Hi
Leera Having strong brand associations on your resume is the best thing about your profile. I would say that you should try not to put the adcom in an awkward position where they have to reconcile seemingly strong work experience with seemingly weak academic preparation. An MBA is an analytical course after all, and if you have been in a business role throughout your career, the score may be associated with your business aptitude. So, try to raise your score to around the 665 level. Along with that speak about deeper problems in the business that you have seen and how could you solve those better in the future. This would also speak to your academic readiness.
You did not mention your post-MBA goals, and without understanding your goals, a profile evaluation has very little meaning. Think carefully about what you would like to do post MBA that is both motivational and aspirational, and that requires the backing of a strong MBA/PGP pedigree.
Feel free to reach out should you want to have a one-to-one discussion.
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- [email protected]Leera
Hi, need help with a profile eval- Target School: ISB (R1 this year)
25 | FAcademics
- 10th: 95%
- 12th: 91%
- BBA, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (2022)
- GPA: 3.77/4.0
GMAT Focus
- Official Score: 615
- Official mock range: 585–655
- Evaluating whether a retake is worthwhile for ISB]
Work Experience (expected ~4 years at matriculation)
Nykaa| Brand Management | Aug 2022 – Aug 2024- Managed business portfolio of approximately ₹300 Cr
- Worked across ~30 beauty brands
- Delivered revenue growth initiatives
- Managed global brand launches and commercial execution across prestige beauty categories
- Exposure to packaging redesign and cross-functional brand projects
Tira Beaty - Reliance Retail | Brand Management | Aug 2024 – Present- Buying and merchandising ownership within beauty/makeup
- Managing business portfolio of approximately ₹100 Cr
- Exposure across ~40 brands
- Worked on launches across international beauty brands and category growth
Extracurriculars / Leadership
- NGO involvement
- Taught underprivileged children
- Organized blood donation drives
- Led Tetra Pak collection / sustainability initiatives
- Represented Maharashtra at national level in throwball
- College Fests + clubs
Questions
- Is 615 GMAT FE sufficient for ISB R1 with this profile?
- Is it worth retaking to target 645–665, or should I focus on essays and recommendations?
- Any obvious weaknesses or gaps in my application positioning?