It's back! -[2008] Ask ISB-Hyderabad: Admission Director answers your queries!

[Admissions@ISB]

Originally Posted by urefriendforeve

Dear Adcom,

I have a couple of questions regarding the GMAT evaluation

1) Does ISB differentiate/attach weightage between a balanced score and a composite score. What i mean is hypothetically speaking, someone has a composite score of 710 but its more skewed towards one section, vs. some with the same score but more balanced score in both sections. Will the balanced score be given a higher grade or both get the same.

2) For the IT pool alot of people have a notion that most engineers who get admits are ranging above the 740 mark. Could you throw some light on your figure of average score of 730 gmat score for IT pool. Are there any engineers from this pool from within the 700-720 GMAT score range?

Many thanks
Nishant Khanna

Nishant,

1) This concern arises only when the overall GMAT score is low. You need not worry on this end as you have a good score.

2) As I have mentioned earlier, the average score in the IT applicant pool is 730; so definitely there are engineers in the current batch with GMAT scores between 700-720 and also below that. Please keep in mind that we are talking of averages here and not the highest or lowest score.

Admissions Team

[Admissions@ISB]

Originally Posted by shobhit.shri

Dear Mr. Menon,

Although I got the answer to the most of my questions in this thread but I have still one question related to my profile.

Just after completing my B.E., I took a drop to prepare for IAS. I took two years and did not succeed at it, although the process itself was enriching and I read and learned a lot in this process. After that I covered a lot of lost ground in next three years and now am in a decently comfortable position financially (but it's not too great either). So my question is whether, in totality, this whole condition of having invested substantial time in trying to achieve a dream without any material gains will be seen as a major drawback in my application? What can I do to portray this in best light?

I am a mechanical engineer working in a mechanical engineering intensive software development work. I got 730 in GMAT (42 V /47 Q / 5 AWA).

Thanks a lot,
Shobhit

Shobhit,

As you have mentioned that your two year gap was very enriching, please talk about this experience in the optional essay and also how you added value to yourself during this period. The gap years will not reflect negatively on your application.

Admissions Team

[Admissions@ISB]

Originally Posted by krishor

Hello Menon Sir,

I have a problem with my GMAT scorecard.

My GMAT scorecard says that I have a GPA of 3.9, but my actual GPA is 2.5/4.0 according to GMAC's reference table (converted from %). I do not know how this happened. I contacted the customer center and asked them to leave it blank, and they told that they will send me a score report with blank GPA after 24 hours.

But they told that, they had already sent the Score report to ISB, and they will not be sending again. (unless I request again)

My question is, Is ISB going to consider those GPAs ? (reported under "Self Reported Information" in the score report) Obviously I dont want to be called based on those GPAs.


Thanks
Krishor

Krishor,

We do not consider the GPAs mentioned on GMAT score card.

Admissions Team

[forbidden_apple]

Originally Posted by Admissions@ISB

Nishant,

1) This concern arises only when the overall GMAT score is low. You need not worry on this end as you have a good score.

2) As I have mentioned earlier, the average score in the IT applicant pool is 730; so definitely there are engineers in the current batch with GMAT scores between 700-720 and also below that. Please keep in mind that we are talking of averages here and not the highest or lowest score.

Admissions Team

Dear Adcom,

Had a few questions

1) What would be the historical average GMAT score for CA and other Finance professionals? Would be quite a lot lower than 730?

2) I do not have certificates for an award that I won in my college days. Do I explain this in my Optional essay or let it be?

3) What is ISB's policy on the "essay review" (not essay writing) services that are offered by various agencies? Is it acceptable to go for this? (I did ask this question earlier, but not sure I understood the reply fully)

Thanks,

[sra1.god]

Dear Sir,

On this thread, I got a lot of useful information but I feel we really missed out on two important things.

1.What are the major challenges that ISB and its students are facing?

2.What are the focus areas on which ISB is working to take it to the league of major global business schools?

I believe these question are important to make an informed decision.

Thanks,
Sravan

[Anind Jaipuria]

Dear Mr. Menon,

Could you please tell me, how a one year MBA course would be beneficial to me, considering the fact that

a) I am not in a hurry to complete my graduation, and
b) am not aiming to recoup my investment quickly.


Thank you very Much

Anind

[delguyin]

Dear Dr. Menon,

I am applying to ISB for R1. I believe that my profile is quite different. I am from govt. services and my job nature is varying. I have more than 5 years of experience in areas like Technology Forecasting, Technology Development Assistance, Public Private Partnership for higher education, E-learning initiatives, Industry-Academia Interaction, SME cluster development etc.

I have published papers and presented them in National and International conferences. I have worked in programmes of National importance and also worked closely with few international organizations like World Bank and National Academies.

I am an M. Tech by qualification and have good academics and decent extra curricular. I believe I can bring lot of diversity in the class room.

Can these facts cover up a relatively low GMAT score? I am not really asking for a profile check. I just want to know whether you have such kind of profile in previous batches and whether my exp is really diverse or not and would help me even with a relatively lower GMAT score?

Thanks and regards

[anish_goyal]

Dear sir

I have a small query. Please excuse me if this question has already been asked. I searched but didn't find it in some random posts I checked.

My query is are the numbers of words (300 words max) limits for essays for ISB are hard limits.
Will any small variation (10-12 words) be allowed or not?

Thanks
-Anish

[devashishr]

Dear Dr. Menon,

I would greatly appreciate if you could answer the following questions.

1. I am an NRI, but I would definitely prefer a personal interview over a telephonic interview, and I would not mind flying to Mumbai for the interview rounds (R1) if I get selected. Is it possible to opt for personal interview despite applying from the US?

2. When are the expected personal interview dates for R1. Knowing an approximate week would be helpful.

3. I have a GMAT score of 760[v=95%, q=94%], but a low AWA score of 5.0. Will the low AWA score hurt my chances?

4. I had a 6 month internship (before my current 3 yr work experience) at an investment bank in NY during my Masters, should that count toward the "Total Work Experience" field in the application?

5. I was a graduate Research Assistant (a well paid position) during my Masters, should I include that as part of my Work Experience.

6. Do International Applicants have to scan their transcripts and mark sheets?

Thank you for taking time to answer all our queries.

Regards,
Dev

[Dreams_are_real]

"Originally Posted by Dreams_are_real
Hi,

I have a query regarding the applications. I have completed "Certificate in General Insurance" provided by American Institute of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Insurance Institute of America (AICPCU/IIA). Where can I mention this on the application. I completed this certification to help in my job (working for an Auto Insurance provider in the US).

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Ramesh aka Dreams are real
"

Originally Posted by Admissions@ISB

Rakesh,

Please mention this in 'Additional Information'.

Admissions Team

Sorry for coming back with the same query. Are you refering to the "Essay 4 (optional)"

Thanks
Ramesh aka Dreams are real