The 2011 thread is now active here - http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/international-indian-mba-schools-accepting/66866-2011-isb-admissions-director-dr.html

Please continue on the above linked thread.

This one stands closed.

The 2011 thread is now active here - http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/international-indian-mba-schools-accepting/66866-2011-isb-admissions-director-dr.html

Please continue on the above linked thread.

This one stands closed.

Why I couldnt apply for the ISB-YLP

I am Raghav R a student currently in my third year studying at National Institute of Technology Surathkal rated amongst the top ten institutes in the country.

I was deeply intrigued by the Young Leaders Programme, the structure of which comes as benefactor of sorts to people like me who are struggling to make the transition from technical to a managerial pursuit concomitant with my ambitions. While I appreciate the conceptualisation of the programme especially its pragmatic selection criterion, one that does not ask of students to go into an aptitude enhancing frenzy I have certain serious reservations.

I find some structural impediments that deter a lot of us from applying to the YLP, the primary reason being the timelines which straightjacket us from choosing to write the GMAT at our convenience. While the HBS 2+2 gives us a lot of flexibility giving us time up to March 2012 and also allow us to send either the GRE or the GMAT score I find it strange that YLP does not afford me that liberty.

Our current peers in the second year who are aware of the YLP have at least a year to plan their GMAT out so as to fit YLP into their scheme of things but we certainly stand disadvantaged. I might be interning at the London School of Economics this summer and it would be at heavy cost that I can divert my attention to write the GMAT during this period, the score of which has implications much beyond just the YLP programme.

Though I can no longer apply for the same, I think the admissions team need to restructure the timelines so that the next set of students are not disadvantaged

Hi Mr Menon

Can you please let me know whether CA Article ship, which is full time working under a CA and part of CA curriculum, considered as work experience. Different people have different ideas. Since article ship started after graduation, it should be considered.

Thanks !

Dear Mr. Menon,

I am looking at applying to ISB. I work in the Entertainment and Media industry in a professional capacity and have been doing so for the past 10 years. The move to gain a business degree has been on the cards for a long time but the opportunity has just now materialized. Unlike most of my peers here, I have been away from academics for far too long and don't have a math / science background. And I have average academic scores. What I have, that could be a positive, is loads of India and International work experience, quite a few extra curricular interests, and a clear goal on why I want a business degree.

I have 3 questions pertaining to my situation.
1- How important is a strong GMAT score in the selection process? My first attempt at a test gave me a score of 510 and though I know that there is only room for improvement, I don't expect to reach the kind of dizzying scores I see so often in these forums. Will my GMAT score be evaluated on the same basis as others from a more favorable background?
2- The same goes for academics. Lets just say my focus was more on all round exposure than just academics.
3- Do you have student bodies / alumni / or other, that can advice on people coming from Entertainment and Media industry.

What kind of chance does an applicant like me have. I see that you are reluctant to discuss weights for different selection parameters. Do you think work experience, good recommendations, essays etc can balance out the obvious weaknesses in other areas. Any feedback will be appreciated and will help before I put in my application.

EDIT: I am not asking for a profile review (having seen quite a few comments on that matter). Just need clarity in this case. And I'm sure there will be others with similar profiles

hi Puys,

Does ISB, Hyderabad accept average GMAT score of say 2 years or best of 2 while taking admission. Please help.

Thanks in Advance

Dear Sir,

I am a final year undergraduate and currently placed. My joining would be from october'11 (expected), but after my joining, there would be a 4 month training session and then we'll be put on a 6 month probation period and after its successful completion we would be regarded as employees......so my query is that will my 2 years work ex be counted from which of the following 2 cases:

1. The date we joined the company ( making me eligible to apply for the cycle 2 in 2013).
   
2. The date when we would be completely regarded as the employees.
   

I would be obliged if I could get a answer for the given query.

--Himanshu Aggrawal

Dear Mr.Menon,
I am a marine engineer with four years of work experience.
I had two queries.
1.For an applicant from shipping background, does ISB consider the total period of employment as work experience, or just the period of actual sailing?
2. Regarding recommendations from immediate superiors, it is very difficult to get access to their locations once one has finished a contract. secondly, it is quite possible that they would be away on a ship at the the time of evaluation without any access to the internet.

kindly advise
thanks

Dear Mr. Menon,

I am planning to apply to ISB. But prior to that, I would like to know, given my current profile, if I stand any chance.

Grade X: 69.4 %
Grade XII: 73.0%
Engineering: 72.6% (Civil)

Pretty low marks, considering the competition. Other parameters being pretty good(GMAT score:720, work-ex of 3 years, decent extra-curriculars), do I stand a chance of a call?

Regards

Hello Mr. Menon,

I must say that I have tried reading all the posts here before giving you a redundant query. But after about 20 pages of query reading, I just was bursting at my seams to write to you with a few questions. Please pardon me if they are repetitive.

I am a NIFT graduation class of 2007 in Apparel Production.

1. I worked at a retail apparel brand starting out as a Management trainee who was put into branding and marketing (without relevant course work). I believe this was because of the leadership role I displayed during my undergraduate project.

2. After having worked for 2.5 yrs in apparel (relevant industry) and done a swell job (I wont elaborate on that here), I got an opportunity to work with a leading Conglomerate in India. One of the biggest in the holiday, tractors and cars sector (I think you can guess which one). I now handle marketing and PR for one of the holiday brands of the group for the past 1.5 yrs.

3. I have shifted to this industry which the reasoning that getting out of the apparel sector will test my abilities at versatality. I would also be able to display my abilities in marketing outside my own industry and also without an MBA which is a rare thing I presume.

4. Although I have learnt a lot on this job, I have not yet felt that comfort level or felt that I have been utilised well on this job.

5. I have shown a lot of leadership abilities, proactiveness and have been recognised well in the previous job, but in my new job, this confidence and comfort level has been established because of which I must admit that there are no significant "Achievements" but a lot of learning.

6. This is exactly the reason for me to believe I need an MBA. To be able to gain confidence in a mainstream marketing role in larger corporates

7. I seem to also have trouble with being given responsibility or authority with teams. Mainly becasue I am just 25 yrs old and with no MBA my credibility and ability to handle leadership seems to be doubted.

So now with this background, I have to ask you the following questions


1. Will my suddenly stagnated proactiveness in the new job reflect like I've lost it?
2. Will I look inconsistent because of the industry changes?
3. The recos of the new boss might sound like he's talking about an entirely different person if you compare it with the reco of the old boss.. What advice would you give me on this?

Thanks
Sadhvika

Admissions@ISB Says

No. Having a prior MBA is not a disadvantage. The least you owe us is an explanation for doing it again. the reason why we have less students with more than 7 years is because the application from this pool are less.

Dear Mr. Menon

I will be an applicant to the class beginning in April 2013. I have started to prepare for the apllications now itself. probably a little early but neverthless worth all the time and effort i put in if I make it to ISB.

A brief overview:
10th 90%
12th 95%
Engineering: 81% (Industrial Biotechnology)
Like all starry eyed 23 year olds I let myself move into the world of Indian MBAs and went ahead and got myself a PGDM from a top 30 school (tier 2 to be precise, but neverthless a good school).
I dont regret doing this course because i did learn a lot from my eperience here. I passed out in 2009 admist the peak of recession, however managed to pick up a job at the first company that came on campus (it is the fourth biggest automobile player in the country today) and handled their channel management portfolio. Definitely a worth wile experience. Got to set up a Channel facility right from the concept stage to the finish and also worked on a research project there.

After this i moved to another company, (one of the biggest auto company in the country and in the world) and handled channel sales and marketing for an entire state reporting to the regional product manager and also to the regional manager (administratively). Again a good exposure and experience.

Apart from this i have decent extra curriculars like awards quizzing, advertizing games and a few more management related games. I was the Chief editor of my b school's student magazine having interviews from industry stalwarts, editorial pieces from professors, and student written papers and articles, the funds from the same was generated by selling advertising space to various institutions in and around the school. The same was circulated to various corporates across the country.

GMAT SCORE: 720 AWA:5

at the time of joining ill have 4 years of experience in Channel management, sales and Marketing.

The following are my queries:

1. I know a second MBA is accepted by ISB. However, In which essay do i have to write the reason for the same or is it not needed in the essays and have to give the explanation during the interview only?

2. Since i almost have 2 years in my hands, can you also suggest a few things that I can do to build up my profile. (if not for ISB, it will definitely help me personally in the future too).

Hoping to hear from you soon sir.

Thanks in advance

Admissions@ISB Says

No. Having a prior MBA is not a disadvantage. The least you owe us is an explanation for doing it again. the reason why we have less students with more than 7 years is because the application from this pool are less.

Dear Mr. Menon

I will be an applicant to the class beginning in April 2013. I have started to prepare for the apllications now itself. probably a little early but neverthless worth all the time and effort i put in if I make it to ISB.

A brief overview:
10th 90%
12th 95%
Engineering: 81% (Industrial Biotechnology)
Like all starry eyed 23 year olds I let myself move into the world of Indian MBAs and went ahead and got myself a PGDM from a top 30 school (tier 2 to be precise, but neverthless a good school).
I dont regret doing this course because i did learn a lot from my eperience here. I passed out in 2009 admist the peak of recession, however managed to pick up a job at the first company that came on campus (it is the fourth biggest automobile player in the country today) and handled their channel management portfolio. Definitely a worth wile experience. Got to set up a Channel facility right from the concept stage to the finish and also worked on a research project there.

After this i moved to another company, (one of the biggest auto company in the country and in the world) and handled channel sales and marketing for an entire state reporting to the regional product manager and also to the regional manager (administratively). Again a good exposure and experience.

Apart from this i have decent extra curriculars like awards quizzing, advertizing games and a few more management related games. I was the Chief editor of my b school's student magazine having interviews from industry stalwarts, editorial pieces from professors, and student written papers and articles, the funds from the same was generated by selling advertising space to various institutions in and around the school. The same was circulated to various corporates across the country.

GMAT SCORE: 720 AWA:5

at the time of joining ill have 4 years of experience in Channel management, sales and Marketing.

The following are my queries:

1. I know a second MBA is accepted by ISB. However, In which essay do i have to write for the reason for the same or is it not needed and i have to give the explanation during the interview only?

2. Since i almost have 2 years in my hands, can you also suggest a few things that I can do to build up my profile. (if not for ISB, it will definitely help me personally in the future too).

Hoping to hear from you soon sir.

Thanks in advance

Dear Mr. Menon

I will be an applicant to the class beginning in April 2013. I have started to prepare for the apllications now itself. probably a little early but neverthless worth all the time and effort i put in if I make it to ISB.

A brief overview:
10th 90%
12th 95%
Engineering: 81% (Industrial Biotechnology)
Like all starry eyed 23 year olds I let myself move into the world of Indian MBAs and went ahead and got myself an PGDM from a top 30 school (tier 2 to be precise, but neverthless a good school).
I dont regret doing this course because i did learn a lot from my eperience here. I passed out in 2009 admist the peak of recession, however managed to pick up a job at the first company that came on campus (it is the fourth biggest automobile player in the country today) and handles their channel management portfolio. Definitely a worth wile experience. got to set up a Channel facility right from the concept stage to the finish and also worked on a research project there.

After this i shifted to another company, (one of the biggest auto company in the country and in the world) and handled channel sales and marketing for an entire state reporting to the regional product manager and also to the regional manager (administratively). Again a good exposure and experience.

Apart from this i have decent extra curriculars quizzing, advertizing games and a few more management related games awards. I was the Chief editor of my b schools magazine having interviews from industry stalwarts, editorial pieces from professors, and student written papers and articles, the funds from the same was generated by selling advertising space to various institutions in and around the school. The same was circulated to various corporates across the country.

GMAT SCORE: 720 AWA:5

at the time of joining ill have 4 years of experience in Channel management, sales and Marketing.

The following are my queries:

1. I know a second MBA is accepted by ISB. However, In which essay do i have to write for the reason for the same or is it not needed and i have to give the explanation during the interview only?

2. Since i almost have 2 years in my hands, can you also suggest a few things that I can do to build up my profile. (if not for ISB, it will definitely help me personally in the future too).

Hoping to hear from you soon sir.

Thanks n advance

Hi Sir,

I gave GMAT twice and got scores of 650 (50Q and 29V) and 690.(50Q and 32V) but have a score of 5.5 in AWA in both the tests.

I have good acads and stand out in top 50 of my university. (JNTU. Hyderabad)

Am from Engineering and IT background

Is a score above 700 mandatory to get evaluated by ISB?
Does ISB take the best or recent Score into consideration while evaluating or is it the average of the scores?
I will have around 6 yrs of workex by the time of application, and performed fantastically in my organisation with more than 3 years as Team lead of team of size 10 and 2 yrs of onsite experience. Will this help? (I saw your answers that GMAT and workex are gauged seperately, but are these factors considered in the overall evaluation of the application?)
Also, is it ok if I mention specific points about my career such as case studies, resource management techniques etc., initiated by me at my work and their positive result but will not be able to provide evidences as I need to comply with the confidentiality policy of my company.

Thanks a ton in advance.
Srikar

Hi Sir

I have a question - Can the PGPs of ISB enroll for PhD/FPM? (I know that BE Graduates can apply for PhD even without masters), but lets say a candidate has BA + PG from ISB. Is he/she eligible to enroll for PhD?

Thanks

hello sir,

i m final year engineering student in electronics and communication and got placed in TCS.after 3 years i want to join ISB. so need your advice during my journey of TCS so that it will help me getting into ISB.

thank you.

regards,
BHAGYESH

Quick question for the admissions director: how does the waitlist get cleared, and should we basically expect a flurry of emails letting us know if the waitlist is through or not on 30th Jan? Or later?

Admissions@ISB Says

we are intimating the candidates if they are shortlisted. the interview dates will be sent at a later date.

Hello Sir,

I have applied for HYD ( Bangalore) location but still haven't received any shortlist intimation.
Am I safe to assume that my profile is rejected Or many applications are still being reviewed ?

Dear Sir ( Mr. Menon)

I have about 10+ years of experience in Automobile Industry and currently working with a Global Leading Luxury brand Audi, taking care of Business Management and Dealer Standards department.

I have also done PGDIB from IIFT, but I have realized that in order to reach top management I need to have a career break and value add to my credentials from good B school like ISB.
However, while discussing with my friends and seniors who are ISB alumni too, I found out that with such kind experience level I may have placement problems.

Can I request you to guide me as a mentor and let me know whether taking a career break to have fresh growth trajectory is a right step towards achieving my goal?

I shall eagerly wait for your inputs.

Best regards,

Hi Dr Menon,

I want to ask that how much would it affect someone's chances of getting into ISB to have 2 years gap in education. I have had decent grades (10th 87%, 12th 75%, engg. 80% and topper of my batch) throughout my academic career but have 2 years gap after 12th standard.

Would it affect my chances?

Thanks for taking time to reply.

Sir,

First of all i like to tell you that i stayed at your college (ism) for 3 month for a research work, my stay there was pretty good and interesting. I worked under Dr. Keka Ojha. My father also passed in petroleum engg from ISM '76 batch

I have passed my chemical engineering from NIT-surat
Currently placed in Cairn Energy India Pty Ltd having 2-1/2 yrs of work exp

i am very much keen and anxious for getting into ISB.
I am giving g-mat on 18th of jan,

As i am getting very low score in my mock test and i except the same at main exam i.e (550-600), please suggest how much my score will impact my admission.

Does anyone know by when I can expect a response from ISB? I am from Bangalore Location

Hi Sir,
I'm an above average student and have a 4 years of work ex too. I'm planning to take GMAT and targeting 2013 batch. The problem is that I have 2 years of break between my 12th and before starting my engineering, however I have aced engineering. Would that break work against me. and how much weightage is given to that? is it significant?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the quick response. Cheers!

Does anyone know by when I can expect a response from ISB?

For Hyderabad location, interviews will go on until Feb 6. So you can expect to hear from ISB until Feb 1. These dates are tentative and subject to change. It is best to regularly check ISB website for any changes.

Also, will there be a separate notification to let candidates know if they are shortlisted?

If they shortlist you for an interview, you will get an email and text message on your cell phone.

Hello,

I had submitted my profile on 30-November-2010 for the Round-2 applicants. Post the same, I have been regularly checking for updates on ISB's website where there is a section to check the Application Status.

For quite a while, the status of my application shows as "Your application has been verified and found complete. Further update on short-listing will be available approximately 5 to 7 days before your interview, if shortlisted, for the interview location you have chosen."

I had opted for my interview location as Hyderabad, and the interviews will go on till 6th Feb '11, for candidates who chose their interview location as Hyderabad.

Does anyone know by when I can expect a response from ISB? Also, will there be a separate notification to let candidates know if they are shortlisted?

Request your help here.

Thanks,
Rohit

dear Dr. Menon

If i apply for the first cycle and get rejected, can i reapply in the 2nd cycle of the same year ???


Thanks
Regards
Dhruv

Hi Dhruv,

This is from the ISB website FAQ section
Full Time Post Graduate Programme in Management Frequently Asked Questions Indian School of Business (ISB)

7) Can I reapply? Yes. You can reapply. Please note that you cannot reapply within the same academic year. You have to submit a fresh online application along with the application fee and essays. An additional essay listing the changes in your profile from the last year is essential. However, it is important to show a significant overall improvement from the previous year in view of extreme intensity of competition.

dear Dr. Menon

If i apply for the first cycle and get rejected, can i reapply in the 2nd cycle of the same year ???


Thanks
Regards
Dhruv

Dear Dr.Menon,

first of all thank you for such invaluable help to all of us via this forum.

I aspire to study in ISB in yr 2012-2013
i've just completed my B.Tech in Biotechnology and launched my own company which deals in various sectors. My school acads arent very good but my grad acads are still better. I'm organizing various camps and participate in social service. I'm a university champ in tennis.

I'm going to take a gmat next august / november. What will be a good score for me. another query is that if i apply for the first cycle and get rejected , can i reapply in the 2nd cycle in the same yr???

Thank you
Regards
Dhruv

Hey,

I had my ISB interview last friday. It was pretty casual than a stress interview.. All the best to you.. Hope you get your intervie soon.. :-)

Hi Smiley, send u a pm.

Hey,

I had my ISB interview last friday. It was pretty casual than a stress interview.. All the best to you.. Hope you get your intervie soon..

Hi All,

Has anyone who has applied for Round 2 at ISB recieved any reply from ISB regarding the interview shortlisting?

Thanks!

Dear Sir,
I am an ISB aspirant as like other mill grads. I have just few queries for you...
Q1. Scholarships - While I was just going through the ISB website I noted that there are several scholarships that ISB awards & recipients are selected on the basis of exceptional academic & professional performance as well as personal qualities.Unfortunately, I don't have good HSC score as I was suffering in Typhoid just before the exam & couldn't write it properly, however I have still managed to get 60%. I understand it doesn't really matter any reason for the poor acd score in this competitive world, however still would like to know whether any scholarship that ISB offers on need basis (I am a sole bread earner of my family).

Q2. Career on Investment Banking - Sir, my apologies if this question has already answered as I didn't get time to review all the previous posts. I know ISB has a very strong finance background, however regards to my profile - I am into BFS BPO catering to top investment banks in the world on Hedge Fund administration space for last 6.5 yrs. I have got exposer to many areas of IB world & gathered sound knowledge too. Now I want to move from the back end to front end on the same space and drive the Fund houses rather being driven through. Sir - do you think it's possible? Will this be considered as career shifting? Please guide me. Many thanks,

Kind regards,
Rahul Roy

Hello Sir,

Even in the email that I received, the last date for recommendation submission is mentioned as December 7th. But all the other colleagues of mine who are applying for round 2 were intimated that Nov 30th is the deadline for recos. Could you please confirm for us if the recommendations can be submitted by Dec 7th?

Regards,
akun08

Dear Sir,

Similar to these queries, my evaluators also received a deadline of 7th Dec for completing thier forms. Given Month End corporate reporting deadlines etc in my dept, my supervisors wont be able to provide the feedback by 30th Nov suddenly and have planned it in their schedule as per 6/7th Dec.

Please advise.

Regards
Neha

Hello sir,

I am going to apply to ISB before this Monday, 29th Nov. However, the deadline is 30th Nov and I fear my evaluator's would not be able to fill the evaluation form till 30th. Now, I heard, ISB does accept the evaluations till 7th December. Is it true? Please confirm it. This change would really help me in this application process.

Thanks in advance,
Canis

Hello Sir,

Even in the email that I received, the last date for recommendation submission is mentioned as December 7th. But all the other colleagues of mine who are applying for round 2 were intimated that Nov 30th is the deadline for recos. Could you please confirm for us if the recommendations can be submitted by Dec 7th?

Regards,
akun08

Sir I had a few queries:

1. Due to some unavoidable circumstance I had to postpone my GMAT appointment and I could give it only on 26th November, from what I understand, GMAC takes around 20 days to send the AWA scores. I will apply leaving the AWA scores blank as you had suggested to one candidate but this delay in reaching the score, will it be acceptable ?

2. Is uploading Mother's proof of income necessary even if she is not working ? I could see this requirement in the upload documents page.

Hello,

In a forum I heard that ISB expects candidates with higher than 5yrs experience to waive off any right to participate in campus recruitments. Is this true?

I would like a clarification about this as I am a 10yr experience candidate who is interested in the fulltime 1 yr MBA program at ISB.

Thanks

Hello sir,

I am going to apply to ISB before this Monday, 29th Nov. However, the deadline is 30th Nov and I fear my evaluator's would not be able to fill the evaluation form till 30th. Now, I heard, ISB does accept the evaluations till 7th December. Is it true? Please confirm it. This change would really help me in this application process.

Thanks in advance,
Canis

thanks! .... ... ... ...

Hi Sir,

I have submitted online evaluations form to my manager and client. I've received two separate responses from ISB.

For Evaluator 1:
Please note that the evaluation form has to be submitted by your evaluator/s, latest by Dec 7, 2010 for us to consider your application in Cycle-2.
For Evaluator 2:
Please note that the evaluation form has to be submitted by your evaluator/s, latest by Nov 30, 2010 for us to consider your application in Cycle-2.

Kindly let me know why I've received different dates for each evaluator.

Regards,
-Saurav