BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

age of 30. european mba vs US mba

Figure out where you wish to apply
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2011 9:00 am

age of 30. european mba vs US mba

by deeptideepti » Fri Jun 03, 2011 9:42 am
I will be 30 at the time of application and when classes start the year I am admitted into a full-time MBA program. What schools are more receptive to older applicants. What schools should I aim for with my age and profile?
I am aiming for the following:
1st preference - Duke, Ross, London School of Business, INSEAD, Darden
2nd preference - Kelley (IU), Emroy, Marshall (USC)

My GMAT score - 730
Undergrad GPA from Carneige Mellon in Engineering - 2.87
Years of work exp - 8 with steady promotions
Part-time Graduate School while working full-time at a local college. I took 5 years to complete this as I took classes on and off. GPA - 3.7. Does it look bad that I took 5 years?
Age - 30
Female from India
Top
Source: — Research MBA Programs |
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 965
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 12:52 am
Thanked: 156 times
Followed by:34 members
GMAT Score:720

by vineeshp » Fri Jun 03, 2011 7:04 pm
Hi Deepti,

The title of the post and the content seem to be totally different.

I do not think the 5 years will affect you. It is something you did over and above your work right? If you had a busy schedule, it is perfectly fine that you took that time.

Also, no one component really swings the Adcom. You have an international degree plus 8 years and a very very good GMAT. I think you are on your way to a good school provided your essays and interview go well.

all the best.

Thanks!
Vineesh,
Just telling you what I know and think. I am not the expert. :)
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2011 5:34 am
Thanked: 2 times

by eloquentgent » Fri Jun 03, 2011 7:39 pm
Greetings! From the info that you mentioned, you are just 1-2 years above the median acceptance age at most of the colleges in the US, should not be too much of an issue as long as you highlight how you usefully spent those years and show that you actually needed those years to get where you are today. Generally colleges tend to go for people who fall in the 27-30 area because statistically they would have had enough exposure to industry to develop some 'business sense'.

European schools are definitely more receptive to older applicants. With INSEAD and LBS, you could also look at IE, IESE, ESADE, Imperial College, Rotterdam, HEC, and IMD. IMD heavily favours work-ex and your competition pool will be entirely different. I am sure you could write to their admissions committee with a brief background and they will give you an honest picture of how you stand statistically.
Part-time Graduate School while working full-time at a local college. I took 5 years to complete this as I took classes on and off. GPA - 3.7. Does it look bad that I took 5 years?
Weave this to you advantage by saying that despite having a demanding day job, you persevered at your academics and earned your degree. It will help if you were married and have additional family responsibilities in that period as well.

I reiterate to say that you can use your age to your advantage if you show that those years were spent meaningfully and that you intentionally timed your MBA such that you could enter at a time when these skills you were seeking were in your arsenal. Let's not forget that most MBA programs only admitted people with 5+ work years not too long ago. Cheers :)

Regards,

Eloquent Gent
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1