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Dante88
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How to crack ISB? : Advice needed Updated on: 26 Aug 2024, 01:57
Originally posted by Dante88 on 25 Aug 2024, 23:59.
Last edited by Dante88 on 26 Aug 2024, 01:57, edited 1 time in total.
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Hey,

I’m a recent graduate and was wondering whether I am on track for an ISB application down the line. More importantly, what should I be looking to do to improve my chances based on my current profile. Any career paths I should specifically go for? What’s an ideal GMAT FE score? Are there any areas of my profile that I should look to improve?

My profile:
High school: 12th (IB Diploma: 42/45) 10th ( IGCSE: 7 A*s and 2 As)
Undergrad: UNC Kenan-Flagler ( Double major in Business Administration and Econometrics: 3.2/4 GPA)

Extra Curricular:
STAR Scholar at UNC Kenan-Flagler (Undergraduate Consultant for a leading Media company in the US)
VP of Finance at the Premier Business Society at Kenan-Flagler
Consulting club, finance club, FED Challenge Finalist

Projects:
Business Head for independent India-based music group.
- Worked with Spotify, Apple Music, VH1, Rolling Stone, GQ
- Utilized linear programming to create demographic specific marketing plans

Work Experince:
Graduated in May 2024
Current Role: Business Consulting at EY GDS (2 months)
Past Internships: HDFC, MSC, CNET, Jianshang America

GMAT FE:
Will be taking at the start of 2025


Thanks!
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Aarushi225
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Schools: ISB LBS '26 ESSEC MiM "27
GPA: 10
Schools: ISB LBS '26 ESSEC MiM "27
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How to crack ISB? : Advice needed 26 Aug 2024, 01:05
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­Hi Dante. I would suggest checking out the ISB website because the YLP programme has been discontinued. But you can still recheck with the admissions committee.
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mbagully
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How to crack ISB? : Advice needed 26 Aug 2024, 21:23
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Dante88
Hey,

I’m a recent graduate and was wondering whether I am on track for an ISB application down the line. More importantly, what should I be looking to do to improve my chances based on my current profile. Any career paths I should specifically go for? What’s an ideal GMAT FE score? Are there any areas of my profile that I should look to improve?

My profile:
High school: 12th (IB Diploma: 42/45) 10th ( IGCSE: 7 A*s and 2 As)
Undergrad: UNC Kenan-Flagler ( Double major in Business Administration and Econometrics: 3.2/4 GPA)

Extra Curricular:
STAR Scholar at UNC Kenan-Flagler (Undergraduate Consultant for a leading Media company in the US)
VP of Finance at the Premier Business Society at Kenan-Flagler
Consulting club, finance club, FED Challenge Finalist

Projects:
Business Head for independent India-based music group.
- Worked with Spotify, Apple Music, VH1, Rolling Stone, GQ
- Utilized linear programming to create demographic specific marketing plans

Work Experince:
Graduated in May 2024
Current Role: Business Consulting at EY GDS (2 months)
Past Internships: HDFC, MSC, CNET, Jianshang America

GMAT FE:
Will be taking at the start of 2025


Thanks!
Show more
­Hey @Dante88Based on the details you’ve shared, it seems like your undergrad is solid, though the GPA is on the lower side. This can be balanced with a strong GMAT Focus Edition score of 675 or higher, which you should aim for. Additionally, it's worth diving deeper into your positions of responsibility (PORs) at UNC Kenan-Flagler, focusing on the complexity of the program, particularly the analytical aspects.

In terms of career progression, it might be wise to stay in your current role for now, but look for projects that challenge you. If possible, try to diversify into fintech or the GenAI space—this could be a great way to broaden your skill set. You could also explore opportunities to collaborate with ISB professors, especially in the area of Indian economics. Contributing to a research paper could significantly boost your profile.

Engaging in social impact work is also highly valued by ISB and many other business schools. It helps present you as a well-rounded candidate with a drive to make an impact beyond the workplace. Now would be a good time to start this initiative.

If you have any more questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out. Overall, I believe you’re on the right track. With a strong GMAT score and some targeted guidance during the application process, you’d be a great fit for ISB—and I say this as an ISB alum.

Good luck!

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High fives and good vibes,
Team MBA Gully­
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Dante88
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How to crack ISB? : Advice needed 27 Aug 2024, 01:55
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mbagully
Dante88
Hey,

I’m a recent graduate and was wondering whether I am on track for an ISB application down the line. More importantly, what should I be looking to do to improve my chances based on my current profile. Any career paths I should specifically go for? What’s an ideal GMAT FE score? Are there any areas of my profile that I should look to improve?

My profile:
High school: 12th (IB Diploma: 42/45) 10th ( IGCSE: 7 A*s and 2 As)
Undergrad: UNC Kenan-Flagler ( Double major in Business Administration and Econometrics: 3.2/4 GPA)

Extra Curricular:
STAR Scholar at UNC Kenan-Flagler (Undergraduate Consultant for a leading Media company in the US)
VP of Finance at the Premier Business Society at Kenan-Flagler
Consulting club, finance club, FED Challenge Finalist

Projects:
Business Head for independent India-based music group.
- Worked with Spotify, Apple Music, VH1, Rolling Stone, GQ
- Utilized linear programming to create demographic specific marketing plans

Work Experince:
Graduated in May 2024
Current Role: Business Consulting at EY GDS (2 months)
Past Internships: HDFC, MSC, CNET, Jianshang America

GMAT FE:
Will be taking at the start of 2025


Thanks!
­Hey @Dante88Based on the details you’ve shared, it seems like your undergrad is solid, though the GPA is on the lower side. This can be balanced with a strong GMAT Focus Edition score of 675 or higher, which you should aim for. Additionally, it's worth diving deeper into your positions of responsibility (PORs) at UNC Kenan-Flagler, focusing on the complexity of the program, particularly the analytical aspects.

In terms of career progression, it might be wise to stay in your current role for now, but look for projects that challenge you. If possible, try to diversify into fintech or the GenAI space—this could be a great way to broaden your skill set. You could also explore opportunities to collaborate with ISB professors, especially in the area of Indian economics. Contributing to a research paper could significantly boost your profile.

Engaging in social impact work is also highly valued by ISB and many other business schools. It helps present you as a well-rounded candidate with a drive to make an impact beyond the workplace. Now would be a good time to start this initiative.

If you have any more questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out. Overall, I believe you’re on the right track. With a strong GMAT score and some targeted guidance during the application process, you’d be a great fit for ISB—and I say this as an ISB alum.

Good luck!


High fives and good vibes,
Team MBA Gully­
Show more

Hey, thanks for the reply! I was also worried about the GPA. From your experience does a high GMAT often make up for a lower undergrad GPA? Should I be looking to do some online courses/certifications to try making up for the lower GPA? Also as for the advice on contributing to research papers, how would you suggest I initiate that process? Should I be reach out the professors directly? Thanks!

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mbagully
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Last visit: 17 Nov 2024
Posts: 63
Own Kudos:
30
Given Kudos: 4
Status:Graduated
Affiliations: Indian School of Business
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Operations
GMAT 1: 750 Q50 V42
GPA: 3.8
WE:Operations (Transportation)
GMAT 1: 750 Q50 V42
Posts: 63
Kudos: 30
How to crack ISB? : Advice needed 27 Aug 2024, 04:26
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Dante88

mbagully

Dante88
Hey,

I’m a recent graduate and was wondering whether I am on track for an ISB application down the line. More importantly, what should I be looking to do to improve my chances based on my current profile. Any career paths I should specifically go for? What’s an ideal GMAT FE score? Are there any areas of my profile that I should look to improve?

My profile:
High school: 12th (IB Diploma: 42/45) 10th ( IGCSE: 7 A*s and 2 As)
Undergrad: UNC Kenan-Flagler ( Double major in Business Administration and Econometrics: 3.2/4 GPA)

Extra Curricular:
STAR Scholar at UNC Kenan-Flagler (Undergraduate Consultant for a leading Media company in the US)
VP of Finance at the Premier Business Society at Kenan-Flagler
Consulting club, finance club, FED Challenge Finalist

Projects:
Business Head for independent India-based music group.
- Worked with Spotify, Apple Music, VH1, Rolling Stone, GQ
- Utilized linear programming to create demographic specific marketing plans

Work Experince:
Graduated in May 2024
Current Role: Business Consulting at EY GDS (2 months)
Past Internships: HDFC, MSC, CNET, Jianshang America

GMAT FE:
Will be taking at the start of 2025


Thanks!
­Hey @Dante88Based on the details you’ve shared, it seems like your undergrad is solid, though the GPA is on the lower side. This can be balanced with a strong GMAT Focus Edition score of 675 or higher, which you should aim for. Additionally, it's worth diving deeper into your positions of responsibility (PORs) at UNC Kenan-Flagler, focusing on the complexity of the program, particularly the analytical aspects.

In terms of career progression, it might be wise to stay in your current role for now, but look for projects that challenge you. If possible, try to diversify into fintech or the GenAI space—this could be a great way to broaden your skill set. You could also explore opportunities to collaborate with ISB professors, especially in the area of Indian economics. Contributing to a research paper could significantly boost your profile.

Engaging in social impact work is also highly valued by ISB and many other business schools. It helps present you as a well-rounded candidate with a drive to make an impact beyond the workplace. Now would be a good time to start this initiative.

If you have any more questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out. Overall, I believe you’re on the right track. With a strong GMAT score and some targeted guidance during the application process, you’d be a great fit for ISB—and I say this as an ISB alum.

Good luck!


High fives and good vibes,
Team MBA Gully­
Hey, thanks for the reply! I was also worried about the GPA. From your experience does a high GMAT often make up for a lower undergrad GPA? Should I be looking to do some online courses/certifications to try making up for the lower GPA? Also as for the advice on contributing to research papers, how would you suggest I initiate that process? Should I be reach out the professors directly? Thanks!

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Hey,

You actually don't have a low GPA—in my view, anything below a 3 would be considered low. Yours seems to be around the median, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Highly sought-after, credible certifications might offer a small advantage, but their impact would likely be marginal. On the other hand, working on a research paper with an ISB or tier-1 professor could serve as a significant differentiator.

I recommend reaching out on LinkedIn to connect with assistant professors and professors at ISB. This could be a great way to explore potential opportunities. Another option is to send an email to ISB and plan a visit to the campus. In-person conversations with professors could help you make meaningful connections.

Hope this helps!
Do check out and follow our linkedin page for more such advise and blogs.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbagully/
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enzo5
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How to crack ISB? : Advice needed 16 Dec 2024, 07:57
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What steps can I take to improve my chances of getting into ISB? How can I enhance my GMAT score, work experience (including my work with Spotify), extracurriculars, and personal statement to stand out? Also, what career paths should I focus on and how can I show my fit with ISB?
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enzo5
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How to crack ISB? : Advice needed 16 Dec 2024, 07:57
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What steps can I take to improve my chances of getting into ISB? How can I enhance my GMAT score, work experience (including my work with Spotify), extracurriculars, and personal statement to stand out? Also, what career paths should I focus on and how can I show my fit with ISB?
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ExpertsGlobal
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How to crack ISB? : Advice needed 18 Dec 2024, 00:04
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enzo5
What steps can I take to improve my chances of getting into ISB? How can I enhance my GMAT score, work experience (including my work with Spotify), extracurriculars, and personal statement to stand out? Also, what career paths should I focus on and how can I show my fit with ISB?
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Hello enzo5,

The query is fairly subjective.

You will need to share specific details pertaining to your profile, background, and education in order to have more objective feedback.

A career path that logically sync with what you have done in the past is recommended.

If you are looking at applying in ISB R3, the following video will be helpful:



All the best!