Is a 4 year undergraduate degree absolutely necessary?

[young56]

I'm making plans to get my MBA. As per my other post, below, I'm 56, from Canada, and have a 3 year degree plus 1 additional year after that, but not technically a 4 year degree. After communicating with 2 American universities, it appears they both were quite adament that I have to have a 4 year degree to be accepted at their school. I must say, after a successful 32 year career in business, it seems quite petty to focus on what I did when I was 19 years old. Does anyone know if I can expect more of the same in the future? IF I write a very strong GMAT do you think this would help the situation? Please let me know . . .

[Jim@StratusPrep]

The GMAT is not going to change anything for you, and unfortunately you are likely going to run into more of the same... There may be a few exceptions out there, but you are going to have to hunt a bit for those and speak directly with admissions offices. Another option might be an online MBA, but your more traditional 2 year programs probably won't budge.

[young56]

Hi Jim, thanks for the reply. In fact, I was planning on obtaining an online MBA. I had assumed that the online requirements are the same as the onsite requirements . . . are they more lenient online? Not wanting to affect the sites rules, are you allowed to make some suggestions to me as to what schools might be less restrictive in their requirements? Whoever they are, I want to get an AACSB accredited school . . . thanks

[Michael@VeritasPrep]

Unfortunately most every real school (not an online school!) is going to require a 4 year degree. You are definitely not the typical business school student and you might want to look into some alternatives like free classes from a Mooc like coursera. Many schools place free clases on there so you get the learning you are looking for.