Profile Evaluation for ISB R1 September 2024( Next intake)

Question

Hi,
Want to know about the target GMAT score and profile improvement required to enhance chances for ISB.

Profile:
X- 87.2%
XII- 82.8% (Best all-rounder, School captain)
Undergrad- 6
IIT Delhi (Dual degree in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology) 2016 (Age 30)

Workex-5.25 years
1) SBI - 4.5 Years
Top10% performance ratings
Moody's Certificate in Commercial Credit
2 years Credit Analyst
2) Ernst and Young - 0.75 years
Senior Consultant
Active participation in social initiatives

PS: Had applied to ISB in R3 2023 intake, result denied without interview.
Would like to know about the target GMAT score to enhance chances at ISB!

Posted from my mobile device

Top100MBA.Club · Answer

Hi We had a R3 applicant for last year's intake who was rejected and applied through us in R1 this intake and got in. He had a 750 GMAT. First of all, A GMAT score of 710+ or GMAT FE score of 655+ is good enough to put you in the competitive GMAT score. What was your GPA at IIT Delhi? Although the IIT Delhi tag is a good brand your overall GPA is important. Also with regards to your work experience, how many promotions did you get at SBI, what was the number of people reporting to you? ECs: What do you mean by active participation in social events, can you cite examples. Also what impact have you achieved in ECs. Do keep in mind that ISB is highly selective and apart from well-rounded aspects in your Academics, Work Experience as well as ECs, ISB pays close attention to your self awareness and level of maturity displayed in your application. This is what we pinpointed as a weakness in our ISB Re-Applicant who was able to secure admission in R1 for this intake with our help. If you need professional help with your applications, do reach out! Best, Divesh Founder & Managing Consultant https://Top100MBA.Club WAPP:+912231989175

ISBeacon · Answer

The lack of detail in your post is just  surprising  (in lack of a better word)  Avinashkbharti .

You have not mentioned:

1) The GMAT score that you had applied with last time

2) Why you did not apply this year

3) How you have only 5.25 years of experience, when you graduated almost 8 years back

Anyway, since your undergrad CGPA seems a bit on the lower side, please see if you can get > 95th percentile on GMAT
--
Ashish.

Avinashkbharti · Answer

CGPA 6.05/10

Avinashkbharti · Answer

1) GMAT score was 630
2) I didn't apply this year because I am yet to appear for GMAT again and also wanted to improve my profile for reapplicant essay.
3) 1.25 years gap for UPSC prep July2016-December 2017 and 10 months career break between SBI and EY. Had done certifications from IIM Kozhikode, Global Governance Initiative during that period.

Posted from my mobile device

jm2k5 · Answer

Hey,

I am also planning to apply for R1 September 2024. Requesting a profile evaluation.

Profile:

Class X : 84% (in 2009)
Class XII: 88% (in 2011)
Undergrad: 7.1 (B.E. in Chemical Engg from Jadavpur University (considered among top 10 engg colleges in India). Graduated in 2016)
GMAT: 645 (First Attempt. Appeared in Dec' 23)
Age: Will be 31 at the time of application.

Work ex-
8 years in an Oil & Gas Maharatna PSU (Ranks among top 100 FT Global 500 companies)

Career Progression in company:

2016-2017 : Joined as Graduate Apprentice Engineer (Considered as training period). Worked in their process engineering dept. in the training period.

2017-2018: Promoted to Process Engineer. Monitored few of the most critical units in the refinery. Commissioned our refinery's first in-house designed project worth ~150 crore INR. It is worth noting that our company does not have expertise in designing projects. It was a very new wing of the company back in 2017. 
I was responsible for monitoring and optimization of 8 process units besides working in the above project. Work included regular liaison with designers of the units from France and Denmark, evaluation and preparation of technical tenders, ensuring statutory compliances, planning and co-ordination with other units in the refinery.

2018-2022: Transferred to Production Engineer. Because of the successful commissioning in 2017-18, I was moved to another new project that was coming up worth ~2500 crore INR. This was an absolutely sick project. The contractor who was responsible for commissioning the new project went bankrupt during execution and left the site. Our team single handedly oversaw the successful completion of the project (again our company does not have expertise in execution of projects. Our expertise is Operations). I handled close to 500 contract workers daily during the period of commissioning. The project was successfully commissioned in 2020 when COVID was at its peak. This project was targeted towards control of emissions (my target industry post MBA) from our refinery and for increasing profit margins. After commissioning the project I was involved in operations of the same unit. 11 Junior Engineers reported to me during this period.
In 2021, I was promoted to Assistant Manager. This was the minimum possible time period for promotion in our company (i.e. 4 years).

2022-2024: I was transferred to another high impact operating unit in 2022. I am involved in day-to-day operations of the unit since then. 21 Junior Engineers report to me.

Extra Curriculars:

Ranked 440 all over India in National Science Olympiad 2005 (Ranked 1 in city of Kolkata and received a Gold Medal for it).
Ranked 1 in webpage designing competition in 2009 in School Fest with all top schools in the city participating.
Was one of the founding members of our school fest committee. We conducted our school's first inter-school fest in 2009. Received a certificate of appreciation for success of our school fest.
Ranked 840 out of 130000 students appearing in West Bengal Engg Entrance exam in 2012 (99.35%ile)
Ranked 240 out of 16000 students appearing in GATE 2016 (98.5%ile).
Bagged a Group Recognition Award along with my team of 6 Junior Engineers for leading my team out of a disastrous emergency in 2023.

I have a gap in my CV between 2011-2012 where-in I studied Computer Science and Engineering. But I also prepared for the State Engg Entrance Exams during this period. I cleared the exam in 2012 with 99.35%ile so I dropped out of my CSE course.

Post MBA:

My target industry post-MBA are Oil and Gas Consulting, Renewable Energy Sector or Sustainability sector.

Besides ISB, I am also targeting IIMA PGPX and INSEAD.

What are my chances ? Do I need to retake GMAT ?

Top100MBA.Club · Answer

Interesting profile overall. GMAT score though is slightly below par specially for INSEAD and ISB. A score of 665+ will place you in the upper quarter of applicants from your applicant pool and significantly improve your chances.

Other than that INSEAD values international experience or exposure a lot than other schools, so do try to highlight any such experiences.

Overall I feel that if you can improve your GMAT by 20+ points and craft a strong narrative you do have a good shot at all these 3 schools but would also recommend to apply to a few reach and safe schools due to the randomness in the admission process.

If you need professional help with your applications, do reach out to us.

Best,
Divesh

Founder & Managing Consultant
https://Top100MBA.Club
WAPP:+912231989175

Posted from my mobile device

jm2k5 · Answer

Hey thanks for the quick response it was very helpful.
Quick question: Does the international exposure for INSEAD have to be work-related ? Or does international travel for vacation count as international exposure ? Because I've been to Europe on vacation but due to the nature of my job, my international exposure on the job is very limited.

Top100MBA.Club · Answer

The answer to your question lies in the intent of INSEAD seeking people who can understand different cultural nuances and move swiftly in a multi-cultural environment. So any form of experience that can provide valuable insights into how it has shaped you with a global perspective is important to demonstrate through your applications. But if you are going to do the cliché - I went to Europe for 5 days and it 'Broadened my horozons' it is going to look crazy on your application. Citing specific annecdotes and how cultural diversity resonates within you as an individual is important.

In short, it's all about how well you can craft your narrative around it. Something which an admission consultant can certainly help with.

Best,
Divesh

Founder & Managing Consultant
https://Top100MBA.Club
WAPP:+912231989175

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Goalisb · Answer

Hello,

Do I need to retake GMAT ? Yes, if that's possible for you, you must do that. This year, we have observed that the process is very competitive. Benchmarks for standing out have reached a new level. Every component has played a key crucial role till the final selection.

Academic Credentials:

1. Class X and XII Marks: Your scores are competitive and demonstrate a strong foundation.

2. Undergrad GPA: A 7.1 from Jadavpur University, which is highly regarded, is respectable. While it may not be exceptionally high, the reputation of your institution and the rigor of your Chemical Engineering program will be taken into account.

3. GMAT Score: At 645, your GMAT score is close to the average for the schools you're targeting. Improving your GMAT score could significantly enhance your application's competitiveness. Everything matters, remember!

Professional Experience:

1. Industry: Your experience in the Oil & Gas sector, especially with a Maharatna PSU, is impressive and demonstrates significant responsibility and impact.

2. Career Progression: Rapid promotions and significant project leadership, especially in high-value and high-impact projects, are good points.

3. International Exposure: Liaison with international teams from France and Denmark adds a global dimension to your profile, which is valued by international MBA programs like INSEAD.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

1. Your achievements in national and state-level competitions, leadership in organizing school fests, and recognition for handling emergency situations at work reflect a well-rounded personality with strong leadership and organizational skills.

Suggestions for Improvement:

1. GMAT Score: Consider retaking the GMAT to aim for a higher score, which is competitive for your target schools. A higher score would strengthen your application overall.

2. Leadership & Volunteering: Increase involvement in leadership roles outside your professional life, perhaps by engaging in community service etc.

3. Essay & Interview Preparation: Focus on articulating your unique value proposition, how you plan to contribute to the MBA community, and your post-MBA goals. After the GMAT and acads, these are the next two windows where you show your candidature to the school.

4. Target Industry Post-MBA: Given your background and interest in emission control, choose your post MBA goals specifically. Think about how your past experiences and the MBA will enable you to achieve your goals in these areas.

5. Your profile is strong in terms of professional achievements. The main recommended area for improvement is your GMAT score and leadership exposure outside of workplace. Enhancing this aspect, along with strategic application strategy and interview will be key to making your application competitive for ISB, IIMA PGPX, and INSEAD.

All the best!

TutelageXMentor · Answer

There are some very strong components in your profile, not sure if they were properly showcased in your application through essays. I GMAT of 650 plus should fetch you an interview call IF essays are crafted nicely. Thanks, Manish Mishra Founder - TutelageX www.tutelagex.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/manishmishraisb

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