Too Old for an MBA?

Question

Am I too Old for an MBA? What is too Old for an MBA?

I have gotten a number of questions about age and why all MBA programs say they have no limit or max admission age but then some folks say you won't get admitted if you are older than 35... So who is right and who is wrong? It is surprisingly hard to find a straight answer and I have written a few of these over the last few months alone but I wanted to put together a single and more definitive post about it. My goal in this post is to make things as black and white as possible. Please keep in mind that are always 1% exceptions but I am focusing on the 99% here.

Why do Business Schools Care about the Age?

Technically, MBA programs are focused on work experience rather than age but age ends up playing a big role since the 2 are intertwined. When you apply to an MBA program, the school looks at each candidate from a few perspectives and one of the main ones is - will this person be able to use/apply their MBA and get a job after they graduate or will the typical MBA employers avoid them? I am going to call older MBA applicants, more experienced because that is what they really are - more seasoned and experienced professionals. It may come as a shock that some schools may not be admitting these amazing individuals and I will explain why. There are a few reasons:
- Career Trajectory: this is the measure of your promotions and progressions from project to project or job to job. Business schools love people who are regularly promoted and can show that track record. It is easy to get promotions when you start the very basic level (just like in computer grams, you level up faster in the beginning) but as you progress to the middle of the management pyramid, promotions are harder to get. The only way is often jumping companies but even that comes to an end and more experienced applicants tend to look less like a shining star. This is perception but it matters and one is evaluated with 3 promotions in 8 years vs. 3 promotions in 5, the one with 5 years looks stronger.
- Employability: This is a big topic in itself. First of all, business schools have a certain track where they send graduates to companies looking to fill in their mid-manager positions and rotation programs. Those programs are designed for specific roles and people in a specific stage in career and if you don't fit that mold/profile, then the school's recruiting channels will not be helpful to you, forcing to do off-campus and networking. Often the companies coming on campus and recruiting send their folks who have graduated a few years ago and so your hiring manager will be 32-35 years old. If you are same age as they are, there is a perception and a sense that you were not as successful so why would they hire someone who was slow and lagged behind? You may have some amazing things you have done and you will need to make sure to highlight them but in any case, few people want to manage someone who is either older or more accomplished than they are or both. Companies are also looking for fit and it will be an uphill battle if there is no "fit" which makes it especially a dangerous path for international applicants who are fighting a battle learning a new culture and trying to fit in. Here is one story of an older international applicant.
- Overall Program Experience - this is a bit of a safety mechanism for older applicants but if you are 35, do you really think you will enjoy going to school with a bunch of 25-27 year olds? Chances are you have family and kids and perhaps managed a whole bunch of them and at the business school you will be going into teams and they will be managing you sometimes. Usually few end up enjoying that (few enjoy team projects anyway) and it detracts from the learning process. Also, while more experienced applicants could in reality contribute a ton to the program and provide lots of learning opportunities to their younger classmates (something some schools realize), there is not much for the more experienced applicants to take out. It is hard to fit in too as the program is dominated by younger applicants, and more experienced crowd will have to choose either to fit in at a cost of maturity or hold their ground in small numbers. In any case, the divergence of recruiting goals usually becomes the main challenge as that requires schools to cover a greater spectrum of recruiting opportunities and many of the VP and above positions are very hard to find for fresh out of business school folks.
What Age Is too Old for a Full-Time MBA?

Let's now tackle the big elephant in the room. One reason it is a confusing answer is that there are different views in Europe vs. the US business schools. I will touch on each in detail. Note that age, just like work experience are reported at the time of matriculating, not time of application:
- US Business schools - if you check program data or class profile data, you will notice that the average age tends to be the same - around 27 for most programs. It is very consistent, and the 80% of the student body is pretty homogenous in terms of age. Interestingly enough, the higher-ranked the school is, the more homogenous they tend to be. Here is the scale for the US Schools:
  - Exceptions to this rule:
    - This table assumes a standard applicant who graduates college at the age of 21 or 22.
    - Some schools have been recruiting applicants without work experience. HBS and Stanford have experimented with this looking for bright and talented. However, most have settled on the deferred MBA programs instead.
    - Business schools are LESS concerned with age as with work experience. You get admitted based on your full-time work experience; therefore a Medical Doctor or an Attorney or someone holding an advanced degree may be older while having only 3-5 years of work experience.
    - Some MBA programs view military service years differently since you can't get promoted multiple times in a short period of time. Certain elite force regiments have a minimum age limit of 25. It is common for veterans to be older
    - All unique situations such as a pro-athlete, performers, etc, will be evaluated based on their own situation. Only consider yourself part of this group if you have 1,000,000 IG followers
    - The lower the rank of an MBA program, the more competitive career trajectory becomes and less of a concern is employability. Thus this table whill shift for a program in the Top 40
- Europe
  - Europe is much more open to older applicants with average class age at 28-29. In part this is due to MBA being a more novel degree with many people choosing to get a masters immediately after Undergrad or a year later after taking a year off and an MBA is a lot more special, sort of like Sloan Fellows or Stanford MSx is in the US (both of these are excellent programs specifically designed for more experienced applicants). Another factor is that the there are only a handful of high-ranking MBA programs in Europe (though the ranks have been rising in the last 5-10 years) and the overall applicant demographics is different as well so it is not uncommon to run into 30+ year old European MBA candidates, and it is also just as common to have 24-year-old ones too. The chart for Europe is different:
    - Exceptions to this rule:
      - Similar to the ones stated in the list for the US MBA programs
      - It is fairly common to run into 35+ year old candidates in lesser ranked MBA programs in Europe
What are My Chances in the US Top 20?

Use the What Are My Chances Tool to evaluate your chances for FT MBA admissions
Is there an Ideal age for a Full Time MBA?

Admissions are very welcoming to the group in the 25 - 29 bracket with 26-28 being the sweet-spot. The age, again, represents the career point where many find they are ready to move up to mid-management or perhaps shift out of their industry altogether or perhaps just their role. Many feel they need another chance and need to startover, and some just want to get out of their current job situation as they see no logical progression and no end they would be happy with. Whatever, the reason, this is the golden age to get an MBA. It is possible to do it later but is less common. This is the reason for the Part Time programs and for EMBA programs and the unique programs such as Stanford MSx and Sloan Fellows that attract people in their mid-30s who want to take a year off work and refocus their energy.
Is There such Thing as too Young for an MBA?

I am a strong believer that MBA is really useful once you have had a chance to work, make some mistakes, and realize your weaknesses. While people get MBA's right after undergrad (usually lower-ranked programs as competition is stiff in high-ranking ones), it does not feel right. First of all, don't get an MBA if you can't find a job. That is a terrible idea. If you have struggled to find a job in the 1st place, MBA is not going to make you a lot more desirable. it is actually your pre-MBA work experience that employers look at (or your internship) when evaluating you vs. 300 of your classmates. Also, your class contribution will be very theoretical and pretty quickly you start feeling not valuable and likely stop providing feedback and participating in discussion since you will lack real-life experience. That will take a toll on your learning. Also, there's a good chance you have a hard time connecting with your more experience classmate are in different stages of their life, usually more fluent, and usually recruiting for different roles than you would be, leaving little in common except perhaps partying together (if you are really good at that kind of thing).
Why are Business Schools so Quiet about the Age Question?

When you look at the average, it is always 27. So do schools have max admit age? And since they consistently reject more experienced older applicants, why don't they just put a guideline and guidance what page there looking for? Why go through this exercise and waste everyones time? There are a few reasons. some of them are legal saachez it is illegal for business schools to discriminate based on age. A business school cannot say that they will not admit a 63 year old applicant. At least in the United States, that would be a violation of federal laws. School can have criteria such as age or GPA or minimum years of work experience and cannot disqualify applicants merely on their age. That would be discrimination! Another reason, is class diversity and rankings. Business Schools want to build a diverse class and also attract as many applicants as possible. The more people apply, the more choice AdCom has, and the higher the schools is ranked. That is very important and that is why schools do not want to discourage applications. As a matter of fact many even waive application fees in certain cases to get more applicants and a greater diversity of them. E.g. HBS may admit a 35-year old brain surgeon or nuclear scientist who may have otherwise been discouraged to apply.

Bottom Line:

I do not want to discourage anyone from applying. If you have dreams of attending an MBA program, I do not intend to stay in your way . However, I do not want you to waste your time and effort either. Kind of like when someone is waiting at a bus stop for a bus that no longer is running. Wouldn't it be nice if someone told you that and suggested a taxi? Similarly, you want to consider your options. Being a more experienced older applicants, you have a few options:
1. Reduced chances in the US FT MBA programs
2. EU FT MBA programs
3. Part Time or Executive MBA programs
4. Sloan Fellows or Stanford MSx
5. Other
Whatever choice you make, evaluate all options. Wherever you go, you can usually take many roads to get there.
Good Luck!

. However, I do not want you to waste your time and effort either. Kind of like when someone is waiting at a bus stop for a bus that no longer is running. Wouldn't it be nice if someone told you that and suggested a taxi? Similarly, you want to consider your options. Being a more experienced older applicants, you have a few options: Reduced chances in the US FT MBA programs EU FT MBA programs Part Time or Executive MBA programs Sloan Fellows or Stanford MSx Other Whatever choice you make, evaluate all options. Wherever you go, you can usually take many roads to get there. Good Luck!

bb · Answer

Here are a few examples of older and more experienced applicants:

Owen: 40+ year-old https://gmatclub.com/forum/vanderbilt-o ... l#p2000665
29-Year-old applying: https://gmatclub.com/forum/am-i-too-old ... 52190.html

What Should you do if you are 40+?

Pretty much 99% of the post above was about full time programs. There are other options - Part Time MBA, Executive, and Online programs. Those are much less focused on age, experience, but they also tend to be less selective so it is a trade off. The EMBA programs are specifically targeted towards more experienced 10+ experience.

There are also 2 unique FT programs for more experienced candidates:
1. Stanford MsX
2. Sloan Fellows MBA

I would highly recommend researching and exploring those. These are the only FT programs really welcoming and specifically looking for more seasoned professionals who may not be interested in the EMBA or PT MBA options (which neither EMBA or PT MBA come with VISA benefits so if you are an international applicant, the 2 FT programs are the only options really).

SSS001 · Answer

This was really needed. Thanks a ton  bb .

Btw, are these age brackets at the time of matriculating?  Wanted to know this since if in case someone gives the interview when he is 29 and gets matriculated at 30 and hence graduates at 32, will that fall in the 28-31 age bracket or the 32-35 age bracket?

bb · Answer

It says it in the post

Matriculation. All time frames for age and work experience are measured as of matriculation time. Schools don't care when you submitted your application, interviewed, or got your decision. There are thousands of other applicants and keeping a timeline for each one will be insane.

SSS001 · Answer

Aah. Got it.

Thanks  bb

mimishyu · Answer

thanks, bb, really a very detailed explanation to the age issue in MBA schools....

mcelroytutoring · Answer

Simple answer: unless there is a strict age limit, nobody is ever too old for anything—and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

That said, it's certainly true if you're over 35, then the odds are stacked against you as an MBA applicant.

(Will I earn my MBA someday? Maybe, but probably not.)

bb · Answer

Well, what absolute is that you can never talk in absolutes 😎 and you can be too old for things... Navy seals don’t recruit if you are over 35 but you can be in coast guard. Similarly, if you are 50, you can’t get an MBA from Harvard but you can get one from the community college or online 😬 ... At the same time, in writing this article and doing some research I saw a picture of a seven-year-old person graduating with an NBA degree. Besides some personal goal, it seems a strange choice. We see people buying beach homes in sports cars and never using them, so I guess it can be with anything and even an MBA... But at least unlike a car or abandoned house, your MBA is always with you.

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mcelroytutoring · Answer

Of course any activity or accomplishment with a strict age limit (Navy Seals, Miss America, etc.) would be the exception to that statement, but HBS and other business schools don't have any official age limit of which I am aware.

However, could there be an unspoken, unofficial age limit at the top business schools in particular? Certainly. Check out this histogram from HBS:

https://www.drivecms.com/uploads/mcelroytutoring.com/histogram15_17.jpg

( Original comment edited for clarity .)

bb · Answer

My post explains why there is no age limit. It does not help to say general absolute statements ... Because one will immediately contradict themselves and not help anyone. I don’t want to be redundant and repetitive so I won’t go into the explanation. It’s all in the post.

My only additional suggestion is to those reading this post, look at your strengths and weaknesses. Just because you want or can, doesn’t mean you should. A lot of times matching your goals with your skill set is what makes people highly successful. Look at Einstein for example. She did not start speaking until five and he really didn’t do well in college either. He did not become involved in science officially until his 30’s.

Many people are impulsive and tend to counter react when they’re told they cannot. I know for sure I get fired up when someone tells me I can’t do it and I’ve become very competitive because I want to prove them wrong. Sometimes it can work to your vantage. Sometimes you just waste a lot of time 😎

Zime2020 · Answer

Thank you for writing this post. I was rejected from a top program that I applied to in round 1 of this cycle and I set up free consultation with an admissions consultancy to discuss possible reasons. The consultant I spoke with said, without hesitation, that I was likely rejected because of my age (I just turned 30 in January) and that I should consider executive MBA programs. I thought that this advice was nonsense and I'm glad that I ignored it.

bb · Answer

Frankly I dont think 30 is that old. It is possible there were other factors but if you have 2 applicants with the same profile and one of them achieved a certain position sooner, they may gain an edge.

It is tough with EMBA at 30. You can definitely get in. As long as you have the minimum required experience or minimum recommended experience which usually is about eight years, you can definitely get into most programs. However being the youngest guy can be tricky but also rewarding. Really depends on your maturity level and ability to blend in. It could be a great opportunity to network and potentially work with one of these folks.

EMBA is expensive but bough. Also it is not FT and there is no recruiting component. It’s a different experience but it works really well for some.

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Zime2020 · Answer

I should add that I completed a 2 year master's degree right out of undergrad and therefore have light work experience for my age. I am also pursuing an MBA to make a career transition which made the advice even less appropriate.

bb · Answer

Yes, your age is different in case if you completed a Masters. You are taking the 28th from the perspective of work experience. I don’t think you need an executive MBA and it could be a variety of other factors or elements. Part of it is how does the whole application fit in and with the business school feels it’s a good fit. Sometimes a Masters degree can work against you. If you get one in management for example and then try to go for an MBA but you haven’t really done much with your management degree, it will bring in questions as to what is different this time. However I’m just speculating and pulling things out of thin air so to speak. Sorry about the ding and good luck with the applications or whatever you choose is your next step. You’re definitely not too old

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sony1000 · Answer

It is funny how this article is speaking of age and time running out yet this article is in itself a waste of time.

globaldesi · Answer

Amazing post bb . I was really forward for such post. Really a great insight for people like me who are not sure

bb · Answer

Thanks! I appreciate your kind words. It all started with a PM and hearing the same question over and over. I figured it was time to put something more significant together. While more experienced candidates may not fit the mold of the traditional 2-year MBA, I think there are many other options available. Perhaps not as many "traditional" programs but they also may not suit as well. There is always an option of an Online MBA. I know a year ago it sounded like a horrible idea but last year, almost all programs were online

... I think i can see more online mba activity spurring on the back burner where they are no longer taboo. I think the only part that remains tricky for a seasoned professional is switching industries. I would personally suggest not using the MBA for it but perhaps leveraging one's network and getting very very specific with your goals. E.g. instead of saying, I really want to get out of pharmaceutical sales job, how about say, I want to do financial analysis for a CPG company, and even better than that, I want to do finance at __________ (and that would be one of the 3 companies in the area that you have researched). That level of specificity does a few things: 1) it shows you are a goal-oriented person who did their research so people would be naturally helpful 2) it gives them hooks to jog their mind and remember that their cousin works at one of these companies. That's faster and cheaper than studying for the GMAT and then taking 2 years ... though of course this is a simplistic example but it does drive a point.

StudyingTree · Answer

This is a great post for those unsure of their career path, this summarizes all doubts and questions. Thank you!

rafa90 · Answer

bb

It would be really help if you can comment on my case.

I’m applying to R1/R2 this year, targeting the top 15 schools in the US. I’m looking only at full time programs.

I’d be 33 when I enter B-School. I have a Masters from US as well. In total, I have 7 years of work experience spanning across three countries. I’m a Canadian Permanent resident and have a valid H1b as well- few things some which will help in terms of negating the visa issues in the US and opening up different markets for me to land a full time role post graduation.

How do you see age playing a role in my case?

GMAT: 750 
Academics: 3.6 GPA during Masters and a 4 during undergrad.

Posted from my mobile device

bb · Answer

Hi. That's an impressive profile and score! 
You can use the above chart and remove a year for the Master's degree. I think that is the perspective and prism of your age/experience. 
It is up there but it is not excessive with that kind of a score. I think some will also will depend on your goals and what you intend to do with an MBA and making sure you align your goals with your experience and possibilities. E.g. if you say you want to be a consultant that will be tricky but if you are switching from an engineer to an exec/manager, it will work well as you will have the experience necessary for credibility and hopefully some managerial experience already.

-B

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