Last visit was: 20 Nov 2025, 06:26 It is currently 20 Nov 2025, 06:26
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.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
Tibet-candidate
Joined: 21 Jun 2007
Last visit: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 3
Posts: 3
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
MoonShine
Joined: 07 Jan 2006
Last visit: 18 Jan 2010
Posts: 133
Own Kudos:
Posts: 133
Kudos: 3
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
rhyme
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 02 Dec 2024
Posts: 5,909
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 7
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
WE:Business Development (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
Posts: 5,909
Kudos: 3,172
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
lepium
Joined: 24 Sep 2006
Last visit: 22 Oct 2012
Posts: 1,359
Own Kudos:
Posts: 1,359
Kudos: 208
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Agree. Non issue.

L.
avatar
Tibet-candidate
Joined: 21 Jun 2007
Last visit: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 3
Posts: 3
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Do i need to mention this at all in the application process? I mean....would i have to explain why i had to stay an extra year or can i just ignore it completely.

Thanks.
User avatar
johnnyx9
Joined: 28 Jun 2006
Last visit: 18 Oct 2008
Posts: 958
Own Kudos:
Posts: 958
Kudos: 100
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
It will likely come up in the interview if your interviewer is looking at your resume and has a keen eye. But it's NOT a red flag, maybe just something they would be curious about. And it's not like you were kicked out of school for a year for selling drugs, you changed schools and had to stay longer for the new requirements, no big deal.
User avatar
antapple
Joined: 11 Jan 2007
Last visit: 05 Mar 2011
Posts: 201
Own Kudos:
Posts: 201
Kudos: 30
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
i took 5.5 years due to working full time also as a full time student-
i think i mentioned that on my last essay.
and well, if you consider a elite cluster one a top school then, you're probably fine.

good luck
avatar
rustmonster
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Last visit: 19 Mar 2008
Posts: 58
Posts: 58
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I took 5.5 years AND it was due to slacking off. No big deal.

Then again, I suppose other accomplishments help. It's just part of a total application.

My advice: Worry about something else.
User avatar
GMATT73
Joined: 29 Jan 2005
Last visit: 28 Dec 2011
Posts: 2,877
Own Kudos:
Posts: 2,877
Kudos: 1,256
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I worked my way through undergrad and subsequently took five years as well. Maybe mention so in the optional essay if it fits into your overall story. Otherwise, as stated above it's a non-issue.
User avatar
VeritasPrepMike
User avatar
Veritas Prep Admissions Consultant
Joined: 19 Aug 2015
Last visit: 24 Nov 2017
Posts: 324
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 324
Kudos: 28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Definitely not an issue. Many students are taking more than four years to finish undergrad. Sounds like you have a very good reason for it. I don't think I would even mention it in your additional essay.