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MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
19 Feb 2025, 05:53
Kudos
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Preparing for the GMAT/GRE, perfecting your application, practicing for interviews, and waiting for your acceptance letter only to receive a waitlist or rejection letter from ISB can be an overwhelming, heartbreaking experience. If you find yourself in this situation, take a deep breath and give yourself credit for making the effort.
If you got an interview, that in itself is an accomplishment! Many top business schools will give you the chance to interview even if there is a glaring gap in certain areas. In this way, they want to show you that you have the potential and that reapplying may be a good option. Use the hurdles as a learning opportunity to improve and become even more successful in the future, rather than dwelling on the rejection.
I specifically want to dedicate this writeup to concerns of the prospective reapplicants at ISB and other Indian B schools.
1. The class size
In the Indian scenario, IIM A PGPX offers about 150 seats, while IIM B offers about 75 seats. In contrast, the ISB offers about 850 seats. Apart from the cases where re-applicants significantly improve their GMAT scores, it would be extremely difficult to succeed as a re-applicant in highly competitive schools with limited class sizes.
From my general observation, ISB is much more open to reapplicants than one would think. This cycle I worked with successful mentees who have applied for the second or third time. We must not forget that given the competitive selection process at ISB, rejection can be due to an oversight ranging from exam results to poorly executed essays.
The first step after learning of the waitlist decision or rejection should be to seek feedback from experienced professionals and former students. Take time to think about the areas in which you can improve and develop a plan to implement these changes.
2. GMAT/GRE- Know where you stand
In profile evaluation sessions, my conversations often revolve around GMAT scores, which are a cause for concern. At the beginning of the application season, most applicants are about 20 to 30 points below the average GMAT score of their desired programs. Even though the ISB only considers the overall score, applicants still need to make sure that the scores of the individual sections are balanced if you are applying to some other schools.
In the global context
1.For applicants from South Asia and China: Quantitative scores are considered weak if the percentile falls below 80, while verbal scores between 60 and 70 raise questions about the ability to communicate effectively in the classroom and with peers from international backgrounds.
2.For native, English-speaking applicants, the opposite may be true with verbal abilities.
Consider the general bias of admissions committees toward profiles with a strong quantitative emphasis. Had you applied the previous year, a slight deviation from the B School's Average scores could have been compensated for by a comprehensive account of your professional development, leadership skills, or diverse aspects. However, what many applicants overlook in this assessment is the quantitative nature of the MBA program. If you want to compensate for such weaknesses, your primary focus should always be on improving your GMAT score.
Expert Insight- People who aspire to be consultants after the MBA are better perceived if they have an overall balanced score, even if the GMAT score is not high. People pursuing Finance Goals are better perceived if they have a solid quant score.
When to switch to GRE from GMAT? Consider these to evaluate your plan : ISB
3. GPA- Reevaluate your undergrad report card
ISB and IIM applicants often ask, 'Will my low GPA be a factor in admission?"
For re-applicants especially, the answer should be clear. ISB or IIM A may have been hesitant to admit you compared to other similar applicants because they may favor a less robust profile with an above average GPA (in comparison to you).
Achieving 75 percent or higher in an undergraduate course could be deemed a favorable score for Indian applicants.
How can you overcome weaknesses that show in your transcripts?
In the age of burgeoning online courses and digital education platforms (including Harvard's foray into online education), MBA applicants now have a new way to compensate for potential weaknesses in their academic performance. To compensate for a lower grade point average, I recommend taking courses with a strong quantitative focus and aiming for a score between 80% and 100% in offerings from reputable business schools.
Those with backgrounds in engineering, sciences or business development should focus on two majors: Statistics and Calculus. If your performance has not been satisfactory, take up courses that give test options to demonstrate improvement.
Individuals with a background in finance should focus on statistics, accounting, and financial analysis to get strong consideration from adcoms. If your performance has not been satisfactory, take up courses that give test options to demonstrate improvement.
Remember: Take online courses only in subjects where your grades are below 70% (unless participation is purely for personal interest). If you're worried about a low GPA, consider taking some courses to show that you've overcome your weak areas.
Here's an example Let's say you struggled with computer science in school and graduated with a poor grade point average, but later in life you decided to further your education with the help of various courses and the guidance of mentors. Today, you're a successful software engineer with a wealth of knowledge and experience under your belt. This is the perfect example of how you can turn a personal adversity into a growth opportunity and show the admissions committee that you're capable of overcoming academic hurdles
Even if you have limited work experience, you should emphasize the skills and knowledge you've gained during that time.
For example, if you worked in category management/marketing and had a low grade point average in finance during your studies, tell how your work taught you to analyze financial reports and create budgets. This way, you can show the admissions committee that you have relevant skills and knowledge beyond your academic achievements.
4. Should you Change the Essay Narrative?
The readability of your essays will be influenced by narratives about your profession, extracurricular activities, conflicts, personal development, and promotion. In ISB applications, authenticity is more important than pure storytelling, so overuse of clichés does not go down well.
It can be difficult for ISB reapplicants to objectively evaluate their previous essays because they have invested a lot in the writing process and may have developed assumptions about important life stories. The narratives in your essay need to reflect your recent or current assignments. Many reapplicants who have successfully cleared the first hurdle and reached the interview stage often hold on to narratives from the past, even though the new year may have brought them new roles, responsibilities or even a change in function.
Since most schools keep applicant files for at least two years, simply rewording essays is not the most effective strategy. If you did well on the essay but failed the interviews, it is sufficient to write a report similar to last year's and update it with your current roles, responsibilities and goals. When incorporating new elements into last year's version, applicants often make additional assumptions about why they were previously rejected. The best place to start is to list the reasons for rejection.
Feel free to contact us for a FREE ding analysis.
Once you know the reasons for rejection, you should focus solely on addressing them in your essay. Unnecessary revisions of a successful story without a clear goal would be a waste of time.
5. Volunteering- Do you reckon a balanced right-brain thinking
While it may seem plausible that your weekends are constrained by personal commitments so that you are unable to volunteer or improve your extracurricular skills, the reality is that a significant portion of applicants who struggle with a relatively "light" extracurricular program are from India. Here, the emphasis is often on highlighting professional achievements, and the culture of community engagement may not be deeply ingrained. In contrast, Western applicants are traditionally more involved in volunteer activities. If you identify a lack of volunteer experience as your main shortcoming, focus on active involvement in a relevant social organization to make a meaningful contribution.
The quickest way to broaden and deepen your experience is by participating in short-term volunteer programs, which typically last 1 to 2 weeks. While some organizations view short-term commitments with caution, others are more accommodating as long as you provide a coherent and genuine rationale.
6. Should you consider changing Post-MBA Goals?
The Goals question is a ubiquitous part of ISB application. If your GMAT and grade point average are above your class average and your letter of recommendation indicates excellence, you should check the basics of the goals strategy. Is your post-MBA goal too ambitious, irrelevant or lacking substance? We assess the viability of your goals by taking a two-pronged approach.
A. Review employment record
Review the school's employment reports from the last three years to determine if the role, MBA specialization, or industry you're seeking is underrepresented. It's important to recognize that the specificity of your post-MBA goal may not always prove beneficial. Factors such as the relevance of the curriculum, the lack of a dedicated career team for your targeted industry or function, or changes in economic conditions or industry demand could impact your feasibility. If the records are not available get insights from experienced alumni or experts.
B. Evaluation of Your Career History
When you reapply, you can include key projects, cross-functional assignments, or international work experiences as important milestones in your narrative to support discussion of your post-MBA and leadership career goals.
7. Re-evaluate Your Recommendation and recommender
Dealing with recommenders is the most difficult challenge in reapplying. Your reputation within the company may have suffered a setback when it became apparent that your previous efforts to gain admission to a top MBA program were not crowned with success. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to ask for a recommendation again, especially from the same recommenders, this process can be very nerve-wracking. Seek help from an expert on how to navigate this.
In numerous cases, we have observed that recommenders suggest that applicants draft the letter of recommendation themselves. Then, recommenders supplement the draft with their own insights before submitting it. This approach is often due to concerns about structuring the letter effectively. While sample letters of recommendation can serve as a helpful starting point, it is not advisable for applicants to draft the initial versions themselves. Examiners quickly recognize similarities in tone, transitions, and narrative between letters of recommendation and personal essays. It is advisable to encourage your supervisor to write at least the first version of the letter of recommendation. Gradually, you can suggest including specific experiences, and the final version should reflect the applicant's communication skills, maturity, leadership qualities, learning ability, and potential.
If you are crafting your LORs for the PGPs or MBA again hope these links can help
1. Secret Sauce For Outstanding Letters of Recommendations
2.How to Select The Recommender
8. Evaluate your interview performance
One of the most important things about my work as a B-school admissions coach is getting my mentees to relive their entire interview experience right after it happens—while it’s still fresh in their minds.
Getting them to replay the entire discussion, often with raw emotions and passion, helps me tailor strategies for future candidates. It’s a process I’ve done countless times with candidates from a variety of schools, and trust me, it’s eye-opening to see the different lines of questioning each B school brings.
Reapplicants who have received a rejection after the interview must acknowledge that a significant portion of applicants face interview rejections when applying to in a prestigious MBA program. Mastering effective communication takes a lot of practice, and assuming that a few days of preparation after the essay stage will be enough to excel in interviews is an overestimation. If you have identified certain oversight in your application, make sure to address it sufficiently in the ISB interview.
Here are all the Interview focused strategies for Indian B school interviews
Answering the toughest ISB interview Questions (with examples) : ISB
Mastering the PGP/PGPX Interview: A Comprehensive Debrief : ISB
Answering the toughest ISB interview Questions (with examples) : ISB
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
If you got an interview, that in itself is an accomplishment! Many top business schools will give you the chance to interview even if there is a glaring gap in certain areas. In this way, they want to show you that you have the potential and that reapplying may be a good option. Use the hurdles as a learning opportunity to improve and become even more successful in the future, rather than dwelling on the rejection.
I specifically want to dedicate this writeup to concerns of the prospective reapplicants at ISB and other Indian B schools.
1. The class size
In the Indian scenario, IIM A PGPX offers about 150 seats, while IIM B offers about 75 seats. In contrast, the ISB offers about 850 seats. Apart from the cases where re-applicants significantly improve their GMAT scores, it would be extremely difficult to succeed as a re-applicant in highly competitive schools with limited class sizes.
From my general observation, ISB is much more open to reapplicants than one would think. This cycle I worked with successful mentees who have applied for the second or third time. We must not forget that given the competitive selection process at ISB, rejection can be due to an oversight ranging from exam results to poorly executed essays.
The first step after learning of the waitlist decision or rejection should be to seek feedback from experienced professionals and former students. Take time to think about the areas in which you can improve and develop a plan to implement these changes.
2. GMAT/GRE- Know where you stand
In profile evaluation sessions, my conversations often revolve around GMAT scores, which are a cause for concern. At the beginning of the application season, most applicants are about 20 to 30 points below the average GMAT score of their desired programs. Even though the ISB only considers the overall score, applicants still need to make sure that the scores of the individual sections are balanced if you are applying to some other schools.
In the global context
1.For applicants from South Asia and China: Quantitative scores are considered weak if the percentile falls below 80, while verbal scores between 60 and 70 raise questions about the ability to communicate effectively in the classroom and with peers from international backgrounds.
2.For native, English-speaking applicants, the opposite may be true with verbal abilities.
Consider the general bias of admissions committees toward profiles with a strong quantitative emphasis. Had you applied the previous year, a slight deviation from the B School's Average scores could have been compensated for by a comprehensive account of your professional development, leadership skills, or diverse aspects. However, what many applicants overlook in this assessment is the quantitative nature of the MBA program. If you want to compensate for such weaknesses, your primary focus should always be on improving your GMAT score.
Expert Insight- People who aspire to be consultants after the MBA are better perceived if they have an overall balanced score, even if the GMAT score is not high. People pursuing Finance Goals are better perceived if they have a solid quant score.
When to switch to GRE from GMAT? Consider these to evaluate your plan : ISB
3. GPA- Reevaluate your undergrad report card
ISB and IIM applicants often ask, 'Will my low GPA be a factor in admission?"
For re-applicants especially, the answer should be clear. ISB or IIM A may have been hesitant to admit you compared to other similar applicants because they may favor a less robust profile with an above average GPA (in comparison to you).
Achieving 75 percent or higher in an undergraduate course could be deemed a favorable score for Indian applicants.
How can you overcome weaknesses that show in your transcripts?
In the age of burgeoning online courses and digital education platforms (including Harvard's foray into online education), MBA applicants now have a new way to compensate for potential weaknesses in their academic performance. To compensate for a lower grade point average, I recommend taking courses with a strong quantitative focus and aiming for a score between 80% and 100% in offerings from reputable business schools.
Those with backgrounds in engineering, sciences or business development should focus on two majors: Statistics and Calculus. If your performance has not been satisfactory, take up courses that give test options to demonstrate improvement.
Individuals with a background in finance should focus on statistics, accounting, and financial analysis to get strong consideration from adcoms. If your performance has not been satisfactory, take up courses that give test options to demonstrate improvement.
Remember: Take online courses only in subjects where your grades are below 70% (unless participation is purely for personal interest). If you're worried about a low GPA, consider taking some courses to show that you've overcome your weak areas.
Here's an example Let's say you struggled with computer science in school and graduated with a poor grade point average, but later in life you decided to further your education with the help of various courses and the guidance of mentors. Today, you're a successful software engineer with a wealth of knowledge and experience under your belt. This is the perfect example of how you can turn a personal adversity into a growth opportunity and show the admissions committee that you're capable of overcoming academic hurdles
Even if you have limited work experience, you should emphasize the skills and knowledge you've gained during that time.
For example, if you worked in category management/marketing and had a low grade point average in finance during your studies, tell how your work taught you to analyze financial reports and create budgets. This way, you can show the admissions committee that you have relevant skills and knowledge beyond your academic achievements.
4. Should you Change the Essay Narrative?
The readability of your essays will be influenced by narratives about your profession, extracurricular activities, conflicts, personal development, and promotion. In ISB applications, authenticity is more important than pure storytelling, so overuse of clichés does not go down well.
It can be difficult for ISB reapplicants to objectively evaluate their previous essays because they have invested a lot in the writing process and may have developed assumptions about important life stories. The narratives in your essay need to reflect your recent or current assignments. Many reapplicants who have successfully cleared the first hurdle and reached the interview stage often hold on to narratives from the past, even though the new year may have brought them new roles, responsibilities or even a change in function.
Since most schools keep applicant files for at least two years, simply rewording essays is not the most effective strategy. If you did well on the essay but failed the interviews, it is sufficient to write a report similar to last year's and update it with your current roles, responsibilities and goals. When incorporating new elements into last year's version, applicants often make additional assumptions about why they were previously rejected. The best place to start is to list the reasons for rejection.
Feel free to contact us for a FREE ding analysis.
Once you know the reasons for rejection, you should focus solely on addressing them in your essay. Unnecessary revisions of a successful story without a clear goal would be a waste of time.
5. Volunteering- Do you reckon a balanced right-brain thinking
While it may seem plausible that your weekends are constrained by personal commitments so that you are unable to volunteer or improve your extracurricular skills, the reality is that a significant portion of applicants who struggle with a relatively "light" extracurricular program are from India. Here, the emphasis is often on highlighting professional achievements, and the culture of community engagement may not be deeply ingrained. In contrast, Western applicants are traditionally more involved in volunteer activities. If you identify a lack of volunteer experience as your main shortcoming, focus on active involvement in a relevant social organization to make a meaningful contribution.
The quickest way to broaden and deepen your experience is by participating in short-term volunteer programs, which typically last 1 to 2 weeks. While some organizations view short-term commitments with caution, others are more accommodating as long as you provide a coherent and genuine rationale.
6. Should you consider changing Post-MBA Goals?
The Goals question is a ubiquitous part of ISB application. If your GMAT and grade point average are above your class average and your letter of recommendation indicates excellence, you should check the basics of the goals strategy. Is your post-MBA goal too ambitious, irrelevant or lacking substance? We assess the viability of your goals by taking a two-pronged approach.
A. Review employment record
Review the school's employment reports from the last three years to determine if the role, MBA specialization, or industry you're seeking is underrepresented. It's important to recognize that the specificity of your post-MBA goal may not always prove beneficial. Factors such as the relevance of the curriculum, the lack of a dedicated career team for your targeted industry or function, or changes in economic conditions or industry demand could impact your feasibility. If the records are not available get insights from experienced alumni or experts.
B. Evaluation of Your Career History
When you reapply, you can include key projects, cross-functional assignments, or international work experiences as important milestones in your narrative to support discussion of your post-MBA and leadership career goals.
7. Re-evaluate Your Recommendation and recommender
Dealing with recommenders is the most difficult challenge in reapplying. Your reputation within the company may have suffered a setback when it became apparent that your previous efforts to gain admission to a top MBA program were not crowned with success. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to ask for a recommendation again, especially from the same recommenders, this process can be very nerve-wracking. Seek help from an expert on how to navigate this.
In numerous cases, we have observed that recommenders suggest that applicants draft the letter of recommendation themselves. Then, recommenders supplement the draft with their own insights before submitting it. This approach is often due to concerns about structuring the letter effectively. While sample letters of recommendation can serve as a helpful starting point, it is not advisable for applicants to draft the initial versions themselves. Examiners quickly recognize similarities in tone, transitions, and narrative between letters of recommendation and personal essays. It is advisable to encourage your supervisor to write at least the first version of the letter of recommendation. Gradually, you can suggest including specific experiences, and the final version should reflect the applicant's communication skills, maturity, leadership qualities, learning ability, and potential.
If you are crafting your LORs for the PGPs or MBA again hope these links can help
1. Secret Sauce For Outstanding Letters of Recommendations
2.How to Select The Recommender
8. Evaluate your interview performance
One of the most important things about my work as a B-school admissions coach is getting my mentees to relive their entire interview experience right after it happens—while it’s still fresh in their minds.
Getting them to replay the entire discussion, often with raw emotions and passion, helps me tailor strategies for future candidates. It’s a process I’ve done countless times with candidates from a variety of schools, and trust me, it’s eye-opening to see the different lines of questioning each B school brings.
Reapplicants who have received a rejection after the interview must acknowledge that a significant portion of applicants face interview rejections when applying to in a prestigious MBA program. Mastering effective communication takes a lot of practice, and assuming that a few days of preparation after the essay stage will be enough to excel in interviews is an overestimation. If you have identified certain oversight in your application, make sure to address it sufficiently in the ISB interview.
Here are all the Interview focused strategies for Indian B school interviews
Answering the toughest ISB interview Questions (with examples) : ISB
Mastering the PGP/PGPX Interview: A Comprehensive Debrief : ISB
Answering the toughest ISB interview Questions (with examples) : ISB
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
20 Feb 2025, 07:00
Kudos
Bookmarks
Reapplying for an MBA can feel daunting. A rejection isn’t a measure of your potential, it’s a chance to refine your approach, showcase your progress, and emerge as a stronger candidate.
By embracing feedback, identifying areas for improvement, being in touch with the adcom for sharing relevant updates and strategically enhancing your application, you can turn setbacks into a stepping stone toward success. With resilience and a fresh perspective, your reapplication can open the doors to your dream business school.
Note: It is very important to understand if the school is Reapplication friendly or not.
You can also take a look at this BLOG .
By embracing feedback, identifying areas for improvement, being in touch with the adcom for sharing relevant updates and strategically enhancing your application, you can turn setbacks into a stepping stone toward success. With resilience and a fresh perspective, your reapplication can open the doors to your dream business school.
Note: It is very important to understand if the school is Reapplication friendly or not.
You can also take a look at this BLOG .
MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
23 Feb 2025, 03:53
Kudos
Bookmarks
+
