bkodarapu wrote:
Hi -
I completed my undergrad degree in Engineering almost 12 years ago and have been working in the IT industry ever since. I worked as an IT consultant for the first 6 years of my career and have been at the same company for the last 6 years (with the last 3 in a leadership role).
I am 32 years old and will be 33 if I enter an MBA program next year. I really want to get into a top 20 full-time program but am not sure how important the age factor is in a full-time program? Can the negative affect of higher-than-average age be offset by strengthening the other areas of my application (GMAT, recommendations, GPA etc.)?
Thanks for your feedback in advance.
Balki
Balki,
Yes, most certainly, high GMAT, strong leadership and community experiences, and a distinctive profile (among other things) can definitely get you into a top 20 at 32-33. But don't wait. You are moving out of the middle 50% zone of most B-schools, and you'll lower your chances if you put it off. Of course, executive MBAs, part-time MBAs, and European B-shools are all friendlier to mid-30s applicants.
Good luck,