Calling all ISB Applicants - (2016 Intake) Class of 2017

Hi..
I have a situation and would be really glad if someone could help.

My GMAT score is 720 (Q48 V41), which from what i read on the forum randomly, is just about fine for ISB. (If i have assumed it incorrect, please let me know)

What iam concerned about is my profile. I have been in Merchant Navy (Deck,ie, Non Engineer) and sailed from 2004 to 2010, out of which 2004 to 2007 was apprenticeship. 2009 to 2010 i have sailed as a deck officer. My degree, B.Sc., Nautical Technology (Distance Learning from Mumbai University) is structured in a way that i could have only obtained it 2010. Would my work ex as an officer in Merchant Navy not count as it was prior to my graduation?

Also, since 2010, I have been running a digital marketing (partnership) firm as an entrepreneur. Iam confused about calculating my work experience.

Also, are distance learning degrees valid for applying to ISB and other colleges?

Thanks

Hi,

I am planning to apply to ISB in round 1.

I have already started with essays, although, I do need some help who can guide me and provide me feedback or a brainstorming session, may be.
I am looking for a professional help however I am confuse which one should I opt for . Seniors, if you have any idea your help would be much appreciated or even you can help me out given that you already had gone through the entire application process.

Also one thing - Will a full time but unpaid job be considered as work experience.

Any reply would be grateful.


Thankyou

Hi Chesterstreet,
I have pulled out some FAQs from the ISB website, which should answer your questions.

"I have completed a three year diploma course but do not have an under-graduate degree. Am I eligible for the ISB Programme?

The eligibility criterion at the ISB requires all students to have an undergraduate degree. If your diploma is considered to be equivalent to a degree by the appropriate authorities then it will be acceptable otherwise not."

"The eligibility criteria are:
Students must possess an undergraduate/graduate or post-graduate degree in any discipline
A minimum of two years' full-time post qualification work experience is preferred. Exceptional candidates with lesser experience will be considered for deferred admission."

Going by these:
1. If your distance learning BA is from a deemed university (which it is), you should be eligible.
2. If your work experience is more than two years (in your case 4 years plus after completing undergrad), then you should be eligible.
As your questions are technical in nature, I would urge you to reach out to the admissions team and get a confirmation.

Apprentice does not count as full time work experience at ISB. So the period between 2004-7 may not be counted as full time work experience. But even then you must show your entire experience (2004 onwards) in the application, and can also use the optional essay to explain this.

And you are good with the GMAT. Don't get talked by anybody into a retake.

Many thanks for the reply! I wasn't sure whether to mention my work ex at merchant navy. I have more clarity now.

1. Typically b-schools do not ask for certificates etc. But just to make sure, if you asked for proof, I am certain your bank transactions should work as proof. I didn't understand how you intend using your father's business to your advantage- unless if you are working there (full time or part time).

2. You can take your GMAT this year even if you plan to apply next year. GMAT scores are valid for 5 years. I think you need to understand whether your profile is competitive for this year. If you are able to show achievements and learning in both your IT and entrepreneurial experience, then it should be okay to apply.

3. You can prepare your application in 15-30 days...but hearing this almost 5 months before the application sounds odd- why would you be in this situation? you can start your preparation from now itself.

4. You will not be disadvantaged if you apply in Round2.

Yes, do try to score 700+

I guess Namita cleared most of the doubts.

One thing I want to say, 700+ doesn't guarantee anything, it gives you a fighting chance. That's it, post that your profile and your interview matters.

And always Round 1 - always and then Round 2 is the last ditch effort.

Hi All,

Can u plz provide the difference while applying in R1 ,R2 and R3 round in terms of probability percentage to get admission in ISB.

Also if I would apply in R2 or R3 round and would not able to make it, then would it be possible applying for next year i.e. Class of 2018 Round 1 ??
I am planning to give GMAT but my Verbal score is not improving especially in Sentence correction. Any help is highly appreciated..

Thanks.

ISB doesn't have R3. Almost all the US schools have R3 apart from MIT Sloan as far as I know.

The data I guess Namita can highlight but R1 has the least seats of the both the rounds as less number of applicants apply compared to R2. So R2 has the highest number of seats as highest number of applicants apply. R1 gives you an advantage as still the applicants are not that competitive (general assumption).

Also there are scholarships on offer for R1
"As a new initiative to support top talent, the ISB has decided to introduce 10 merit-based full tuition fee waivers to those applying in Round-1 of the selection process"
: https://www.isb.edu/pgp/fees-financing/Scholarships

Yes, you can apply again but you need to have another mandatory essay called reapplicant essay. Reapplicant essay is not required if you are applying for the 1st time.

Hope this clears.

Its difficult to give numbers because ISB takes in applicants from a number of sources- the regular PGP, the YLP and the EEO. Although I agree with you Kinjal, that there are more seats in R2 as compared to R1.

Having said this, I will emphasize that you should apply when you are ready with your application. An unimpressive application will get rejected whether its R1 or R2 - afterall, applicants do get rejected in both rounds for a number of reasons.

FROM Accepted.com Blog: Indian School Of Business 2016 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines

The Indian School of Business is an excellent program for those interested in advancing to management roles in a broad spectrum of industries and those seeking positions in the consulting industry (20% of graduates earn consulting placements) and technology field (28% of graduates choose this industry upon graduation). Interestingly, while median salaries for graduates of a top US program like Stanford and Harvard only exceed the US national average by 240%, graduates of ISB can expect to earn 522% of the Indian national average wage upon graduation*. ISB has overhauled its essay questions this year, only maintaining their standard of 3 required essays and one optional while changing the phrasing of all of the essay prompts and increasing the total word limit by 200 words (ISB is one of the few schools that actually require the strict adherence to its word limits). My comments are in blue. Essay 1 (400 words maximum) If we were to admit just one more student, make a compelling argument as to why that student should be you by describing an (only one) achievement in your personal / professional life that you are most proud of. What did you do that sets you apart from others? What did you learn? This is a great question because it allows you to shine the spotlight on whatever aspect of your candidacy you feel makes you exceptional. Look at your career and extracurricular activities and identify the area in which you have achieved the greatest impact, ideally reaching a level that few other applicants can match. This is not just about a title or award you earned; the essay needs to highlight the obstacles you navigated and the challenges you overcame to reach that pinnacle. Don’t forget to discuss some of what you learned about yourself, leadership, and management. Essay 2 (300 words maximum). Choose one of the following 2 options: Describe a (only one) defining moment in your personal / professional life when you had to make a risky decision, and explain what you did, why and the outcome. A risky decision means there was a lot to lose and there was no clear path forward. This essay offers applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their appetite for risk and their decision making process – was it based on data, market research, networking with experienced mentors in the field, gut instinct, or some other technique? A good essay will be able to point to significant results and impact from the risk. or Describe a (only one) situation in your personal / professional life when you had to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. How did it affect you and what did you learn? Similar to option 1 above, this potential topic includes an element of the unknown: when faced with a diverse team, a leader must analyze how the cultural and/or professional backgrounds of the people involved may affect the project and take action to smooth the interactions. This is a great opportunity for applicants with international work experience to share the cultural insight they have gained. Essay 3 (300 words maximum) What are your post ISB career plans and how will your past experiences and the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) contribute to taking you there? This question is similar to last year’s essay prompt about career goals but is much more focused on what you have done (compared with last year’s emphasis on why you chose those paths). This essay demands a clear definition of what field and role you hope to enter upon graduation, the business skills and insight you have gained that will be essential to succeeding in that role, and how ISB will complement that knowledge. Essay 4 (Optional) (200 words maximum) Please use this space to explain any career breaks / provide any other information not covered elsewhere in the application that could significantly impact your candidature at ISB. Note: It is not necessary to write this essay. Please use this space only if there is something really significant that you would like us to know. Use this space to explain any gaps in your career but also take advantage of this opportunity to grant deeper insight into any leadership role or impact you have gained, emphasizing how this experience has prepared you for ISB and your future career. ISB Application Deadlines: Round 1: October 15, 2015 (11:59 pm India Standard time) Round 2: January 5, 2016 (11:59 pm India Standard time) As a consultant with Accepted for nearly 17 years and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Jennifer Bloom has gained great experience in crafting application materials that truly differentiate you from the rest of the driven applicant pool. If you would like help with your ISB application, there are a variety of options for working with her on any budget. Related Resources: • Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One • Writing About Overcoming Obstacles in Your Application Essays • 4 Ways to Show How You’ll Contribute in the Future Tags: 2016 MBA Application, Indian School of Business, MBA Admissions The post Indian School Of Business 2016 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines appeared first on Accepted Admissions Consulting Blog.

Hi,

Can someone please evaluate my profile.

GMAT - 660 ( Q49 V31)
Work Ex - 10 years mostly in Telecom domain , currently working as IT Project Manager in Australia
Good International exposure in northern Europe and Australia - close to 6 years out of my 10 years exp
Extra curricular - nothing significant however I am member of a few charities in Sydney

I am applying to some colleges in UK and US, not sure if I apply to ISB. If its a profile based I guess I have some chance but if its purely GMAT score based I know I dont stand a chance. Can someone, who knows the ISB process well, please guide me.

Thanks in advance

Hi,

Let me take a jab.

Work Experience: Definitely on the higher side considering the average hovers around 5, but it is never too late to apply. ISB has students who have work ex starting from 2 and go upto 20+ years. So definitely you stand a chance.
Your international exposure can help you a lot as you can bring an international perspective to the class.
Also, with 10 years to work ex, you should be having good great stories to tell about your leadership, team work and how you made an impact at your organization.

Extra Curricular: You must have some hobbies and might have pursued them. They can count. You might have volunteered at you organization, that can count. You can think of some on the same lines.

GMAT: Yes, the score is low when compared to the average at ISB (somewhere around 710 - 712), but I have seen people getting through with that score and much less work ex. On the flip side, I have seen people with 750, 760, 770 getting rejected after the interview.

It all depends how you showcase yourself in the application.
Please do apply.

All the best!

When should I apply?

A very perplexing questions at this point of time for many of you would be:
In which Round should I apply?

The following pointers might be of some help:

Benefits of applying in Round 1:
1. You get a shot at an empty classroom
2. You get a shot at the full tuition waivers, and also the partial tuition waivers are more in number in R1
3. You get a chance to be waitlisted, if at all you are just on the borderline. There is no waitlist for R2.
4. You get your result early and can ask your employer for a smooth exit process.

Benefits of applying in Round 2:
1. More time to write the essays.
2. In the event of you not getting the desired GMAT score, you can retake the test and apply again.
3. Get the help from the admits of Round 1. (Find that friend who got through )
4. Perfect for the procrastinators.

And most importantly do not submit an average application in Round 1 when you have the potential to submit an excellent application in Round 2.
So, in the end, I would ask you to decide which Round you want to apply to keeping the above things in mind.

All the best!

P.S. If anyone can think of some other points or wants to correct any of these, please feel free to list them and I will incorporate them in the list.

Hello Everyone!!!

I am planning to apply for ISB-PGP 2017. I have an almost 3 year old GMAT score of 680 (Q47 V36). I have 9 years of work ex in IT with a fair bit of international experience. I have two questions
1)I've learned from the ISB website that the average work ex at ISB is 5 years. Does it work against me that my work ex is on the higher side compared to the average?
2) Is there a need for me to retake GMAT both in terms of the actual score (too low?) and the age of the score (3 years this july)?

Looking forward to all the help I can get on here!

Thanks Ankur for your inputs, appreciate it.

Hi,

I have a query regarding ISBs process. The website says the first round application deadline is Oct 15, 2015 and Offer date is Dec 15, 2015. However, members of the group have indicated that they have already been offered admits for 2016 session. Am I missing something?

I think there is some misunderstanding.
They are the ones who are currently matriculating (Class of 2016). We would be class of 2017.