ISB

Application and research

After assessing the pros and cons of a few good programs, I zeroed in on ISB. ISB scored heavily on ROI, brand value, effort required in the app (Thankfully just 3x300 word essays). FT rankings for the last two years allayed my fears of global recognition. While I was writing my essays I looked for all possible sources of help. There are numerous websites, blogs etc detailing the art of writing good MBA essays.
Although presented differently the golden rules of writing good essays are -
1) Know your self. Sounds non-sense, right? I thought so too when I first read it. But then the answer to the following questions should help you understand - Can you summarize your life's goal in one line? Do you know what's your thing. Do you have any idea what would you do for the rest of your life? and etc etc. regardless of the answers, do some introspection. This would help your thought process on Why MBA/ISB/now questions. Use your understanding of your dreams and values to weave a story. This step is very important as a MBA is a big investment in terms of time and money and without solid reasons for it you might regret later on. So assess your reasons and make an informed decision.
2) Be clear in what you say. Read your response again and again to ensure that you have answered the question. Get feedback from others. Often it's hard to critique your own work.
3) ISB essays are tough considering you have to sound convincing in the 300 word limit. For me this was a blessing. I am not a proponent of writing lengthy essays when the point can be communicated in a few sentences. Prioritize all the points you intend to mention and elaborate on a top few.
4) Structure your essay - make it readable. Break the essay down in paragraphs.

The most important advice I can give is - get it reviewed, by people who understand MBA essay writing, preferably current/ex students. There is an enormous difference between my first draft and the final essays. There will be a few who say the essays are very well written. Don't take them too seriously. Your best bet is someone who critiques and gives valid reasoning for his/her comments. Its human nature - we tend to dislike ppl who find fault with our work. But these are going to be your best friends in the MBA essay game.

A B-school values the interest you show in their program highly. Do some reading on the target school. Talk to alumni/current students. Find out what's the most attractive aspect (MTA) in the program for you. It could be anything such as the professional/social clubs, the facilities on campus, the parties etc. I have a keen interest in extra curriculars (had been quite active in college) so reading about the clubs really got me excited. Find the MTA and do mention it in the application.


Interview

ISB and almost all other good B-schools view a candidate positively for his/her contribution towards the society. Many of us join NGOs for namesake. My advice is - the ad com is exp enough to sniff such people. You don't want to come across as someone who is manipulative and untruthful. One glitch can overshadow your entire life's good work. Think twice as it's a big stake gamble. The admission director sums it up brilliantly - http://www.isb.edu/Blog/admissionsdirector/2009/11/25/Round-one-done-Few-observations.aspx

Same holds true for every thing else that goes in the app. DO NOT write something just because it makes the essays impressive. You will be seen in bad light if after all the hype built in the essays, you come out as a damp squib in the interview. Avoid anything that can't be defended convincingly during the interview. I did commit the mistake of mentioning current affairs in my app. It's not that I don't follow current affairs but just that I am no expert in it. Back in coll I used to quiz and all but not any more. I was lucky to get away with it. I hope .. you know what I mean.


ISB's interview is mostly profile based. The panel is comprised of 2-3 members from the ad com, alumni, and current students. With a few exceptions, the interviews are not stress interviews. Go through the pagal guy forums to read the experiences of candidates. My suggestion is - 1) know your application really well. 2) Have an explanation for everything mentioned. 3) Think of a few qualities/experiences (strengths, weaknesses, ethical dilemma etc ) not mentioned in the application. 4) Be confident and just be yourself, which is easy if you have written your essays yourself.5) Be formally and adequately dressed. Under dressing is a strict no no. You want to present your best self right? So put some effort in the way you look. 6) Smile and give the impression that you are ease. (I know it's easier said than done ;-) , but its true.)

My interview exp on Pagalguy - http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/international-indian-mba-schools-accepting/37061-isb-class-of-2011-aspirants-476.html#post1712699

Next, I am going to write about something that is very important but grossly underestimated. When you have gone through the above phases, you start reliving the exp of your interview. You start weighing every word uttered, every story narrated for its merit to portray you in good light. You fret unnecessarily over what's over. Negative thoughts surround you and you think of a hundred things that went wrong. In short your negative thoughts undermine all your strengths. Instead of imagining a positive result you start preparing yourself for a ding. This is the worst you can do to yourself. I believe our thoughts have a great tendency of turning into reality. So be your biggest friend and dream of success, expect a positive result, pray for it and it will happen. Hope for the best and enjoy your time while it lasts.