ISB Profile Evaluation

Question

Hi, I am planning to apply at ISB for R1.
I am yet to take GMAT (I have a score but its 585, so planning to take again to maximise my score).
Here's my profile : 2020 Grad from , Tier 2 college.
3 years of work experience
2 years at Caterpillar as Analyst
1 year at o9 Solutions into Product Management.
Extracirrricular - Past member of Toasmasters POR:(VP Ed, VP PR), Excecutive member of indian institite of industrial engg during college time, attended events for ecell during college, trained Odisi dancer.
Education background - 10th - 9.8 CGPA,12th - 83%, Undergrad - 8.11 CGPA.
However I have a gap of 6 months till now (since jan 2024) - During this gap - Pursued Product management course, built product portfolio, did few freelancing projects and started working on one startup idea ( on progress - creating PRD, wireframing), content creation on Instagram (in progress)

Can anyone please help me evaluate my profile and let me know if I even have a chance at ISB (considering my gap).
Also what should be a safe score for me.
Also I need suggestion for consultants who can help me create my application (only for ISB- I dont intend to apply abroad).

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

IVYCRACKERS.COM · Answer

Hey! Since you are working on freelancing projects, you shouldn't consider it a gap in your career - you should portray it as freelancing work which is considered full-time work experience (depending on how you portray it). Your acads are pretty good but your extracurriculars are a bit dated. Now that shouldn't be a concern coz you can cover it up with the certifications you have done and the projects you have completed. You can actually build a pretty strong and unique profile with your past work experience, freelancing projects, startup idea, and content creation (I think you are taking your experience a bit too lightly when it's actually pretty good).

A GMAT score of 675+ will certainly give you an edge and a score of 705+ will make your profile standout significantly.

We have 40+ mentors from ISB on our platform  IvyCrackers  and few of them are on ISB admissions interview panel. You can book a  complimentary 30-mins call  with us and one of the interview panelists will evaluate your profile in detail. In this call, we will delve deep into your profile, help you build an overall strategy for your ISB application, and answer any questions you have about ISB.

isbcandidate · Answer

Thanks for the response, I will surely book a call to understand further.

IVYCRACKERS.COM · Answer

Sure! Looking forward to speaking to you.

ISBeacon · Answer

So  isbcandidate , why are you not working and how long do you expect this status to continue? As you've rightly assessed, such gaps are not great for the application.

You might also find  this article  related to gaps, useful.

Profile comes across as average right now, but can be made above-average through a good GMAT score (665+). However, since you are currently at 585, humungous effort needs to be put in, to make this considerable improvement. Am sure you are aware of the magnitude of challenge that awaits you, in this regard.

All the best!
--
Ashish.

Goalisb · Answer

Hi,

If you have a productive gap period its fine, it will not be a direct negative in any application. A lot depends on the story that you have to share.

All the best!

CrackAdmission · Answer

isbcandidate · Answer

CrackAdmission  - Thanks for the feedback, the 4th point makes sense, and I have given a thought about it too, and for the same reason, I was exploring this new course launched by ISB- IVI, since this is the first cohort, I was a bit sceptical to apply, also currently I do not have any co founders with me or any kind of experience in launching a startup, so looking for networking and proper business knowledge . 
Do you have any insights on this course?
Also, would love to connect with you to understand how to actually put forward the 4th point, without portraying being flake or a red flag. Thanks

CrackAdmission · Answer

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello,  isbcandidate

Your profile for ISB is competitive due to your strong academic background in the 10th and 12th grades and a good CGPA in undergrad. You bring valuable work experience, having spent two years as an analyst and one year in product management, showcasing your analytical skills and business acumen. Your extracurricular involvement, including leadership roles, executive membership at the Indian Institute of Industrial Engineering, and participation in E-cell events, highlights your communication skills, leadership potential, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Despite a recent 6-month gap, you utilized this time effectively with a product management course, building a product portfolio, freelancing projects, and working on a startup idea, demonstrating proactive learning and entrepreneurial drive. Aim for a GMAT score above 700 to maximize your chances.

If you have any further questions related to your profile or want to have a 1:1 discussion with our top profile experts,  feel free to schedule a complimentary profile evaluations session with our experts  . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools.

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  isbcandidate ,

Thanks for writing in.

Practically speaking, your chances at receiving an interview call depend on the following:
-Your GMAT score - Aim for a score in excess of 675 to have a good chance. Needless to say, the higher your score the better it is going to be.
-The portrayal of the last 6 months - There needs to be a valid reason for you having opted for this gap and the projects/activities you have been involved with should, in some way, be linked to your proposed goals. Avoid showcasing this as a gap; instead, focus on how you have upskilled yourself.
-How well the career goals sync up - What you intend to do after PGP will be crucial in determining the strength of your application; please ensure that your proposed goals are in sync with your existing experience.

Should you wish to discuss your prospects in greater detail, please feel free to get in touch with us for a free profile evaluation session.

Hope this helps.

All the best!

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