ISB Essay

ISB essay is an important part of your application. Before writing an ISB essay think about a strong application strategy.

​

What are the components of a good ISB Essay?

​

A good ISB essay is one which has the following features:

​

1. Answers the question asked.

2. Discusses the incidents or examples as the essay prompt demands.

3. A good ISB essay connects with the readers.

4. Uses simple flow and language. Gone are the days when a good essay was one which used heavy vocabulary.

5. Tells your story vividly.

6. Connects with the rest of the application.

7. Gives a unique perspective about the applicant to the admissions committee.

8. Uses the word limits provided efficiently.

9. Relates to the ISB values.

10. Personalises the ISB essay with relevant details.

​

Some things that should not be done when you are writing your ISB essay:

​

1. Check for careless errors in grammar and language.

2. Use humour at your own risk. 

3. Avoid using general statements like "I have learnt many leadership skills at work".

4. Always check the sound of your essay - is it humorous, negative, passing the buck?

5. Have you put too much information into the essay.

6. Check if the essay is a reproduction of your resume.

7. Check the essay for long winded writing, generalisations and world statements.

8.  While writing your ISB essay you must review for redundant information. Every line and every word is valuable, repetitive information creates a block for the reader.

9. Is the first and the last sentence of your ISB essay equally enriching as the rest of the essay?

10. Be careful of the number of times you edit the ISB essay.