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FLY.reachout
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Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Location: India
Posts: 166
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ISB PGP YL Essays 18 Oct 2024, 23:29
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Hi everyone,

ISB PGP YL applications are now live. We wanted to share our perspectives on how to tackle the essays in this article.
This year's PGP YL application includes three essay questions: two 400-word essays and one 250-word essay. These questions require candidates to showcase their unique experiences, the perspectives they bring to the class, and their clarity regarding their short-term and long-term goals after completing the ISB PGP YL program.


Let’s delve into each question in detail:

Q1: Describe a specific personal situation in which you assumed a leadership role without formal authority. How did you motivate and influence others during this experience? What challenges did you encounter, and what insights did you gain about your leadership abilities as a result of this experience? (400 words)
This question is quite unique, as it recognizes that the applicant pool for this program may have had limited opportunities to exercise authority in a professional setting. However, it presents an interesting opportunity for you to reflect on your past. Think about a cause or goal that motivated you—this could even be a social cause or a specific interest. Showcase specific instances where you successfully rallied a group of people towards a common objective or brought together a team to work towards a goal you had in mind- instances could include opportunities at your internships and sports (extra-curriculars). Identify any challenges you faced along the way and the learnings that emerged from these experiences. Substantiate your insights with stories that illustrate your strengths and highlight areas where you felt the need for improvement, along with any measures you took to address those gaps.


Q2: What unique experiences and perspectives do you bring to your class? How do you intend to contribute to the diversity of thought and ideas within the program? Please provide specific examples to illustrate your points. (400 words)
This question encourages introspection, asking you to reflect on your life journey and identify key moments that have shaped who you are today. Consider the significant decisions that contributed to your personal growth and development. Package these reflections together to illustrate your thought process and worldview, emphasizing how your experiences can add value to discussions within the cohort. Think back to your unique strengths and demonstrate how your past experiences have shaped you into an individual capable of contributing meaningfully to the program. Highlight specific qualities you've developed through these experiences that will enhance the diversity of thought in the classroom. Please note that we recommend you provide a healthy mix of personal and academic/ professional experiences for this essay.


Q3: What impact do you aim to create after completing the PGP YL program? Please share your medium- to long-term career plans, including any specific challenges that you anticipate along the way. (250 words)
This essay question is framed to evaluate your clarity of thought regarding both short-term and long-term goals. It seeks to understand how you envision ISB helping you achieve those goals while also exploring potential challenges you foresee in your career journey. You will need to articulate where you currently stand as an individual, where you aim to progress, and what hurdles or challenges you anticipate encountering along the way. Importantly, explain how ISB fits into this puzzle in terms of equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary for progressing towards your goals.


In conclusion, as you craft these essays, prioritize authenticity and clarity. Each question is not just a prompt but an opportunity for self-discovery and showcasing your unique narrative. Take the time to reflect deeply on your experiences and aspirations and present a compelling story that highlights who you are.

Best of luck to all aspiring candidates!

Given the ongoing R1 PGP interviews, we have also created a curated playlist as a part of the ISB MBA Admissions Interview Preparation Series. This playlist provides directional guidance on tackling important and commonly asked ISB interview questions.

We (www.teamfly.org) are a dedicated group of ISB alumni who help ISB aspirants with profile positioning, essays and interviews (complete interview preparation as well as just the mock interviews)

Feel free to book a 15-minute free session for more discussion: https://calendly.com/reachusfly/15min/

With warm regards,
Team FLY