Older Applicant: Which Schools are Simply OUT?: Expert Reply

Expert replies

ReachingHigher: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 48; Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:33 amFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 1 times

by ReachingHigher » Mon Oct 11, 2010 9:40 pm

Hello there,

First of all, I want to say that I appreciate any feedback on this post.

Secondly, I want to add that I am currently in the process of studying for my GMAT. So, that presents a problem.

I recently spoke with an admissions consultant who told me that some schools simply do not accept students that are above their average (in respect to age).

I am 30 years old, with a different type of work background. I currently work for the Navy, but I have had some wide and varied experience. I would like to effectively tell my story with my essays, but this is where I am currently at an impasse.

I am very interested in CA based schools (UCLA, Berkeley) and foreign schools: ESADE, IESE, LBS, and HEC Paris. My job has a heavy international focus, so I felt these schools would find that appealing.

My question is this: Could you take a month and write essays? I want to focus all energies on my GMAT studies, but I do want good essays. I tutored English writing in college, and I do have a proficiency with essays. However, I definitely do not want to put myself at an impasse.

ALSO - does anyone know of a good admissions consultant? I am searching for a competent, polite, and friendly professional that will motivate (not DEMOTIVATE) me during this process.

Thank you!

-A

Source: Beat The GMAT — Research MBA Programs | Mon Oct 11, 2010 9:40 pm

ReachingHigher: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 48; Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:33 amFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 1 times

by ReachingHigher » Thu Oct 14, 2010 7:34 am

If someone could respond to this, it would be great!

southbaynic: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 28; Joined: Sat Jun 26, 2010 4:48 pm; Thanked: 2 times

by southbaynic » Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:13 am

With respect to age, I will be 29 when classes start next fall, so this is something I was looking at as well. UCLA and Berkeley trend a bit older - one of my UCLA friends said he went to many 30th birthday parties in B-school. So I don't think you're by any means automatically too old for either of those schools, though you will be a bit on the older side. I can't speak to the international ones though.

As for the essays, are you talking about getting them done for all 6 schools you mentioned in a month? I hate to use the word impossible...but I think it's pretty unrealistic. I also think that even if you could technically get it done, the quality would suffer, since it really is an introspective process. When writing mine, I write a bit, think things over for a few days, and come back to the essays with a fresher perspective. In a month, you're not going to have the luxury of doing that for 6 schools. I'd rank the schools in order of preference, start at the top of the list and see how far you get. I think 3 schools in a month would also be very tough, but a much more realistic goal.

ReachingHigher: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 48; Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:33 amFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 1 times

by ReachingHigher » Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:48 pm

Hello there,

Yes, I did indeed think about this. I believe that I may amend this strategy - and start now.

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it immensely.

I did speak to some of the students at UCLA...they did tell me that 30 would not be too old. Much more comforting to hear!

Angie

nychivas: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 7; Joined: Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:51 amFollowed by: 2 members; Location: DC

by nychivas » Sun Oct 17, 2010 6:27 am

Hi. I have also heard that there is a disadvantage to being an older applicant. I will turn 34 in 2011 and have 10 years of continuous experience. I am also in an non-traditional field; Architecture/Engineering. I think the key is knowing what your goals are and knowing what you need to get there....then figuring out how to exprese it in a way that is positive.

PS: I am looking into IE, INSEAD, Columbia, NYU & Wharton....Good luck

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