Ask Clear Admit

Hello jayaramgokul,

Thank you for your post! The average applicant to a top business school program is 27-28 years of age and has amassed 4-6 years of full-time work experience since graduating from college, taking on progressively more responsibility over time.

There are a variety of concerns the adcom may have for applicants 30 and older. For instance, work experience across several industries could indicate a lack of focus. On the other hand, a long tenure in a single industry could indicate a potential resistance to learning new skills. They may also be concerned that you would be less likely to be active outside the classroom, given that the majority of your classmates will be younger than you. Such issues could be addressed in your essays. Depending on which factors are relevant, you could emphasize the continuity of your work experience or your openness to new ideas as well as your enthusiasm about contributing to the school community.

It is possible to address these concerns in your applications with the aforementioned advice. The investment banking industry, regardless of age, can be difficult to tap into. An MBA education would certainly help you establish credentials and make the transition. If you happen to have more than eight years of work experience, you'll want to look into EMBA or part-time MBA programs, as they tend to favor more mature applicants.

If you'd like to discuss your applications and career goals further, please contact us directly at https://www.clearadmit.com/services/free-consultation/.