ISB Essay Analysis & Tips

Just thinking for a rare moment about the world outside ISB, especially about the aspirants who are eager to transition from the world outside to the universe inside ISB, I reflected on the Essays posted by ISB this time. I have taken a shot at analysis of these essays and hopefully will help some of the potential candidates.

Here you go:

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)

This essay is direct challenge to candidates to state three to-the-point and specific things why ISB should worry about your candidacy and read your application any further. The fact that ISB has specifically asks for data to back up your claims demonstrates that you need to be direct in your approach and provide examples of your claims.

Explore your finest accomplishments and fit the best three here. It is important to maintain a fine balance among the points you choose. A good balance will consist of Professional demonstrating your uniqueness, Extra-Curricular manifesting your leadership potential, and Academic / Personal stories that personify you. You also need to consider that peer learning is a crucial aspect at ISB. While words will be scare, you also need to succinctly cover the ground about how each of your accomplishment will add value to your peers at ISB. Such corroboration and direct connection to ISB’s resources will provide a much more coherent view to your stories. Also, remember to take care of the overall structure of the essay through a short and crisp opening statement and a coherent & impressive ending statement.

Being the first essay, you need to create an impact on the reader and give her an “Aha” moment that makes her interested in you at the onset.

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)

It is recommended to pick up a professional story either if you belong to non-traditional background (chance to score points on diversity) or if you handled a really challenging situation. If you have compelling story from your extracurricular, it will click as well. Many a times, in extracurricular setting you deal with people who have no formal obligation to respond to your initiatives. Such stories speak volume about your ability to influence people. The objective of this essay is to demonstrate your ability to take ownership, handle ambiguity to bring focus on the problem at hand, and take corrective measures to achieve your objective. Try to reflect to stories where you lead / contributed out of turn to a team rather than a stand alone accomplishment. Also, remember that a key challenge in this essay will also be to avoid repletion from the already stated stories in the first essay.

As for the structure of your response, read the question carefully as the structure is already inculcated in it. Follow the START framework (S – Situation, T – Tasks, A – Actions, R- Results, T- Takeaway) to craft your response. Don’t forget to devote a good chunk of space to the personal learning because the chances are that most of the candidates will come up with solid stories, it’s your learning and self-reflection that will give Adcom a peek into your personality.

Essay 3

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

Aha! Finally, ISB has also come with a standard goal essay in sync with most global business schools. Ideally this essay is asked in 750-1000 words by most schools and ISB once again compels you to draft story of your lifetime in 300 words. Fun, isn't it.

While the structure is implied in the response, remember to address adequately each of the following five components:

Career Progression: Detail your career progression while keeping an eye on your goals and keep your theme limited to the same.

Goals (Short Term & Long Term): Be as specific as possible. Your short term goal shall be tangible and direct. Explore school's website or your contacts within ISB to find out exact positions offered at ISB and stick to the same. Further, avoid putting a blanket statement in your long term goal. If you came up with "I want to be CEO of XYZ Company" you need to think deeper.

Why MBA: If you have done good job in the above two section, you must have created a void by now that only a MBA education can fill in. Bring out the specific things you need from MBA that will bring you closer to your goals and this piece shall further your candidacy.

Why Now: It is extremely important to bring a crisp argument about why you think now is the right time for you. Don't make the mistake to leave a gap for Adcom to think that you need another year or two before coming to ISB.

Why ISB: Goes without saying, this aspect is extremely important and will speak volumes about your passion for ISB. An ideal strategy is to connect ISB's resources - Academic programs, Clubs, and Special programs to your specific needs. Attempt to write a paragraph with each sentence containing something unique about ISB.

Again, remember to take care of the overall structure of the essay through a short and crisp opening statement and a coherent ending exclamation statement.

Wish you Gud Luck! Interesting times await....

*Note - My analysis for ISB as well as for other international schools can be found at General Education's website as well. Click here to view the same.