Success as an ISB PGP reapplicant with 50% scholarship
- Goalisb
- Sep 10
- 13 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.
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
Get your GRE/GMAT done early (ideally by May/June)
Document personal milestones—write down impactful stories as they happen
Focus your essays on growth, clarity, and authenticity
In interviews, be confident but grounded—show what you bring
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get admission in MBA without GMAT?
Yes, many global and Indian B-schools offer MBA admissions without GMAT, either through GRE, CAT, or their own entrance exams, while some waive tests for candidates with strong work experience.
Detailed Answer:
Whether you can pursue an MBA without GMAT depends on the business school and country.
1. India
ISB (Indian School of Business): Accepts GMAT or GRE or CAT.
IIMs: Use CAT for Indian applicants, GMAT/GRE for international candidates.
Private universities (NMIMS, Symbiosis, XLRI, IBS, etc.): Use their own entrance exams (NMAT, SNAP, XAT, IBSAT).
👉 In India, you can do an MBA without GMAT if you choose IIMs (via CAT) or private B-schools with their own tests.
2. Abroad
USA: Most top schools (Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, Booth) require GMAT/GRE, but some offer test waivers for experienced professionals.
Europe: INSEAD, LBS, HEC Paris require GMAT/GRE, though select schools in Germany/France waive it.
Canada & Australia: Many universities (e.g., Schulich, Deakin, Melbourne Business School) allow MBA without GMAT, based on work experience & academics.
UK & Singapore: Schools like Warwick, Lancaster, and NUS sometimes waive GMAT if candidates show strong academic records + 5+ years of experience.
3. Executive MBA (EMBA)
Most EMBA programs (both in India & abroad) do not require GMAT/GRE, focusing instead on work experience (8–12 years).
Quick Takeaway:
In India, you can get into IIMs (via CAT) or private B-schools (via their own tests) without GMAT.
Abroad, many Canada/UK/Australia MBAs waive GMAT, while top US/Europe schools still prefer it.
Executive MBAs usually don’t need GMAT.
Is the 695 GMAT Focus good?
Yes, a 695 GMAT Focus score is very strong for ISB, since the inaugural PGP YL batch average was 677 and the PGP (1-year MBA) average is around 690–700 (Focus equivalent).
Detailed Answer:
With the shift from GMAT Classic to GMAT Focus Edition, ISB (like other global B-schools) evaluates scores on the new scale.
Benchmark Data
ISB PGP YL (2025 batch): Average 677 (GMAT Focus).
ISB 1-Year PGP (2025 class profile): Average GMAT equivalent 710–730 (Classic), which converts to ~690–700 on GMAT Focus.
GMAC Conversion: A GMAT Focus 695 ≈ GMAT Classic 720–730, which is above ISB’s historic average.
What This Means for You
A 695 GMAT Focus puts you above the ISB average for both PGP YL and the regular PGP.
Since ISB follows a holistic evaluation, a 695 score gives you a strong edge, but essays, work experience, and interviews still matter.
For YL applicants (with little or no work experience), this score compensates well by showing academic rigor.
Bottom Line: A GMAT Focus 695 is an excellent score for ISB, well above the average for PGP YL (677) and competitive for the 1-year PGP (≈690–700 Focus equivalent).
What is a top 1% GMAT score?
A top 1% GMAT score is 760 or above on the GMAT Classic (200–800 scale), which corresponds to a GMAT Focus score of about 695–705.
Detailed Answer:
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is percentile-ranked, meaning your score is measured relative to all other test-takers.
GMAT Percentile Data
GMAT Classic (200–800 scale):
760–800 = Top 1% (99th percentile).
730 ≈ 96th percentile, 700 ≈ 88th percentile.
GMAT Focus (205–805 scale):
GMAC adjusted scoring so that 99th percentile now corresponds to ~695–705.
A 655+ Focus score ≈ 90th percentile.
Why It Matters for ISB & Other B-Schools
Top global MBAs (ISB, INSEAD, Wharton, Harvard, LBS) see median admits in the 700–740 Classic range (≈665–685 Focus).
A top 1% score (760+ Classic / 695+ Focus) gives you maximum competitiveness, but schools still admit many candidates below this if their profiles are strong.
Bottom Line:
A top 1% GMAT = 760+ Classic or ~695–705 Focus, placing you among the highest-scoring applicants worldwide.
Which is easier, GMAT or GRE?
GRE is considered easier for quant, while GMAT is easier for verbal reasoning; however, difficulty depends on your strengths—math-focused candidates often find GMAT tougher, while language-focused candidates may prefer GRE.
Detailed Answer:
The GMAT vs GRE difficulty debate depends on test structure, scoring, and skills required. Both are accepted by ISB and top global MBA programs.
1. Quant Section
GMAT Quant: More logic-heavy, data sufficiency questions; tougher for non-engineering backgrounds.
GRE Quant: More straightforward, but tests a wider range of high school math concepts.
2. Verbal Section
GMAT Verbal: Focuses on grammar, sentence correction, and critical reasoning. Many non-native speakers struggle.
GRE Verbal: Vocabulary-intensive, requiring strong word knowledge & reading comprehension.
3. Scoring System
GMAT: Scored 200–800; top B-schools expect 700+ (90+ percentile).
GRE: Scored 260–340; top schools look for 325+ (90+ percentile).
4. Which One Feels “Easier”?
Choose GMAT if: You’re stronger in logic, structured problem-solving, and grammar.
Choose GRE if: You’re stronger in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and straightforward math.
5. Admissions Impact
Top schools (ISB, IIMs, Harvard, INSEAD, LBS) accept both GMAT and GRE.
Some recruiters still perceive GMAT as the “gold standard” for MBA admissions, though this gap is narrowing.
Quick Takeaway:
GRE feels easier for quant, GMAT feels easier for verbal.
Pick the exam based on your personal strength—quant-heavy profiles → GMAT, vocab-strong profiles → GRE.
How much does a GMAT exam cost?
The GMAT exam costs USD $275 (around ₹23,000) for the test center version and USD $300 (around ₹25,000) for the online version.
Detailed Answer: The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test required by ISB and many top global MBA programs.
GMAT Exam Fees (2025)
GMAT at Test Center: $275 (~₹23,000)
GMAT Online Exam: $300 (~₹25,000)
Additional Costs
Rescheduling Fee: $55–$165 (depends on how early you reschedule)
Cancellation Fee: Refund varies from $55–$110
Additional Score Reports: $35 per school
Payment Methods
Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
Some regions allow bank transfer or local payment options
In India, you can expect the GMAT exam to cost ₹23,000–₹25,000, excluding rescheduling and score reporting charges.
Can I apply to ISB without a GMAT score?
Yes, you can apply without a GMAT if you submit a GRE score or, for the PGP-YL (Young Leaders Program), a CAT score; but for the flagship ISB PGP, you must provide either GMAT or GRE.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) has different test requirements depending on the program you apply to:
1. Flagship ISB PGP (1-Year MBA-equivalent)
Mandatory test: Either GMAT or GRE (test-centre based).
CAT is not accepted.
You cannot apply without submitting one of these scores.
2. ISB PGP-YL (Young Leaders Programme)
Designed for students in their pre-final/final year or with up to 24 months of experience.
Accepts GMAT, GRE, or CAT (2024/2025).
Here, you can apply without GMAT if you choose GRE or CAT.
Key Insight:
For the flagship PGP, you cannot avoid GMAT/GRE completely—one of them is compulsory. For PGP-YL, CAT provides an alternative.
What is the lowest GMAT score for ISB?
The lowest GMAT score reported for ISB admits is around 600, though the median is 710, and most successful candidates score in the 690–760 range.
Detailed Answer:
ISB (Indian School of Business) publishes its class profile every year, which includes GMAT ranges.
1. ISB Class of 2025 (PGP) GMAT Range
Median GMAT: 710
Range: 600 – 780
This means some admits get in with 600–640, but they usually have exceptional work experience, leadership, or unique profiles.
2. What a Low Score Means
A 600 GMAT (~52–55 percentile) alone is not competitive.
ISB admits such scores only if backed by:
8–10 years of strong work experience
Leadership roles or entrepreneurial success
Diversity factors (non-traditional backgrounds, achievements)
3. Safe Score for ISB
710+ gives you the best chance (90–94 percentile).
680–700 is competitive if other application elements are strong.
Below 650 is a high-risk range, admitted only with extraordinary profiles.
Quick Takeaway:
While ISB has admitted students with a GMAT score as low as 600, a 710+ is the safe benchmark for maximizing your chances.
The Essential ISB Resource Guide
Essential ISB Application Resources
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Techniques to make your ISB essay stand out and capture your story.
Overview of the ISB Admission Process
A complete guide to the stages involved in ISB admissions.
ISB Application Process Explained
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Commonly asked questions about getting into ISB, answered.
Review ISB’s eligibility criteria to see if you qualify.
Industry-Specific ISB Application Advice
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Financial Aid and ROI of ISB
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Assessing the ROI of an ISB MBA
A breakdown of the return on investment of an ISB MBA.
ISB MBA Fees and Financial Planning
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Interview Preparation and Profile Building
Preparing for the ISB Interview
Proven strategies to prepare for and excel in the ISB interview.
ISB Interview Tips and Insights
A detailed guide to help you succeed in the ISB interview process.
Building a Strong Profile for ISB Admissions
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A pathway to consulting for ISB MBA graduates.
Insights into career and personal growth opportunities post-ISB.
Learn about the distinctive advantages of an MBA from ISB.
