Competitive for top 10 programs? (Unusual Background)

[MSR2011]

I'd appreciate feedback on how competitive I am for HBS, GSB, Wharton, Kellogg, and Fuqua (applied to all R2). My profile:

34 years old (male, American)
3.1 GPA at top 20 U.S. private university (four courses in econ/finance, no additional quant background)
GMAT 690 (42/42 split but 95% percentile verbal and 61% percentile quant - on three weeks of prep... long story...)
Spent past 11 years as a U.S. diplomat serving in Africa, Asia and the Middle East (joined the foreign service right out of college); strong career progression and experience working on interesting issues/programs (terrorism, trafficking in persons, middle east peace)
Extensive experience managing people and resources including several high profile international programs
Speak three foreign languages proficiently (arabic, french, indonesian)
Looking at MBA programs as a vehicle to transition to the private sector

Given my age and professional experience I am also looking at some EMBA programs (EMBA-Global at Columbia and LBS, TRIUM, and Darden) but worry about the lack of career services for EMBA programs since I'm using this to gain fundamental business skills, strengthen my quantitative tools, and launch a second career. My post MBA goal is to combine my int'l experience with the business tools I'll gain through the MBA to work in international management/strategy consulting with an emphasis on emerging markets where I have significant experience.

Appreciate feedback on how competitive I am for top fulltime programs, and whether I'm off the mark in thinking that EMBA programs won't open the same doors as a mid-30s career changer.

Thanks!

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. You certainly do have a unique and interesting profile and shouldn't have much trouble standing out in the applicant pool. Your greatest challenges will be the number of years of work experience under your belt as well as convincing the adcom of your career goals. While many young applicants struggle to convince admissions committees that their goals are logical and the timing is right, older applicants struggle to convince them that their level of experience isn't an issue and that their goals are attainable and the timing is right.

Two of the schools on your list tend to be a bit more open to younger applicants than to older ones. That doesn't mean they don't accept applicants with more experience, but it does make it a bigger hurdle. My hope is that you were able to clearly convey your timing of the MBA (why didn't you seek it 5 or 6 years ago) as well as the necessity of the degree to succeed with your goals (both long and short term).

While your GMAT is a bit below average at the schools on your list, your challenge will be convincing the adcom of you quantitative skills. This can be done via an optional essay (pointing out your quantitative work experience) as well as through your recommendations.

I agree that a full time MBA program is usually the best vehicle for a career change, but I also think you need to be open to exploring other options should this not work out.

Best of luck,

Stacey