need clarification on Age before applying to US Schools

[RBBmba@2014]

Hi mbaMission Consultants,
I'd like to know whether applying to US schools(both top 10 and top 20) for 2 year full-time MBA at 29(during R1/R2 of that application year and hence 30 at matriculation) would be considered a disadvantage/hindrance to my candidacy ?

Would much appreciate your reply.

[mbaMissionJenK]

Hi there,

I wouldn't stress too much about being 29 when applying; most accepted applicants at top schools have about 5 years of experience, so likely are 27 give or take if from the US system, but you're not too far off from that. Just keep in mind that the QUALITY of your experience will be that much more relevant, and that you'll want to be sure to clearly address the implied questions-- WHY do you want this MBA? how will you use it? Why NOW-- i.e. how is this the right time in your career for it? etc.

Good luck!

[RBBmba@2014]

Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for your reply.
I thought matriculating at 30 could be hindrance to candidacy, it's really helpful to know it won't be an issue

As for showing strong leadership,clear and firm career goals and why MBA now - ALL I think I'd be able to convey/show properly with actionable stories/evidences.

Re the US schools I'm targeting in top 20 - As I see their websites, most of 'em are having the class with age 29(a few 28) at matriculation,hence 28 in most of the cases at the time of submitting the application. So,as you say a year(or two) older than this average won't be an issue at all. Right ?

[mbaMissionJenK]

Hi there,
Well there are no guarantees of course , but let's say you're a year older than the average accepted applicants... remember that is an average, so there are those above and below. I wouldn't worry too much about it. You can often see the range of ages in accepted classes if that makes you feel any better. Certainly the more experience you have, you will want to ensure you really can showcase what you've accomplished during that time, and also why NOW is the right time for you for b-school! Good luck to you!

[RBBmba@2014]

Thanks Jennifer.
I understand that applying at 29 or matriculating at 30 won't be a considerable issue in fact.

[mbaMissionJenK]

Feel free to sign up for a free 30 minute consult with us at any point if you'd like to dig deeper into your profile, at https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php, or let me know if you have further q's. Thanks!