Here are some tips on how to start early and finish on time with the ISB application. In my experience over years of having seen various approaches followed by students while applying to the ISB, the most common mistake that is committed is equating GMAT exam to the entire ISB application. Most of the students wait until they have finished taking the GMAT (in most cases it is in the last week of the deadline) and then start on the application. It’s a sure shot way of failing overall, even if you score a great number in GMAT. Simply because, GMAT is a ‘part’ of our overall application process. There are a lot of other things which are equally if not more important than GMAT. So, here is my two cents on how to go about it.

• Get all your academic and work experience papers in place and have them scanned and uploaded at one go. This would ensure that you don’t miss out on any document. Any additional qualifications and certifications can also be uploaded.
• Writing essays would require significant time and effort. We recommend that you spend time in introspection and preparing drafts before you freeze on the word limit given. It would be good idea to get your essays evaluated by people who are close to you professionally and personally to get a second opinion.
• If you haven’t taken your GMAT and waiting for the GMAT score to be available before starting on the application, you might  get into a situation where essays and other details may not get the attention they deserve. Remember, GMAT is a part of our overall application process and is one of the many inputs which will help us shortlist you for the next round.
• While selecting evaluators, please ensure you share their official email IDs. If for some reason you cannot give the official mail id you have the option  to get an offline evaluation. You will have to give us the reason for making this choice. We will then send across the evaluation blank to the appraiser who can then fill them and courier it to us. Please send in the details early so that the evaluators have sufficient time to furnish the evaluations so that they reach us by the application deadline.

Given the fact that you would be busy in your professional commitments, we would like to remind you that the Cycle One deadline is on August 30, 2010.

Best wishes to you all!

GMAT scores are valid for up to 5 years and the ISB accepts scores which are in this limit and if a person has taken the test more than once we take the highest score. One of the golden rules for deciding when to take the GMAT is very simple – When you are ready. A lot of time, students do not take into account the time required to prepare for the test. Whether you are a working professional or a student you need to set aside preparation time for the test. You should take enough time to study for it, because there’s no point of taking the test without being prepared. Once the GMAT test is out of the way one can focus on the application process.

If you're fresh out of your college or in your final year of graduation, it may be a good idea for you to start preparing and take the exam right away. The score stays valid for 5 years and you can plan your MBA accordingly.

If you are a working professional, you should carefully plan the preparation time involved. There is no ideal time that you need to set out but our experience tell us that depending on the educational background, you would need anywhere between 6-8 weeks of preparation time. One advantage of taking the test early would also give you an option to retake the test, if you're not satisfied with your score. The round 1 application deadlines is August 30 and round two deadline is November 30.. Plan accordingly. What should not get missed is the time that you would require on the essays and other application requirements. More on that in the next blog.

The first step towards getting the Class of 2012 has now officially begun. The applications  for the One Year PGP for the Class of 2012 is now open with the application portal now LIVE. Here is the link for the same. http://pgpapp.isb.edu/user/default.aspx The application deadline dates have been revised for this year. Round one deadline would be on August 30, 2010. And round two deadline would be on November 30, 2010.   Like last year, I shall look forward to interacting with you on this platform. Please feel free to share your feedback here or write into us at pgpadmissions@isb.edu  should you need any help.  All the very best!