tohin wrote:With 8 years of experience (9 years when I start the program), am I too "old" (32) to apply to Full Time US pgms?
I'm thinking about HBS, Stanford, MIT...
Hi tohin,
As you have discovered, you are at the upper end of the age spectrum for many schools. EssaySnark doesn't think you're "too old" for a standard full-time MBA program, however different schools definitely have different patterns in terms of ages of who they accept. Of your three schools listed, MIT generally prefers people with a little more work experience (average age 28), while Harvard has trended much younger in the past (average age 26 but inching up from recent years).
The age range of students at any school can be deceiving because while they may have one or two students at the upper end -- even as old as 40+ -- the majority of students will be under 30. This is true at any school. Columbia, Wharton, Tuck, NYU and Haas are known to prefer 3-5 years of work experience. HBS says to apply when you're ready; they care less about chronological age and more about quality of achievements and demonstrated leadership skills. EssaySnark hasn't seen many people over 30 be successful at HBS. Columbia has been encouraging some "older" candidates (above 32 or so) to consider their EMBA programs instead, which are sometimes a better match. Part-time programs also are often more open to "older" candidates (30+).
This isn't meant as a discussion of all schools that prefer applicants at different ends of the age spectrum but is just some info to think about as you consider the schools. Bottom line is that the same exact profile will often have a different outcome at different schools simply due to age of the applicant.
But no, you're by no means "too old"!!! You should definitely consider applying if this is the right time. Good luck with it!
