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Should I apply?

20% [1]
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40% [2]
40% [2]
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AdarshGoyal5
Joined: 17 Dec 2023
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Concentration: General Management, Marketing
Schools: ISB '27 IIM IIM
GMAT 1: 540 Q42 V22
GPA: 3
WE:Account Management (Computer Software)
Schools: ISB '27 IIM IIM
GMAT 1: 540 Q42 V22
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MBAandBeyond
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MBA and Beyond Consulting
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Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
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pintukr
Joined: 03 Jul 2022
Last visit: 11 May 2026
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MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
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AdarshGoyal5
Hi,

Could someone please look over my application and tell me the areas of improvement and if I should apply to ISB or not in R3 (on 21st Jan'24)?

My profile:

GEM
Age- 28 (if matters)

GMAT- 540 (I know :cry: )
10th- 80.14%
12th- 70%
UG- 6.22 CGPA (54.7% :x ), B.E in CSE from a decent-known college in Bangalore.

Achievements/Activities:

1. Runner up in an MTV Show (only have a video proof as runner up doesn't get a certificate).
2. Was invited as a Delegate for the HPAIR Malaysia conference (I didn't attend due to financial issues).
3. Prompt adaptor award from School
4. Best Candidate Award from College
5. Star Intern award from OYO Rooms.
6. Worked with many companies as an intern or campus ambassador- OYO, Viacom18, BookMyShow, Smaaash, IIT Delhi,etc
7. Part of social clubs- Xiaomi fan club, Google Local guide Bangalore club (been to Google Office).

Work Ex: 4+ years (50 months)

1st company- As a Sales and Marketing Executive in a freelancing startup in Bangalore (1.5 years)
2nd company- as International Business Development Executive in HR tech company, WFH (2 months :| )
3rd company- as an Account Manager, promoted to Sr. Account and Operations Manager in a Canada based lead gen startup (2.5 years)

Only positive is that I got interview calls from IIM Kozhikode (PGPBL) and IIM Lucknow (PGPWE) on my CAT 77%ile and essays and good recommendations.

Please let me know if I should apply in R3 considering other things as i have seen the class has students whose marks are in range of 530-760. I know 540 is less but will I get a chance for interview considering other things and I can get feedback based on these so i can work on those and reapply in 2025.

Thanks in advance! :please: :please:


AdarshGoyal5 The MBA/PGP programs are analytical in nature and are meant to be academically rigorous. No amount of storytelling would take away the fact you are about 170 points below the average for your demographic. Even if the school loves your profile, they may not want to risk you not being able to clear the exams and get through the academically rigorous program. If you are serious about ISB, go for a retake.

That aside, your professional trajectory would need better presentation and deep dive to bring out the career progression.

Feel free to connect for professional guidance

Best wishes

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |Read Testimonials on WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]
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TheRedPen
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Joined: 18 Jan 2021
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GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
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AdarshGoyal5
Hi,

Could someone please look over my application and tell me the areas of improvement and if I should apply to ISB or not in R3 (on 21st Jan'24)?

My profile:

GEM
Age- 28 (if matters)

GMAT- 540 (I know :cry: )
10th- 80.14%
12th- 70%
UG- 6.22 CGPA (54.7% :x ), B.E in CSE from a decent-known college in Bangalore.

Achievements/Activities:

1. Runner up in an MTV Show (only have a video proof as runner up doesn't get a certificate).
2. Was invited as a Delegate for the HPAIR Malaysia conference (I didn't attend due to financial issues).
3. Prompt adaptor award from School
4. Best Candidate Award from College
5. Star Intern award from OYO Rooms.
6. Worked with many companies as an intern or campus ambassador- OYO, Viacom18, BookMyShow, Smaaash, IIT Delhi,etc
7. Part of social clubs- Xiaomi fan club, Google Local guide Bangalore club (been to Google Office).

Work Ex: 4+ years (50 months)

1st company- As a Sales and Marketing Executive in a freelancing startup in Bangalore (1.5 years)
2nd company- as International Business Development Executive in HR tech company, WFH (2 months :| )
3rd company- as an Account Manager, promoted to Sr. Account and Operations Manager in a Canada based lead gen startup (2.5 years)

Only positive is that I got interview calls from IIM Kozhikode (PGPBL) and IIM Lucknow (PGPWE) on my CAT 77%ile and essays and good recommendations.

Please let me know if I should apply in R3 considering other things as i have seen the class has students whose marks are in range of 530-760. I know 540 is less but will I get a chance for interview considering other things and I can get feedback based on these so i can work on those and reapply in 2025.

Thanks in advance! :please: :please:

Hi AdarshGoyal5,

You have quite a profile! Adcoms consider an all-around holistic profile while offering an admit which includes your academics, your ECs, your community engagements, your work experience, your short as well as long-term goals, and so on.

You have a strong EC background and work experience which can support your profile. However, we suggest retaking the GMAT, if time permits. Additionally, we always recommend our students to do applications in R1 and R2 as R3 can get slightly competitive due to limited seats.

Our MBA consultants have helped ample students submit successful applications to ISB. We recommend you book a free consultation slot with them so they can audit your profile and help you build a roadmap ahead.

You can also connect with them via call at +91 77807 69732
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AdarshGoyal5
Joined: 17 Dec 2023
Last visit: 21 Sep 2025
Posts: 2
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 18
Concentration: General Management, Marketing
Schools: ISB '27 IIM IIM
GMAT 1: 540 Q42 V22
GPA: 3
WE:Account Management (Computer Software)
Schools: ISB '27 IIM IIM
GMAT 1: 540 Q42 V22
Posts: 2
Kudos: 5
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Thanks TheRedPen MBAGuide MBAandBeyond pintukr.

I have decided to appear for GMAT Focus in some months after preparation and have not applied to R3 of ISB application.
After GMAT Focus, will try my chances in foreign universities as well (if the scores are good).

I hope to get help after my GMAT Focus exam and application in other colleges.

Thanks Again!