slippy wrote:
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your advice to everyone here, we all appreciate it.
Here's my background:
41-year old securities analyst, 15 years experience, sellside and buyside.
3.4 undergraduate GPA (B.A Economics, 1987) from a solid school.
740 GMAT (49Q 90%, 42V 95%), which I took two weeks ago.
CFA charterholder
Currently unemployed...was on a four-year stint in the Middle East, which ended last year, and have been unable to crack the job market here since I got back last May.
I'm looking to go into forensic/investigative accounting, either applying it to the investment process or practicing it at a public accounting/consulting firm. I've looked at both MS/Accounting programs as well as MBA programs.
I'm aware of the hurdles that older applicants to top-tier programs often face. Based on what I've laid out, do I have a reasonable shot at a top-tier program, or is it more realistic for me to focus on a quality, second-tier school that is less focused on the 27-28 year old demographic?
Thanks and best regards,
slippy,
The combination of uemployment and your age significantly diminishes your odds at top-10 schools even with your GMAT and potentially intriguing background. I do think it would be more realistic for you to target schools from "low teens" slots in the rankings on down -- a group that includes some outstanding programs. I would have to know more to be more specific.
Good luck,