Poets&Quants filed a practical briefing for Indian applicants to U.S. MBA programs, arguing that top schools face crowded applicant pools from India and that conventional credentials are often table stakes. The piece spells out five tactical priorities — from narrative differentiation to career storytelling — for Indian candidates. Admissions officers at leading programs regularly receive large volumes of high‑quality Indian applications, the article notes, making soft‑skill narratives and nontraditional leadership signals decisive. The guidance is positioned for applicants and admissions consultants navigating the highly competitive international admissions landscape. University international offices and alumni interviewers should note the recommendations as they counsel prospective applicants and design outreach that highlights differentiated experiences beyond grades and test scores.