Why MBA? is a very standard question. It is explained on many admissions consultant website's about various schools. My suggestion is to look at present, then look at future, and see what you lack to get there. If it is achievable by an MBA, then, that's what it is! Answer that you will get will be very specific and not the one that many people will say.
May be not very helpful answer but there are many places where the approach to this question has been discussed before.
Adding to what Ajay said, Why you want an MBA is a question which demands a more specific reason than what you stated. Ad Com wants to see a specific goal such as - Move to a marketing role at a CPG company, or something along those lines. They want you to talk about your past experiences (leading to your desired goal post MBA) and then connect the dots to show how an MBA would be the best way for you to reach your goal.
As mentioned by Ajay, I will reiterate that if you do a basic google search saying "why mba essay question", you will get more detailed descriptions which will help you structure your thoughts.
I went through the forums, did some digging on MBA Candidate's profile at ISB and must say its been disheartening comparing my profile with the likes.
Most of the candidates have attended at least top 30-50 institutions in India. Wherein I'm a BCA grad from some State Govt University which I'm sure has not qualified for research in decades. In turn it would mean a 710 in GMAT cannot even promise a call.
Further, candidates who have relevant managerial experience gets the priority. Which again I don't have.
I started as an entrepreneur when I was in high school, paid my own school, college fee and then went on with a start-up and now work for just another IT giant in India. Have 60% workex in Europe, but even that ain't a candy now a days.
I wonder whether I should take a back seat or still be hopeful. Apologies for being depressive in here...
Your profile seem great to me. I would suggest to get a good GMAT score and apply. Good luck.
I went through the forums, did some digging on MBA Candidate's profile at ISB and must say its been disheartening comparing my profile with the likes.
Most of the candidates have attended at least top 30-50 institutions in India. Wherein I'm a BCA grad from some State Govt University which I'm sure has not qualified for research in decades. In turn it would mean a 710 in GMAT cannot even promise a call.
Further, candidates who have relevant managerial experience gets the priority. Which again I don't have.
I started as an entrepreneur when I was in high school, paid my own school, college fee and then went on with a start-up and now work for just another IT giant in India. Have 60% workex in Europe, but even that ain't a candy now a days.
I wonder whether I should take a back seat or still be hopeful. Apologies for being depressive in here...
In your opinion, should the video A. feature only me speaking about the content of an essay about: life to me is .."OR B. instances/ events in my life that depict how i think of life( as in the seagram's ad have i made it large kinda;) )
In your opinion, should the video A. feature only me speaking about the content of an essay about: life to me is .."OR B. instances/ events in my life that depict how i think of life( as in the seagram's ad have i made it large kinda;) )
thanks in advance, you guys are great!
Awesome question..just to add my 2 cents...can something of the sort of Barney's Video resume be also added :):)
In your opinion, should the video A. feature only me speaking about the content of an essay about: life to me is .."OR B. instances/ events in my life that depict how i think of life( as in the seagram's ad have i made it large kinda;) )
thanks in advance, you guys are great!
Neha,
Both approaches are right.
Your response to "life to me is..." will be more credible if there are instances in your life which support the statement you have just made.
With part A (per your post), I fear many applicants would have a tendency to describe a philosophical, utopia-like view of what life means to them. Applicants should stay away from doing that. What you say within your entire application should have relevance to your candidacy at ISB, and making philosophical statements will only make you sound like a dreamer.
Another thing- think of the video in conjunction with the rest of your application, specifically the essays. SO take care to not repeat stuff which you have already mentioned elsewhere.
I'm a reapplicant. Got dinged last year after interview. Awaiting feedback. Hope to give it a shot this year again with renewed focus.
A few Qs..
1. Will getting slightly modified recos from the same recommmeders as last time be a disadvantage?
2. What if there havent been much improvements in my profile from last time? Can an improved gmat score prove valuable in that sense?
3. I'm still apprehensive about applying in 1st round since I got dinged in 1st round last time. Personally feel 2nd round is better but I'm sure many ppl will disagree on that. But considering my profile hasn't improved much I give myself a little more time to improve by applying in the 2nd round. Is that a good idea?
P.S. Was a silent spectator last time around on the co2013 thread. Hope to contribute this time around!
After 2 sucessive attempts at CAT n stuck at 94%le i took up GMAT and unfortunately missed ISB deadline last year... my profile 3.5 yrs of work-ex in physiotherapy, GMAT 710,female :p,GPA 3.8 interested in MBA healthcare and I already have an admit with scholarship from Boston University (which ranks 11 allover US in this field ),this fall,somehow don't feel like leaving India and want to at least attempt for a shot at ISB....hence was wondering when by earliest the applications are considered and evaluation n interview process starts and doesn't ISB have early Action Round??
You might have 100s of reason on why something won't work but all you need is one good reason that you believe will work for you.
If you are really sure on why you need an mba and that too from a top notch b-school, there is no point keeping a doubt - just go for it
Cheers Wonder
I went through the forums, did some digging on MBA Candidate's profile at ISB and must say its been disheartening comparing my profile with the likes.
Most of the candidates have attended at least top 30-50 institutions in India. Wherein I'm a BCA grad from some State Govt University which I'm sure has not qualified for research in decades. In turn it would mean a 710 in GMAT cannot even promise a call.
Further, candidates who have relevant managerial experience gets the priority. Which again I don't have.
I started as an entrepreneur when I was in high school, paid my own school, college fee and then went on with a start-up and now work for just another IT giant in India. Have 60% workex in Europe, but even that ain't a candy now a days.
I wonder whether I should take a back seat or still be hopeful. Apologies for being depressive in here...
Am sure you know, Mohali campus has a Max Institute of Healthcare Management. If you want, I can get you in touch with a student with medical background.
Hi Puys!! Am back here after a real long while!
After 2 sucessive attempts at CAT n stuck at 94%le i took up GMAT and unfortunately missed ISB deadline last year... my profile 3.5 yrs of work-ex in physiotherapy, GMAT 710,female :p,GPA 3.8 interested in MBA healthcare and I already have an admit with scholarship from Boston University (which ranks 11 allover US in this field ),this fall,somehow don't feel like leaving India and want to at least attempt for a shot at ISB....hence was wondering when by earliest the applications are considered and evaluation n interview process starts and doesn't ISB have early Action Round??
Kindly analyze the profile and any comments/guidance will be very helpful -
Gmat score - 690 Job Exp - 8 years on 1st july 2012 Employers - IT (3.5 years in TCS + 4.5 in HCL) Domain - Retail and banking Highest Degree- BE Mech from BIT Mesra Ranchi 88.5%, Gold Medalist 10th and 12th - CBSE - 86 and 88.4% Resp No breaks in studies or career. Some social work certificates
Kindly analyze the profile and any comments/guidance will be very helpful -
Gmat score - 690 Job Exp - 8 years on 1st july 2012 Employers - IT (3.5 years in TCS + 4.5 in HCL) Domain - Retail and banking Highest Degree- BE Mech from BIT Mesra Ranchi 88.5%, Gold Medalist 10th and 12th - CBSE - 86 and 88.4% Resp No breaks in studies or career. Some social work certificates
Thanks a lot in advance
-Ashu
Just an advice............improve upon your GMAT score..........
I am curious as to the reason behind the sheet (maybe I missed some posts). However, from the looks of it, it seems to be trying to get some metrics that candidates think are important.
Being an Engineer myself I see this as a basic need to quantify things. However, given my experience and the experiences of a lot of people I have interacted with, school converts are more of an art rather than a science (sorry guys). How your essays were written, what they portray about you, how did your interviews go, what is the passion that people have, what are their long term goals, how does an MBA fit into these long term goals, what have you done in the past with respect to your dream, etc
Most GMAT schools do not have a formula like the ones made public by some B schools under the RTI. Think of it as the formula on the GD / PI in the previously mentioned schools is not shared with you.
This is my two cents on the matter and a regression analysis of the data might probably be able to confirm my hypothesis. The hypothesis being that these metrics would only be accurate to about 50% of the predicted cases. Given that these are the same odds as tossing a coin, it might just end up being a waste of time.
Also, remember xkcd: Correlation Correlation does not imply causation. More people with high scores (assuming the analysis gives a function with greater than 50% prediction) might be able to get in because they were able to present their candidature well or have been hardworking and determined throughout.
So just give it your best shot guys and stop worrying about the other candidates. There is the other candidates profiles, essays and interviews are outside your span of control
I am curious as to the reason behind the sheet (maybe I missed some posts). However, from the looks of it, it seems to be trying to get some metrics that candidates think are important.
Being an Engineer myself I see this as a basic need to quantify things. However, given my experience and the experiences of a lot of people I have interacted with, school converts are more of an art rather than a science (sorry guys). How your essays were written, what they portray about you, how did your interviews go, what is the passion that people have, what are their long term goals, how does an MBA fit into these long term goals, what have you done in the past with respect to your dream, etc
Most GMAT schools do not have a formula like the ones made public by some B schools under the RTI. Think of it as the formula on the GD / PI in the previously mentioned schools is not shared with you.
This is my two cents on the matter and a regression analysis of the data might probably be able to confirm my hypothesis. The hypothesis being that these metrics would only be accurate to about 50% of the predicted cases. Given that these are the same odds as tossing a coin, it might just end up being a waste of time.
Also, remember xkcd: Correlation Correlation does not imply causation. More people with high scores (assuming the analysis gives a function with greater than 50% prediction) might be able to get in because they were able to present their candidature well or have been hardworking and determined throughout.
So just give it your best shot guys and stop worrying about the other candidates. There is the other candidates profiles, essays and interviews are outside your span of control
dude... we can have a list of applicants . may be they will meet at interview location . its not for boosting any morale or intimidating others :cheers::cheerio:
Puys , The adcom requires our GMAT score report (official or test center / unofficial score copy) along with our submitted application.Keeping in mind the deadlines for R1 and R2 i.e Sept 15 and November 30th, 2012 latest by which date should I have taken GMAT to be able to safely apply for ISB, st my scores reach them well in time. Also jst read somewhere it takes 3-4 weeks for complete score incld AWA score to reach them ...so should i take 3-4 weeks prior to deadline ,as the last date by which I should be done with my GMAT . Also how can I get a copy of test center/ unofficial score card of GMAT.
That is what I am trying to understand, what are we trying to find out with the list of applicants?
mbagrail Says
may be they will meet at interview location .
Once people get interview calls (which would be a percentage of the total list being gathered here) there will be a separate thread that will spring up on people's slot (date and time). Once that is up, people will PM each other on the info that is required.
People could also meet up during the city PG meets where some of this information will automatically get shared.
mbagrail Says
its not for boosting any morale or intimidating others :cheers::cheerio:
Sometimes there are unintended consequences to things that we do.
Again. All of this is just my opinion. There might be valid reasons for having this list. I am just trying to understand them.
Puys , The adcom requires our GMAT score report (official or test center / unofficial score copy) along with our submitted application.Keeping in mind the deadlines for R1 and R2 i.e Sept 15 and November 30th, 2012 latest by which date should I have taken GMAT to be able to safely apply for ISB, st my scores reach them well in time. Also jst read somewhere it takes 3-4 weeks for complete score incld AWA score to reach them ...so should i take 3-4 weeks prior to deadline ,as the last date by which I should be done with my GMAT . Also how can I get a copy of test center/ unofficial score card of GMAT.
#1) As soon as you finish with the test, they will give you a 2 page scorecard with your score. This is the test center report. It does not have the AWA marks.
#2) The AWA will be graded separately and a full score report with AWA will be sent to you via email, via post or both. Obviously the email report reaches a lot faster. Typically it takes about a week for the AWA scores to be generated. GMAC has a huge factor of safety while saying 3 to 4 weeks
#3a) Before you start the test you are allowed to select 5 schools that you will send your scores to. The GMAC will automatically send your scores to these 5 schools when your AWA is computed.
#3b) If you want to send your score to a different school than the 5 that you selected, you will have to pay an additional 20 or 25 dollars per school. This usually takes a week or so from the time of placing the request.
ISB allows you to apply with your scores in #2 (You need your AWA score). However, it also requires that it receives your scores from GMAC. (#3). So the last date to safely take the GMAT would be about 2 weeks before the deadline.
My recommendation is to take the GMAT as early as possible. If you get a score that is well below your practise tests (say you were sick or excessively nervous) it gives you time to recover, schedule another date and take the test without being nervous. Also, finishing it early allows you to concentrate on the essays which are a lot more important than the scores.
Am back here after a real long while!
and stop worrying about the other candidates. There is the other candidates profiles, essays and interviews are outside your span of control
