5 myths about ISB admissions (and what actually moves the needle)
Myth 1: “Only a 740+ gets you in.”
Reality: ISB is holistic. A great score helps, but impact, leadership, and clarity of goals separate admits from lookalikes.
Do this: Pair a strong GMAT/GRE with quantified outcomes, sharp essays, and proof you can lead.
Myth 2: “I’m an Indian male in IT/finance, so I have no chance.”
Reality: Overrepresented ≠ disqualified. Generic stories sink you, not your industry.
Do this: Show spikes that others cannot claim: ownership of a P&L, cross-functional influence, hard metrics, and people leadership.
Myth 3: “R1 is everything. R2 is a waste.”
Reality: Both rounds admit strong candidates. Submitting a complete, high-quality application in R2 beats a rushed R1.
Do this: Apply when your package is at its peak. If needed, retake the test or add a graded course before hitting submit.
Myth 4: “Without a brand-name employer or global stint, I’m out.”
Reality: Prestige helps, but consistent achievement and upward trajectory matter more.
Do this: Translate work into business results. Use numbers, stakeholder quotes, and promotions to prove momentum.
Myth 5: “ECs must be national-level trophies.”
Reality: Depth beats spectacle. Admissions value sustained contribution, initiative, and community impact.
Do this: Show you built or scaled something, mentored others, or created new value over time.
Final tip: Make your goals specific to ISB’s ecosystem. Tie your short-term role to ELPs, labs, clubs, and recruiters on campus, and show why ISB is the fastest path from what you’ve done to what you will deliver.