The Application Process

ISB has announced the essay topics for the class of 2018 applications. Unlike previous years, there are only two essays (plus an optional essay) this year. However, the underlying tenet remains the same, i.e. 'Why you' and 'Why PGP (thereby ISB)'. Here's our take on the essays and the themes which you should cover.

Essay 1: If we were to admit just one more candidate to the Postgraduate Programme (PGP) at the ISB, why should it be you? (400 words max)

This is the classic 'Why you' essay wherein ISB gives you ample opportunities to demonstrate your skills and achievements. This essay is similar to the ones asked in previous years with different use of words. For example,

2013: Please make a strong case to differentiate yourself from an exceptional set of applicants applying for PGP
2012: 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?
2011: 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.
There should be two underlying themes in your essay,

Your achievements highlighting your merit and differentiation or diversity you bring to the class
How would you contribute to the overall experience of your peers and ISB as a whole
Your 'themes' should be underpinned by concrete examples and the attributes highlighted in those. You should not mention more than 2-3 attributes so that you can articulate well within the world limit. These examples could be personal or professional, pick them based on overall impact your actions had. Also, remember that the areas covered in these essays complement other parts of your application.

Essay 2: Describe your short and long term career plans. How does the PGP fit in with those? (300 words max)

This is the classic 'Why PGP' essay and naturally ISB wants to know how it would enable you to achieve your goals.
This essay should cover WHAT are your goals; HOW a PGP fits in the picture and WHY ISB is your choice.

You should start with your overall experience and career plans in the short and long term. Make sure to articulate the linkage between your past and the future you envision for yourself, i.e. why you want a particular career path. Also, be specific about the industry or role you target.

Then the focus should be on how a PGP from ISB fill the gaps between where you are and where you would like to be. This is your opportunity to showcase the research you've conducted on ISB. Avoid mentioning things such as world-class faculty and infrastructure, networking, etc. Instead, be specific - cover specific clubs, events and courses which would help your achieve your goals.

Essay 3 (Optional): Please use this space to provide any other information not covered elsewhere in the application that could significantly impact your candidature at ISB. Note: It is not necessary for you to write this essay. Please use this space only if there is something really significant that you would like us to know. (200 words max)

The primary assessment which ISB is conducting with this essay is your decision to write this essay. Do not fall in the trap of providing additional facts about the areas you've already covered in the other essays, this would give an impression that your story isn't crisp enough to be covered in one essay.

Instead, address potential 'bad impression inducing' areas in your candidature. For example, unexplained gaps in education, a weakness in your application. Only write this essay if you would like to mention something extremely important (which has not been covered in the previous essays).
Last tip, your essays should be like a correct critical reasoning passage, it should have linkages between cause and effect and no out of flow statements which are of no significance to the premise of the passage.
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