Am I an "older applicant"?

Expert replies

dianemba: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2011 11:46 pm

by dianemba » Tue Jul 19, 2011 11:54 pm

I have a high GMAT score with a below average GPA. I have more than 8 years of experience as an engineer. I would like to break into consulting post-MBA.

However, after reading several posts, I feel like my age is a huge disadvantage. I am 31 and I plan to apply for Fall 2012. I will be almost 32 when I join my MBA next fall provided I get admitted to a top 30 MBA program.

Is 31 at the time of application and almost 32 (still 31) when classes start make me an "older applicant".

I do not want to do an exec MBA since I want to break into consulting.

Thanks for the help.

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask mbaMission | Tue Jul 19, 2011 11:54 pm

mbaMissionBrianE: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 125; Joined: Wed May 04, 2011 8:24 pmFollowed by: 8 members; Location: New York City; Thanked: 2 times; GMAT Score:730

by mbaMissionBrianE » Sat Jul 23, 2011 5:10 am

Hello dianemba, thanks for your question.

You would be an “older” applicant, but I do not think this would be a dealbreaker toward getting admitted into a top 30 program.

Of the top programs, Wharton and Booth are most inclined to older applicants. Or, you could target slightly lower ranked US programs, which might overlook age if you are otherwise a desirable candidate. Alternatively, you might try European or Canadian programs.

Best of luck!
Brian

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dianemba: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2011 11:46 pm

by dianemba » Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:16 pm

Hi Brian,

Thanks. What is an older candidate. Is the cut off usually at 30 or 31?

Regards.

mbaMissionBrianE: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 125; Joined: Wed May 04, 2011 8:24 pmFollowed by: 8 members; Location: New York City; Thanked: 2 times; GMAT Score:730

by mbaMissionBrianE » Fri Aug 05, 2011 3:55 pm

Hello dianemba, thanks for your follow up.

I don't think there's a hard and fast cutoff, and it certainly varies with each individual program, but I think 30-ish (sometimes even younger) is a good rule of thumb for an "older" candidate.

Best,
Brian

appking: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 17; Joined: Fri Dec 09, 2011 4:22 am

by appking » Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:54 am

hi

do you think being 31 with 10 yrs oof work ex can offset the loss of low gmat

i am 31 with gmat score of 620, and i wish to apply canadian schools where the average gmat is 650-660 with average experience of 5 years.

thanks

mbaMissionBrianE: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 125; Joined: Wed May 04, 2011 8:24 pmFollowed by: 8 members; Location: New York City; Thanked: 2 times; GMAT Score:730

by mbaMissionBrianE » Sat Apr 21, 2012 6:35 am

I really do think it depends, which I know is not a clear answer. It depends on what kind of work experience you have. Or, do you have a better analogue for your academic aptitude than your GMAT? Other standardized tests or high course grades in the applicable subjects? Programs will want to know that you can handle the material.

I am no expert on Canadian programs, but I believe they are more tolerant of "older" candidates.

Best of luck!
Brian

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