What is the evaluation process followed by the ISB Admissions committee? A question asked a million times.
For us, every applicant is unique. We look at every application for its uniqueness and therefore there is no piecemeal evaluation or specific focus on a part of the application like the GMAT. Every section is therefore important.
Broadly, there are three different segments in which the application is looked at
1. Analytics
2. Leadership potential
3. Personal Attributes
All three of them are important. Let’s discuss this in detail.
Analytics:
The Analytics segment is looked at in three sub sections.
· 12th class performance
· Graduation performance
· GMAT scores
Evidence of analytical abilities on the job will also be looked into.
GMAT is an important parameter but not the only potential for getting shortlisted for an interview.
What we look at in an applicant is a consistent academic record. An average or a below average academic record can be compensated by an exceptionally good GMAT score. To that extent, GMAT plays a role here.
Leadership Potential:
The ISB looks at leadership potential in an applicant from different dimensions. These are looked at from the following
· Essays
· Letters of Recommendations
· Work experience
Evidence of leadership roles during academic career if any will also be looked at.
The essays are perhaps the most important part of the entire application in the sense that it is the only place where an applicant can express himself for who he/she is and present his/her case lucidly. The 3 mandatory essays and the 4th optional essay therefore have to be taken up with utmost seriousness. Dig deep into the past when answering the uniqueness and the personality questions. One tip that I can offer here is that applicants should get the application evaluated by somebody who knows you closely. It will help in getting a good second opinion about you.
As far as the letters of recommendations are concerned, they should be from people who are in the best position to make an assessment of your capabilities. It can be from your immediate supervisor, your client, cross functional team heads, etc., essentially people who know what you have achieved and have seen you grow in your role.
On the work experience front, try and use the essay number 3 and 4 to highlight achievements and learning at your work place. Our way of looking at work experience is not necessarily the role progressions. We look at the responsibilities, the projects handled, the criticality of the assignments to the organisation, the learning’s from them among others.
Personal attributes:
These are best highlighted in the essays and the recommendations. We are looking at your ability to take initiative, take up challenges, your interests both during your academic life and work life. All these go to show a well rounded personality.
So that’s it folks! Do well. If you have any queries, please write into us at pgpadmissions@isb.edu
