Seeking help for ISB application, GMAT FE 695

Question

Hi

I need some tips regarding my application for ISB Round 2 application.

Details:
1. GMAT: 695 (GMAT FE)
2. X: 10.0 CGPA
3. XII: 93.4% 
4. Undergrad from Tier-1 engineering college (One of the top 7 IITs): 7.5 CGPA 
5. 3+ yrs of work ex as software developer in top product-based MNC (within top 100 of Fortune500 companies)

I have just started with my application, any tips and any help will be greatly appreciated.

1. What things should I focus upon to have a great chance for admission ?
2. How did you approach your application and essays during your time of applying to ISB ?
3. How should LOR and my essays align to make a good storyline for admission committee as well as for interviewer ?

MBAandBeyond · Answer

gmatcat98 Your profile is impressive overall, putting you in a strong position. The ball is in your court. Assuming you have a strong reason for why MBA? When applying to ISB, it’s important to show who you are. Your essays should tell your story, highlighting your personal journey, unique experiences, and professional background. Clearly state your short-term and long-term career goals, and explain how an MBA from ISB will help you reach them. This shows your motivation and that you’ve thought carefully about your future. For essays, I recommend Starting early so you have enough time to reflect and write. Be true to yourself, share your real experiences, and let your personality shine. Organize your essays well to make them easy to read. Your essays and LOR should work together to tell a complete story about your journey, strengths, and goals. Talk to your recommenders about the key points you want to highlight so their letters match your message. This creates a unified picture for the adcoms and gives them a better understanding of who you are. Remember, it’s not just about what you’ve done but also about sharing the passion behind your journey. If you’d like to discuss more about your profile, feel free to schedule a session with us. ────────────────────────────────────────── Also, feel free to drop your CV/Resume: valuecreation@mbaandbeyond.com

MBADecoder · Answer

HI, Firstly, congratulations on a great GMAT score. Your GPA and work exp sound competitive- so its now all dependent on the execution of the application. 1. Any b-school looks at a few qualities in applicants. Focus on bringing these out through different components of the application: quantifiable achievements at work, leadership experience (ability to convince/influence others, take initiatives, innovate, result orientation, team and collaboration skills), maturity in your thought process, self awareness, career progression, clear understanding of your career goals and ability to contribute in the b-school environment. When you are writing your application, make sure you touch upon these aspects. 2. Your LORs should support your essays and resume, but they should not have the exact same examples that you give in your essays. There are some insights about you that only your recommender can give, because you can't brag about yourself too much, so the recommender should tell these in a credible manner. Secondly, the recommender can give an objective view of who you are and how you compare to your peers. Thirdly - and this is where I have seen most recommendations go wrong- the constructive feedback question should be use to tell a true weakness about you and one that needed you to go through a learning curve. It should not tell something superficial like you speak too much during meetings and the next day onwards you took care of it and became good at communication. Constructive feedback requires deliberation at the applicant's end and preferably a stepped process for improvement. I have written an ebook on recommendations with detailed analysis of the GMAC LOR. feel free to download it from my website- its a free download! https://mbadecoder.com/interview-preparation-book/ 3. regarding questions. Let me take you through them and give quick advice: Contemplate situations that have shaped your personal journey. Present what these situations have taught you about your strengths and weaknesses, and how they have shaped your personal and professional journey. (400 words) - ISB has traditionally asked this since ages. Pick out the top 3 situations from your life that have had profound impact upon you- take the reader through those situations- what challenges did you face, what actions did you take, what was the result? What did you learn and how that experience shaped you? If relevant, how do you use the skills/ knowledge/values gained in your present day life? What did you learn from your weaknesses and how did you improve? Given a 400 word limit- you can touch upon 2 strengths and 1 weakness. What intellectual experiences have influenced your approach to learning and have led you to pursue an MBA? Please describe using anecdotes from your own experiences. (400 words) - Pick out 1-2 anecdotes, preferably from your professional life where you were in a mentally challenging situation. What learning did you have to undergo to achieve results? Don't focus upon bookish knowledge, but emphasize upon its application in a real world context. Next, address what intellectual experiences and learning do you hope to pursue through an MBA? It will help to understand how teaching happens at ISB and how their method will be best suited for your learning needs. Given your previous experience and future aspirations, how do you plan to use the PGP at ISB to fulfil your professional goals? (250 words) – This is a career goals essay. I don't think you should leave this one out. Always good to tell the b-school your goals Hope that helps, Namita Garg, Founder, MBA Decoder Email: contact@mbadecoder.com Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011

pintukr · Answer

A high score along with a well rounded profile gives you a significant advantage.

All the Best for the applications.

ARINGO · Answer

Hi gmatcat98
I am Priyanka, Client Manager at ARINGO. To answer your question, your profile looks good on the surface. As you start working on your application, focus on highlighting not just your technical skills, but also speak about your leadership abilities and the impact you've made in your work. Adcoms look for candidates who have a clear career trajectory and can show how an MBA will help them reach the next level of their careers, so be sure to emphasize that in your essays.

No coming to your essays, make sure to tie your past experiences with your future goals, showing how ISB is the perfect fit for bridging that gap. Your recommenders should highlight your key contributions, especially any leadership or problem-solving examples, to complement the story you're telling in your essays. Both the essays and LORs should align to give a well-rounded view of your strengths and potential.

FEEL FREE TO CONNECT FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION.
Click here to connect.
You can also email me your CV at: priyankak@aringo.com
Good Luck!

TheRedPen · Answer

Hi  gmatcat98 ,

Your strong academic background, coupled with your work experience and GMAT score, position you well for ISB.

When it comes to your Application Components, focus on:

Essays: Craft compelling essays that highlight your career goals, leadership experiences, and alignment with ISB's values.
Recommendations: Secure strong letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your skills and potential.
Resume: Tailor your resume to showcase your relevant experiences and achievements.
GMAT Preparation: While your current score is respectable, consider retaking the GMAT if you believe you can significantly improve.
Networking: Build relationships with ISB alumni and industry professionals to gain insights and recommendations.

Tips for a Successful Application:
Research ISB: Understand the school's culture, values, and program offerings to demonstrate your genuine interest.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your essays and interviews to highlight how your experiences align with ISB's specific programs and goals.
Practice Interviews: Prepare for potential interview questions and practice with a mock interviewer.

Would you like to  schedule a free consultation  with one of our MBA experts to delve deeper into your profile and develop a tailored application strategy? We can help you identify the best-fit programs and optimize your chances of admission. Our contact number is +91 7780769732.

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  gmatcat98 ,

Thanks for writing in.

We believe that the following video will prove to be helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zNQzX40UfU

All the best!

Seeking help for ISB application, GMAT FE 695

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