abhishekit wrote:
Hi,
I took GMAT last year and scored 730. Verbal - 41/92%, Quant - 49/87%, Total 730/96%, Analytical writing 5.0/56%. I did not (could not) apply anywhere for 2010 because of some financial responsibilities. I am planning to apply for 2011 session. My brief profile is as follows:
Age: 29 (born in Feb, 1981).
Ethnicity: Indian
Undergrad - from one of the IITs in India, GPA 3.7
Grad - one of schools (not high ranked) in U.S., GPA - 3.95
Work experience - I have been working in U.S. since 2005 (I will have 6 years of full time work ex at the end of 2010). I work in high end technical consulting. 2 years in a big five company, past 3 years in a blue chip company.
As I mentioned, I am planning to apply for 2011 session. I will be 30 in Feb 2011. I have a couple of questions:
1. Would I have had a much better chance had I scored 750 instead of 730? I am asking this question because I screwed up the exam a little bit. I have mild ADD and I forgot to hit 'submit' on the last Quant question. I think I made a couple of other stupid mistakes on Quant and could have easily got 750.
2. Is my age going to be a hindrance when applying to top 5 schools - specially Harvard, Stanford and Wharton? If yes, are there any schools in top 10 that are friendlier to applicants with 30 years of age?
Thanks,
Abhi
Hi Abhi,
1. I wouldn't fret over the GMAT score. 730 and 750 puts you in essentially the same percentile/range of test-takers. I don't believe there will be any impact to your application due to that one Quant question.
2. Although the average age of MBA applicants does tend to be in the late twenties, I wouldn't think of your age as a hindrance. You have a good academic profile and have significant work experience. Your focus in your MBA applications should be on why an MBA at this point, and how you think it fits into your proposed career plans. Also, how do your professional profile and extracurricular activities set you apart? You have had a longer time than your fellow applicants to build and demonstrate soft skills - your application package should mention how these make you stronger.
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