GMAT score is one component of the admissions process. You usually need to meet an absolute minimum GMAT threshold and Bschools ask for your GMAT score to gauge your IQ level, analytic and communication skills.

ISB looks for a candidate with an overall strong profile.

You will have to focus more on your essays and highlight your achievements, Extracurricular activities, any participation in NGO activities, Leadership activities, overcoming of challenges etc.

While assessing your application, B-schools look for candidates who have demonstrated leadership qualities in their professional or personal lives. Leadership qualities don't necessarily mean leading teams - they could also mean the initiatives you had taken, your achievements, impact-orientation, and career progression.

You can use this free tool called "Chances of B-Schools"

'Chances of B-School'  is a unique admission chances calculator or tool to analyze your real time chances of getting an admission to a top MBA program (offered by top b-schools like ISB, INSEAD, Harvard, etc...) based on your GMAT score, work experience, your career aspirations, academics, self-analysis of your essays and interview skills. This tool will help you to focus your thoughts; by giving a factual picture of the B-Schools you have a good chance of getting an admission.

A few points to reflect on and bear in mind Vipin:

- The association with Big4 is great. However, it will be important to understand the nature of work and achievements therein. Remember, there are a lot of candidates from these firms that apply. So think about how you will help the adcom differentiate you from the crowd. Think about your overall story (not just the specialization) and how the dots connect.

- The CFA will certainly be very useful. Your CA performance (rank?/attempts) matter too. A stellar GMAT can nicely complement the CFA bit so push hard on that front for sure.

- R1 matters; read here. There is quite a bit of time before the R1 deadlines so why wait? Try to meet the R1 deadline to have the best shot at it.

- The ECs sound very interesting indeed. The scale and impact, if reasonably good, can really help push your overall profile and add some color of differentiation. Do integrate and use them well.

Hope this helps some.

Cheers,

Vipin.kr.chaurasia@gmail. wrote:Hi,
I am an ISB aspirant. Please have a look at my profile and let me know what should I do for building my profile suitable for ISB apart from a high GMAT score. Btw I am planning to write GMAT this October.
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My Details:--
X- 76%
XII- 86%
Grad- 63% (IGNOU.)
Qualified CA - 62% (Batch of 2015)
CFA - Level 2
Age - 25 years

Work ex- 42 months
I am currently working at EY for financial Accounting advisory team and before that, I was with KPMG in their Assurance division. Have worked on key accounts so far. Have worked well and had also received client appreciation for my current project I have done.

Leadership
- Have also been involved with BHUMI NGO for actively on a regular basis for many fundraising events
- Running an early stage startup in Art Durables segment and it's been going quite well
_______________________________________
Now I want to do an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Investments. So please tell me what should be my way ahead. I mean what more should I add to my profile?

I am planning to go for my GMAT this October and apply in R2

please help.

Thanks & Regards,
Vipin

Hi @Vipin,

Besides focusing on aiming for as high a GMAT score as possible, you could look at achieving the following:

- Try aligning with professional clubs and working on your leadership skills. An example the Toastmasters Club through which you could boost your public speaking skills.
- Focus on getting some leadership experience in the social sector. Look at moving beyond mere volunteering roles.
- Keep performing in your current professional role in order to add a greater number of talking points in your application.

Once the above is taken care of, focus on writing a stellar set of essays, which project a seamless sync between your professional experience and career goals

Hope this helps.

All the best with your GMAT preparation!