What are my chances of getting into a Top 10 MBA program?

[Mike202]

Here are the basics:

1. 38 years old
2. GMAT - 710 - 92% (47 on quantitative (76%), 41 on Verbal (92%), and 6 on essays (91%))
3. GPA 3.7 (Undergraduate degree in Literature from a top 10 National Liberal Arts College) Transferred in after two years of community college (3.92 GPA) because I had to work fulltime while studding.
4. 3 years of military service in Israel
5. 10 Years of experience as a manager in commercial real estate brokerage - large firm.
6. Currently doing the same in a small boutique firm.

The problem is my age and background is not ideal. Do you think they will take an older candidate from a real estate sales/management background?

Thanks,
Mike

[essaysnark]

Hey Mike--

Your profile is quite strong and it would qualify you to apply to a top MBA program... but the problem, as you've already identified, is that you're well beyond the typical age for most US bschools.

We've got a post here on some reasons why MBA programs are geared towards the younger crowd: https://essaysnark.blocked/2011/08/ ... -game.html

Many top MBA programs have an EMBA offering that you would be totally qualified for. These are typically designed for more seasoned professionals who will be keeping their careers moving while getting the MBA. If you're on the East Coast, then Wharton, Columbia, and NYU all have good EMBA programs; Kellogg and Chicago are great options in the Midwest; and on the West Coast, UCLA and Berkeley are the leaders (plus an excellent Wharton SF option).

All the F/T programs accept one or two people each year who are much older than the norm, including guys who are late 30s.... but it's rare. If you're dead set on trying for a standard F/T program, you'll need to:

a) explain your career goals really well, to show why an MBA is important - everybody needs to do this, but you'll REALLY need to do it, and do it in a way that shows you won't be taking a hit in salary or have to go backwards in your career
and b) explain why now is the right time - without going into a bunch of excuses why you didn't do it earlier.

On the a) point - see this exchange on our blog about someone who applied to the Columbia F/T program and has been told that they'd be better suited to the EMBA - it's very stressful:

https://essaysnark.blocked/2011/10/ ... 7143270168 (see the comment posted on Nov. 4th morning)

We don't know how it's turned out for that person yet, but it's a very real possibility that you'd end up in a similar situation. So, being prepared for all that ahead of time will be important!!

Hope this helps (without being too discouraging!) - we do see a lot of interest in your profile and so you should definitely go for it if that's what you feel is the right next step to move your career ahead. But you have different challenges than others would face.

Best of luck though, and let us know if we can help!
EssaySnark

[FutureWorks]

Hi Mike,


You have a strong profile but unfortunately age could be hurdle in your case. If you have 10 or more years of experience you may look at doing an Executive MBA or an EMBA. Your chances are strong for this program.
https://futureworks.co.in/knowledgecente ... ondays.htm
This article will further help you with your age related dilemma.
Please let us know if you have anyy other questions

[Stacy Blackman]

Hi Mike202,

Have you considered pursuing an Executive MBA? These are programs geared for candidates with 10+ years of experience. BusinessWeek just announced their list of top EMBA Programs here:

https://www.stacyblackman.com/2011/11/14 ... -programs/


Best,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team