profile: 34 year old SW eng, GMAT 710, BS physics lowish GPA

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I put the synopsis in the subject so others with similar profiles can easily find this..

BS Physics UCSB
GPA ~ 2.9/3.0, maybe a little higher in my physics classes 3.1?
GMAT 710 Q47 V40
I took some SW engineering cources after graduation (UC extensions). I also took an investment management course (community college).

I've worked for various hi-tech companies, from startups to large companies. I've done low level embedded systems software, with responsibility and customer interaction increasing throughout my career.

Currently, I manage a group of ~15 individuals (scattered worldwide) for Qualcomm. We provide engineering support to customers. The language barrier, different time zones, and variety of cultures make my job interesting I've been there 2.5 years.

There are two gaps in employment:
1. I took 4.5 months off in the summer of 2000 to travel the globe on a solo voyage. (highly recommended)
2. After being laid off in 2002, I got a job as a snowboard instructor for the season. In hindsight, maybe I should have done an MBA..

Now, I'd really like the MBA for a career change. I'd love to go to NYC and study finance, but I think Stern and Columbia are out of my range??

the way I see it:

pro
---
decent gmat
physics degree
experience

con
---
low gpa
age
career change

My questions are:

1. Should I retake the GMAT? would a 720 - 740 improve my profile?
2. Where does my profile allow me to go?
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by Stacy Blackman » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:20 am
I would not retake the test.

You could be a serious candidate for a wide range of schools. Do you have any outside activities or interests?

Would you consider an part time/exec program?

What are your career goals? What do you want out of a program? What schools interest you?
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by jeremy1972 » Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:37 am
My outside stuff isn't that strong on volunteering or leadership...

Im doing toastmasters and volunteered for a wildlife conservation group.
Otherwise: Sailing, Jiu-jitsu, snowboarding (certified instructor), and for years I traveled across the country for competitive paintball.

My take on part time is that it inhibits career switching. I see it more for moving up mgmt ranks or getting into sales/marketing in the field I work in (which interests me, but not as much as a full career change, as my current job us somewhat of a marketing/sales/engineering hybrid). I will not be able to focus 100% on school, and will miss the networking, contacts, and student interaction of a full time program. By studying full time, I will be able to immerse myself in the whole process. However, giving up the six figure income is defintely on my mind :)

I've always been interested in the business aspects of any job I have been in. I want to branch of from engineering and move into finance. I think I would do well as a securities analyst or working in VC (tech related).

What do I want out of the program?
* learning how business works (focus on finance)
* improvement on soft skills
* opportunity
* networking/contacts
* fun?
* some entrepreneur skills for the taco stand I open when I retire
* tools for a career change

I'd like to bury myself in NYC, but NYU and Columbia are tough schools to get into.

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by Stacy Blackman » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:57 pm
I would not rule out Columbia. I have had a number of clients admitted there with lower GPAs than you have (2.6-2.8). You should also take a look at their exec programs. They have some interesting programs that you may have a better chance at given your age (although I understand your perspective on part time).

You should appy to Columbia and NYU, and then also a solid, well rounded program like Michigan - lots of top firms recruit there in all fields.

Also, McCombs could be a good option for you for the VC ambition.
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by jeremy1972 » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:13 pm
Stacy,

Thank you for the feedback.

I am guessing that you think I should spend 8-10 months working hard on the application process and get in early next year, rather than spend 2-3 months rushing things together for late applications? I am just really worried about my age. It seems like admission to top schools drops off rapidly after 31/32.

jeremy

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by Stacy Blackman » Sat Dec 30, 2006 10:13 pm
I suppose it depends on your personal style and your schedule. I personally think that planning ahead is a much better plan, but have seen my fair share of people pull it off successfully at the final hour.

Keep in mind that applicants to top schools also drop off after 31/32.
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