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

Admissions@ISB

Quote:

Originally Posted by christina2008

Hello,

I am an IT Project Manager working in USA. I have a question regarding the essays. I have read online that talking about personal traumas is a taboo when it comes to MBA Application essays.

One of the most significant incidents in my life was getting myself a new life after being going a divorce. The guy married for money and eventually got rid of me when he figured there is not much money to make. Bringing myself back to normal all by myself and without loosing my integrity and goodness was a big achievement for me.

Should I keep away from this topic from the essays or should I just be honest?

Thanks

Christina2008,

We are interested in your professional achievements. If you still want to talk about your divorce, then it is entirely your call which essay you do that in.

Admissions Team

Admissions@ISB

Quote:

Originally Posted by noGoodAtNames

Dear adcom,

Thanks a lot for your time and energy.

My questions are:

1. My CPI is heavily skewed (~ 6.5 in first 2 yrs and ~8.5 in last 2). I plan to explain this in my optional essay but the explanation will contain some of the points that I think are my strong points too and so these points will also figure in essay 1. Now, can I only hint at these points in essay 1 and write the details in optional essay ? Or should I repeat the information ?

2. Since the number of words in the essays is limited, I am inclined to use acronym IITG in essays to refer to my college rather than the lengthy "Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati". My understanding is: since you already know the college name from other part of the application, using acronym should not be a problem. Am I right in assuming so ?

Thanks again,
Sachin

Sachin,

Explanation in one essay will do and you may use IITG acronym.

Admissions Team

durgesh28 · **Re: query about the online application -** 04-09-2008, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by the.underdog (It's back! -[2008] Ask ISB-Hyderabad: Admission Director answers your queries!)

Hi.
I have a query about the online application. The education details are to be filled separately for class XII first and then for B Tech next. There are two separate links to fill the two pieces of info. In both the links for filling the class XII and the B Tech details, a text box is given to explain gaps in education, if any. But I didnt have any gap in my education in that way .... I mean I finished my class XII in two years (1999 to 2001) and my BTech in 4 yrs(2002-2006). So I finished both in the stipulated time.
But as you can see I joined my B Tech course only in 2002 even though I passed class XII in 2001. (Prepared for JEE in that one yr). So my question is does this count as a gap in education? And if YES, should I explain this in the textbox provided in Class XII details or in the one for B Tech details?

Kindly resolve my dilemma.
Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Admissions@ISB

Dear Applicant,

Yes, this will be viewed as a gap year. Please explain this in the textbox provided in Class XII details and also in the optional essay.

Admissions Team

Dear Adcom,

I'm also facing a similar situation as the.underdog.
As i understand your reply, you are asking to explain the gap at two places..... but in the optional essay it is specifically mentioned that we dont have to repeat information which has already been stated elsewhere.

wouldnt it be considered a repeat if i mention it again in my optional essay...

I'm aksing this becuase i have to keep my optional essay for another purpose...

yanivins

After a brief stint with my first employer, I took a break for 2 years to give the civil services exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi. I cleared the preliminary exam in the two attempts I took and was selected to write the main exams on both the ocsassions; do I need to provide proof for this? Where can I enter this experience as it accounts for a very significant phase of my career? I am planning to write about this in the optional essay, is there any other place I should mention this ?

Admissions@ISB

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybershastri

Dear Adcom,

Thanks for taking time and answering questions. It has helped me a lot.

Below is my query :

Two of the areas of my application that looks weak are academics and "Awards". I assume that a good GMAT score compensates average academics to a certain extent. However, I am more concerned about the 'Awards'. There isn't any significant thing that I can point to. I do have a good quality work experience and a fair amount of extra curricular activities. Could you please let me know how much weight-age is given to Awards and what I can do to compensate for this slackness.

I sincerely apologize if this has already been asked.

Regards,
Cybershastri.

Cybershastri,

It is always the complete application that is taken into consideration while evaluating an application. We cannot disclose the specific weight age that we give to awards/activities. However, it will certainly add to the application.

Admissions Team

Admissions@ISB · **Re: query about the online application -** 04-09-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by durgesh28

Originally Posted by the.underdog (It's back! -[2008] Ask ISB-Hyderabad: Admission Director answers your queries!)

Hi.
I have a query about the online application. The education details are to be filled separately for class XII first and then for B Tech next. There are two separate links to fill the two pieces of info. In both the links for filling the class XII and the B Tech details, a text box is given to explain gaps in education, if any. But I didnt have any gap in my education in that way .... I mean I finished my class XII in two years (1999 to 2001) and my BTech in 4 yrs(2002-2006). So I finished both in the stipulated time.
But as you can see I joined my B Tech course only in 2002 even though I passed class XII in 2001. (Prepared for JEE in that one yr). So my question is does this count as a gap in education? And if YES, should I explain this in the textbox provided in Class XII details or in the one for B Tech details?

Kindly resolve my dilemma.
Thanks

Dear Adcom,

I'm also facing a similar situation as the.underdog.
As i understand your reply, you are asking to explain the gap at two places..... but in the optional essay it is specifically mentioned that we dont have to repeat information which has already been stated elsewhere.

wouldnt it be considered a repeat if i mention it again in my optional essay...

I'm aksing this becuase i have to keep my optional essay for another purpose...

Dear Durgesh & Underdog,

We regret the miscommunication. You may explain the gap year in either of the two sections.

Admissions Team

Admissions@ISB

Quote:

Originally Posted by yanivins

After a brief stint with my first employer, I took a break for 2 years to give the civil services exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi. I cleared the preliminary exam in the two attempts I took and was selected to write the main exams on both the ocsassions; do I need to provide proof for this? Where can I enter this experience as it accounts for a very significant phase of my career? I am planning to write about this in the optional essay, is there any other place I should mention this ?

Yanivins,

Please explain this in the Optional essay only.

Admissions team

Amardev

Dear Mr.Menon,

I am a postgraduate in engineering and have about 20+ years of experience, worked in Govt organisations in India and in start up companies in US. I have a couple of awards and certifications and good track record in extra curricular activities. But I got a low score in GMAT (550). I am planning to apply in the second cycle (November) but as I got such a low score, not sure whether to apply or just take GMAT again and plan for the next year. Please advise me.

Thank you

Saahas

Dear Adcom

Thanks for answering our specific queries.

One of my evaluators (to whom I have been directly reporting for the past 2 yrs) is about to leave the company and shift abroad around mid Oct? He has already submitted the evaluation form. At what stage would the Adcom get in touch with him? My concern is that he should be available at the contact details i have provided. What need i do, if he leaves earlier?

Thanks and regards
Saahas

ONLY_ISB

Dear Sir,

I have a query regarding my past work ex.
Immediately after completing my MCA I joined a top IT company in India.
However in around 10 months, I felt lack of job satisfaction and challenge
in my work (I have genuine reasons) and without option to change departments, I was compelled to quit. I did not receive a relieving letter from the company as I quit before the stipulated contract time. However I do have enough evidence to prove my experience there.

Post this, my career saw a smooth transition upwards in a global top 3 company with a couple of promotions and awards and lots of appreciation letters both from company and clients. It would be a great help if you can let me know your opinion, if the past incident will go against me in my application. Do you feel that I should discuss the reasons for quitting the first job in the optional essay ?

Looking forward to your reply.

Regards,
Only_ISB