How to successfully tackle the admissions interview at ISB

An alumnus shares some thoughts on how to successfully tackle the admissions interview at the Indian School of Business.

“…Have a long term plan laid out for your career, and try to connect your work experience & need for an MBA with this long term plan. This communicates that you want to join business school for the right reasons. You would be surprised how many candidates think of an MBA as an end rather than a means to achieve long term goals. You must have a great reason for

1. Wanting to do an MBA

2. Wanting to do an MBA from the institution you are applying to.

Highlight what is different about you, and communicate it effectively. This difference can be in terms of companies/industry you have worked in, or in terms of unique challenges/situations you have overcome. It could include hobbies and personal attributes, amongst others. Just remember to back these up with solid examples.

You are applying for a business management degree, so respond like a manager. Think big, and give examples of how you have demonstrated leadership and initiative. No one wants to hear how you spotted a missing decimal place in a thousand lines of software code.

You will be asked at least one question where you have to state your opinion on some world/current event. Choose your opinion, and stick to it. Do not change your mind half-way through because you feel the interview panel disagrees with you. There is no wrong answer. The interview panel wants to see that you can hold your own, and communicate your point of view maturely.

Be prepared:

1. Go through your application and resume, identify your weaknesses, and be prepared to address these. The interview panel will know what your weaknesses are and grill you on these.

2. Take mock interviews with friends/colleagues.

Be consistent in your answers and try to remain calm.

If you don’t know something, do NOT bluff.

Dushyant Khare graduated from the Indian School of Business in 2003…”