It's the ISB effect!

Yesterday I really experienced what 'excitement' is all about. The ISB R1 results were out yesterday, and most applicants seemed to have jitters all the way through since 2pm, when people were expecting to hear their fate, till about 10pm when most folks finally started receiving Rings, Strings and Dings. Frankly, I cant remember a single occasion when I have seen so many folks waiting waiting waiting, patiently and impatiently, to hear a B-school result. For the uninitiated, I e-witnessed this on the Pagalguy ISB-applicants thread- which probably registered a over 500 posts in a few hours.

I dont think any other B-school generates such a hooplah amongst candidates as does ISB. Nopes, even the hallowed IIMs do not come close. But in my opinion, what really sets ISB aoart is its fantastic community!

The ISB Admissions Committee and some current students tirelessly answered all queries on the above forum, as well as the official ISB Paagalguy thread. I saw a few other schools doing it in the BW forums, but I havent followed it so far. Yet I dont think any school, be it the M7 or otherwise, can compete with the pure and patient hospitality that the ISB AdCom has shown over the past few months. I am certainly a little sad since the official thread it now closed, but I hope they come back again after R2 deadline is done.

The little doses of advice to all applicants, the responses to repeated questions etc simply goes to show the dedication of the Admissions Committee involved. Having spent a few years in the West, I can vouch for the fact that Indian hospitality goes far beyond any other culture, and it truly reflects in ISB. I wish it also reflected in the other Indian institutes - but alas, that may take some time till privatisation kicks in. In fact yesterday, even IIML declared their shortlisted candidates- and all seemed to get a Reject posted on their application. Only after calling up the IIML office, were they informed whether they had made it or not. Hows that for starters! :)

And up next, are the ISB applicants themselves! In an amazing gesture to future applicants and R2 applicants especially, most R1 applicants completed a sheet which details their profiles. Now where else do you get that??? So many talented folks have got through, and as many talented folks have been left out. My heart really goes out to all the dinged folks who have given this application everything they could! Moreover, it is so heartening to see many dinged candidates post on the thread that they will be back next year for another shot.

I think thats the ISB effect. An AdCom that is willing to help you always, current students who take time out of their studies to answer your queries and the applicants themselves who have not only helped each other, but also helped future applicants! Such is its warmth, that people want to be a part of the magic. India has many great educational institutions in the IITs, IIMs, IISc, AIIMS etc, but few can generate singular passion amongst others to help take it from a great institution to an iconic institution! Most unfortunately just remain brand names.

ISB is certainly a magical place and I am sure it will go places! As magical maybe as is the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!!!

My congratulations to all ISB R1 admits and best wishes to those who have been unfortunate to miss out on the next year's class. Keep the faith! :)

- MBAlmighty