Dear Mr.Menon,
This question is regarding the reco letters for the application. If I am in a position where I cannot reveal my ISB ambitions to my immediate supervisor at office, will it suffice to get a reco letter from a colleague who has been working with me for more than 2 years? How much will it reduce my chances at ISB if I do not get a reco letter from my immediate supervisor?
Hi sirs,
I would like to give you an acknowledgment of appreciation for this wondrous thread.
Query:
I understand from your past replies that anybody can overcome his poor academic scores if he demonstrates proficiency in his work experience & GMAT score, my query is after a canditate procure admission in ISB under such measures - Will his past poor academics will again be assessed during recruitments & how much it will effect in getting a higher role or other salary perceptive.
Looking forward for your level headed response.
Kind regards,
Jason.
Dear Mr Menon,
I have certain constraints due to which I am unable to apply in R1. Does it make a difference as to which round a candidate applies in?
Hello Sir,
Thank you for providing such an spectacular opportunity to help us answer our questions.
I am an Electronics engineer from a private Engineering college in kolkata having passed out in 2005 with the following profile:
1. Degree Grade Point Average:7.99
2. Work Experience: 2.8 months in Cognizant Technology solutions as a developer with a consisted excellent track record.
Sir, in your esteemed opinion I would like to know what are the merits and demerits of the profile above, since ISB lays a high weight-age on the academic performance of the individual. I am planning to take the GMAT test in November and your opinion will be very helpful in guiding me to select my best approach.
Thanks and regards
Anirban.
Hi Sir,
I wish to ask you for one of my friend:
He has done his Bcom(DU), MCA,MBA( Both from Correspondence/Distance learing-IGNOU delhi)
So with this Correspondence (2)masters degree is he eligible to apply to ISB.
from past 4 years he has been working as SAP (HR) consultant and he wants to continue in SAP (HR) only or relvant profile in SAP.
Is he eligible for doing second MBA and with Correspondence MCA/MBA degree..
Thanks,
ABhishek..
Dear Mr. Menon,
This is regarding the 2 year work experience pre-requisite that has been mentioned. I see from the earlier posts that the admissions team has told an aspirant with 22 months work experience ( measured until April 2009 ) that there is absolutely no chance of him getting admission into the session that commences in April 2009, and that if he wishes to be treated as a candidate seeking deferred admission he must mention so in his optional essay.
I attended an information session held by ISB at Bangalore in July 2008. As part of the session we interacted with some ISB alumni. When a similar question was raised pertaining to the rigidity of the 24 months work experience pre-requisite, one of the alumni mentioned that she had 1 year and 10 months of work experience at the time of admission.
That led me to believe that a strong profile with about 22 months of work experience would be considered for admission to the session commmencing in April 2009. However, the response in page 3 of this thread contradicts that.
Could you please clarify that for me? Have the rules been changed?
Thanks and regards.
Hi
1 query . Sorry for that. Because you are already waiting for your reply. But this time i am asking for you. Really sorry. Please let me know , wat prep you took to got 770 in GMAT??? Please guide me if posbile.
Thanks
Komalam
Hi,
I went to the ISB information session at Bangalore on the 22nd of this month. And while interacting with one of the alumni present, I was given to understand that it is very difficult to manage a career switch after ISB. Now this is very important to me so it would be very useful at least to me if I can get your view on this.
Basically I am a IIT --> GMAT 770 --> 2 yrs of IT work ex guy who wants to get into Investment Banking post MBA. Can ISB help me achieve this? It would also be very useful if you could tell how many people on an average manage to switch from non Finance backgrounds into Investment Banking kind of profiles every yr.
The alumnus made it sound as if this kind of switch was more or less a Herculean task and he said that most IT guys would get placed in IT companies. He even went to the extent of saying that if you absolutely want to get into IBanking why dont you pursue Financial Engineering MS from some USA Univ or some other 2 yr MBA where you will get the chance to intern. So basically I am pretty dispirited now.
Would be glad if you can comment.
Thanks
Hi llkomalam,
A few things too keep in mind during your GMAT preparation.
Finish the OG.
Do all Kaplan tests. They are tougher than the actual GMAT but worth the effort.
Do all the Princeton tests. They are more or less of the same level as that of the GMAT.
Keep the GMATPrep tests for the end: the last two tests.
Practice AWA essays. Don't let laziness get the better of you.
Keep calm and give the test.
All the best.
Hi
1 query . Sorry for that. Because you are already waiting for your reply. But this time i am asking for you. Really sorry. Please let me know , wat prep you took to got 770 in GMAT??? Please guide me if posbile.
Thanks
Komalam
Dear sir,
Iam an ex defence officer. I served in army for five years. I did a certificate course in management from XLRI, and thereafter worked in HR as recruitment manager. I was not satisfied with the six month program and always wanted to do a full time MBA from the best B- School. My creativity level is very high and so is my sincerity to the organisation , I worked with full sincerity and established the best practices in recruitment in my organisation. I was still craving for more and felt the need to have deep knowledge about management concepts. That is why I applied for ISB. I have a GMAT score of 700. AWA 4 , although academics are not very good. I wanted to know of my chances of being accepted as my AWA score and academics are not very good. I do have a rich experience of having worked in defence, social marketing and HR.
Rgds
Kavita
Dear Sir,
I am planning to apply to ISB for the batch of 2009. Can you please look at my profile and let me know if it is decent enough to apply?
X Std: 87%
XII Std: 81%
B.E. Civil Engineering : 65%
M.S. Civil Engineering: GPA - 3.5/4.0
M.S. Engineering Sciences: GPA - 3.4/4.0
GMAT : 710 (Q49 V37); AWA - 4.5
Work Experience: 5 years by April 2009
I am currently working as a Civil Engineer for a reputed Civil engineering company in US. I am in a Lead position.
Extra Curricular Activities:
1) Member of Toastmasters International, USA. I completed my Competent Communicator (CC) certification.
2) Member of Lions Club International for the past 4 years. Involved in wide variety of community activities as part of the projects undertaken in the Lions Club.
Professional Certifications:
1) Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), USA
I have couple of questions.
1) Does my GMAT score needs to be improved for my applicant pool?
2) I would like to continue in Civil engineering and infra structure industry after my MBA. Were there any civil engineering companies that participated in the placement process in 2008?
Please let me know.
Thanks
NM
Dear Sir,
I studied Computer Science, at Northeastern University, Boston, before switching to International Relations, for 3.5 years(I know, hardly related, but some of the Boston/Harvard crowd then teaching Political Science at NEU, impressed me a lot). A part of the International Relations(called International Affairs) at the Undergrad level curriculum included international experience, which meant taking a 2-3 year study/tour, in a foreign country, ie, other than the US.
I decided to go to India, where I ended up spending 6 years. I started my own ISP, wrote a few books, however, instead of going back to Northeastern, I just finished my final year at Middlesex University, UK, Dubai campus, earning a 2.1, overall, in Business Information Systems, with management. I left the US with an easy going attitude, and was very unfocused, but after working in India, and doing social work and seeing the reality of life here, I have become very focused and dedicated, and due to the passing of years, mature as well.
My question is, I have about 6 years worth of experience, till date, but its all before graduation. Im very good at aptitude tests and regularly score 700's on practice GMATs. Question is, will ISB count my workex before graduation? Or only my current ongoing workex, which will only amount to a year? In which case, should I go ahead and apply?
Thanking you kindly,
Prasenjit
Prasenjitmedhi,
If your work tour to India was a part of your course then that work exp will not be considered. If this is not the case, then you are eligible to apply to ISB.
Admissions Team
Hi Menon,
1. How important is the AWA score of GMAT? Will it be a criteria in shortlisting?
2. If my GMAT scores fail to reach ISB by Sep 25th, will my application be considered for the second round?
Thanks,
Rajan
Hero_102,
- Yes, AWA is considered while short listing applicants.
- Your application will be considered for the 2nd round if we receive your GMAT score after 25th September.
Dear Sir
I have 4 years work ex. in a Govt. PSU. after working for the government i have realized that one of the best ways to serve the nation is through the government. I am interested in public policy and administration. Do NGOS/Govts/ or Development organizations hire ISB grads?
How do you view applicants from the government sector. I know it is notorious for being slow and bureaucratic . but its a myth...
Thanks and Regards
Roshan
Roshan,
All applicants are treated at par; no distinction is made between an applicant from a mnc background and one from psu background. PSUs do not hire from ISB but we do have a few NGOs that participate in the placement week. If you wish to go back to your own organization then I will suggest that you take a study leave for 1 year.
Admissions Team
Hi,
I have a query regarding the applications. I have completed "Certificate in General Insurance" provided by American Institute of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Insurance Institute of America (AICPCU/IIA). Where can I mention this on the application. I completed this certification to help in my job (working for an Auto Insurance provider in the US).
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Ramesh aka Dreams are real
Dear Mr. Menon,
I know being from a Indian Techi Male profile, its a sort of disadvantage for the applicants.
But in the last decade this was one sector that progressed and attracted most of the talent in the country, so I would consider an advantage if I belong to a sector that redefined India on the global stage, dont know what the adcom thinks.
1) What does the Adcom look from candidates in such a pool?
2) Does the admissions committee considers reapplicants? If yes, would it be possible to share the no of reapplicants from Technology Sector to ISB and finally the percentage of them getting converted.
3) For a reapplicant with an avg ISB score(710), would it be advisable to write GMAT again(Work Ex 5 yrs)?
I am asking this because I have heard if you are an Indian,IT,Male applicant with less than 740 scores your applications wont even be read.
Thanks
AS
Sethankur,
1) If you are a re-applicant, then I will suggest that you drop in a mail to us at [email protected] and ask for a feedback on your application. This will help you in assessing your weak areas and thus work upon the same. In case of a re-applicant, we also look for the value addition that you have made to your profile in the last one year.
2) Yes, all re-applicants are treated at par with fresh applicants, except that they will have to write one extra essay (to explain value additions in their profile).
3) I will suggest that you retake the GMAT test only if you can score 40-50 marks more than your current score. If you think that only a marginal increase in score will be possible, then I will not suggest retaking the test.
Admissions Team
quest2009 SaysHello Mr. Menon, Thanks for taking out time to do this. I'm just a little unsure if I should re-take the GMAT as I scored a lowly 4.5 in the AWA, (720 overall). Retaking GMAT would mean I'll be able to apply only in R2, hence the uncertainty. Regarding other aspects, I'm an electronic engineer working at a prominent semiconductor firm in Ireland for the past 2.5 years. I've grown up in six countries and can (just about!) speak six languages. I'm also a keen sportsman, and have won tournaments at the university and county level, both as a junior and senior, including a year long captaincy stint. I have a passion for writing, and served as the chief editor of my university magazine a few years back. I realize electronic engineers also fall into the 'Indian IT Male' pool, thus driving up the GMAT average. Just wondering if a 4.5 on the AWA is a bit too low ? Would you say it's worth retaking the GMAT, and hopefully presenting a stronger application in R2, with an improved AWA score ? Thanks a lot.
Quest2009,
I will suggest that you retake the GMAT test only if you can score 5.5 or above in AWA. If you think that only a marginal increase in score will be possible, then I will not suggest retaking the test.
Admission Team
Hello Sir,
Thank you for sparing your time for us.
I have two queries.
1. I have been working in a company as their first employee. This is my sixth year in the company. Due to the challenges of setting up the business, my roles and positions are not as well defined as that of a candidate from an established firm. Would this handicap me in any manner?
2. It is obvious that ISB seeks various qualities including work experience. What exactly is a quality work experience? What are the parameters over which a candidate's experience is evaluated?
Thank you for you valuable inputs,
Asish Jose
Asish,
1) No, not at all.
2) We look at an applicants work exp in commensuration with the number of years he/she has worked. This helps in gauging their maturity level, leadership capabilities and career goals.
Admisssions Team
Hello Sir,
Thanks for sharing your valuable time & considering our queries.
I have a query regarding English proficiency test.
I am a Chartered Accountant - where the language of instruction during the education was English.
In my graduation & Higher Secondary Education also language of instruction was English.
But during my schooling (Till 10th Standard) the language of instruction was vernacular.
So, my query is :
Do I need to give TOEFL ?
Regards
Mita
Mita,
You need not take the TOEFL test since the medium of instruction during your graduation/CA was English.
Admissions Team
Dear Mr. Menon,
Thank you for your time on this forum.
I am a graduate from IIT. I have 5 years for work exp. ( 4 years in a manufacturing establishment of a navratna PSU and 1 year in a leading Research and analytics firm.
I am a reapplicant - last year I had applied in the 2nd cycle but was rejected after the interview. I have few queries:
1) I have a subpar undergraduate GPA, and I had explained it in the optional essay last year. But, since I am a reapplicant this year I am required to explain what has changed in my profile since last year. Please let me know if my last year's optional application essay , in which my GPA is explained, will be surely read and evaluated for this year's evaluation ? I understand that if I include only 'what has changed in my profile' in my optional essay, leaving my GPA unexplained, this may go against me. On the other hand, explaination for my GPA remains the same. Please help.
2) As per my application feedback last year - I had presented a good application but things that went against me included my GMAT score which is slightly below ISB's average and energy level at the time of interview. I have improved my GMAT score by 10 points, increasing AWA score to 5. As far as my profile is concerned my work experience is quite diverse ( Manufacturing est. and Service industry ) and I was the first female ever to have worked in the capacity of a manager in my department of the PSU. My profile has not changed drasticallyover last year, but I feel that the admissions committee liked my application last year also for the diversity I can bring to the classroom. My question is 'explain what has changed in your profile' refers to only those applicants who were not called for the interview or also to those who had presented a good application and were called for the interview?
3) Will the two applications (last year's and this year's) be evaluated in combination ? what will be the weightage of each application?
4) Last year one of my references was submitted offline ( from my previous reporting manager ). Since, he will evaluate me based on my work in my previous organisation which will be similar to how he did last year, I wish to retain this reference. Since it was submitted offline, please let me know the procedure for retaining it.
Looking forward to a reply from your side,
Thanks and regards,
Ms. Target_09
Target-09,
1) Please explain about your undergraduate GPA in the optional essay again. The re-applicants need to write an extra essay (explaining the value additions in their profile in the last one year) which is separate from the optional essay.
2) No, every re-applicant has to write this essay.
3) No
4) While filling the application form, please select the appropriate radio button (re-applicant of the year). You will then be given an option of retaining your previous evaluations. Please click on the appropriate button. Since you opted for an offline evaluation last year, we will have a hardcopy of the same.
Admissions Team
Dear Mr.Menon,
This question is regarding the reco letters for the application. If I am in a position where I cannot reveal my ISB ambitions to my immediate supervisor at office, will it suffice to get a reco letter from a colleague who has been working with me for more than 2 years? How much will it reduce my chances at ISB if I do not get a reco letter from my immediate supervisor?
MeGMATMBA,
Your chances of getting into ISB will not be hampered because of the reason you mentioned. You can take a reco from your colleague who is at your level or at a level higher than you but not from a junior. Please explain in the optional essay as to why you are unable to take a reco from your immediate senior. We completely understand your position and would like to calm your fears as we receive a number of queries regarding the same issue. You need not worry on this end but you must concentrate on your essays.
Admissions Team