How I made it to ISB (part 2)

Ohk so finally I was done with my Gmat and with a shiny score like 750, the ISB dream seemed a lil more achievable.

But it so wasn't meant to be! ISB just does not take people with less than 2 years work experience. OK so you read that if you are EXCEPTIONAL you might get a deferred admission. Well I guess I wasn't exceptional (no1 else was either). I was brutally rejected the first time I applied in round 2 for the Class of 2011 - without even an interview call! My feed back which came months later clearly said - sorry sweety try next year.

But the point is, I learnt a lot about ISB, the application from the first attempt. I can frankly say now that the first time - my essays were crappy, my recos even more crappy and I wouldn't have been able to handle the interview session.

But there was loads of things I learnt about ISB and how they judge candidates.

For starters, the essays need to scream out loud that I am a rockstar in every aspect - not just acads, not just sports, not just social work - in every hemisphere. Yep, I am A-W-E-S-U-M (Barney Stinson awesum) and if you dont take me, you will lose out on me. So if you really have done stuff, please put it down. Don't feel shy to flaunt your achievements, if you have them. But please don't make up any. They can see through you - they have been there and done that. They see thousands of desperate applicants who have worked for one year in an NGO just to put it down on paper. I am sure you (whoever you are) have passions and hobbies. Look within yourself to find out what makes you stand apart - don't fake it.

Recos are very important. As important (maybe more) than your essays. Give the guys giving your recos ample time to sit down and write the recos. Give it to people you trust, whom you have really worked with and who can really write about you. If the Higher Management can vouch for you - great! But dont get clouded by designation if they really don't have much to add to your application.

And lastly, don't apply on the very last date and please don't leave all the certificate scans etc till the end. They can cause loads of problems - its better to submit your app 2 days before and watch the others struggle to upload documents.

So plan out your application guys! Hopefully you wont need to apply twice :)