How to get into ISB with less work experience and an average GMAT score?

An impactful work experience and a high GMAT score are important criteria for getting admission to ISB. But what if your GMAT score is average and work experience is on the lower side? Can you still get into ISB?

Yes, you can.

Mridul Gupta, a Bachelor’s degree holder in Finance from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Delhi University made it to ISB despite an average GMAT score and work experience less than the class average.

How did he achieve this feat?

Mridul achieved this by smartly strategizing his ISB application and interview prep around his strengths and weaknesses.

Not just that, not only was he prepared to answer these common questions like ‘Why MBA’  and ‘Why ISB’, but also ‘Why now.’

To find out about the ISB PGP average class experience and GMAT score, check this article : ISB - A complete guide 

This article focuses on how Mridul strategized his application, what worked in his favor, and how he answered these common yet important questions.

You can also watch the video where Vikram Singh, CEO & Chief Mentor – ISBmantra and former Admissions Officer of ISB discusses the following with Mridul Gupta.

● ISB Application Strategy with a consulting background

● Interview Preparation and Strategy for PGP 

● How ISBmantra assisted with Interview prep

● How to secure an admit in Round 3

Navigate the different sections with the help of the below timestamps:

00:00  – Introduction

00:20  – Mridul’s Academic & Professional Background 

02:26  – Application Strategy for PGP 

03:48  – Experience with ISBmantra   

06:40  – ISB PGP Interview Experience  

10:25 – Engagement with ISB Post Admit

11:46 – Advice for aspiring ISB Applicants

13:06 – End

Here is the spotlight of important information from the video.

Having total experience which is less than the class average and average GMAT score, what do you think worked in your favor?

His educational background helped the admissions committee understand why he wanted to do an MBA. He felt there was a natural fit in terms of progression in both education and career. His career goals before and after his MBA were aligned with consulting. He also had an eye out for being involved in extracurricular activities and leadership roles. He highlighted these qualities in applications other than GMAT and academics, which helped him get an admission.

Application strategy

There are certain factors that are the pillars of the ISB application. You cannot change these after you decide to pursue an MBA. For example, in academics, you cannot certainly change the grades you have scored. Instead, it is wiser to highlight the other strong points which will make your application unique. Mridul highlighted his learning from work experience which helped him secure admission.

He also mentions how well the sessions were planned by ISBmantra. He said he had a key takeaway post every session and value addition that he was making to the application.

Preparing for the ISB interview

Coherence is the key when it comes to ISB interviews. But you should not just practice a few questions and repeat them in the interview. You should have a perspective on different kinds of questions you could be asked in the interview. Taking mock interviews will definitely help in the same. 

Mridul took the personalized interview sessions from the ISBmantra. From his first mock interview, he realized he had a gap in current financial affairs which he worked on. The second session was based on career goals where he realized he should have in-depth knowledge of the vertical he wanted to choose. He was advised to read more about consulting.

Interactions with different alumni from consulting helped him to build the perspective of what he could expect from an alum from a similar background. His last mock interview was also with alumni from a similar background, which was very similar to the actual ISB interview. 

ISB interview experience

In the ISB interview panel, he had alumni with consulting backgrounds from the 2018 batch. Unexpectedly, the interaction started with his hobbies. Followed by questions related to work experience and the engagement he had delivered at work. He was also asked the most commonly asked questions – ‘Why MBA’ and ‘Why ISB’, which he was well prepared for.

Engagement with ISB post admit

Mridul is a Round 3 admit, so he had less time compared to other candidates. He said he is trying to make the most out of it by preparing some core courses and a lot of socializing with the peer group and alumni.

Advice to prospective applicants

He said a good GMAT score always helps. Hence, focus on the GMAT and make sure you score above the class average. From the application point of view, ISB values leadership qualities, so make sure you highlight your leadership skills in the application. He also advised ISB prospective applicants to be aware of the latest industry trends.