Fulltime MBA or Global EMBA?

[spepakay]

I cannot overstate the tremendous help you've been to all MBA aspirants. I have been able find an answer to most of my questions in your forum.

But, I am in a bit of dilemma right now. And I needed to ask you for your opinion.

My profile is as follows.

Age: 38
Experience: 14 years - 9 years of IT in the US (managed teams across 3 continents) and 5 years as an entrepreneur in India (own 2 businesses)
UG GPA: 3.6/4.0
GMAT: 630/6.0 (I will retake)
Extra curriculars: Excelled in college sports and other extra curricular activities. Actively involved in mentoring and tutoring orphaned and street children in India for the past 4 years

I am really interested in a full-time MBA contrary to what people say about my age. I really don't believe in the fact that a 14 year experienced person has little to learn from a younger class. Not only can I contribute but also take home important lessons from a younger cohort. Also, I believe that total immersion adds a different dimension to the whole MBA experience as opposed to just learning which is the primary emphasis in an EMBA.

So, with that belief and on the recommendation of an LBS alumni friend, I applied to LBS. I was not surprised that I was rejected because
1) I didn't spend enough time on my application
2) My GMAT was much lower than the average.

I also applied to IESE (fulltime, 3rd round). I got a call back from their EMBA director telling me that my profile was perfect for their Global EMBA program. I am not completely convinced with his reasoning that there is little I can learn from a class of 27 year olds (average age). I need to let him know of my interest in the EMBA program by Monday to proceed further.

So, my questions are
1) Am I completely off track here wanting to do a fulltime MBA at this point in my life?
2) If not, is my profile good enough for other top ranked programs in Europe?
3) Is a Global EMBA program from IESE worth $115,000 + accomodation for 100 days + travel costs when other better ranked Global EMBA are worth $130,000 + only travel?

Any inputs/suggestions/opinions from you would be very welcome.

Thank you for your time, patience and excellent insight.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear spepakay,

I realize this might be too late with your Monday deadline, but I thought I would answer your questions anyway. Honestly, I think either program might meet your expectations, so you can't really make a wrong choice.

1) Am I completely off track here wanting to do a fulltime MBA at this point in my life?
You are not completely off track, but there is legitimacy to the suggestion that you might benefit more from an executive MBA program versus the traditional full-time program. You are correct that you can learn from those with less experience. However, you might find the class discussion involving those with over 10 years experience more beneficial for where you are in your career.

2) If not, is my profile good enough for other top ranked programs in Europe?
I think you might gain admission at some other schools in Europe. However, your GMAT score is quite low for the top ranked programs. IESE is a strong, well-respected program, so I think the Global EMBA is a solid option for you.

3) Is a Global EMBA program from IESE worth $115,000 + accomodation for 100 days + travel costs when other better ranked Global EMBA are worth $130,000 + only travel?
Only you can determine whether or not you feel the price tag is worth it. Business school is an investment in you and your future career. You have to determine what that is worth and whether or not the Global EMBA at IESE will provide the education and experience you are seeking.

Good luck,
Lisa

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear spepakay,

I realize this might be too late with your Monday deadline, but I thought I would answer your questions anyway. Honestly, I think either program might meet your expectations, so you can't really make a wrong choice.

1) Am I completely off track here wanting to do a fulltime MBA at this point in my life?
You are not completely off track, but there is legitimacy to the suggestion that you might benefit more from an executive MBA program versus the traditional full-time program. You are correct that you can learn from those with less experience. However, you might find the class discussion involving those with over 10 years experience more beneficial for where you are in your career.

2) If not, is my profile good enough for other top ranked programs in Europe?
I think you might gain admission at some other schools in Europe. However, your GMAT score is quite low for the top ranked programs. IESE is a strong, well-respected program, so I think the Global EMBA is a solid option for you.

3) Is a Global EMBA program from IESE worth $115,000 + accomodation for 100 days + travel costs when other better ranked Global EMBA are worth $130,000 + only travel?
Only you can determine whether or not you feel the price tag is worth it. Business school is an investment in you and your future career. You have to determine what that is worth and whether or not the Global EMBA at IESE will provide the education and experience you are seeking.

Good luck,
Lisa

[spepakay]

Thank you very much for your advice Lisa. I really appreciate it.

I have decided to go ahead and give IESE's GEMBA my best shot. Irrespective of what happens, the whole exercise has been quite a learning experience for me.

Thanks again.

Dear spepakay,

I realize this might be too late with your Monday deadline, but I thought I would answer your questions anyway. Honestly, I think either program might meet your expectations, so you can't really make a wrong choice.

1) Am I completely off track here wanting to do a fulltime MBA at this point in my life?
You are not completely off track, but there is legitimacy to the suggestion that you might benefit more from an executive MBA program versus the traditional full-time program. You are correct that you can learn from those with less experience. However, you might find the class discussion involving those with over 10 years experience more beneficial for where you are in your career.

2) If not, is my profile good enough for other top ranked programs in Europe?
I think you might gain admission at some other schools in Europe. However, your GMAT score is quite low for the top ranked programs. IESE is a strong, well-respected program, so I think the Global EMBA is a solid option for you.

3) Is a Global EMBA program from IESE worth $115,000 + accomodation for 100 days + travel costs when other better ranked Global EMBA are worth $130,000 + only travel?
Only you can determine whether or not you feel the price tag is worth it. Business school is an investment in you and your future career. You have to determine what that is worth and whether or not the Global EMBA at IESE will provide the education and experience you are seeking.

Good luck,
Lisa