ISB Essay 1: Attitude, skills and knowledge differentiate people. Elaborate with two examples on how you would differentiate yourself. (300 words max)

ISB Essay Tips :

This is the typical ‘What differentiates you?’ question. ISB adcom wants to see how you are different from thousand others who apply. Every individual possesses some unique attributes. Your unique interests, exceptional experiences, and distinctive background will help to distinguish you in a affirmative way in the tough competition.

Think about something special in particular to write about. Try exploring your hidden talents and leadership skills. Recall past incidents where you have demonstrated your leadership or team skills, entrepreneurial mindset, initiative taking ability effectively. Bring out your diverse skillsets and knowledge by discussing your experiences and accomplishments from your personal and professional life. While picking up examples always think how many of your colleagues can cite a similar example. If the answer is more than a couple, never go for that example.

ISB Essay 2: How does the ISB PGP tie-in with your career goals? (300 words max)

ISB Essay Tips :

This question is important, and should force you to think – ‘Why MBA, and why ISB?’ You have something in mind as to what you wish to do post-ISB. Use this to describe your short term goals and don’t spend too much space on what your long term goals as they are normally vague. Perhaps a one liner on that is sufficient.

Also mention how ISB will contribute to helping you with this goal, whether through alumni, or some specific part of the curriculum etc. This is to show to the Adcom that you have done your research about the school and know what it offers.

Don’t try to structure this essay on what you ‘think’ ISB looks for. There’s been a recent rash of applicants who want to get into ‘consulting’ or ‘entrepreneurship’ because that’s what they have heard ISB is looking for. It’s very easy to trip up if you haven’t thought it through. If you are really interested in something like this, make sure you have a good answer ready on why you want to do it (besides ‘salary’ or ‘that’s what you want to hear’ kind of answers ;)). And remember, they WILL go into details.

ISB Essay 3: Pick the most significant achievement (professional or personal) you have had and elaborate on the key learning you took away from it. (300 words max)

ISB Essay Tips :

The best way to answer this one is to make a list of all your achievements till date, things that make you feel good about yourself. It doesn’t matter whether you received an award for it or not, whether its about your professional or personal life. It has to be something you did that shows your personality to the Adcom.

Talk about what was at stake. Follow it up with how you tackled the problem, what impact you were able to make. Then talk about how this incident changed your personality, or made you realize something about yourself. You have a chance to highlight your best skill. Did the incident make you a better leader? Or teach you the value of being a team player?

ISB Essay 4 ( Optional): Please provide additional information, if any, that will significantly affect the consideration of your application to the ISB. (300 words max)

Use this essay to put in new information which you did not have a chance to enter in your application but you feel can show you in a positive light and impact the Adcom’s impression of your profile. Don’t talk about awards received while in your job or academic scores. They want to hear what sets you apart.

It’s an open ended question and can end up being the most important essay of the three. You need to show the Adcom a unique part of your personality. It can deal with a crisis you went through or an incident in your life that brought you to where you are today.

Do remember to get your essays reviewed. The best bet is someone who has gone through the process (successfully) earlier and knows you well. In case you don’t know anyone directly, it is a good idea to look at an essay reviewing service to make sure you are on the right track.