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All the best to all aspirants for the class of 2020 ! The application journey has begun and I am sure you will have an awesome learning experience throughout the application process. Remember, MBA applications are more about understanding yourself, your goals and your qualities than anything else. And, in case you need any help just DM me.

- Nishant

Admits - ISB (co 2019), McCombs - UT, Austin (co 2020), Kenan-Flagler -UNC (co 2020).
Joining - McCombs School of Business.
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Finally we have everything required for the application process!

I have updated the first post of this thread with all the details. Let me know if you guys want any more info added there

All the best ! :-)
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Hi,
Thanks for the post.
One query about R2 application, For R2 GMAT test will be taken before which date? I'm planning in Sept 1st week, is it valid?

Thanks & Regards:
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mgundrapu
Hi,
Thanks for the post.
One query about R2 application, For R2 GMAT test will be taken before which date? I'm planning in Sept 1st week, is it valid?

Thanks & Regards:

If you are planning to apply in R2, you can take the GMAT just before the R2 deadline I.e. 15th dec. But your application(along with all documents, recommendations) should be submitted on/before the R2 deadline

Posted from my mobile device
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mgundrapu
Hi,
Thanks for the post.
One query about R2 application, For R2 GMAT test will be taken before which date? I'm planning in Sept 1st week, is it valid?

Thanks & Regards:

The latest you can take the GMAT before any round is the deadline of that round. So, for R1, you can take the GMAT latest by Sep 15, and for R2 by Dec 15. Report the unofficial score you will get from the test center in the ISB app, and have Pearson send your official scores to the school too, as they must be received within 15 days of each deadline.

In case you are on track for taking the GMAT by Sep 1st week, you can even plan to apply for Round 1, provided you can work on your application a bit beforehand.
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Here's my take on the essay topics for this year, based on my own experience of successfully applying to ISB.

Essay 1: At ISB we value diversity as it enhances both the in-class and out of class learning experience. Tell us how would you contribute to the same? (400 words max)

This essay is slightly differently worded this year but the crux remains the same. It is essentially asking you to list down your qualities, experiences, challenges, and learnings that makes you a valuable addition to the student pool. It's a wonderful opportunity for you to showcase your strengths ( or even the learnings from your shortcomings), but remember it shouldn't sound that you are bragging.

Essay 2: Enrolling in a Business School is an important career decision. Critically look at your career to date, the choices you have made, the key influences behind those choices, your goals for the future and how do you think ISB's PGP can help you in achieving your goals? (300 words max)

This is the typical B-School 'Goals' essay. You should be fairly specific when answering this prompt. The key here is to form a logically coherent story that links your previous experiences to your post MBA goals with strong reasons for this linkage. Then you should clearly state what role does the school have in helping you achieve your goals.

I hope this helps you get started with the essays. For any further assistance just PM me !

All the best!

-Nishant

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Kenan-Flagler -UNC (co 2020) - 75% Scholarship.

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I have a query. If anyone applied last year and didnt get through (not even an interview), what would happen if they just applied this year as a first time applicant? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages (if any)? ?
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chaitu2424
I have a query. If anyone applied last year and didnt get through (not even an interview), what would happen if they just applied this year as a first time applicant? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages (if any)? ?
Hi chaitu2424, I would definitely not suggest that you apply as a first time candidate. It's not about advantages/disadvantages.

In other words, it's not a question of Strategy, but of propriety.
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ZenYogi
Are the essay question(s) out yet?
Hi ZenYoti, the essay questions are out.

Essay 1: At ISB we value diversity as it enhances both the in-class and out of class learning experience. Tell us how would you contribute to the same? (400 words max).

Essay 2: Enrolling in a Business School is an important career decision. Critically look at your career to date, the choices you have made, the key influences behind those choices, your goals for the future and how do you think ISB's PGP can help you in achieving your goals? (300 words max)

Apart from this, re-applicants need to attempt a third essay on their profile improvement, since the last application.

You can read here about our essay analysis and approach to the essays.
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Hi,

isb.edu-pgpmax-admissions-application-procedure
It mentions that two recommendations are required. Have they changed it to two this year?

P.S - Apparently, I can't post the link as I've less than 5 posts. You may edit it.
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!
Moderator Note: Sorry but we removed your post. This thread is for discussing application related stuff. You are welcome to post app updates, ask program/application related queries, get connected with fellow applicants here.

For profile evaluation, pls visit this topic.. https://gmatclub.com/forum/profile-eval ... -1780.html


Hi Guys!!

Thanks for starting this post. I will be applying to ISB this time and below is my profile snapshot. Just wanted to check with you, how does my profile looks from ISB standpoint, much appreciate your reply.
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Could anyone share the recommendation questions for this year? Thanks!
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Thanks ISBeacon
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YoungIndian
Could anyone share the recommendation questions for this year? Thanks!

Good question. What are the recommendation questions that the evaluator gets? Would be nice to prepare beforehand for what that dreadful link contains.

Thanks!
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YoungIndian
Could anyone share the recommendation questions for this year? Thanks!

I found this - Mostly 2016's recommendation questions for ISB. It may have changed or reduced for 2019.

ISB Recommendation Questions


Question 1: Under what circumstances and for how long have you known the applicant? (50 words maximum)
Question 2: Please rate the applicant's achievements when compared to those of his or her peers and mention the reference group with which you are making these comparisons. (100 words maximum)
Question 3: Please describe, in brief, situations where the applicant displayed signs of leadership abilities and team skills. (200 words maximum)
Question 4: Please mention two consistent strengths of the applicant and if possible provide instances where she/he demonstrated these strengths. (200 words maximum)
Question 5: Please indicate two areas where the applicant has shown learning and improvement which would add value to his application to the ISB. (100 words maximum)
Question 6: Please provide any other comments that you consider are relevant to the applicant's admission to the ISB, especially regarding the applicant's career in business/management. (200 words maximum)
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I don't think any one has sent their recommend-er to write the recommendation yet. Might be too early

But here are last years questions : -

Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (Recommended word count: 50 words)

How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (Recommended word count: 500 words)
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ak496
Hi,

isb.edu-pgpmax-admissions-application-procedure
It mentions that two recommendations are required. Have they changed it to two this year?

P.S - Apparently, I can't post the link as I've less than 5 posts. You may edit it.

You are seeing the recommendation requirements for the PGPMAX program, not PGP.

Last year, ISB started using the common recommendation, which was introduced by GMAC a few years ago. This is also used by a big list of b-schools in the USA. I am copying pasting the requirements directly from GMAC's website:


Section 1: Personal Information About the Recommender
Section 2: Leadership Assessment Grid

The grid is comprised of 12 competencies and character traits that contribute to successful leadership. The competencies and character traits are grouped into five categories:

Achievement
Influence
People
Personal Qualities
Cognitive Abilities

Section 3: Recommendation Questions (Open-ended Questions for Recommenders)
1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. Up to 50 words
2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?)Up to 500 words
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. Up to 500 words
4. Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)
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Hi I will Be giving by GMAT in the month of october, 2018. Wanted to know whether I will be able to apply for Round 1 ?
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