Last visit was: 22 Apr 2026, 12:28 It is currently 22 Apr 2026, 12:28
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
User avatar
Samurai1985
Joined: 23 Feb 2023
Last visit: 15 Mar 2023
Posts: 1
Posts: 1
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
CrackAdmission
Joined: 08 Jun 2017
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 612
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 24
Location: India
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V40
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V40
Posts: 612
Kudos: 222
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
Suraj0184
Joined: 03 Jun 2022
Last visit: 08 Dec 2024
Posts: 326
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 9
Location: India
Posts: 326
Kudos: 728
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 03 Dec 2025
Posts: 3,936
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,936
Kudos: 1,545
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Samurai1985
Hello All,

Just a quick background about me.

I am 38 years old, have 14 years of work experience, a Gmat score of 730, and a low academic score.
Is it still worth applying for a regular one-year MBA? If yes- what are the best options available? Is it India or Abroad?

Feel free to suggest.

Thank you.
You have a decent enough test score that could possibly compensate for the low grades, but I would definitely do the optional essay for explaining why you have bad grades. We don't really know the quality of your work experience, do you have a strong progression, a good leadership profile, a lot to contribute to the classroom? If you do then you might consider one of the three Sloan fellows programs probably SF MBA or London masters
User avatar
AdmitExpert
User avatar
Admit Expert Admissions Consultant
Joined: 11 Mar 2022
Last visit: 17 Apr 2026
Posts: 361
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 4
Status:MBA admissions consulting
Location: India
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 361
Kudos: 38
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Samurai1985
Hello All,

Just a quick background about me.

I am 38 years old, have 14 years of work experience, a Gmat score of 730, and a low academic score.
Is it still worth applying for a regular one-year MBA? If yes- what are the best options available? Is it India or Abroad?

Feel free to suggest.

Thank you.

Samurai1985

Your GMAT score is a positive aspect of your profile, while your work experience may offer an advantage depending on the career trajectory and diverse experiences you have accumulated. While the GMAT score may partially compensate for a lower academic score, it is important to highlight additional strengths to offset any weaknesses.

Considering the extensive length of your work experience, some regular MBA programs may not be suitable for you. Instead, you should consider schools that typically accept candidates with more experience or specialized programs like the MIT Sloan Fellows program. Once we learn more about your professional background, objectives, and other facets of your profile, we can suggest a list of schools that may be suitable for you.

For a more detailed 1-1 strategy session, please write to [email protected] or fill the form at http://www.admitexpert.com

Good luck!
User avatar
MBAandBeyond
User avatar
MBA and Beyond Consulting
Joined: 13 Jul 2020
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 4,466
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 172
Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
Affiliations: INSEAD and Harvard
Location: Singapore
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,466
Kudos: 954
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey Samurai1985,

Congratulations for a stellar GMAT score. To answer your question, considering your age, it would be crucial for you to explain the importance of an MBA for you. Also I would like to know your post-MBA goals in order to better evaluate your chances. Schools like INSEAD, IMD, Judge, IE, Said and Kellogg offer one year programs. I would suggest Global schools as they are more open to the age factor and also offer better international exposure. You may also read an article on MBA over 30, it will give you some insights.

If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call with you to get a better and detailed understanding of your profile and give you a fair and thorough evaluation. Hence, feel free to schedule a call with us at your convenience.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: [email protected]


Samurai1985
Hello All,

Just a quick background about me.

I am 38 years old, have 14 years of work experience, a Gmat score of 730, and a low academic score.
Is it still worth applying for a regular one-year MBA? If yes- what are the best options available? Is it India or Abroad?

Feel free to suggest.

Thank you.
User avatar
GeneralEducation
Joined: 12 May 2010
Last visit: 21 Apr 2026
Posts: 1,394
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 8
Status:Assisting candidates to get admit in to top global business schools
Affiliations: MBA
Location: Bangalore
Schools:HEC, Paris
WE 1: 9 Years
Posts: 1,394
Kudos: 216
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
First of all congrats on GMAT. In the process of evaluating the candidate profile, the GPA score will matter to an extent but B schools will be keen to know you as a person more than any brand association. Adcom would seek information on work done, the function the applicant is in, and achievements in the firm. If you're worried about GPA, optional essays are most used to mitigate the admission committee’s concerns about applicants’ weaknesses.

Anyways, with your current profile, it is good to target fellowship programs instead of full-time programs.

Check our free B School Selector to know your chances for the best-fit program to target.
User avatar
ExpertsGlobal
User avatar
Experts' Global Representative
Joined: 18 Apr 2017
Last visit: 14 Apr 2026
Posts: 2,657
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 6
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 2,657
Kudos: 430
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Samurai1985
Hello All,

Just a quick background about me.

I am 38 years old, have 14 years of work experience, a Gmat score of 730, and a low academic score.
Is it still worth applying for a regular one-year MBA? If yes- what are the best options available? Is it India or Abroad?

Feel free to suggest.

Thank you.

Hello Samurai1985,

Apologies for the delayed response but we hope this finds you in time still.

Yes, you should apply; of course, you will need to work on a strong Optional Essay that appropriately explains why you had poor grades. 1-year programs in the US would make sense (many have rightly suggested the MIT Sloan Fellows program). Some of the Indian programs (barring IIM B) too would be worth applying to because while your experience is going to be on the higher side, you will need to apply aggressively to have the maximum chance of admission.

All the best!