{"id":51493,"date":"2021-04-11T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-11T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=51493"},"modified":"2021-04-08T03:59:58","modified_gmt":"2021-04-08T10:59:58","slug":"applying-to-regular-full-time-mba-programs-as-an-older-applicant-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/applying-to-regular-full-time-mba-programs-as-an-older-applicant-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying to Regular Full-Time MBA Programs as an Older Applicant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/diversity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kp15446gcoz47p1vpn9ol6gj-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Applying-to-Full-Time-MBA-Programs-as-an-Older-Applicant.jpg\" alt=\"Applying to Full-Time MBA Programs as an Older Applicant\" class=\"wp-image-63472\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAn MBA? Why aren\u2019t you going for an EMBA?\u201d You\u2019ve probably heard this from friends and acquaintances when they learn that you are planning to pursue full-time graduate business studies, even though you are several years older than the average MBA applicant. This may also be the response of MBA admissions committees \u2013 unless you make a convincing case for pursuing a regular MBA at this point in your life and career. You may have very good reasons for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/the-mba-family-a-roundup-and-overview-2\/\">seeking an MBA and not an EMBA<\/a>. But the adcoms won\u2019t know that unless you explain it persuasively in your application essays. Instead, they may make negative assumptions, such as \u201cunfocused,\u201d or even worse, \u201ctoo set in your ways,\u201d and \u201ctoo difficult to place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What exactly is an \u201colder applicant\u201d?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, an older applicant is someone who is about 5+ years older than the average age for a given school; another way to view it is 1+ years older than the upper age of the middle 80% age range. For example,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/columbia-business-school-mba-class-profile\/\">Columbia\u2019s 2020 average age is 28<\/a>&nbsp;and the middle 80% range is 25-31, so if you\u2019re 32 or older, you fall in the \u201colder applicant\u201d category for Columbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within that generalization, however, there are nuances that beg attention \u2013 most notably, the reason for applying later. Back to our example, if you are applying to Columbia as a 32-year-old who wants to pursue a career in finance, the adcom may only view you as an older applicant in certain circumstances:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Adcom more likely to view you as an older applicant:<\/strong>&nbsp;You started in advertising after college, then shifted focus and entered an investment bank as a marketing and sales professional. Now you want to transition to a finance-specific role.<\/li><li><strong>Adcom less likely to view you as an older applicant:<\/strong>&nbsp;You earned a Ph.D. in math after college, then joined a hedge fund in a quant product development role, and now want to help lead the business.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the difference? The first example shows some (thoroughly understandable) zigzagging during the process of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/importance-defining-mba-goal\/\">goal development<\/a>, whereas the second example shows a direct, straightforward path. The second applicant above would not necessarily raise the concerns that a typical \u201colder applicant\u201d does (though, that comfort level would diminish with each year beyond 32, and would not pertain to a 40-year-old!). Examine your circumstances. Most older applicants fall into the \u201cmore likely\u201d category above, but not all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Addressing the \u201cdifficult to place\u201d concern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MBA admissions committees are hugely concerned with the post-MBA employability of applicants and thus consider this factor seriously in their assessment. In a tight employment market, this concern is all the more urgent. They know that it will be harder to place you than someone with similar qualifications who is younger, because the younger applicant more closely fits the expectations of the recruiters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two important steps you can take in your essays to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/5-tips-for-older-mba-applicants\/\">counteract this possible negative factor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Delineate concrete goals.<\/strong>&nbsp;Use practical terms to spell out your goals step by step, identifying position titles, companies or types of companies you might work for, and expected responsibilities and challenges.<\/li><li><strong>Develop and describe a plan for obtaining employment post-graduation that does not rely exclusively on the school\u2019s recruiting process.<\/strong>&nbsp;As an older applicant, it is especially important to demonstrate your resourcefulness and awareness of the placement challenge. Older&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/mba-admissions-advice-career-changers\/\">career-changers<\/a>&nbsp;are in particularly hot water unless they show that their network and resources can get them a job in their new field. Your plan should include a description of your marketability and \u201cpositioning,\u201d contacts you may have in the field, and action items. Not only will such a plan overcome the \u201cplace-ability\u201d concern, but it also will strengthen your competitive advantage overall.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Addressing the \u201clack of focus\u201d concern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Say, like many (probably most) people, you went through some trial and error after college to discover your best professional fit. That process, while landing you in the \u201colder applicant\u201d category, gives you some assets as well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Insight into your strengths, weaknesses, and interests based on mature self-reflection<\/li><li>Relative breadth of experience<\/li><li>An interesting \u201cstory\u201d to tell about the development of your goals<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Use these assets to counteract the notion that your road to your goals evidences lack of focus. In doing so, you can simultaneously tackle a critical issue \u2013&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/reports.accepted.com\/mba\/guide\/why-mba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">why you need a full-time MBA now<\/a>. Integrate the following two aims in your essays with the following tactics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It is imperative to present a positive reason for pursuing a full-time MBA&nbsp;<em>now<\/em>.Thus, reasons such as \u201creaching a plateau\u201d and \u201cdesiring a change\u201d will not suffice \u2013 they will only enhance the \u201cunfocused\u201d image. Explain why this is the right moment to devote two years to an MBA \u2013 it should be linked to your next career step.Next, identify several skills or aspects of knowledge that you will need to succeed in those goals, that you do not presently possess, and that the MBA program in question will provide.Then connect those dots in the \u201cwhy MBA\/why this program\u201d part of the essay. Taking this approach will enable you to follow up your concrete goals with a compelling rationale for earning an MBA now.<\/li><li>In more or less detail, for conventional&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/how-to-write-a-goal-statement-for-graduate-school\/\">goals essay questions<\/a>, link your career experience to your goals.Your challenge is twofold: (a) discuss a career that is longer than average while leaving space in the essay for other important information; (b) make your current goals seem an inevitable, logical outcome of your experience.The key is to be selective in what you discuss. Do not just condense your experience. Review your goals, and then determine which aspects of your experience are most relevant to them.Take the \u201cmore likely\u201d applicant above. In discussing their early marketing experience, this applicant would focus less on creating ad campaigns and more on analyzing market needs, noting that they discovered a previously unrecognized talent for and enjoyment in analytic work. After establishing this logical basis for their goals, they add that their marketing experience will give them a deeper qualitative understanding of real companies\u2019 operations \u2013 turning a possible negative into a positive.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Addressing the \u201cset in your ways\u201d concern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While you must show focus and direction in your goals, some schools have voiced concern that older applicants are more set in their ways and thus less interested in or able to absorb the \u201ctransformational experience\u201d that their program provides. Using your essays to demonstrate an innovative streak and openness to new ideas is the ideal way to counteract this possible objection. You might tie these qualities in to your goals, your non-work activities, and\/or your reason for pursuing a full-time MBA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special contribution as an older applicant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Being an older applicant may give you an edge in how and what you will contribute as a classmate, in one way in particular: older applicants tend to have experience across industries and functions, which creates a multi-dimensional, dynamic perspective. Basically, it is the \u201c1+1=3\u201d idea. If you have worked in both the hierarchical finance industry and the flatter, agile high-tech manufacturing industry, for example, you know the two industries. But you also have a comparative view of how different functions and positions work in two vastly contrasting environments, and the effects of those environments \u2013 which environment encourages and discourages which types of achievement, which produces what problems, and so forth. Experience in varied functions has a similar benefit. If you believe you bring this type of value, in your essays don\u2019t just state that fact, but&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/showing-strengths-in-application-essays\/\">portray it through specific examples<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, consider your older-applicant status when making your list of schools. Some programs, such as Kellogg, will be more receptive to a thirty-year-old applicant than will others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your status as an older-than-average MBA applicant is an obstacle that you can turn into an asset if you formulate an effective essay strategy. After the adcom reads your application, they will wish that all applicants had such a fascinating developmental process, such compelling and well-articulated goals, and so much to contribute to their classmates!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are you looking for the guidance and support of an experienced consultant as you devise your strategy to apply as an older applicant? Check out our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/services\/consulting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">MBA Admissions Consulting &amp; Editing Services<\/a>\u00a0to learn how we can help you gain acceptance to the MBA program of your choice despite \u2013 or even, in spite of \u2013 your age!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/58291\/27a53f66-11aa-4ee4-8459-c8b3a9f7330d?__hstc=76425034.168288ac69c5c2cbe81451270cdfd970.1611857174497.1617820933421.1617877216809.125&amp;__hssc=76425034.5.1617877216809&amp;__hsfp=3590869226\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/58291\/27a53f66-11aa-4ee4-8459-c8b3a9f7330d.png\" alt=\"Read tips on how to answer the MBA Goals Essay Question.\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/cindy-tokumitsu-accepted-consultant\/\" alt=\"Cindy Tokumitsu, admissions expert\" class=\"wp-image-64552\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/service-request-cindy\"><strong>Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/focus-fit-episode-162\/\">Focus on Fit<\/a>, a podcast episode<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/importance-defining-mba-goal\/\">The Importance of Defining Your MBA Goals<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/emba-the-ultimate-guide-for-applicants\/\">EMBA: The Ultimate Guide for Applicants<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/applying-to-regular-full-time-mba-programs-as-an-older-applicant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">This article<\/a>\u00a0originally appeared on\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accepted.com\/mba\/services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">help you get accepted<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cAn MBA? Why aren\u2019t you going for an EMBA?\u201d You\u2019ve probably heard this from friends and acquaintances when they learn that you are planning to pursue full-time graduate business studies,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,939,775,113,243],"tags":[1297,1179,1324],"class_list":["post-51493","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mba","category-accepted","category-admission-consultants","category-applications","category-blog","tag-best-mba-application-strategy","tag-full-time-mba-programs","tag-too-youngtoo-old-for-mba","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51493"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51493\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51494,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51493\/revisions\/51494"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}