NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 26 Apr 2024, 03:42 It is currently 26 Apr 2024, 03:42
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

Non-traditional student

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
User avatar
FullFathomFive
Intern
Intern
Joined: 27 May 2011
Affiliations: SAG-AFTRA, AEA
Posts: 11
Own Kudos [?]: 40 [0]
Given Kudos: 20
Location: United States
Concentration: Technology, Strategy
Schools: Stanford '16 Sloan '16 HBS '16 Tuck '16
GMAT Date: 04-20-2013
WE:Performing Arts (Entertainment and Sports)
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User
Non-traditional student [#permalink] New post   17 Mar 2012, 08:52
Greetings MBA Admissions!

I am planning on applying for b-school this fall for a 2013 matriculation, but before I do I was hoping to garner some info regarding non-traditional applicants. My narrative is a strange and circuitous one. At 40, and as an actor here in NYC and LA, I feel a little trepidatious applying for business school since I come from such a different background compared with most applicants.

A brief synopsis then: I graduated from The Juilliard School ten years ago and have been a professional actor ever since - meaning I have not had any other jobs. I have done everything from Shakespeare in the Park to Broadway to television and film and even commercials and voice overs, and am looking to enter into the business side of the Media/Entertainment industry post b-school. What advice in general would you have for someone like me when applying? For instance, what should I do with regards to my resume and letters of recommendation on my application, etc?

Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

All the best,
Charles
User avatar
P
GeneralEducation
VP
VP
Joined: 12 May 2010
Status:Assisting candidates to get admit in to top global business schools
Affiliations: MBA
Posts: 1313
Own Kudos [?]: 204 [0]
Given Kudos: 8
Location: Bangalore
Schools:HEC, Paris
WE 1: 9 Years
Send PM
Re: Non-traditional student [#permalink] New post   12 Apr 2012, 05:30
Hi Charles,

In general there is no age limit to enrol for an MBA program. Applying for an MBA at this stage of your life shows your inclination and strive towards further education. You will have to however convince the admission committee your strong desire and motivation before they would enrol you for a program. Considering your profile, work experience and requirements, it would be advisable for you to go for a dual MBA/MFA degree. The MBA/MFA degree is a three-year program enabling you to pursue both the degrees simultaneously. New York University offers one such program to attain an MBA/MFA degree https://mba-mfa.nyu.edu/. It attracts candidates who want to focus on both the creative and business sides of film. Application deadline for MBA/MFA degree is generally in Aug- Nov. But before that you will need to focus on your GMAT Score and sending your application to a B School of your choice.

It would be highly advisable to seek assistance from professional consultants for guidance on getting a good GMAT score and also get your essays evaluated from them before sending it out along with your application. Also consider taking classes for GMAT preparation to have an eligible GMAT score.

You may seek assistance from professional consultants to get your resume, letters of recommendations and application essays evaluated.

Please visit https://www.general-ed.com/Online-GMAT-Preparation to see more about online GMAT classes and https://www.general-ed.com/general-mba-essay-analysis to get details on professional essay evaluation services.

For any clarifications feel free to write us.

Regards
Neha Singh
https://www.general-ed.com/
User avatar
L
Admissionado
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Posts: 9218
Own Kudos [?]: 2061 [0]
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Schools:Brown University, Harvard Business School
Send PM
Re: Non-traditional student [#permalink] New post   15 Apr 2012, 23:24
Expert Reply
Well sir, at 40 you are gonna have an uphill battle. But the good news is in that my many years of helping candidates out I don't think I have seen a single actor apply to Bschool, so you are UNIQUE! And you can really play that up. Now as an Adcom member my two questions for you would be: Oh yeah, but what makes you think yo can do BUSINESS? So you gotta address that in the essays, PROVING as best as you can with FACTS that you have if not business experience then at least POTENTIAL. Secondly my question would be: Why now? You are pretty much on the older side of things to start school and you are gonna have to attack this question HEAD ON. And if you can give them satisfactory answers you will be off to a very good start, and then the next step is the GMAT :)
User avatar
AccessEducation
Intern
Intern
Joined: 18 Feb 2012
Posts: 8
Own Kudos [?]: 4 [0]
Given Kudos: 9
Schools: INSEAD - Class of 1992
Send PM
Re: Non-traditional student [#permalink] New post   17 Apr 2012, 08:57
Hi Charles,

Your background sounds quite interesting. That said, many schools simply won't look at candidates beyond a certain age. INSEAD for example (where I went) rarely admits applicants over 35 - although their EMBA is a different matter, and they do offer specialized executive programs that might meet your needs.

In general, recognize that you can always contact the school directly to inquire. Most schools will have a frank discussion with you regarding your background if you're a non-traditional candidate or are otherwise unsure if you meet their admissions criteria. You're prepared to spend a lot of money on a good program - you have every right to look under the hood before you even consider buying.

Good luck!

Laura Freedman
Access Education
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: Non-traditional student [#permalink]
17 Apr 2012, 08:57

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions