720, Age 30. Too Old/Late?

Question

I am 30 today. I just gave my GMAT and scored a 720. I missed round2 deadlines and I plan on applying for Fall 2014 now.
I will be 30 when I apply for early rounds in August/September but I will be 31 at matriculation. Am I too old?

Undergrad GPA in engineering from CMU (top 10)- 2.8
Grad GPA from a local school- 3.7 (Part-time while working full-time over 5 years)
Exp - 8 yrs in Engineering today. At time of application I will have 9 years of experience since I started working at the age of 21. Is this a disadvantage?

Target Schools:
INSEAD, LSB, Duke,Ross.

Are there other schools I should consider?

ss87 · Answer

No, 30 is not too old. May I know why you want to pursue an MBA (you might want to try PT MBA if you are not planning to switch careers - it's easier to get in and the total cost is much lesser).

Anyway I just see your GPA might be a problem (2.8 is too low), and if your grad school is not well-reputed, even a 3.7 GPA might be overlooked.

Anways, I think as long you highlight how well you have progressed in your career and exceptional leadership experience(which adcom will expect since you are an older candidate) you should be fine.

By the way, are you 30 or 26? Your other threads mention you are 26yo?

ak2012 · Answer

No, 30 is not too old. You have to be very clear about why you need an MBA at this stage of your life and how it helps you get to where you want to be (not any different than younger applicants, but schools expect you to be more aware).

I recommend reading mbaover30.com. Its a blog by a 30+ applicant, who applied this year. Very insightful.

monikajudd · Answer

Thanks all. I currently work as an engineer in the valley and post-MBA, I would like to get into product management, business development/strategy type roles in tech itself.

The avg age tends to be 28 with only 5 years of experience which would mean that most folks start their career at age 23. I started working as a 21 year old and I will have 9 years of experience by the time I apply.

Considering I want to stay in tech, I am hoping my experience/age won't count against me too much.

NewCardinal · Answer

Monika-

I think you might also look at EMBA programs.

With your credentials, you shouldn't have too much difficulty getting into top EMBA programs.

I applied to Stanford Sloan and UVA Darden GEMBA programs and was accepted to both.

I'm 10 years older than you, but also had low undergrad GPA and a good graduate GPA. Your GMAT scores are pretty good... You would probably stand out more among the EMBA applicants...

souvik101990 · Answer

BTW just to let you know that you are BY NO MEANS in a disadvantage!
I personally know a couple of outstanding 30 year olds who made it to Booth, Wharton and HBS. The one in HBS had exactly your GMAT score and the other two were 10 points short!
You are completely fine.
But that still means that you need a reflection and connect your work ex to your post MBA goals and make stellar essays!
All the best!

mainhoon · Answer

One thing. If you don't apply, you will never know. So forget the age and focus on what needs to be done.

machichi · Answer

I turn 30 in a couple weeks (egads!) and was just admitted to a couple of great programs. They expect you to have accomplished a lot in those post-college years, but that's the same of any age. You just have more years of impressive accomplishments hopefully!

cheetarah1980 · Answer

I applied to business school at 31 and matriculated at Booth at 32 (acceptances at Wharton and Kellogg too). I also had a craptacular GPA. You're not too old and your age isn't a disadvantage.

krudget · Answer

Age? Psh! You'll be great for any program with your background. Age probably only becomes a factor in the mid thirties and a huge factor in the late thirties. And a 2.8 at CMU is pretty damn good in my book. Shoot higher than Duke/Ross, maybe Booth; don't know unless you try

(That said I would be ecstatic to get into Duke on Tuesday!)

Jock4MBA · Answer

Hi Monika,

30 is not too old for MBA with your tech PM goals as long you have shown career trajectory and desire to learn. I see a few people in their 30s and I would suggest to explain the GPA in the context FT job and PT studies. I was in the same boat. Have you also considered Kellogg and MIT, both have vibrant tech marketing scenes with strong placements and Kellogg is considered to value experience.

Good luck.

hfbamafan · Answer

I will be 29 next year, turning 30 in December applying to the Rice MBA Part time program as well as the University of Houston PT MBA program.

Sitting for the CPA exam/GMAT should be fun

thebiggestjim · Answer

Neither too old nor too late. I am starting my MBA this fall at Sloan MIT and I will be 32 at matriculation. I have a very similar background to yours. 8+ years in Engineering, graduated with a 3.0 GPA and a 710 GMAT. The skills engineers develop in their careers are very practical and useful in management/consulting/new venture creation.

gmat3000 · Answer

I've asked this question in the past. Got similar feedback, that it shouldn't be a problem if you have a solid reason and application. I've spoken to those who have graduated and they had a low number of over 30's in their class but that could be because less apply. Statistically it is more difficult and schools like stanford from my understanding have an issue with above 30's. But others are accepting. HBS is a tough school anyway but the chances are slimmer but better then stanford. Wharton, Columbia are better. This is from feedback I've been given. Which has been on the forum and a few MBA grads.

sumat · Answer

Hi
I am 37yrs old and would like to take up gmat. I am an engineering graduate with 52% and have 13 yrs of experience. My main intention for taking Gmat to switch my career. With my age will I get admission in b schools like INSEAD,etc. Your valuable suggestion is highly appreciated.
Sudheer

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

Hi Sumat, you might want to consider an executive MBA at this point in your career. I think with your age and experience you will actually enjoy and benefit more from the executive program than an MBA. Think about who your classmates will be. And think about what kind of network you will be developing. For the jobs you will be wanting after business school you will need a much more mature network. I'm guessing at 37 you won't be looking for associate level jobs most MBAs are getting.

sumat · Answer

Mike

Thanks for suggestion. I do agree that it's late to kick start MBA at this age. As I need to change my core field and enter in to management, the option is to get in to MBA. As you suggested to opt executive programme, will it help me to change my profession. Please advice.

StratusDonna · Answer

MBAIvy · Answer

I agree with the above, and with 13+ years experience AND an engineering (graduate?) degree already under your belt, the EMBA is the way to go. INSEAD will love you, as they like applicants who have demonstrated they are already able to do graduate level work in their particular field.

I specifically work with EMBA applicants and have a great track record with INSEAD, so reach out if I can be of more assistance.

www.MBAIvyLeague.com

MBAbot · Answer

Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.

720, Age 30. Too Old/Late?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards