Mr. misterclub,
Being 30 is really not a big deal. You may find yourself about 2 or 3 years older than the average applicant and if you wait another year it may become an issue. But don't buy into the old fart hype. The only top 10 program that seems to be taking it to heart is HBS - and no one ever said "As HBS goes, so goes the nation." Yes, average ages of classes have come down, but by what - a year? So put away your Metamucil. (BTW - The average number of years of work experience should help you determine how far from the average age you will are, a good resource would be GMAT club's 2012 rankings-
2011-mba-rankings-99812.html?fl=menu.)
The real question is - is what you offer a good fit for a particular program? Ya, you have a few more gray hairs - but how did you earn them? Strictly based on the limited stats you provided, you are a strong candidate for a top 10 school. I can't narrow it down any more than that because your goals were not provided. So what is it that you want to do when you grow up?
So bottom line - As long as your history of leadership and long and short term goals are aligned with what s specific adcom is looking for, your age is not very likely a negative factor or even a strong consideration.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
misterclub wrote:
This is a great forum with excellent people. I have been planning for an MBA for a while but wasn't able to work on in till now. Here are some details:
Age:
Will be 30 when applying for 2013 admissions
Education:
Undergrad in a Computer-related Engineering field (outside North America and Europe), GPA 4/4
Master's Degree in a Computer-related engineering field from a top Canadian university, GPA 4/4
Work Experience:
~3 years engineering in a leading semiconductor company (doing software)
~4 years (by round 1) in a small and fast growing american software company
started in tech position but currently hold a management position in one of departments at the company
GMAT: 760+
Extra-curricular: very good.. both in university but mainly in an NGO.
Planning for R1/R2 for 2013 admissions..
I understand my profile is not weak, but should I be concerned about age? I do have some top schools in mind, but I have been reading that age may be an issue. Any feedback is welcome.