ISB Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi Hadrian97

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share some insights regarding your ISB application, and I'll get straight to the point without any unnecessary embellishments.

Your profile undeniably boasts several strengths. However, in the highly competitive pool of ISB applicants, there is a concern that you might be perceived as a relatively weaker candidate due to a subpar GMAT score as per GMAT requirement at ISB.

While your current GMAT score, CA and work profile together offer a reasonable chance of securing an interview invitation, the real challenge lies in converting that opportunity. Even if you deliver an exceptional interview performance, my assessment suggests that you might still find yourself on the waitlist.

In light of this, I strongly recommend considering the possibility of enhancing your GMAT score. Doing so could substantially bolster your application, especially given your target application round of R-2.

Please know that this suggestion is aimed solely at maximizing your chances of success at ISB. Your profile is impressive, and a stronger GMAT score could help you shine even brighter in the admissions process

We help candidates improve their scores and helping them with every application step. If you would find it useful then you may consider getting a one-on-one assessment and way forward.

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Hi,
Please evaluate my profile.

Age: 27 years

Education:
Graduation: B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from National Law University, Lucknow - 6.55 CGPA
12th: 81.8%, CBSE
10th: 8.4 CGPA, CBSE

GMAT: Yet to take (targeting 700+).


Work Experience (2.5 years):
1. Content Marketer (Founding Member) - US-based startup (August '23 - current)
- Created and leading the entire content team from ground.
- Strategizing and developing content for multiple content channels with complete ownership.

2. Head of Content - UK-based startup (March '23 - August '23)
- Established the content workstream alone from ground up.
- Managed a team of writers, designers, and editors.
- Managed work with a PR agency and helped promote the brand across multiple publications.

3. Content Strategist - Bangalore-based fintech startup (January '23 - March '23)
- Established the complete content team with writers, designers, and editors from scratch.
- Created roadmaps and content strategy for the next 6 months.
- Established SOPs for content publication and management.

4. Content Strategist - Bangalore-based cloud computing startup (February '22 - December '22)
- Started as a writer and got promoted within 6 months.
- Built the entire content engine from scratch.
- Worked closely with product teams and managed a team of freelancers, interns, and designers.

5. Writer - Gurugram-based logistics software company (July '21 - February '22)
- Worked as a writer-editor and developed and owned several channels of content.
- Managed a team of 4 interns and a freelancer to develop and publish content across multiple channels.

6. Legal Intern - Hon'ble Supreme Court of India (December '17)
- Worked at the office of the Advocate General of Sikkim.
- Drafted multiple PILs, legal notices, and court arguments.
- Worked on multiple client negotiations.

Co-curricular:
1. Became Editor of the Law Review of my college in my first year and worked on 2 national journals.
2. Was an active part of the debating society at college and represented my university at a national competition.

Extra-curricular:
1. Was an active member of the college band and won multiple national level competitions.
2. Currently offer pro bono services as a legal consultant to underprivileged women who are victims of domestic violence, providing support related to alimony, child custody and related criminal cases.
3. I am also a sessions guitarist - am not currently working with artists full-time but join in as and when a performance comes.

I am also building a tech startup in parallel with a co-founder from IIIT, Hyderabad. We've got an MVP and working on advanced AI (it's not a wrapper, we're building the tech from ground up). Simultaneously, I run an AI consulting agency with my co-founder.

Before going to law school, I used to be a professional guitarist. I toured with an artist and performed at multiple venues in India, and saved up some money before going to law school. I paid for some of it using my own savings.

Thank you in advance.

Hello,

You have had quite a few stints ( assuming a mix of employment, contractual and founder/cofounder) but content has been a consistent theme. A good focus on the story and goals with a good GMAT score (700+) should work for you. Being involved in pro bono consulting and your experience as a guitarist would also have a good contribution here.

All the best!

Unfortunately, a GMAT score of 650 is not really going to take you places Sainz_Sri.

If you are serious about ISB, you really need to consider reappearing in GMAT and improving it by at least 40 points.
--
Ashish.

Very decent profile, but unfortunately, a GMAT score of 660 is very unlikely to make the cut Sancharey.

Consider reattempting and improving that by at least 20 points. Considering your profile, I believe a V38 or more is really doable.
--
Ashish.

Hello abhisheksingh2525

I hope you are doing good. Your profile appears to be quite strong, with a diverse set of experiences and accomplishments that could make you a competitive candidate for the ISB MBA program. While your undergraduate GPA is on the lower side (6.55 CGPA), it's important to note that ISB, like many top MBA programs, considers various aspects of an applicant's profile. Your strong performance in 12th grade and a competitive GMAT score (targeting 700+) could offset the lower undergraduate GPA.

Your work experience is impressive and demonstrates a clear progression in your career. You've held roles of increasing responsibility in content marketing and content strategy, including experience in leadership and team management. These roles showcase your ability to drive content initiatives and lead teams, which is valuable in business management.

Your involvement in the college Law Review, debating society, and your achievements in the college band highlight your well-roundedness and leadership skills. Furthermore, your pro bono legal work reflects your commitment to social causes. Your involvement in building a tech startup and running an AI consulting agency, along with your co-founder from IIIT, Hyderabad, is a significant asset. It demonstrates your entrepreneurial mindset and hands-on experience in the tech industry, which aligns well with ISB's focus on entrepreneurship and technology.

Your previous experience as a professional guitarist adds a unique dimension to your profile and could be a talking point during interviews or in your application essays. It showcases your creativity and dedication to your craft. Your pro bono legal consulting for underprivileged women and your role as a sessions guitarist demonstrates your commitment to giving back to the community and pursuing your passions outside of work.

Overall, your profile combines a mix of professional growth, leadership experience, entrepreneurship, and unique personal interests, making you a compelling candidate for the MBA program. Your GMAT score will play a crucial role, so make sure to prepare thoroughly. Additionally, your application essays should highlight how your experiences and skills align with your post-MBA goals and how you can contribute to the community.

Good luck with your application!

We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
MBA and Beyond

Hello Sainz_Sri,

I hope you are doing good. Your profile for the ISB MBA program has several strong points. You have strong academic credentials, including a CFA (Level 3) qualification and the Chartered Accountant designation. These qualifications are highly respected and demonstrate your commitment to the finance and accounting field. Your undergraduate CGPA of 8.16 in B.Com is competitive and shows your academic ability. Your high school and 10th-grade scores are also quite good. Your GMAT score of 650 is slightly below the average GMAT score for ISB, which typically hovers around 710-720. While it's not a disqualifying factor, a higher GMAT score would certainly strengthen your application.

Your five years of work experience, including one year as a manager at a Big4 accounting firm, is a significant asset. This demonstrates your professional growth and leadership potential. Make sure to highlight your accomplishments, leadership roles, and impact on your job during the application process. Your profile doesn't mention extracurricular activities or community involvement. While work experience and academic qualifications are crucial, ISB also values applicants who are well-rounded and can contribute to the school's community beyond academics.

Your recommendations and application essays will be essential in showcasing your unique qualities, experiences, and career goals. Use them to explain why you want to pursue an MBA, what you hope to achieve, and how ISB aligns with your aspirations.

Overall, your profile has several strengths, particularly your academic and professional qualifications. However, to increase your chances of acceptance into ISB, it's advisable to retake the GMAT to aim for a higher score, and also consider highlighting any extracurricular or community involvement in your application. Additionally, ensure that your essays and recommendations provide a clear and compelling narrative of your career goals and why ISB is the right fit for you.

We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
MBA and Beyond

Hello raunakjr97

I hope you are doing good. Your profile appears strong on the surface. Your academic scores in 10th and 12th are excellent, and your 12th-grade score of 93% is particularly impressive. However, your undergraduate GPA of 70% in BCom Hons is relatively lower. Some top business schools may consider this, so be prepared to address this in your application or interview. Your GMAT score of 680 is decent but falls slightly below the average for many top-tier business schools. Consider retaking the GMAT to aim for a higher score, especially if you are targeting competitive programs.

Your six years of work experience in the sports content industry, particularly with top sporting leagues, is a significant strength. Your experience spans different aspects of content creation, management, and analytics, which can be valuable for MBA programs. Your involvement in college events, politics, and winning accolades in writing and management events demonstrates your leadership and engagement during your college years. Highlight these experiences to showcase your well-roundedness and ability to contribute to the school community.

Your transition goals from the sports content industry to product and consultancy roles align well with the MBA program's objectives. Your experience in SEO, editorial planning, team management, and data analysis can be assets in pursuing these roles.

B-School Recommendations:

Considering your profile and career goals, here are some B-schools you can realistically target in India:
1. Indian School of Business (ISB) - With your work experience and goals, ISB could be an excellent fit.

2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and others - These are top-tier Indian B-schools that you should consider applying to.

3. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) - Known for its strong focus on international business.

4. XLRI Jamshedpur - Renowned for its management programs.

5. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) - Known for its focus on experiential learning.

You should definitely include your six years of work experience, even if it was on an exclusive contract as a consultant. It's a valuable experience that demonstrates your expertise and contributions to the sports content industry. Make sure to explain the nature of your work and the impact you had on projects and clients.

Overall, while your profile is strong in many aspects, consider retaking the GMAT to enhance your chances at top-tier schools. Highlight your leadership, diversity of experiences, and your ability to bridge your current industry with your future goals in your application. Tailor your applications to emphasize how an MBA will enable you to make the transition to product and consultancy roles effectively.

We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
MBA and Beyond

Demographics : Indian Male, Engineering, Age 27

Professional Background: I have worked for 6 years in Operations role(Assistant Manager) in the Oil and Gas Industry, specifically in the Petrochemicals sector.
My experience includes Unit Operations, M&I Planning, and Brownfield Project commissioning.

Academics:
10th: 10 CGPA
12th: 93.4%
B.Tech(Hons.) in Chemical Engineering from a Tier-1 Institute(Old IIT) with a CGPA of 8.1/10
CFA L1 qualified(in May,2023), no plans of appearing for L2 as of now.

Extracurricular Activities: Nothing significant. Few awards in Hockey and Fine Arts competitions during college in various inter-hostel competitions.

Post-MBA Aspirations: Move into Supply Chain Management or consulting roles in relevant industry.
Equally interested in transitioning to Finance roles but due to lack of any relevant experience in finance i am afraid I won't be able to convince the admission panel. Although I have cleared CFA L1 in May this year, I am unsure if that would be enough.

GMAT: 750 (Q50 V42)

I am planning to apply in R2 and would like to know which programs should I target based on my profile and GMAT score.

Hi All,

Could you please evaluate my profile, I have yet to take GMAT:

Location: India
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Qualifications: BTech in Computer Science from Symbiosis International
Bachelor's CGPA - 3.55 (out of 4)
12th (State Board) - 88.5%
10th (CBSE Board) - 80 CGPA
Work Experience: 6 Years in technical roles
Current Role: Principal Engineer
Domain: Data Engineering and Analytics
GMAT Score: Yet to give
Interested in Full-time MBA
Reason for MBA: Want to change fields and try some other roles
Post-MBA goals: Not decided yet, maybe into Product/Program Management

Work Experience (6YOE):
1. Principal Engineer-> Airtel Digital (09/23-Present):
Working as a lead engineer (do not have anyone reporting to me) as part of the data platform team

2. Data Engineer II-> Expedia Group (03/22-09/23):
Worked as a lead engineer (do not have anyone reporting to me) as part of the data engineering division of the product analytics team for various Data Science stakeholders. Played an architect and mentor role for juniors in the team as well. Had some major achievements such as severe process optimization and the implementation of new architecture standards. Worked with some key product performance projects such as funnel progression which were exposed to leadership including CTO and CEO. Was the goto pers

3. Data Engineer 2-> PayPal (08/21-03/22):
Worked as a senior engineer on the credit risk strategy team, supporting several reporting and data science use cases. Had some major achievements such as the implementation of a new framework by anticipating stakeholder needs which resulted in saving 40 man hours in the team.

4. Business Technology Solutions Associate Consultant-> ZS (04/19-07/21):
Worked as a team lead for several pharmaceutical clients, and was involved in end-to-end project management and technical implementations. I had 3-5 members reporting to me which varied from an intern, contractors, and FTEs. Had some major achievements which involved redesigning an already live project from scratch to deal with performance issues which resulted in a foreseeable overhead cost of 200K USD. Demonstrated tools capabilities which resulted in signing up of new projects from a key client.

5. Software Engineer-> Amdocs (08/17-04/19):
Worked as an associate engineer for a telecom client, was involved in mentoring new members of the team, and presented several topics during client visits (this included, client leadership as well). Worked on an implementation of a key scorecard for SVPs which resulted in onboarding new projects worth 500K USD.

Awards:
1. Received two shotouts and a nomination for my hero award during my tenure at Expedia.
2. Received a spot award during my tenure at PayPal.

Had the opportunity to international travel, but couldn't proceed due to visa issues

Hobbies-> Not much, into gymming, board games, and traveling

Thanks

gmatloverop

The things that stand out for me in your profile are
1. Solid tech exposure
2. Association with feeder brands

However, you need to be strategic about finding the hooks in your experience. ISB sees a lot of pre-MBA techies applying to the program. You will have to execute your application well to stand out. Your professional recommendation will also need to be exemplary. You need to unpack your experiences and reconstruct your stories in a way that shows that working on high-impact projects has given you a much more hands-on experience and opportunity to engage with leaders from the industry, more experiential maturity, and more capability to contextualize business problems than most tech background applicants.

Additionally, while international exposure can be a strength, the larger objective is to assess your ability to handle critical decision-making and team management in a cross-cultural context. "Culture" in this context is not limited to nationality, but extends to working with people who may hold different values, practices, beliefs, and ideologies. You may not have worked in an international setting purely, but you may have strong examples of leadership from working across levels to bring about a significant impact. Your diverse experiences and perspectives can make you a standout candidate for PGP program.

Your Goals
Product/Program is a broad domain and typical error candidates make is not delving further into their passion and desire to address a problem they have witnessed through their experience or to capitalize on an opportunity. What is the bigger picture/vision underlying your product or program management objectives than your previous expertise and qualifications? The same would be expected of consulting goals should you cite those.

Aim for a high GMAT score and reflect on your engagements outside of work that have generated impact.

Here are some ISB specific links that can give you more clarity on how to become a competitive applicant

1.How to think about the new ISB Essays
2.Fail-proof strategy for acing that ISB Interview
3.What ISB looks for really? A fresh perspective
4.The Secret Sauce For Outstanding Letters of Recommendations
5.How To Select Your Recommenders
6.Avoid these pitfalls in goals essays
7.Things to keep in mind as a reapplicant


Get tailored advice specific to your unique situation. We do not cap discussion hours for our applicants

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

At ISB, it will be almost impossible to accomplish a transition from Operations to Finance, after 6 years of experience in core Operations role.

So, would suggest that you keep your post-MBA goals close to the pre-MBA education & experience.
--
Ashish.

Hello gmatloverop,

I hope you are doing well. Your profile for the MBA program appears to have several strong elements. However, keep in mind that ISB, like other top business schools, evaluates applicants holistically, considering various aspects of your profile. Your academic background is decent, but it's not outstanding. A higher GPA could have strengthened your profile further. Since you haven't taken the GMAT yet, it's essential to perform well on the exam to complement your profile. A strong GMAT score can enhance your competitiveness.

You have six solid years of work experience in technical roles, including leadership positions. Your experience spans well-known companies such as Airtel Digital, Expedia Group, PayPal, ZS, and Amdocs. Your achievements, such as process optimization, architectural leadership, and project management, demonstrate your expertise and impact in your field. Your work in data engineering and analytics is highly relevant in today's business landscape. It's a valuable skillset that can be leveraged in various industries and roles, including Product/Program Management.

Coming to your ECs, the awards and recognition you've received, including spot awards and nominations for hero awards, indicate your contributions and impact in your previous roles. Although you didn't have the opportunity to travel internationally, the fact that you were prepared for international assignments shows your potential for a global mindset, which is valued by business schools. While you mention an interest in Product/Program Management, it's essential to clarify your goals further in your application. Admissions committees want to see a clear connection between your past experiences, MBA, and future career objectives.

Overall, your profile has many strong elements, including your work experience, domain expertise, and recognition in your field. To improve your chances of admission to ISB, consider performing well on the GMAT, and ensure your application essays and recommendations provide a clear and compelling narrative of your career journey and aspirations. Clarify your post-MBA goals, and if possible, highlight any leadership or impact in non-professional areas of your life.

Good luck with your application!

We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
MBA and Beyond

Hello kumaraish1195,

I hope you are doing well. Your profile for the ISB MBA program is quite strong, and with a GMAT score of 750, you have a competitive advantage. Your academic credentials are impressive, with a strong 10th-grade score, excellent 12th-grade performance, and a B.Tech (Hons.) degree from an Old IIT. These academic achievements reflect your strong foundation.

Your six years of experience in the Oil and Gas Industry, particularly in Operations, demonstrate your commitment to a specific industry and functional area. It's a valuable foundation for your post-MBA goals. Earning the CFA Level 1 qualification is a significant achievement and shows your dedication to finance. While you may not have direct finance experience, this can still be seen as a positive signal of your interest and capability in the field.

While your academic and professional achievements are strong, the extracurricular section of your profile appears relatively weaker. If you can highlight any leadership or impactful experiences outside of work, it can add depth to your application.

Your career goals of transitioning to Supply Chain Management or consulting roles align well with your background and experience. Mention your interest in Finance as well, as the CFA Level 1 qualification can be seen as a step in that direction. However, be prepared to explain why you want to make this shift and how you plan to bridge the gap in your application.

With your profile and GMAT score, you can aim for top-tier MBA programs both in India and internationally. For India, ISB is an excellent choice, given your GMAT score and aspirations. Additionally, you can consider other top Indian B-schools.

If you are open to international programs, you can target renowned business schools in the US, Europe, and Asia. Some of the top-ranked programs globally include Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, INSEAD, London Business School, and Kellogg. Your choice of programs should align with your career goals, location preferences, and the program's strengths.

Overall, your strong academic background, exceptional GMAT score, and relevant work experience make you a competitive applicant for top-tier MBA programs. Strengthen your extracurricular section, be clear about your post-MBA goals, and consider targeting a mix of Indian and international programs based on your preferences and career objectives.

Good luck with your applications!

We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
MBA and Beyond

👋 Hey jmitesh69,

I came across your profile evaluation query on the forum and thought I'd reach out to offer some assistance from my own experience.

So here is what I would suggest:

Strengths:

➡️ Academic Consistency: Your Bachelor’s scores indicate a consistent academic track.

➡️ Unique Industry: Pharma market access consultancy is a less common field among MBA applicants and could stand you out.

➡️ Work Experience: 2 YOR aligns with ISB, but you need to showcase quantifiable results in your work ex, EC's, volunteer experiences, and achievements in academics in order stand out in the competitive pool.


Areas for Improvement:

➡️ Undefined GMAT Score: Not having a GMAT score makes it challenging to fully evaluate your competitiveness.


Suggestions:

➡️ Take GMAT: A strong GMAT score will be vital for your application.

➡️ Broaden Leadership Examples: Being a Class Rep and part of a festival core team could serve as examples of your organizational and leadership skills. Be sure to highlight these in your essays.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a FREE call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.

Or DM for help!

Hi All,

I just gave my GMAT exam and would like to have my profile evaluated in order to get a fair idea of my chances for an admit in ISB:


Age: 23 yr

GMAT Score: 700 [Quant:50 , Verbal:34, I.R.:4 ]

Educational Qualifications:

Graduation: B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, India in 2022 with 91.6% aggregate.
CLASS XII: Secured 93.6% in Science; Board: CBSE; Year: 2018
CLASS X: Secured 95%; Board: CBSE; Year:2016

Work Experience:
Working as a Software Engineer at UKG (short for Ultimate Kronos Group) for almost a year and 2 months now.

Extra Curricular:

1) Participated in debates, exhibitions & competitions throughout school & college life
2) Won an INR 5000 Science Scholarship for a national level exhibition; Prize Money of INR 1200 at District Level; Reached State Level of the same.
3) Was part of the school music band as a Drummer.
4) Part of the school Football Team as well.

Would appreciate some honest consults and reviews about my profile and love to get some insight on my chances of getting into ISB.

Hi,
Please evaluate my profile.
Targetting 1st round of ISB.
10th- 91.4% CBSE
12th- 83.83% maharashtra state board
Btech CGPA- 8.45 chemical engineering from IIT BHU, 2016 passout
GMAT score- 730
GATE AIR 90 out of 16000 student
short term goal- consultant in the field of energy and sustainable development
Work ex - 7 years and 1 month current. in IOCL, operations management
Look after day to day workings of operation of converting crude oil into petroleum products.
I have 35 subordinates under me.
Coordinated a shutdown of plant, completed 7 days earlier so saved INR 20 crore for IOCL
Gave suggestions related to processes, one led to savings of INR 5 lakh weekly.
Commissioned new desalter technology, project worth INR 9 crore.
College-
Published 3 articles in small journals about granular flow in 2/3 dimensions.
Presented one paper on conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuel. also converted thermocol into diesel though process was not efficient
extra curricular-
lawn tennis- have won 2 gold and 3 silver in doubles and singles at tournament that happens at workplace every year.
Marketing executive at college technical fest, was able to bring sponsors from banking sector, total fund was about INR 25lakh. this was done in 2014
won one quiz in 2018, hosted by star plus program sabse smart kaon? at nagpur.
last year i had applied with 700 gmat score for second round of ISB but was rejected