A Failure Story That Ended With An Oxford and ISB Scholarship

Shivangi had been in touch with us on and off for the past 2 years as she struggled with her low GRE score and an eventual ding from ISB. At schools like ISB, it is challenging for applicants to get through with a sub-mediocre score. From the beginning, we set the right expectations with our candidates and do not pressure them into rushed applications and sloppy applications. We are also very transparent about success rates at top B-schools. When Shivangi expressed her desire to apply to INSEAD, we began a year-long engagement with her, during which she went through a gruelling GRE prep, brainstorming, and writing sessions for essays, received another rejection from INSEAD, and eventually received scholarships from two of her other top schools – Oxford (28Lacs) and ISB(12.5 Lacs, 50% scholarship).

In her very own words-

“ I have received an admit from ISB and Said Business School (with around 28L scholarship) and besides my own hard work and luck, a huge credit goes to Aanchal. A little context:

I had applied to ISB twice before with a low GRE score. I was encouraged by a very reputed MBA consultant to apply in R1 last year. No blames, the accountability lies solely on the applicant (me!). However, I was very surprised with their attitude when I didn’t make it (obv with a 317 GRE, duh!). The consultant stopped responding to my email / messages for feedback. It was while going through the forum that I stumbled upon Aanchal’s profile and researched a bit on her website. I was surprised to find her consulting charges far more reasonable than others (even for B-Schools abroad). Infact, that was a major reason I called her directly (best decision ever!). Without any hesitation, she told me that I won’t get an admit from any reputed B-school with my current GRE score. She pushed me to apply for European B-Schools along with ISB with a better GRE score. Simultaneously, I also spoke to another famous consultant about getting support for INSEAD app. S/He simply asked me to ‘pay up’ and get started with my old GRE score. Just the sheer contrast in their approach made my choice very clear – I have to retake my GRE and work with Aanchal. While no one expects charity, honesty is a bare minimum expectation. 

I took 2 months off from work, gave my GRE in February this year, scored a good score and texted Aanchal to get started with my INSEAD application. INSEAD application is a beast, and she meticulously worked with me for over 2 months to help me curate my essays, while maintaining that ‘our best’ might not be good enough. Her personal investment in improving my essays actually pushed me to give my best. She doesn’t shy away from calling out crap, puts in as much effort as the candidate does, if not more!

While I didn’t get shortlisted from INSEAD, she stood as a solid pillar of strength throughout my applications for other B-schools. In fact, I repurposed a lot of my INSEAD essays for all my other apps. Very few people go beyond the ‘package’ and seek genuine joy in setting people up for success. My association with her goes beyond an ‘MBA application guide’. I see her as my mentor and a friend.

So if you do not shy away from genuine hard work (I wrote around 7-8 drafts for each of the 2345596 INSEAD essay!!) and criticism, please do reach out to her. Working with her might exhaust you, challenge you and you may run out of ideas every now and then, but you will never run out of motivation. She is someone who will reflect back your energy and commitment in equal quantity!

I know it is a long post, but she deserves all the recognition and appreciation for her strong work ethics. Thank you so much Aanchal. I would have recommended her long back irrespective of my result. But without an admit, my recommendation would hold little value. Good luck to all future MBA candidates ”

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