ISB Admission 2019 | Placements | Current Student Network

What does it take for a standout ISB essay?

Well, there is good news and bad news!

First, the bad news is that there is no one formula and there is no one right way. And the good news is that there is only one story you have to write, YOURS!

Whether you’re in Automotive Ops and want to move into Consulting, or you’re a chip R&D engineer who wants to move into Product Management, your own story is what the Admissions team would love to hear! So, do not make it sound like you’re already a consulting fit or already a product management fit. If you were, why would you want to join ISB and spend a bomb?

But if you were aware about yourself, you sure would have knowledge gaps? Or maybe lack of opportunities by virtue of network or geographical constraints? And you are 100% sure there is no faster way to get yourself up-to speed and fill the gaps but through 1 year at ISB! Does that sound like a better story?

Or

Maybe you already love what you were doing and you would want to grow on the path you already chose, then are you looking for acceleration? So that when you’re out in the world again after the MBA, you have a pole position on the race day!

There are a million right stories and there is only one YOU. A standout essay is the one that breaks into your past professional and personal fears/concerns/awareness and comes out a winner in the end (with a clear plan), such that not only you would but also ISB would benefit from you.

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ISB PGP Application Essay Analysis: Class of 2021 (2020 intake)

ISB’s application portal is now live for its PGP class of 2021 (2020 intake). 

The components of the application are pretty much the same as last year. After modifying the language of the essays in 2018 (for 2019 intake), ISB has retained the same set of essays. The key elements that ISB is looking for in you remain the same - diversity, differentiated skills, need for an MBA, etc. Here’s our take on the two essays,

Essay 1: At ISB we value diversity as it enhances both the in-class and out of class learning experience. Tell us how would you contribute to the same? (400 words)

This is the classic ‘Why you’ essay wherein ISB gives you ample opportunities to demonstrate your skills and achievements albeit it has spelt out ‘diversity’ very clearly. Hence, a little more thought is required on what you construe as ‘diversity’. Apart from that, this one is similar to the ones asked in previous years with different use of words. For instance, 

· 2013: Please make a strong case to differentiate yourself from an exceptional set of applicants applying for PGP 

· 2012: If we were to admit one more student to the class of 2012, make a compelling argument as to why that student should be you? 

· 2011: Give 3 reasons as to why you should be selected to the class of 2011. 

These reasons should ideally differentiate you from the applicant pool and should be backed with some data. 

There should be two underlying themes in your essay: 

· Your achievements highlighting your merit and differentiation or the diversity you bring to the class 

· How would you contribute to the overall experience of your peers and ISB as a whole 

Your ‘themes’ should be underpinned by concrete examples and the attributes highlighted in those. You should not mention more than 2-3 attributes so that you can articulate well within the world limit. These examples could be personal or professional, pick them based on overall impact your actions had. Also, remember that the areas covered in these essays complement other parts of your application.

Essay 2: Enrolling in a Business School is an important career decision. Critically look at your career to date, the choices you have made, the key influences behind those choices, your goals for the future and how do you think ISB's PGP can help you in achieving your goals? (300 words)

This is the ‘Why PGP’ or ‘Why MBA’ essay and ISB wants to know how it would enable you to achieve your goals. This essay should cover WHAT are your goals; HOW a PGP fits in the picture and WHY ISB is your choice. The space could be a challenge in this essay given there’s a lot to fit in.
You should start with your overall experience so far and career plans in the short and long term. Make sure to articulate the linkage between your past and the future you envision for yourself, i.e. why you want a particular career path. Also, try to be specific about the industry or role you target.
Then the focus should be on how a PGP from ISB fill the gaps between where you are and where you would like to be. This is your opportunity to showcase the research you’ve conducted on ISB. Avoid mentioning things such as world-class faculty and infrastructure, networking, etc. Instead, be specific - cover specific clubs, events and courses which would help your achieve your goals. 

Overall, be specific and to the point. Remember, brevity is key!

Good luck!

Regards,

Team S4G

www.strategy4gmat.com | An ISB alumni venture | Ph: +91 7087234600

Please review my profile.

Acads:

X th - 96% - District 3rd - State 11th

XII th - 98% - State 1st - Received Chief Minister Award

CA - Cleared all 3 levels (CPT, IPC and Finals) in 1st Attempt

B.Comm - Distinction (pursued via correspondence)

Work-ex:

Worked as an AVP in a Leading Inv Bank for 51 months.

Currently practicing CA.

Extra-curricular:

State and District level Chess Player

Pursued literary competitions throughout school and won prizes. 

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