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Success as an ISB PGP reapplicant with 50% scholarship

  • Writer: Goalisb
    Goalisb
  • May 11
  • 8 min read

Reapplying to a top MBA program like ISB can feel daunting—but for Samarth, it became the turning point in his MBA journey. With a background in consulting at Deloitte, a GRE score of 331, and a renewed sense of clarity, Samarth not only earned an ISB admit but also secured a 50% merit-based scholarship.

In this blog, we dive deep into his story—from test strategy to essay revamp, and the key takeaways that helped him crack the ISB admission process as a reapplicant.



Profile Snapshot

  • Name: Samarth

  • Undergraduate Degree: Engineering (Bangalore-based college)

  • Work Experience: 4 years in consulting at Deloitte India

  • Test Scores:

    • GMAT (previous attempt): 710

    • GRE (reapplication): 331

  • ISB Outcome: Admit with 50% merit-based scholarship


The Indian School of Business (ISB) admissions journey represents a distinctive intersection of ambition, leadership potential, and transformative career aspirations. Unlike traditional MBA programs, ISB's holistic admission process evaluates candidates through a sophisticated lens that looks beyond conventional metrics of success. Through our extensive experience guiding professionals from diverse backgrounds—ranging from tech entrepreneurs to consulting veterans—we've observed how ISB's unique approach seeks out individuals who demonstrate not just academic excellence, but also clear leadership potential and a compelling vision for their future impact.


SB Reapplication: What Changed This Time?

Samarth applied to ISB PGP for the first time in 2021, but didn’t make it. Instead of rushing into another attempt, he took a year to enhance his profile, reflect on what went wrong, and come back with renewed strength.

“I went back to my old essays and realized the goals essay was my weakest point. This time, I was focused, realistic, and structured my entire story around who I am and how I’ve grown.”

Working with GOALisB, he restructured:

  • Career goals that aligned with his background in consulting

  • Personal branding, pulling powerful stories from college and work

  • A clear, focused narrative across all ISB essays


Samarth's journey unfolds against the backdrop of resilience and evolution. As an ISB PGP reapplicant, he embarked on a voyage of self-discovery, harnessing his four-year consulting stint at Deloitte India to craft a narrative steeped in authenticity and depth. Guided by strategic insights from his ISB admission consultant, GOALisB, he navigated the nuances of the application process, transforming setbacks into stepping stones towards success.


GRE vs GMAT: Why He Switched

Although he had a 710 GMAT, Samarth wasn’t confident that it would be competitive enough for ISB in 2023, given the rising averages.

“I took a GRE mock test—and scored 326. That’s when I knew this was a better bet. Two weeks of prep, mostly vocabulary, and I got 331.”

He used:

  • GregMat for GRE prep

  • Excel-based vocabulary lists to master advanced GRE words

  • Minimal Quant prep, leveraging his strong base (scored 169)

This shows that smart test switching can give you an edge if done early—and strategically.


The transition from GMAT to GRE epitomized Samarth's strategic acumen, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the shifting admissions landscape. Armed with a GRE score of 331, he fortified his quantitative prowess while honing his vocabulary arsenal, charting a course aligned with his aspirations and constraints. This strategic pivot not only underscored his adaptability but also showcased his resourcefulness in navigating challenges.


ISB Admission Process: What Worked?

Samarth approached the ISB admission process with fresh energy. Since he was a reapplicant, all the essays had changed, and this became an opportunity.

With GOALisB’s personalized questionnaire, he:

  • Identified core strengths and weaknesses

  • Mapped personal experiences to essay prompts

  • Focused on depth over breadth (1-2 strong stories vs many small ones)

  • Used the optional essay to clarify his shift in post-MBA goals—from product management (in earlier apps) to a more realistic, consulting-aligned path

“I didn’t want to show off. I wanted to show how I’ve grown, what I’ve learned, and where I’m going.”

This essay strategy was key in helping him stand out while showing fit.


Unveiling Authentic Narratives: The Essence of ISB Essays


At the heart of Samarth's application lay a mosaic of authentic narratives, meticulously woven to resonate with ISB's ethos. With introspective essays and insightful reflections, he illuminated his growth trajectory, anchoring his aspirations in tangible experiences and profound insights. By aligning his goals with ISB's culture and offerings, he forged a narrative that transcended clichés, leaving an indelible mark on the admissions committee.


Reapplicant success at ISB

ISB Interview Experience: How It Felt Different

His first ISB interview (back in 2021) was stressful and disorienting. But in his reapplication year, the experience was completely different:

  • Shorter, more conversational

  • Focused on his clarity of goals

  • Assessed his fit with ISB’s peer group and culture

“Everyone applying to ISB is accomplished. You just need to be very clear about what you bring to the classroom—and what you’ll take away from it.”

He also noted that interview performance plays a big role in scholarship decisions, and every component of the ISB admission process contributes to final selection.


Navigating the ISB Interview


The interview phase emerged as the crucible where Samarth's mettle was tested and refined. Amidst the uncertainties of a COVID-impacted world, he navigated the interview landscape with poise and conviction, articulating his post-ISB vision with clarity and conviction. By highlighting his unique value proposition and embodying the qualities of a future leader, he exemplified resilience in the face of adversity, setting a precedent for aspirants to emulate.


Why Samarth Chose GOALisB as His ISB Admission Consultant

What made Samarth choose GOALisB again for his reapplication?

“You were the only ISB admission consultant who said—‘Don’t rewrite the GMAT, your score is good enough. Let’s work on your story.’ That built trust.”

He appreciated:

  • Tailored, honest feedback

  • Detailed application questionnaires

  • Essay ideation that was true to his voice, not generic or forced

“The whole process felt personal. Not cookie-cutter. And that confidence helped me succeed.”

Samarth’s Tips for ISB Reapplicants

  1. Get your GRE/GMAT done early (ideally by May/June)

  2. Document personal milestones—write down impactful stories as they happen

  3. Focus your essays on growth, clarity, and authenticity

  4. In interviews, be confident but grounded—show what you bring

  5. Work with consultants who believe in your profile, not just your scores


More ISB and IIM Admit Journeys You’ll Love:


Ready to Reapply or Apply to ISB?

At GOALisB, we’ve helped reapplicants like Samarth unlock scholarships and transform rejection into success.


Whether it’s building your story, picking between GRE and GMAT, or preparing for the ISB interview—our expert team is here to help.


Sharing the detailed interview transcript below:


Shruti P: Hi Samarth, good morning! Congratulations on your admit to ISB.


Samarth Bhat: Thank you! Thanks for the help. Always welcome. So, this has been quite a journey, you know, applying to any business school, especially ISB. How has it been for you? Also, tell us about your work experience, your profile, and your results so far.


Shruti P: Absolutely, Samarth. Your journey sounds fascinating. Can you share more about your professional background and your journey towards ISB?


Samarth Bhat: Certainly. My pursuit of an ISB MBA spans two years, marked by dedication and perseverance as a reapplicant. With four years of consulting experience at Deloitte India, specializing in digital transformation projects, and an engineering degree from Bangalore, I embarked on this journey to enhance my skill set and broaden my horizons. This year, armed with a GRE score of 331, I secured admission to ISB, coupled with a 50% merit-based tuition waiver.


Shruti P: Impressive journey, Samarth. What were the key factors that led you to choose ISB over other MBA programs?


Samarth Bhat: For me, ISB's peer group and one-year program stood out. I sought a diverse cohort of experienced professionals, which ISB offered, along with experiential learning opportunities. The one-year format aligned well with my career trajectory, making ISB the ideal choice for my MBA journey.


Shruti P: Your decision to switch from GMAT to GRE is intriguing. Could you shed some light on that decision-making process and your preparation strategy?


Samarth Bhat: Certainly. With a GMAT score of 710, I contemplated the competitiveness of ISB's admissions landscape and opted for the GRE to leverage my strengths. Following a comprehensive preparation plan, including mock tests and GRE tutorials, I honed my skills, particularly in vocabulary, to achieve a competitive score of 331. This strategic shift enabled me to navigate the admissions process effectively.


Shruti P: Transitioning to the application phase, how did you approach crafting your personal brand and storytelling?

Samarth Bhat: As a reapplicant, I undertook a meticulous analysis of my profile and revamped my essays to reflect my growth and aspirations. Focusing on authentic narratives and aligning my goals with ISB's ethos, I showcased my journey and achievements, ensuring resonance with the admissions committee's expectations.


Shruti P: Your interview experience must have been pivotal. Can you share insights into how you navigated the interview process?

Samarth Bhat: Indeed, the interview phase was transformative. Despite initial apprehensions, I approached the interviews with confidence, articulating my vision for the future and highlighting my potential contributions to ISB's community. By demonstrating clarity of purpose and authenticity in my responses, I successfully navigated the interview terrain, securing admission and a merit-based tuition waiver.


Shruti P: Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring applicants embarking on their MBA journey?

Samarth Bhat: I would advise aspirants to prioritize test preparation, streamline their application strategy, and articulate impactful narratives that resonate with the admissions committee. Additionally, fostering self-awareness and documenting key experiences are essential steps in crafting a compelling application. By embracing these principles and leveraging professional guidance, aspiring applicants can navigate the MBA admissions process with confidence and clarity.


Shruti P: Thank you, Samarth, for sharing your insights and congratulations once again on your admission to ISB. Your journey is truly inspiring and offers invaluable lessons for future applicants.

Samarth Bhat: Thank you, Shruti. It's been a pleasure sharing my experience, and I hope it proves beneficial to others embarking on their MBA journey.



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