ISB Essay Analysis

An ISB essay analysis should be done keeping in mind the latest business essay topics offered to applicants through the application form. GMAT is just one of the components of evaluation. Two essays have to be submitted and an optional essay applicable for students who have reapplied for admission. With the number of essays that have to be presented for admission, it is obvious that students need to pay attention to this aspect of the admission process. The word count required is 600 words. Essays are smaller but should pack enough content on relevant topics. Students seeking need-based scholarships can submit a scholarship essay along with the application form. An analysis is presented on how to attempt the latest essay questions offered in 2010-2011. Applicants can use it for reference.

Q1. 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 max)

The question is pretty straightforward and should be answered as such. It is not necessary to detail what has been achieved on the academic front or workplace, details of which would appear in the application essay. The idea is to write a unique competition winning essay that defines the applicant. For example, the workplace may have presented a challenging assignment that was completed with success. An important factor to include is how the event would connect to the study program. Applicants can refer to an MBA essay example to get the feel of how successful application essays are written. Getting hold of an ISB essay written by a successful candidate from earlier years would also help, as this question has appeared several times in the past, although phrased a little differently.

Q2. What are your short term and long term goals? How will the ISB help you achieve the same? (300 words max)

This is probably the most asked question among all MBA essay formats. ISB has included it since last year and seems to find it necessary to assess students on this question. Graduate students would have attempted similar essays, but it is important to understand that the ISB levels are quite high. Focus should be on presenting short-terms goals that have already been initiated either through work experience or through a professional study program attended earlier. Progress through the years should be realistically linked to future goals. For example, a marketing student would have completed a few years in marketing after completing an MBA degree. A unique essay would contain elements that show how students have excelled in the latest marketing program.

Q3. (Optional) Please provide additional information that will significantly affect the consideration of your application to the ISB. (300 words)

This is a challenge that would have to be met head on. Those reapplying have limited scope to change too much information from the previous year’s application essays. The additional essay should complement content sent in earlier, which would be available with the admission panel but for different essay writing prompts. However, it also offers applicants the chance to add information missed out earlier or correlate it with additional experience gained in their ISB essay.