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How to apply to ISB YLP?

ISB YLP Application process takes place in three stages. Let's see a step by step guide on how to apply to ISB YLP. We also discuss how ChatGPT impacts the essays submitted by ISB YLP applicants.


What is the admission procedure to apply to ISB YLP?

The ISB Young Leaders Programme (YLP) is a foundation programme for final year and pre final year students to secure a seat at the Indian School of Business's Full-Time MBA programme. ISB YLP admits get a deferred entry to join the ISB PGP program when they complete 20 months of work experience.





The ISB YLP 2023 application process is divided into three stages:

  1. ISB YLP Stage 1 - Applicants submit one essay, online application form and ISB YLP application fee.

  2. ISB YLP Stage 2 - Shortlisted applicants need to submit GMAT/GRE scores, one more essay and one recommendation letter with the online application form.

  3. ISB YLP Stage 3 - Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview with the ISB alumni.

How can I get selected in ISB YLP ?

To get selected in ISB YLP following are the steps required to be fulfilled by the applicants.


Application form details for ISB YLP 2023 stage 1 application:

  1. Submit your academic details i.e. 10th 12th and graduation scores,

  2. Awards and achievements, Extracurriculars.

  3. One essay

  4. The ISB YLP 2023 stage 1 application submission deadline : March 26 2023.

ISB YLP 2022 Stage 2 Application requirements:

  1. Only the applicants who have been shortlisted post stage 1 application submission can apply to the ISB YLP 2023 stage 2 application.

  2. The deadline for ISB YLP stage 2 application is August 31, 2023.

  3. ISB YLP stage 2 applicants will have to submit a GMAT or GRE score.

  4. The GMAT code for score submission for ISB YLP is : N2D-J5-99

  5. The GRE code for score submission ISB YLP is: 7891

  6. One more ISB essay needs to be submitted.

  7. This stage also requires one letter of reference.

Did you just ChatGPT your ISB Essay?


ChatGPT is a technology that has taken the world by storm. Sure, it is a very tempting assistant to write MBA application essays as well. That's what technology is meant to do. Make our work easier! Isn't it.


We ran a few trials and this is what our analysis of the ISB YLP essay through Chat GPT shows:


ISB YLP Essay 2023:


Everyone is inclined towards a particular interest/goal which they are passionate about, be it in the field of academics or extra-curriculars. What is that one thing that you are passionate about? What are your current efforts in pursuing it , and what efforts will you put in the future to achieve that goal?


ChatGPT response when I run the the AI generator to write me an essay:


My passion about finance and economics led me to pursue a degree in Business Administration. (ANYTHING DEEPER?) However, I soon realized that an MBA degree is crucial for me to advance my career and achieve my long-term goal of becoming a Chief Financial Officer. (HOW, WHERE, WHEN)

My current efforts in pursuing my passion include staying updated with the latest industry developments by reading financial journals and participating in online courses. (GENERIC) I also actively seek out mentorship opportunities. Additionally, I am involved in a volunteer group that provides financial education and literacy services to low-income communities. (WE CAN ACCEPT THIS)

In the future, I aim to enhance my knowledge I am particularly interested in courses such as Corporate Finance, Investments and Financial Markets, and Business Analytics during the MBA. (SEEMS SPECIFIC) Furthermore, I plan to participate in case studies, simulations and team projects that will provide me with hands-on experience in solving real-world financial problems. (EVERYONE WHO GOES TO AN MBA PROGRAM WANT TO DO THAT)

Additionally, I aspire to seek out internships or exchange programs in different countries, where I can learn about different financial systems and cultures, and network with international professionals. I also intend to participate in relevant workshops and conferences to stay updated with the latest advancements in finance and economics.

In conclusion, my passion for finance and economics drives me to continuously improve myself and make a meaningful impact in the industry. (HOW DO YOU DO THAT) Pursuing an MBA degree is a crucial step in achieving my long-term goal, and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity to further my knowledge, skills, and career prospects.


Now, when my colleague ventures to ChatGPT to write an essay for his application, this is what happened.



ChatGPT wrote this piece of essay for my colleague when he asked the tool to write an ISB YLP essay 2023 for him:


I am passionate about entrepreneurship. My interest in this field stems from my desire to create something of my own and make a positive impact on society (GENERIC) . I have always been fascinated by the success stories of entrepreneurs and their ability to turn their ideas into reality. ( I WOULD STILL WANT SOMETHING MORE SUBSTANTIAL TO RELATE TO YOUR PASSION)

Currently, I am working as a management consultant and gaining valuable experience in strategy, operations, and business development. I have also been actively networking and researching various industries (HOW) to identify potential business opportunities (WHICH).

In the future, I plan to pursue an MBA degree to enhance my knowledge and skills (WHICH SKILLS) in entrepreneurship. I also intend to save a portion of my earnings and invest in a start-up, either as a co-founder or as an early-stage investor. (HOW WILL MBA HELP YOU HERE) I am confident that with my passion and determination, I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the entrepreneurial community. (YES, WE BELIEVE YOU, BUT HOW, WHERE)

I am also actively involved in entrepreneurship workshops, seminars, and events. I have been working on a side project that I hope to turn into a full-fledged business in the future. ( WHAT, WHERE, HOW)

My ultimate goal is to start a socially responsible business that addresses a pressing societal issue (WHICH) and creates a positive impact on the world. I believe that by combining my passion for entrepreneurship with my desire to make a difference, I can achieve my goal and make a meaningful contribution to society.


Thanks to ChatGPT, we have a clean, well written response, instead of the blurb of the first drafts that we usually create when working on MBA application essays. These are great sample essays for sure. But for a reader how do any of the two essays speak about what really differentiates applicant A from B.

There are three things that we know now about the future of MBA essays with or without using ChatGPT:

  1. Everyone or anyone now can use the ChatGPT and come up with a decent essay structure and language, so in a way the way to compete is to better what ChatGPT does.

  2. ChatGPT generates a response which can be used to structure your thoughts, but if it should be submitted how does it stand out among more than a 1000 applicants to a business school?

  3. Every word on the essay word limit is precious real estate, it must be treated valuable.

For assistance on your MBA application get in touch with an experienced MBA admissions consultant at GOALisB.


FAQs regarding ISB YLP 2023


Is GRE accepted for the ISB YLP 2023 application process?

Yes, GRE is accepted as a valid test score for applying to the ISB YLP. A good GRE score is something close to or higher than the school average i.s. 326/ 328. This have compiled more information on the ISB YLP.


Who can be the recommender for the ISB YLP application?

Applicants can choose to take the ISB YLP evaluation from a college professor or Dean, or from their reporting manager from their internship.

ISB YLP 2022 Stage 3:

  1. Another shortlisting process follows and ISB releases interview calls which is the stage three of the ISB YLP process.

  2. The information about the ISB interview is available on the same ISB YLP login as for stage 1 and stage 2.

  3. The ISB interview is conducted by the ISB alumni.

  4. After the ISB YLP interview the results will start to roll out.

How do I write the ISB YLP essay?

ISB YLP 2022 Essay Topic For Stage 1:

What is the ideal career which you always wanted to pursue? Do you still want to pursue the same or has it changed? How do you plan to make your ideal career a reality? (300 words max)


Approach this ISB essay topic pragmatically. For example consider the paragraph below:

I love the idea of being able to design and build things that make people's lives better. I would love to be able to work on cars, or build homes, or even just design and create furniture for people. I have always loved tinkering with things, from taking apart old electronics to building structures out of Legos. When I was younger, my parents had me take some classes in woodworking and metalworking at the local community college. I loved it so much that I even took a course in welding after high school before deciding what major to pursue at university. I would love the opportunity to be able to use my skills as an engineer.


Now the paragraph above does show your passion and engagement with your career choice.


After taking a woodworking course in high school, I developed an appreciation for the way wood could be shaped and used. I would love the opportunity to work in product design or architecture.


This is an engaging start and gives you an opportunity to build further and discuss the remaining part of the question for the ISB Essay.


The MBA essay is an important aspect of your ISB YLP application. It's the opportunity to share your story with the admissions committee and it's important that you tell it in a way that is compelling and relevant to the program you're applying for.


The content of your MBA application essay should have some essential elements:

  1. Your personal story: what drives you, what motivates you, and why you want an MBA

  2. Why this specific program/ career: why do you want this degree from this school? What will it mean for your career? What will it mean for your life?

  3. How will your experiences at this school help you advance your career?

  4. What skills, talents, or attributes do you have that the program is looking for?

  5. What keeps driving you, motivating you, and why the MBA is important for your life?

Need more help with your ISB YLP 2022 application or ISB Essay? Get in touch with our ISB admission consultant or write to us at contact@goalisb.com or call us at +91 7719497187.

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