Today we’ll be taking a look at this season’s essay questions for the Indian School of Business. This year, the application requires that candidates respond to two questions about their professional goals as well as interest in and potential fit with ISB. The narrow 300 word limit for each of these responses requires that applicants pack a good deal of information into a mere 600 words, so choosing strong topics and writing concisely and effectively will be key here.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the school’s essays:
Essay 1: If we were to admit one more student to the class of 2012, make a compelling argument as to why that student should be you? (300 words maximum)
By providing this prompt, the ISB adcom is revealing a common question among admissions committees: “What’s in it for us?” In responding to this question, applicants will want to highlight aspects of their candidacies that will set them apart from other applicants, and that also translate to the contribution they could make to the ISB community and the experience of their classmates. The door is wide open to all manner of qualities, interests and skills from the professional, academic, extracurricular and personal realms, so take some time to reflect on what truly makes you unique, and what impact that will enable you to have at ISB.
Essay 2: What are your short term and long term goals? How will the ISB help you achieve the same? (300 words maximum)
While this is a standard career goals/why MBA essay in terms of the topics touched upon, ISB requests that applicants respond in considerably fewer words than do many other b-schools. With so little room to work with, candidates might begin their writing process by devoting 100 words to each of the topics (career goals and the preparation ISB will provide). While it’s important to stick to this narrow focus, it may be helpful for some candidates to also include information about their career progress to date, as long as these elements are relevant to one’s stated goals and interested in attending ISB.
There is a third essay as well for ISB.
Please provide additional information, that will significantly affect the consideration of your application to the ISB. (300 words max)
Very true! We have that essay listed under our ISB Essay Topic post: http://blog.clearadmit.com/2010/07/isb-deadlines-and-essay-topics-2010-2011/. We don’t include analyses for every school’s “additional information” essay, as they tend to be very similar. Instead, we offer a broader overview in one of our Admissions Tips: http://blog.clearadmit.com/2010/09/admissions-tip-the-optional-essay-4/. Feel free to check it out!