mirone06 wrote:
Haven't seen many threads about this, but I'm new here so forgive me if I'm posting this in the wrong place or if it's a repetitive topic.
I'm 24 right now. Come October I will have been working at my job for two years. My numbers are solid (770/3.5) and I graduated from a top 10 undergraduate school. Originally, after I completed the GMAT, I had planned on applying to business school this year, so I'd be 25 when I started with roughly 3 years of experience. I'd prefer not to stick around at my current position for another 2 years (including the one after I'd apply next year). From what I've read online, it appears that the median age is a couple years older (27-29) than the 25.5 average age I'd be while in school if I went next year. And it seems that more and more programs (with the exception of Harvard and Stanford) are looking for older, more experienced candidates. All that said...
How much does your age impact your application?
Even if I could get in to a business school, would my experience be negatively impacted because of my age?
Is it ever a viable strategy to consider applying 2 years in a row (as a reapplicant if you don't get in year 1)?
If anyone has any advice more specific to my situation as I've laid out above, I'd be very glad to hear it.
mirone06,
Great questions and thanks for the background info!
How much does your age impact your application?Age definitely impacts the application quite a bit in terms of determining whether you have had enough experience to excel at school. That said, while the average ages are 27-29 as you pointed out, schools accept applicants across a range. One of the most important things that determines whether you are old enough is what you do for work. Consultants (I was a consultant) go to business school younger than most because the experience is considered richer due to the nature of the work, # of different projects/clients and fast paced environment. If you are consultant, you would be applying at a perfect time if you applied this year. (though some do wait to have 4 years of pre-MBA experience upon matriculation).
Even if I could get in to a business school, would my experience be negatively impacted because of my age?
No. Assuming you have been challenged enough at work and learned a lot so you can give back to the class, etc. your experience would be great. One thing to consider, however, is you may be at a disadvantage when it comes to recruiting for post-MBA jobs. You will be applying for the same jobs that your classmates apply for who have more experience, on average, than you. There is an art to picking the perfect time, which I can go into much more detail about, but that is something else to consider. If you are strong, you'll still get interviews though!
Is it ever a viable strategy to consider applying 2 years in a row (as a reapplicant if you don't get in year 1)?
Absolutely. This happens all the time and as long as you show improvement/growth over the year, this shouldn't be a problem.
Feel free to send me your resume if you want more specific advice.
scott@personalmbacoach.comGood luck!