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Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
18 Jul 2019, 02:47
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ISB PGPpro essay analysis
The ISB PGPpro essays focus on the key themes of leadership, contribution, and differentiation, and the essay topics reflect that. Here is our analysis:
ISB PGPpro essay 1: One of the key intrinsic element at the Indian School of Business is “to develop principled, future leaders who improve lives around the world…" Please discuss how you will contribute towards this mission based on examples of your past work and activities? (400 words max)
GyanOne analysis: The essay topic seems to scream leadership all over, but they don't quite mean something that necessarily creates a dent in the universe. They want to see how you will create results and impact, in your own way. Please note that there is no expectation from them that this should only be social impact (a common misconception that many applicants have). You could show how you will use your abilities to contribute to your organization, your community, or even accomplish a future objective like starting a venture that will create value.
Therefore, in many ways, this is really a goals question that does not directly ask for goals (but still expects them). ISB asks for examples of past work, so be sure to connect this with what you have done in the past. For example, saying that you want to make social impact without much evidence of past social contribution will not be taken well.
Finally, don't forget to relate this vision to how ISB will help you. Research into the school and its resources will be critical here. Try to go beyond generic factors like alumni strength, ranking, prestige, and peer group. This exercise is also useful to determine how the program will actual help in your career growth, and be pivotal to your future career objectives.
PGPpro essay 2: Why should the Admissions Committee offer you over other qualified candidates? (250 words max)
GyanOne Analysis: A clear differentiation question, that becomes all the more important when you consider the unique nature of the PGPpro. You see, a large chunk of the learning in the PGPpro will happen through insights and perspectives shared by your peers. Therefore, it is important to showcase how you will add value to this cohort. Unlike PGP applicants, who can often talk about contributing to ISB clubs and activities, you cannot, as the PGPpro has a very small on-campus component. Therefore, focus on showing how your professional experience, personal values and traits, and industry learning can add value. Remember to view the answer to this question differently from that of essay 1, as the ISB PGPpro essays test different qualities and traits in every question. Try not to make your essays overlap to the extent possible.
PGPPro essay 3: Additional Information: Kindly share information that you feel is relevant for the Admissions Committee to be aware. For example: current or past gaps in education or employment, professional achievements, awards or other information relevant to your application. (250 words max)
GyanOne Analysis: To many applicants, this may seem like an optional question, with not much importance. Careful! The ISB PGPpro essays are a holistic set, and this question has been added after due thought. You see, in the absence of a GMAT/GRE score or any other test score, the ISB PGPpro essays and your academic and professional performance acquire more importance. Were your college marks low? Explain why. Did you fail to win promotions at work, in spite of putting in many years in your current role? Tell them why. Have you won many awards, or have rich international experience to report? Definitely include it. Leave no question unanswered for the admissions committee.
A quick caveat on this essay before we wrap up this analysis. This essay is not meant to be a continuation of other essays, so please do not use it for that purpose.
The ISB PGPpro essays focus on the key themes of leadership, contribution, and differentiation, and the essay topics reflect that. Here is our analysis:
ISB PGPpro essay 1: One of the key intrinsic element at the Indian School of Business is “to develop principled, future leaders who improve lives around the world…" Please discuss how you will contribute towards this mission based on examples of your past work and activities? (400 words max)
GyanOne analysis: The essay topic seems to scream leadership all over, but they don't quite mean something that necessarily creates a dent in the universe. They want to see how you will create results and impact, in your own way. Please note that there is no expectation from them that this should only be social impact (a common misconception that many applicants have). You could show how you will use your abilities to contribute to your organization, your community, or even accomplish a future objective like starting a venture that will create value.
Therefore, in many ways, this is really a goals question that does not directly ask for goals (but still expects them). ISB asks for examples of past work, so be sure to connect this with what you have done in the past. For example, saying that you want to make social impact without much evidence of past social contribution will not be taken well.
Finally, don't forget to relate this vision to how ISB will help you. Research into the school and its resources will be critical here. Try to go beyond generic factors like alumni strength, ranking, prestige, and peer group. This exercise is also useful to determine how the program will actual help in your career growth, and be pivotal to your future career objectives.
PGPpro essay 2: Why should the Admissions Committee offer you over other qualified candidates? (250 words max)
GyanOne Analysis: A clear differentiation question, that becomes all the more important when you consider the unique nature of the PGPpro. You see, a large chunk of the learning in the PGPpro will happen through insights and perspectives shared by your peers. Therefore, it is important to showcase how you will add value to this cohort. Unlike PGP applicants, who can often talk about contributing to ISB clubs and activities, you cannot, as the PGPpro has a very small on-campus component. Therefore, focus on showing how your professional experience, personal values and traits, and industry learning can add value. Remember to view the answer to this question differently from that of essay 1, as the ISB PGPpro essays test different qualities and traits in every question. Try not to make your essays overlap to the extent possible.
PGPPro essay 3: Additional Information: Kindly share information that you feel is relevant for the Admissions Committee to be aware. For example: current or past gaps in education or employment, professional achievements, awards or other information relevant to your application. (250 words max)
GyanOne Analysis: To many applicants, this may seem like an optional question, with not much importance. Careful! The ISB PGPpro essays are a holistic set, and this question has been added after due thought. You see, in the absence of a GMAT/GRE score or any other test score, the ISB PGPpro essays and your academic and professional performance acquire more importance. Were your college marks low? Explain why. Did you fail to win promotions at work, in spite of putting in many years in your current role? Tell them why. Have you won many awards, or have rich international experience to report? Definitely include it. Leave no question unanswered for the admissions committee.
A quick caveat on this essay before we wrap up this analysis. This essay is not meant to be a continuation of other essays, so please do not use it for that purpose.
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