Q&A Highlights from the recent ISB alum chat!
Could you please let us know what are the exact qualities that ISB looks for in an applicant and how can you strengthen our application?Shifa: Like one of the Admissions team members mentioned in a recent info session, there’s not much you can do at the last minute to strengthen your profile as the AdCom can see through such things. But what’s important is that you have a strong story weaving together your past, present and future. Clarity, a Vision and passion to accomplish it definitely goes a long way.
Could you please tell us something about the difference between Mohali and Hyderabad campus?Shifa: Honestly, no difference as such. ISB takes its ’two campuses, one school’ approach very seriously. Both campuses get equally good students, professors, infrastructure and placement opportunities. The Centres of Excellence are one thing that’s different between campuses
Hey, I’d like to know what score would i need and how hard is the interview process ? Is 3 years of work-ex okay?Shifa: 3 years of work experience is fine. I joined ISB with less than that WE. Interview could be a general one or a stress interview. The only thing you need to do is be confident and honest in either situation. Average GMAT score is 710 for ISB.
Can you give us an idea of how the stress interview can be like? - I don’t think other schools do that.Shifa: The stress interview is not done for all applicants. It’s basically a deeper, more intense kind of interview. Just to check whether what you’ve put down on paper is actually true. Also, to check how you handle pressure. Not something to get worried about if you believe in what you’ve put in your application
What kind of questions can I expect in Interview . Current affairs? Questions based on your degree?Shifa: You should be clear on all aspects of your profile as well as why an MBA, especially one from ISB, is the right next step for you. Also, knowledge about your current industry and function as well as your intended ones. Current affairs is not usually a direct question, but may come up during the interview.
Hey Shifa, As a re-applicant, is there anything specific ISB looks for in a reapplicant? What are they looking for specifically in the reapplicant essay?Shifa: The main thing reapplicants need to display is growth (personal and professional) since the last time they applied.
R1 vs R2: Which admission round is better to apply?Shifa: I personally always recommend applying in Round 1 - The only reason for this being that, since ISB stresses on diversity, it gives you a better chance since you’ll have fewer people who’ve already got in from your industry/function. But I know people who’ve made it to ISB even though they were in the Round 2 Waitlist.
How would you say ISB helped you in your own entrepreneurial venture? Were you able to tap into the ISB network?Shifa: The ISB network is absolutely amazing! I currently run three entrepreneurial ventures, Chew Central being the largest of them, and the ISB network has helped me immensely in developing and setting up my businesses. Right from vendors to clients to just great advice - the ISB alumni pool is fantastic. Also, during my time at ISB, I learned how to think like an entrepreneur. The PaEV helped a lot.
Now ISB has a separate program for family owned businesses . How does the mainstream program differ from this . I plan to work in corporate world for few years and then return to my business . Which one should I opt.? Does the family business program have placements ? What should be my GMAT score for scholorship ? Above what GMAT score should I consider foreign universities more seriously and not ISB .? Three questions in one go . Heavy competition for posting.Shifa: If you’re looking at working with a corporate for a few years post graduation, I’d suggest the PGP. No cutoff per se for the scholarship, but try for a score as high as possible. A 700+ is a safe score for ISB. Also, I come from a Family business background myself and your dilemma is something that I was grilled on during my interview
As the class size is pretty big(800 students), one cannot manage to network with all the persons from various diversities. Is that a negative for one studying at ISB?Shifa: I don’t see the class size as a problem at all. Look at it as a larger pool of diversity. It’s amazing how many people you’ll not only meet, but also become friends for life with. All you have to do is make an effort. ISB provides sufficient networking opportunities.
How would you say is the culture at ISB? Would you say it is more collaborative or competitive?Shifa: Culture is fantastic. Mix of collaborative and competitive. While everyone wants to be the best, if you ever have a doubt or trouble understanding something, you’ll have tons of people ready to help you.
How is ISB in terms of a student who is 35 years of age and having 10 years of work experience?Shifa: My study group mates had 10, 11 and 12 years of work experience respectively. While it is initially tough to get back to the student life, you will enjoy your year. Lots to learn even after 10 years Also, ISB has certain initiatives especially for the Senior Execs.
Would you say that ISB has a high focus on academics? How would you rate the out-of-classroom experiences for students there? How good are projects/experiential learning opportunities?Shifa: ISB definitely has a high focus on academics, but then again, which top business school doesn’t? You are there to learn. But what I love about ISB is that you’ll learn as much in the classroom as outside it. Opportunities like the ELP and PaEV will help you get hands-on learning with very real-life situations. Highly recommended!
Is admission consulting really worth it for ISB? If I score above 680.Have 2 years of experience in ITShifa: An admission consultant can help you put forth the best version of your profile. At the end of the day, it is your profile. But a consultant can help you showcase it better.
Can someone with 12 yrs of work ex, post graduation... of 37 yrs age, get an admit in ISB’s one year MBA program?Shifa: Absolutely! As I mentioned earlier, my study group mates had 10, 11 and 12 years of work experience respectively. ISB has a Senior Executive Club, where you can network with peers with similar experience. Lots to learn at ISB!
A quick MUST know tip that you’d like to share for all IT guys applying to ISB?Shifa: Show how you’re different from the rest of the Indian IT male applicants. Do it through your application or your essays. Will definitely strengthen your profile and better your chances at getting an admit
Updated on: 29 Oct 2018, 05:51
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