Demographics, age and gender matter?

Expert replies

Mr_T: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 48; Joined: Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:01 pmFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 1 times

by Mr_T » Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:37 am

Hi everyone,

I was wondering how important are demographics, age and gender in a admission decision. It seems that schools always hover around the same % of international students, same % of women and average age.

If they do play a large role, in which case would someone have a better chance of gaining admittance?

Let's take my case for instance.
I'm a 27 year old male canadian (asian origin) . If schools shared the same requirements and criteria, would I have a better shot at a school in europe that has a low % of north americans or a school in Canada /US?
Also, do I have a better shot at a school where the average age is close to mine?

Also, is my professional background also play a part? Are some schools more difficult to get in for ITs? Where can I find that information?

Thanks,

Mr T

Source: Beat The GMAT — Research MBA Programs | Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:37 am

Bryant@VeritasPrep: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 1090; Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 4:06 amFollowed by: 68 members; Thanked: 175 times; GMAT Score:750

by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Mon Jan 18, 2010 7:10 pm

The trick is to not be a small fish in a big pond. Since you are typically evaluated along with others with similar backgrounds, you can indeed inch out an advantage targeting schools that do not receive as many applications from folks with a similar profile. In your case, being Canadian is actually pretty unique both at US schools and European schools. Age does not really matter--they are more interested in your experience, so I would not make a decision based on average age. I would look at % applicants with similar professional background and target schools with low numbers for your career area.

Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options

Mr_T: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 48; Joined: Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:01 pmFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 1 times

by Mr_T » Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:30 am

Thanks Bryant. That's great advice.

However, I am little surprise that there are not that many canadian applicants for U.S. programs. That's probably more true for business schools ranked outside the top 25 and located more in the south, no?

You mentioned about looking for schools that have a lower % of people in my professional field. Where can I obtain that type of information?

Thanks,

mr T

Bryant@VeritasPrep: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 1090; Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 4:06 amFollowed by: 68 members; Thanked: 175 times; GMAT Score:750

by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Tue Jan 19, 2010 11:40 am

good question. Most schools break down their applicants in myriad ways, one of which is usually which industry they hail from. If the info cannot be found on the school websites, it would be worthwhile to telephone the admissions office. I am not aware of a central place which would break down the top 20 or 30 schools according to this info unfortunately. This would be helpful for you I realize, so I will put my feelers out for resources.

Bryant Michaels
MBA Admissions Consultant

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options

Mr_T: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 48; Joined: Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:01 pmFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 1 times

by Mr_T » Thu Jan 21, 2010 7:55 pm

Thanks Bryant!

If you can also find some info on some canadian and european universities, it would be great too.
I'll try to make some phone calls on my end.

mr T

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review