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We are in chat room with Shifa Soomar, ISB Gradaute. If you are around, join the chat room to ask your questions to Shifa. https://gmatclub.com/forum/mchat.php?fl=menu

Narenn
Sunday, July 22: Live Chat with ISB Alumna

Hi Guys, This Sunday we have a live chat with ShifaS, at 9pm Indian time (8:30am Pacific time, 4:30pm British time) in our chat room. Shifa graduated from ISB in 2013. She is the Co-founder at Chew Central (https://www.chewcentral.com), an online pet products store. We hope all of you will participate in this chat. It's an excellent opportunity to ask your questions about ISB, its application process, and anything else that will help you make a strong case for admission this year. Special thanks to our Wharton forum moderator gmatexam439 for arranging this session.

Date and Time:

July 22, 2018 | Sunday | 9:00 PM IST (4:30 PM BST)

Place:

Main Chat Room

There are admit chat sessions planned for other schools as well. Check out the complete chat calendar here.. https://gmatclub.com/forum/inviting-all ... l#p2092718

Has the chat session with ShifaS been published ?
If yes, can someone direct me to it ?
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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 IT

Shifa: 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
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Rumanshu1990

Has the chat session with ShifaS been published ?
If yes, can someone direct me to it ?

Just posted the chat transcript. Hope that helps!
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If I am not selected in R1 (Not being pessimistic. Just in case), can I reapply in R2? Will it reflect badly on the R2 application in any way?

No, you can apply only once in a year.
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Ppl this is my first attempt at GMAT and I want to take admission in ISB in first round itself.... The last date for application is 19th September... So by when should I attempt GMAT and submit the forms.

Also, if I'm not selected in round 1 can I apply in round 2?

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Hello Pankaj0787

You can take the GMAT on 15th Sep latest to submit application in R1- this is the R1 deadline. But remember that putting together a strong application takes 4-8 weeks (depending on your schedule, starting level and number of schools that you are applying to)
You can apply only in one Round irrespective of the decision.

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Pankaj0787
Ppl this is my first attempt at GMAT and I want to take admission in ISB in first round itself.... The last date for application is 19th September... So by when should I attempt GMAT and submit the forms.

Also, if I'm not selected in round 1 can I apply in round 2?

Posted from my mobile device
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fyi, for Bangalore candidates.

ISB is hosting PGP info session in Bengaluru where the Admissions team interacts with prospective applicants and give them insights about the program. They would also have alumni interaction session at the end of the presentation where you can share your experiences and guide applicants.

Here are the Session Details:

Date: August 5, 2018.
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Venue: Vivanta by Taj, MG Road, Bengaluru.

Please refer to on this link for details.
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These are the deadlines for the Class of 2020 i.e. 2019 intake and the admission process will begin this year(2018).
Admissions for Class of 2019 have already been done last year, in fact the classes have also begun.
Class of XXXX=Batch graduating in XXXX
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Hello,
I went through the essay questions for this year.The first question is not clear to me. Can someone here or previous alum help to break it down to approach the question in correct manner

Essay Question - 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?

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HelloSamar16

The question is simply asking you why should ISB admit you?
What unique skills and perspective will you bring to ISB that will benefit your peers inside and outside the classroom?
Refrain from giving info that is already present in your CV.
Also consider that if another candidate with the same qualification and background as yours were to apply, what would differentiate your from this person (AKA your experiences)

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Samar16
Hello,
I went through the essay questions for this year.The first question is not clear to me. Can someone here or previous alum help to break it down to approach the question in correct manner

Essay Question - 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?

Posted from my mobile device
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The deadline is 43 days away, where are you guys with your application?

I will be starting my application by this weekend
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MBA Decoder takes pleasure in announcing a series of webinars we are conducting along with the ISB admissions team before the Round 1 deadline on September 15th.

The MBA Decoder team helps hundreds of ISB applicants every year on their applications, profile evaluation and reject analysis. Consequently, we are well versed with the applicants’ pain points and have consciously selected our webinar topics to address these.

We invite you to register for them here. The details are posted below:

Tuesday, August 7th: How to reapply successfully at ISB. Register Here
Monday, August 13th: How to apply successfully at ISB as a Senior Applicant. Register Here
Tuesday, August 21st: Bust Common Admission Myths for ISB Admissions. Register Here

Webinar Timings: 7 pm to 8 pm IST

For the applicants targeting Round 1 deadlines, we cannot emphasize enough on the value of starting your applications atleast a month before the deadline. You need this time for introspection and multiple essay iterations in order to make them stand out.

Take advantage of our webinars and get into the application groove!!
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Any re-applicants this year?
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Hatakekakashi
Any re-applicants this year?

Yup, me :lol:
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Hatakekakashi
Any re-applicants this year?

Yup, me :lol:


glad someone's along with me :p
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How much was your GMAT score?

Posted from my mobile device
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Hatakekakashi
Any re-applicants this year?

Yup, me :lol:


glad someone's along with me :p

Hahaha, will catch up you separately bro.

Happy to know one more moderator who is applying to ISB
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Invoke
How much was your GMAT score?

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Hey invoke,

I scored a 700 on GMAT

p.s : - you can see the scores in our profiles. no need to make a post for this ;) :-)
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