You are using an unsupported browser. Some features may not be functional. We suggest you upgrade your browser.
It is FREE. Select one to Upgrade: Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer
Log in to Account

ISB MBA Essay Tips


The ISB MBA essays this year are pretty generic. You do not have to build dams and negotiate with environmental groups nor write a speech to convince the student body of your candidature as the President of the ISB student body. However, these generic essays do rob you of the opportunity of thinking out of the box that last year's essays had afforded.

 

Essay 1

 

Give 3 reasons as to why you should be selected to the class of 2011? These reasons should ideally differentiate you from the applicant pool and should be backed with some data. (300 words max)

 

Gurome Tips :

 

Through this essay ISB is trying to find out what you will contribute to the class of 2011.

 

This is a challenging essay because most of the candidates you will be competing with will have a similar background and the key is to differentiate your candidature from the rest of the applicants. Consider this essay as your chance to sell yourself. Since the essay asks for three reasons, you could focus on three different aspects:  you could write about something that you have done in your career/life that is not 'run of the mill' and that has made a positive impact in an organization/someone's life. You could talk about a particular hobby/interest that has helped widen your horizon. You could even talk about an innovative business plan. 

 

Essay 2

 

Describe a challenging assignment you have handled (at work or outside) to date. What were the challenges and how did you handle them? What were the personal learnings you derived from this assignment? (300 words max)

 

Gurome Tips:

 

What the adcom wants to know through this essay is a) whether you possess leadership potential b) whether you are a good learner c) whether you can work under pressure d) what unique traits or skills you possess that will make you a key contributor in your class

 

It is important for you to relate an experience that is relatively recent. Choose an example that a) has had a significant impact on people/organization b) talks about your contribution. You could touch upon a few of these key factors: initiative; drive; determination; perseverance; ability to simplify a problem; ability to try out something unconventional yet be able to work in a team; ability to learn from challenges; etc.

 

You have to be careful not to brag about yourself in this essay. The best way to avoid bragging yet selling yourself is to quantify the measure of success and provide concrete examples that back up your story.

 

 

 

Essay 3

 

Briefly assess your career progression till date along with an assessment of your future career goals. Discuss how your career goals will be met by the ISB's one year programme in management. (300 words max)

 

Gurome Tips:

 

Almost all Business Schools have this essay in some form or the other. What you have to do in this essay is track your career progression - past, present, and future. It is important that there is a consistent theme that comes out when you describe your career. If there has been a major career change, then it is important to explain that the career change was made with the MBA plans in mind. You should very clearly put down your short term and long term goals in this essay.

 

The second part of the essay is as important as the first. This essay definitely calls for some research on your part to know more about ISB and its reach. Try to find out what ISB has to offer that matches your interests.

 

 

Essay 4 (Optional)

 

Please provide additional information, if any, that will significantly affect the consideration of your application to the ISB. Please do not repeat information which has already been stated elsewhere in the application. You may use this to clarify any breaks in education/work, inform about any other item which you think has not been covered elsewhere etc. (300 words max)

 

Gurome Tips :

 

There are two criteria under which you should attempt this essay: 

 

A)     To explain breaks in your academic/professional career or to address areas of underperformance (GMAT score/GPA) 

B)     If you have something truly unique and positive to say about yourself that has not been addressed in any of the essays.  

 

 A topic for this essay can be, for example, your family history of activism that informs your approach to socioeconomic problems. We suggest that you eschew this essay if there is even a slight chance of repeating yourself.

 

 

Hope this information was useful to you. If you need additional help or would like to work with us on your ISB application, limited spots are available through August 15 for Cycle 1 ( Sept 15, 2009 ) and November 1 for Cycle 2 ( Dec 1, 2009 ). To know more about our B-school specific services and for a free 20-minute MBA admissions consultation, visit www.gurome.com.

 




Posted by Arpita at Jul 15, 2009 10:25:16 PM
Email (Sign in required)
Post Comment

Search

Feeds

Most:
  • Recent
  • Popular
  • Commented

Gurome's Quant Blog Series - Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Q13
Gurome's Quant ...
Posted by kalyani.
0 comment
Conditional Admissions with Pre-requisite Courses
Conditional Adm...
Posted by kalyani.
0 comment
MBA Information Sessions: Some Do's and Don'ts
MBA Information...
Posted by kalyani.
0 comment
Gurome's Quant Blog Series - Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Q12
Gurome's Quant ...
Posted by Ryan Cooper.
1 comment
Gurome's Quant Blog Series - Fractions, Decimals and Percentages A12
Gurome's Quant ...
Posted by kalyani.
0 comment
More by: Arpita

Looking Beyond The Top-20 Business Schools
Last updated on 22 Sep 2009
0 comment
Stanford MBA Application Essay Tips for 2009/2010
Essay Tips for ...
Last updated on 23 Aug 2009
0 comment
ISB MBA Essay Tips
ISB MBA Essay W...
Last updated on 23 Jul 2009
1 comment
Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley posts MBA Application Essay Questions for the Class of 2012
Last updated on 21 Jul 2009
0 comment
Essay questions for Chicago Booth Full-Time Program (Fall 2010)
Last updated on 13 Jul 2009
0 comment
Similar Blog

Gurome's Quant Blog Series - Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Q13
Gurome's Quant ...
Posted by kalyani.
Last updated on 2 Sep 2010
0 comment
Conditional Admissions with Pre-requisite Courses
Conditional Adm...
Posted by kalyani.
Last updated on 1 Sep 2010
0 comment
MBA Information Sessions: Some Do's and Don'ts
MBA Information...
Posted by kalyani.
Last updated on 30 Aug 2010
0 comment
Gurome's Quant Blog Series - Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Q12
Gurome's Quant ...
Posted by Ryan Cooper.
Last updated on 29 Aug 2010
1 comment
Gurome's Quant Blog Series - Fractions, Decimals and Percentages A12
Gurome's Quant ...
Posted by kalyani.
Last updated on 27 Aug 2010
0 comment