Rejected with 750 GMAT, He Secured ISB Admit as Reapplicant!

The Indian School of Business (ISB) is renowned for its innovative curriculum, world-class faculty, and strong industry connections. Offering the Post Graduate Program (PGP), ISB provides a transformative learning experience tailored to meet the demands of today's dynamic business landscape. What sets ISB apart is its diverse cohort, fostering rich peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities. The school's rigorous academic structure, complemented by hands-on experiential learning, equips students with the practical skills and strategic mindset needed to excel in global business environments. Moreover, ISB's extensive alumni network offers invaluable mentorship and career advancement prospects. With its commitment to fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and social impact, ISB stands as a premier destination for aspiring professionals seeking to embark on a transformative journey toward a successful career in management.

Discover how Avinash turned his reapplication to ISB into a success story! Despite a stellar 750 GMAT score, his first attempt fell short. With our guidance, Avinash crafted a compelling application that highlighted his strengths and alignment with ISB's values. Despite initial doubts about his background and career progression, Avinash learned first-hand that top MBA programs like ISB take a holistic view of applicants. In our interview with Avinash, he shared valuable insights into his application journey, including his career progression, GMAT preparation, and application strategies. Dive deep into Avinash's story below and glean actionable advice for your own MBA aspirations!

Introduction: The Why to My MBA Journey

After graduating from KIIT University with a B.Tech in Computer Science, my career progressed in the tech world, working with three different companies, two of them in SaaS. Eventually, I found myself leaning towards non-technical roles. I worked as an implementation consultant and later moved into project management, where I focused on the business side of operations. This experience ignited a desire to pursue this space more and I believed that MBA would be the next logical step in my journey. 

I came from an over-represented industry and hence, I was a bit concerned as I began my application journey. Further, I did not have any big-name companies on my CV. However, once I got into ISB, I realized those worries were just myths. What really mattered was the holistic view they took of my profile.

It was not just about where I'd worked, but also about what I'd achieved and the impact I had had. In my roles at Highradius and Aptio, I had spearheaded some significant initiatives, plus, my involvement in extracurriculars during undergrad and my passion for graphic design, which I still pursue and showcase on my Dribble profile, all added up to show ISB who I was beyond the paper.

Mastering the GMAT: Strategies, Tips, and Insights

I embarked on my GMAT preparation journey around February 2021, initially starting with basic study materials like the Official Guide (OG). However, maintaining consistency amidst my busy work schedule posed a challenge. To address this, I recognized the need for a dedicated study environment and decided to go to a nearby library. Spending 3 to 4 hours there each day, proved to be a game-changer for my focus and productivity. This routine persisted for about three to four months, during which I immersed myself in rigorous study sessions. As I gained confidence and understanding, I transitioned to taking practice mocks, which helped me prepare myself for the actual exam. I believe this structured approach proved most crucial in my GMAT preparation journey.

However, I want to emphasize that standardized test scores are not the sole determinant of your application's success. I've experienced both rejection and acceptance with the same 750 score. While a good score is important, universities consider it just one aspect among many. So, while it's essential to strive for a strong score, don't neglect other aspects of your application. 

Applying & Securing ISB Admit As A Re-Applicant

At the outset, this was my second shot at ISB after being rejected post-interview the first time. My main motivation for choosing ISB was to stay in India. Going abroad would mean waiting several years to see any return on investment, but with ISB, I could start reaping those benefits immediately. Plus, being part of a diverse group of peers, both Indian and international, appealed to me.

After facing rejection, I took proactive steps to understand what went wrong with my previous ISB application. I connected with multiple alumni and attended ISB info sessions to gather insights. One significant difference I noticed between my previous and current application was the shift in perspective. Previously, I had mainly focused on conveying my experiences without considering how the reader would perceive them. Further, there was a lack of a compelling narrative through my essays.

Working with Piyush on the application helped me realize the importance of presenting my experiences from a reader's perspective. For instance, instead of just stating that I implemented projects, I elaborated on the impact and outcomes of those implementations in my recent application. Additionally, while working on the essays, I learned to structure my narratives in a coherent and engaging manner. Rather than merely listing instances, I focused on crafting a storyline that flowed logically from one paragraph to the next, leading to a compelling conclusion. This approach ensured that my essays flowed naturally and effectively conveyed my strengths and aspirations.

My advice to future aspirants is to take the application process one step at a time, focusing on each task as it comes. If you're preparing for the GMAT, dedicate your attention to that first without worrying about the application. Once you've completed that step, move on to the next, whether it's working on your application, crafting your essays, or preparing for interviews. By tackling each component sequentially, you'll find that the process naturally falls into place. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself early on, as it could disrupt the flow of your preparations.

My Experience and Feedback for Management Masters

I recall reaching out to Piyush last year via LinkedIn. I had just received my GMAT score and ISB's application deadline was looming around January-end. When I approached Management Masters for assistance, unfortunately, I could not get a spot due to the tight timeline.

What stood out to me was Piyush's approach on LinkedIn. Unlike others, he wasn't focused on selling his services but instead shared genuine case studies and insights into the application process. This authenticity resonated with me and made me choose Management Masters for my reapplication this year. During the initial profile evaluation call, Piyush demonstrated a keen understanding of my motivations and areas for improvement which made me sign up immediately for the ISB application package.

Working with Piyush throughout the application journey was amazing. It began with a detailed profile evaluation call, where we took a long time to lay a solid foundation before diving into the application itself. By addressing different components of the application, such as career experiences, early on, I was able to avoid the last-minute rush and approached each section with thoroughness. His guidance was instrumental in helping me identify key points to highlight and ensuring that my message was conveyed effectively. I appreciated how he not only provided constructive feedback but also recognized the strengths in my profile, guiding me on how best to showcase them. The fine-tuning of each aspect of the application ensured a successful outcome. 

Watch The Video Interview

You can also watch the complete video interview below