How I cracked ISB with a GMAT of 670

Good day, everyone! My name is Shikha Rawat (ISB 2019). I graduated from IIT Roorkee in 2013 with a B. Tech in Electrical Engineering. After finishing my engineering degree, I went to work for Samsung as a Software Engineer.

I got into ISB with a GMAT score of 670, and here's how I prepared.

Making a great application and preparing for an ISB interview

Recognizing the problem is the first step toward its resolution. I knew my GMAT score would not be exceptional, but it would be acceptable.

Lower GMAT scores may lead to success, but the process may fail without proper strategy and execution. First and foremost, I set myself up for success by getting started early and giving myself enough time to develop an effective application.

After discussing my profile and reflecting on my capabilities, I learned that I possessed many qualities that ISB sought, including clear career goals and a well-defined career path.

I had been a student leader in college and had led many innovative initiatives at Samsung to offer value.

As an IT engineer, I had to ensure that I went above and beyond my regular duties. I realized I needed to do more to improve my profile and get away from the "IIT graduate" label. I used to work on many projects before I started working at Samsung.

When it came to making the world a better place, I was a true believer. I worked on a project called "Thought for Food" that attempted to feed India's impoverished and hungry while also slowly eradicating the country's hunger problems.

I traveled to Germany to represent Asia in this initiative, where I had the opportunity to express my views to millions of people. Because I have a software engineering background, I used to spend my spare time designing apps for the Android Platform. These extra efforts helped me position myself as a developing entrepreneur, making a significant difference in my ISB application.

This was essential planning. In this initial round of the ISB process, I overcame my limitations by focusing on my strengths and demonstrating how I could be an excellent applicant (and, eventually, a student).

Getting the most out of your ISB interview

If the application procedure were my strong suit, the interview would have to be my most valuable asset. As soon as I received notification from ISB that I had been chosen for the interview, I began preparing for it.

I improved my interviewing abilities by seeking criticism wherever possible. Rather than hoping that his flaws would not be reflected in my performance, I planned and ensured that they did.

I've said it before, and I'll repeat it: MBA admissions interviews aren't meant to be a casual conversation or an opportunity to sell yourself.' They, like every other stage or assessment, require meticulous preparation.

Preparation is most effective when one anticipates a favorable outcome even before it is known. After this interview, I felt convinced that I had done well and had covered all bases in my preparation.

The excellent news came in March of this year. ISB had been achieved with a GMAT score of 670!