Research MBA Programs

I don't have an MBA, but I am currently in the career that I want to be in (Marketing & Corporate Strategy). The issue is that I'm doing it for a company that is much smaller (only $200m /yr) and in a different industry than the type of company I would eventually like to work for.

I'd like to move from doing corporate strategy for an IT/Outsourcing/Professional Service firm to doing Corporate Strategy for a large, prestigious Life Science/Bio-Tech firm. Can an MBA from a top-tier university help me go to that next level?
If I had a 700+ GMAT score would I be able to get into a top program? I'm mostly worried about my age - I'll be applying when I am 34 (in two months)

0) American citizen/ Indian ethnicity
1) senior citizen @ Age 34!!
2) Have not taken GMAT yet - planning on taking in the next two months
3) BS in Biology (3.4 GPA) from decent school (University of California)
4) Master's in Neuroscience (4.0 GPA) (same UC university)
5) 5 yrs engineering experience in Life Science Industry
6) 4 yrs experience in Management Consulting (2 yrs in Europe, 2yrs in US) both for small / niche Consulting firms
7) Currently leads marketing & business strategy for a small business unit of a large professional services firm (consulting & Outsourcing) with < 1 yr experience
6) Scientific publications when I was in Life Science + good involvement in social responsibility / non-profit partnerships
7) Experience managing small teams (4 people)

You are an ideal candidate for MBA. don't be fooled--the average age is rising along with years work experience, and your experience (and age) will only be an advantage in the application process. If anything, it will help distinguish you. Yes, you have a shot at a top tier program if you pull your application together well and you would be a shoo-in to do strategy consulting post-MBA which could really launch your career and get you where you want to be long term with a large corporation. Stategy and engineering are great bed-fellows--engineers know how to solve problems!

Bryant, thank you very much for your encouraging words! I was really worried that I was too old and because I had a career change from Engineer to Business. Now I feel much better. Just need to nail that pesky GMAT!

Regards,
Rush

There was a gentleman in my b-school class who was 57 years old, if that makes you feel any better. As for the GMAT, I can highly recommend the Veritas Prep classes. Although not my area, I know personally several instructors and their policy is that you can retake the course until you are happy with your score. Good luck!