Summary of "ISB Essay Analysis - How to write ISB essays 2025?"

This webinar focuses exclusively on guiding prospective applicants through the essay-writing process for the Indian School of Business (ISB) 2025 admissions cycle. The session aims to demystify the essay requirements, provide strategic insights, and help applicants plan and execute their essays effectively. The discussion is led by an expert (referred to as "ma’am") and features Ashita (also called Asha), an ISB alumna, who shares her personal experiences and practical advice.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Importance of School Selection and Planning
- ISB is a popular choice among Indian and international MBA applicants.
- Early planning is critical due to tight deadlines: Round 1 deadline is September 14, Round 2 is December 7.
- Applicants must prepare essays, recommendations, and resumes well before deadlines.
- The application timeline includes interview calls typically in October-November, with admissions results before Round 2.
- Focus primarily on Round 1 and Round 2 for better visibility and preparation.
Research and Preparation Before Writing Essays
- Thoroughly research ISB: culture, curriculum, clubs, programs, and how they align with your goals.
- Attend ISB info sessions and meet alumni to gain firsthand insights—this is considered essential, not optional.
- Develop clear short-term and long-term career goals based on your current role, industry, and aspirations.
- Create a "story bank" with unique personal and professional experiences to draw from when writing essays.
- The essay should be the last step after research and introspection.
Essay Writing Methodology and Structure
- Essays are limited to 400 words (except the optional essay which is 250 words).
- Use a clear framework and storytelling structure:
  - Show, don’t tell: Use specific anecdotes to demonstrate leadership and learning rather than making generic claims.
  - Structure: Situation → Action → Result → Learning.
  - Highlight unique experiences and what they taught you, especially about leadership and personal growth.
- Essays should reflect your authentic voice and be introspective.
- Use active voice and avoid vague or generic statements.
Insights on Each ISB Essay Prompt
- Essay 1: "What unique experiences have shaped who you are?"
  - Focus on multiple unique experiences that reveal your leadership qualities.
  - Leadership is broadly defined: owning responsibility, communication, empathy, adaptability, initiative, motivating others.
  - Explain why you possess these traits, possibly linking back to childhood or formative experiences.
  - Reflect on what these experiences taught you about leadership and how ISB fits into your leadership journey.
  - Avoid clichés; make your leadership examples relatable and genuine.
  - Remember, ISB wants to see the “hero” of the story—you.
- Essay 2: "What intellectual experiences have influenced your approach to learning and led you to pursue an MBA?"
  - Discuss professional, academic, or personal experiences that shaped your learning style.
  - Illustrate how these experiences revealed skill gaps or knowledge needs that an MBA can address.
  - Use 2-3 anecdotes to demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning.
  - Conclude by linking these insights to your short-term goals and how ISB’s resources will help you fill those gaps.
  - Emphasize practical, operational learnings rather than purely academic or research-based knowledge.
  - Show depth of industry knowledge and intellectual curiosity.
  - Authenticity is key; avoid copying others’ essays.
- Essay 3 (Optional): "Share intellectual pursuits, unique perspectives or experiences that shaped your worldview and how you could contribute to ISB."
  - Use this essay to highlight your potential contributions to the ISB community.
  - Avoid generic statements about joining clubs; instead, explain why you are uniquely positioned to contribute.
  - Draw from diverse experiences—cultural adaptability, niche industry knowledge, entrepreneurial ventures, or social impact.
  - Research ISB’s ecosystem and student initiatives to tailor your answer.
  - Show how your background and experiences will enrich peer learning and the overall community.
Use of AI Tools and Authenticity
- AI tools (like ChatGPT) can be used for drafting but essays must retain your authentic voice.
- Essays should be easily articulable during interviews; mismatch between written and spoken narrative can lead to rejection.
- ISB reviewers can often detect AI-generated writing if it sounds unnatural or “ChatGPT-like.”
- Ethical and intelligent use of AI is acceptable, but originality and personal reflection are paramount.
Leadership and Personality Fit
- Leadership is not just about managing teams but includes initiative, collaboration, empathy, and adaptability.
- ISB values candidates who demonstrate genuine leadership potential and collaborative spirit.
- The admissions process assesses personality fit, as ISB wants a diverse yet motivated cohort.