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Goalisb
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Cracked ISB and IIMC with a 710 GMAT: What We Learnt from This Journey 30 Apr 2025, 17:15
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At GOALisB, we recently worked with a candidate from a core operations role in the public sector who secured admit offers from both ISB PGP and IIM Calcutta MBAEX — despite scoring 710 on the GMAT.

We wanted to share the key takeaways from this journey — lessons that apply to many serious MBA applicants, especially those in technical or government-linked roles.

1. A 710 is not a dealbreaker.
This candidate was scoring 750–760 in mocks and ended up with a 710 on test day.
Rather than rushing to retake, she chose to focus on building a strong, holistic application — and that decision paid off.
Key takeaway: If your score is reasonably close to the median and your profile is strong, focus on crafting clarity and consistency in your application.

2. Introspection is non-negotiable.
Before writing even one essay, a deep introspection helped the applicant:
  • Revisit forgotten leadership moments,
  • Discover patterns in their growth,
  • Align goals to their actual experience.
Key takeaway: Don’t jump into writing essays. Reflect first — the stories will come more naturally and feel more authentic.

3. The essay process is not just writing — it’s storytelling.
By the time the essays were drafted, we had already identified which stories best represented leadership, adaptability, and future potential.
Each draft was tightened around:
  • A clear structure (challenge → action → impact),
  • Strategic alignment with goals,
  • Relevance to what ISB and IIM look for.
Key takeaway: The clarity of your story matters more than big words or a long list of achievements.

4. Interview prep is not about memorization — it’s about clarity.
Utilise mock interviews to:
  • Streamline scattered ideas into structured answers,
  • Link experience to aspirations,
  • Stay focused, yet conversational.
Key takeaway: You don’t need a perfect answer — just a coherent, believable one.

5. Prepare for the MBA — not just to get in, but to succeed.
After receiving admits, this candidate immediately began preparing for life at B-school:
Advanced Excel, Power BI, PMP prep, and management reading.
Key takeaway: The MBA starts the moment you commit. Use the downtime before classes to get ahead.


Want to read the full breakdown of this story?
We’ve published it here: 👉 Read the full ISB Admission Journey
Happy to answer questions about ISB, one-year MBA programs in India, global MBA or Masters!