16

Own Kudos:

203

Given Kudos: 45

Posts: 16

Kudos: 203

28 Feb 2016, 22:39

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Lot of them in the same situation.Just hold on for couple of more days.Results,will be out,it is very tough to predict if we would be selected/ rejected based on the faces of recruiters.Try to chill!!!I agree it's a tough phase,but no choice...

Posted from my mobile device

Buckeye2304

Joined: 07 Mar 2014

Last visit: 01 Jan 2018

Posts: 191

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 15

Concentration: Leadership, Finance

Schools: Fisher '19 (A)

GPA: 3.8

WE:Information Technology (Consulting)

Products:

Schools: Fisher '19 (A)

Posts: 191

Kudos: 41

28 Feb 2016, 22:43

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Need an expert comment!
I was a Round 1 applicant and denied after interview. Before Gmat I was clear that I wanted to MBA in finance(I've been working in BFS domain for close to 6 years now), but as I went through the process, and suggested by many(Current students, alumnus, consultants) that the obvious path for me would be to get into consulting. And so I stated consulting in my essays. However, I was not confident about and probably that reflected in my interviews.

I would be taking my GMAT again as 680 did not help me either. I wanted to know if I change my career goals this time, will it go against me and would it be fair to mention that I got swayed by opinions for choosing consultancy?

Thanks in advance!

saikiransomala

Joined: 10 Apr 2015

Last visit: 18 Apr 2016

Posts: 60

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 101

Location: India

Concentration: Healthcare, Strategy

Schools: HKU'16 (D) ISB '17 (D) CEIBS '18 (A) CUHK '17 (A)

GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34 Verified score

GPA: 2.4

WE:Marketing (Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)

Products:

Schools: HKU'16 (D) ISB '17 (D) CEIBS '18 (A) CUHK '17 (A)

GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34 Verified score

Posts: 60

Kudos: 22

28 Feb 2016, 22:46

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Hi mindsprout,

How did you realize it was a stress interview?

Even if it was one, they would definitely like to look how cool and composed you are.

Do not go by what has happened with others.

Just relax and stay normal.

Sai

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akceeMBA

Joined: 28 Apr 2015

Last visit: 03 May 2016

Posts: 24

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 7

Schools: Yale '18 (D) Goizueta '18 (D) McDonough '18 (A) Duke Fuqua (D) Ross '18 (D) Rotman '18 (A$) ISB '17 (A)

Posts: 24

Kudos: 5

29 Feb 2016, 00:32

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Souvilibra,

I'm no expert, however, IMHO it reflects extremely poorly if someone says they were swayed by others' opinions. You will receive several opinions during the MBA and get pulled in 100 different directions but its your conviction/direction/focus which will lead to your success (isn't it?). So if you say you were swayed even before entering an MBA it reflects poorly.

Please note, this is not an answer to "should I change my career goals" but rather to "what would an adcom perceive if I wrote I was swayed by others' opinions"

Cheers,
akcee

souvilibra

Buckeye2304

Joined: 07 Mar 2014

Last visit: 01 Jan 2018

Posts: 191

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 15

Concentration: Leadership, Finance

Schools: Fisher '19 (A)

GPA: 3.8

WE:Information Technology (Consulting)

Products:

Schools: Fisher '19 (A)

Posts: 191

Kudos: 41

29 Feb 2016, 00:50

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akceeMBA

Thanks man, yeah I get that! Basically, I did not make myself clear here.
I wanted to understand whether changing career goals would be the right thing since they must be having access to my previous essays(Obviously I wont be mentioning why I am changing goals, unless I am asked, that too probably in interviews).
I mean changing goals every year in essays will obviously be dangerous, or it wont? That's my question!
For me, yes I was anxious to get an admit, and after listening to many people and reading thousands of stories, I thought it would be better to go the obvious way. But I realized that its not what I want after round 1 and corrected myself in round 2 applications. Well we all make wrong decisions, don't we?