It's back! -[2008] Ask ISB-Hyderabad: Admission Director answers your queries!

MBA
425
Admissions@ISB Says
I do not understand your dilemma at all. ISB announces the results latest by 20th of November and the last date for submission of fees at IIM A is 24th Nov. You will still have four days to decide.
Dear AdCom,

Thanks for the info.. My decision is already taken, my only concern was whether I would be able to implement it. It looks like I will be, after all.

Regards
426
Dear Mr Menon and ADCom,
I have got a question regarding the recommenders:

I have to choose 2 out of 3 recommenders and if possible I would like to have your expert opinion on it.Here are my options:

1. A Team Lead/ Direct supervisor ( Product based Semiconductor Company ) -
I started my career under his guidance and worked with him for 2+ years ( July 2004 - Sept 2006).

2. A Team Lead ( A small US based Software MNC) -
I joined this company and worked with him for 1+ year(oct 2006 - Oct 2007).

3. Team lead (A big electronics MNC) :
At present I am working in UK with him from last 9 months.

All of them are More or less equally impressed with my techincal and leadership Skills.
Hence I would like to know whose recommendation will ISB value the most.

Many Thanks


Lets_be_friends,

In my opinion, you should choose the latest two associations, i.e. A Team Lead ( A small US based Software MNC) and Team lead (A big electronics MNC).

Admissions Team
427

Hi,

I am having problems getting my second recommendation. My first one is obviously my supervisor. However, since the firm I work in is in a startup phase and we only have a handful of employees, I have decided to include my thesis advisor at college (I passed almost 2 years to this day). I know you said in an earlier post that recommendation from academics is acceptable if work-ex is low - my question then is my experience (which is presently 2+ years, but I will complete almost 3 years in April 09) low enough to justify a recommendation from academics?

I have a second option, which I am ready to explore only if an academic recommendation is not desirable - taking a recommendation from a direct colleague. He has couple of years extra experience, compared to me and just a rung higher to me in position at my firm - he may have no experience in performance appraisal.

428
Dear Mr.Menon,
At the outset, thank you for the time spent on responding to the queries which have been posted - all of them have been useful and very informative.
I did however have the following couple of questions for you and I hope I can get through them without actually almost putting the information in the form of an application!
a) I have a relatively low GMAT score (only 650). I did notice in a brochure on the ISB site that around 30% of those in the 2007 batch were in the range of 650 - 690 and wanted to understand if my profile might fit the bill should I be unable to retest GMAT in time for the first round.
- 4 years of experience at one of the top IT firms in the world - 2 years in India and over 2 years here in the US (same company) with fast-track growth in the firm and would expect strong recommendations from my boss, and senior mgmt in the company.
- Have been involved and successful in a range of sports and extracurricular activities at all sorts of Inter College/University events at the National level and have also contributed in several ways to the local community (clothes collection drives/pulse polio camps in rural areas among various others). Was the College Gold Medalist for Best All Rounder for my batch of 2004.
- Have had the good fortune of having quite a bit of International exposure and have traveled to several countries including the UK, Maldives and the USA.
In your opinion, do you see it possible that the above plausible strengths might offset the relatively lower GMAT score? Or am I better off giving the GMAT again next year and shooting for 2010? (I may not be in a position to give it again this year)
b) If one is not selected in Round 1 and if it's due to a lower GMAT score, would the person be able to re-apply in Round 2 if he/she is able to retest in that period? Does a candidate usually receive feedback on why he/she was not selected?
Again, thanks for your time. If you feel that my queries would be better answered if I were to directly contact the admissions office, do let me know. I understand that my questions above may not be in the interest of a general audience.
Regards,
429

Hi Mr. Menon,

I plan on taking my GMAT in December 2008. However I want to apply for the 2010-2011 admissions.

  1. My question is even if I submit my GMAT score to ISB immediately after the exam , will it still be considered when I apply for admissions in the 2nd half of 2009 ? Or will I have to request GMAC to send the scores to ISB again around that time? I understand that the score is valid for 5 years but what is the right time to send the scores to ISB? Can I send it immediately when I take the GMAT and still be able to apply for ISB in the next 5 years ?

  1. When does the application process start for the 2010-2011 batch and what are the cut off dates ?

  1. Being a software engineer I believe that these constitute the majority of applicants but what specifics do you look for in the person at the time of personal interview before you grant him admission ?
Thanks,
Vivek Kurup
430

Dear Mr. Menon,
My doubts relating to my applying to ISB are as follows.
1) Does ISB welcome applications from people in the develoment sector?
2) Since the salaries offered by NGO's are usually not at par with the corporate sector will the loan (for fees) be a great burden post ISB ?(i have heard of the average salary but never the minimum)
3) Will the placement cell invite NGO's if a student aspires to join one?
Regards.

431

Respected Sir,

I am a B.Tech Chemical Engineering graduate from NIT. I worked for approx. 2 years in a firm in Delhi before moving to my present job.
Most of my collegeaus / Seniors in Delhi's firm have moved to new jobs at other places.For the reccomendation , can I send mail at their present company's official id or else can I get recomendation from my College professor. Please advise.

Regards
Sakshi.

432

Dear Sir,

I have heard that ISB prefers candidates form tier-2 cities in India. Is it true?

My profile (Work ex of 9 years in leading commercial banks) is very weak on Extra-curricular front. Is it worthwhile to apply in R-1 with a GMAt score of 670( Q-48, V-34), AWA-5.00 or would you advise to apply in R-2 with a better GMAT score (>720) ?


Plz reply

Thanks.

433
Hi,

I am having problems getting my second recommendation. My first one is obviously my supervisor. However, since the firm I work in is in a startup phase and we only have a handful of employees, I have decided to include my thesis advisor at college (I passed almost 2 years to this day). I know you said in an earlier post that recommendation from academics is acceptable if work-ex is low - my question then is my experience (which is presently 2+ years, but I will complete almost 3 years in April 09) low enough to justify a recommendation from academics?

I have a second option, which I am ready to explore only if an academic recommendation is not desirable - taking a recommendation from a direct colleague. He has couple of years extra experience, compared to me and just a rung higher to me in position at my firm - he may have no experience in performance appraisal.


Mask,

You can obtain recommendation from your thesis advisor as your colleague hasnt got any experience in performance appraisal. However, please note that in the evaluation form all questions are related to professional activities and not to academics.

Admissions Team
434
Dear Mr.Menon,
At the outset, thank you for the time spent on responding to the queries which have been posted - all of them have been useful and very informative.
I did however have the following couple of questions for you and I hope I can get through them without actually almost putting the information in the form of an application!
a) I have a relatively low GMAT score (only 650). I did notice in a brochure on the ISB site that around 30% of those in the 2007 batch were in the range of 650 - 690 and wanted to understand if my profile might fit the bill should I be unable to retest GMAT in time for the first round.
- 4 years of experience at one of the top IT firms in the world - 2 years in India and over 2 years here in the US (same company) with fast-track growth in the firm and would expect strong recommendations from my boss, and senior mgmt in the company.
- Have been involved and successful in a range of sports and extracurricular activities at all sorts of Inter College/University events at the National level and have also contributed in several ways to the local community (clothes collection drives/pulse polio camps in rural areas among various others). Was the College Gold Medalist for Best All Rounder for my batch of 2004.
- Have had the good fortune of having quite a bit of International exposure and have traveled to several countries including the UK, Maldives and the USA.
In your opinion, do you see it possible that the above plausible strengths might offset the relatively lower GMAT score? Or am I better off giving the GMAT again next year and shooting for 2010? (I may not be in a position to give it again this year)
b) If one is not selected in Round 1 and if it's due to a lower GMAT score, would the person be able to re-apply in Round 2 if he/she is able to retest in that period? Does a candidate usually receive feedback on why he/she was not selected?
Again, thanks for your time. If you feel that my queries would be better answered if I were to directly contact the admissions office, do let me know. I understand that my questions above may not be in the interest of a general audience.
Regards,


Siddharth,

a) I will suggest that you retake the GMAT test. You belong to the IT applicant pool from where we receive the largest number of applications. The competition is extremely tough in this pool. The average GMAT score of IT applicants in the current batch is 730. You have a good profile and a high GMAT score will increase your chances of getting short listed.

b) No, you can either apply in cycle 1 or in cycle 2. If you want to retake the GMAT, then apply in cycle 2 only. Yes, applicants do receive a feedback on their application. Please mail us a request for the same at [email protected]

c) For any other queries, you can call us at 040 2318 7474

Admissions Team
435
Hi Mr. Menon,

I plan on taking my GMAT in December 2008. However I want to apply for the 2010-2011 admissions.

  1. My question is even if I submit my GMAT score to ISB immediately after the exam , will it still be considered when I apply for admissions in the 2nd half of 2009 ? Or will I have to request GMAC to send the scores to ISB again around that time? I understand that the score is valid for 5 years but what is the right time to send the scores to ISB? Can I send it immediately when I take the GMAT and still be able to apply for ISB in the next 5 years ?

  1. When does the application process start for the 2010-2011 batch and what are the cut off dates ?

  1. Being a software engineer I believe that these constitute the majority of applicants but what specifics do you look for in the person at the time of personal interview before you grant him admission ?
Thanks,
Vivek Kurup


Vivek,

a) You can send your GMAT score to ISB anytime and you can apply to us in 2009 without resending it. Yes, you can send the score immediately once you take the test and then apply in any of the coming years (till the time your score is valid which is for 5 years).

b) We have not yet decided the dates for the admission cycle next year. You can safely assume that it will remain the same. Changes, if any, will be minor.

c) The characteristics we look for during the interview are not very different from your application. An interview helps in one-on-one interaction and verification of the information provided in the application. It also helps in judging the applicants maturity level, soft skills, communication skills and how he/she maintains his/her poise in times of pressure.

Admissions Team
436
Respected Sir,

I am a B.Tech Chemical Engineering graduate from NIT. I worked for approx. 2 years in a firm in Delhi before moving to my present job.
Most of my collegeaus / Seniors in Delhi's firm have moved to new jobs at other places.For the reccomendation , can I send mail at their present company's official id or else can I get recomendation from my College professor. Please advise.

Regards
Sakshi.


Sakshi,

Yes, you can send us their new companys email ids.

Admissions Team
437
Dear Sir,

I have heard that ISB prefers candidates form tier-2 cities in India. Is it true?

My profile (Work ex of 9 years in leading commercial banks) is very weak on Extra-curricular front. Is it worthwhile to apply in R-1 with a GMAt score of 670( Q-48, V-34), AWA-5.00 or would you advise to apply in R-2 with a better GMAT score (>720) ?


Plz reply

Thanks.


Apsgaur,

No, this is not true at all.

You can apply in cycle 1 but will have to work very hard on other aspects of your application like essays.

Admissions Team
438
Dear Mr. Menon,
My doubts relating to my applying to ISB are as follows.
1) Does ISB welcome applications from people in the develoment sector?
2) Since the salaries offered by NGO's are usually not at par with the corporate sector will the loan (for fees) be a great burden post ISB ?(i have heard of the average salary but never the minimum)
3) Will the placement cell invite NGO's if a student aspires to join one?
Regards.


M0na333,

1) Yes, we do.
2) The minimum salary last year was Rs. 9 lac per annum.
3) We already have a few NGOs that come every year but none of the students joined the NGO sector. We will definitely invite any NGO that you would like to join.

Admissions Team
439

Admission Team,

Well I have been working for a small start up in the silicon valley for the past 6 months as a program analyst. I have a competent GMAT score as well.My questions is , does working for a small and relatively unknown company in any way diminish ones chances of admission at ISB?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Sai

440

Dear Sir,

My medium of instruction in school was bengali but my medium of instruction in college was english. Do i need to take TOEFL for proficiency in english language?

441
Lets_be_friends,

In my opinion, you should choose the latest two associations, i.e. A Team Lead ( A small US based Software MNC) and Team lead (A big electronics MNC).
Admissions Team




Dear Mr Menon and Adcom ,

Many Thanks for the response. I have one more related query:

One of my recommender has changed job and is working for another company now.I would like to take his recommendation for my role in our previous/common company.
I.e he will be recommending me for my role in an organization in which he
is not working now (But use to work earlier)

So is it OK
1. To take his recommendation ?
2. to fill in his current/new "official" Email ID in the ISB application form

Warm Regards
442
Admission Team,

Well I have been working for a small start up in the silicon valley for the past 6 months as a program analyst. I have a competent GMAT score as well.My questions is , does working for a small and relatively unknown company in any way diminish ones chances of admission at ISB?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Sai


Sai,

No, it will not diminish your chances at all.

Admissions Team
443
Dear Mr Menon and Adcom ,

Many Thanks for the response. I have one more related query:

One of my recommender has changed job and is working for another company now.I would like to take his recommendation for my role in our previous/common company.
I.e he will be recommending me for my role in an organization in which he
is not working now (But use to work earlier)

So is it OK
1. To take his recommendation ?
2. to fill in his current/new "official" Email ID in the ISB application form

Warm Regards


Lets_be_friends,

The answer to both your queries is Yes.

Admissions Team
444
Dear Sir,

My medium of instruction in school was bengali but my medium of instruction in college was english. Do i need to take TOEFL for proficiency in english language?


Loosecontrol,

You do not need to take TOEFL since the medium of instruction in your college was english.

Admissions Team