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12 Apr 2023, 07:29
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I'm seeking advice on when to apply for MBA programs and my chances of getting into top universities.
Here's a bit about my background: I am an Asian Male with US Citizenship. I graduated with a major in Chemical Engineering and pursued a PhD from top 10 program with GPA of 3.93 and GRE scores of Math 169 and Verbal 154 (I also took in again for Math 167 and verbal 156). However, I recently dropped out with a masters degree after 3 years at grad program. I currently am 26 years old and am working for a chemical company at an international company earning 90k per year (It's only been 6 months with the company). However, I am going to a new company in August (top chemical company Fortune 50) with 110k per year salary.
Currently I work as Product Development Engineer managing projects. At my next company, I will be working as Customer Application Developer.
I'm considering applying for full-time MBA programs for the fall of 2025, which would mean I'll have total of two years of work experience by the start of applications in fall 2024 and three years by the time I enroll.
I want to work in MBB with potential interests in VC, HF, and startup, but I'm not sure if I should apply to MBA programs for the fall of 2025 or for the fall of 2026.
Also, I am slightly worried that whether the chances would be lower since I will be 29 or 30 by the time I am applying (meaning 31 or 32 by the time I'm out).
Obviously, my GRE score is not great so I will need to retake it or take GMAT.
I know getting an MBA is not going to be a game changer but from my times at grad school to now, I wanted to change my career to a more business oriented career. Obviously, I wanted to make a lot of money too.
Here's a bit about my background: I am an Asian Male with US Citizenship. I graduated with a major in Chemical Engineering and pursued a PhD from top 10 program with GPA of 3.93 and GRE scores of Math 169 and Verbal 154 (I also took in again for Math 167 and verbal 156). However, I recently dropped out with a masters degree after 3 years at grad program. I currently am 26 years old and am working for a chemical company at an international company earning 90k per year (It's only been 6 months with the company). However, I am going to a new company in August (top chemical company Fortune 50) with 110k per year salary.
Currently I work as Product Development Engineer managing projects. At my next company, I will be working as Customer Application Developer.
I'm considering applying for full-time MBA programs for the fall of 2025, which would mean I'll have total of two years of work experience by the start of applications in fall 2024 and three years by the time I enroll.
I want to work in MBB with potential interests in VC, HF, and startup, but I'm not sure if I should apply to MBA programs for the fall of 2025 or for the fall of 2026.
Also, I am slightly worried that whether the chances would be lower since I will be 29 or 30 by the time I am applying (meaning 31 or 32 by the time I'm out).
Obviously, my GRE score is not great so I will need to retake it or take GMAT.
I know getting an MBA is not going to be a game changer but from my times at grad school to now, I wanted to change my career to a more business oriented career. Obviously, I wanted to make a lot of money too.
12 Apr 2023, 18:12
Kudos
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Hi and welcome to GMAT Club!
I don't think age is going to be a major concern or consideration since it is not so much about age but rather your work experience. Some of the MBA applicants who went to law school or Med School or even military may be much older to accommodate to the difference in work experience. So, you don't have to rush in other words. You can get more settled, more experienced, and more established. If you want to that is. 3 Years of WE is probably the minimum most programs will consider (though things have been fluid).
One of the potential concerns for you may be the drop out from the PhD/Masters. It is not a problem per se but it is something you will need to explain as to why you changed your heart and why it will be different this time. The adcom will want to make sure that you have a foolproof plan for the MBA and for getting a job after graduation.
Something to consider with MBA is that you will have to deal a lot with people. Sounds like your job is already aligned but many engineers have a hard time transitioning sometimes...
P.S. If you have such a high Quant score, you may appreciate GMAT more and it may help highlight your strengths, esp as the new format to be introduced in winter this year will make quant more important than verbal (and remove SC).
Bottom line - I would not worry about your age quite as much and rush. It sounds like you are doing well with comp and with career trajectory. You basically want to present yourself like a shooting star in your field with promotions, growth, etc. That will help with both admissions AND with recruiting afterwards.
I don't think age is going to be a major concern or consideration since it is not so much about age but rather your work experience. Some of the MBA applicants who went to law school or Med School or even military may be much older to accommodate to the difference in work experience. So, you don't have to rush in other words. You can get more settled, more experienced, and more established. If you want to that is. 3 Years of WE is probably the minimum most programs will consider (though things have been fluid).
One of the potential concerns for you may be the drop out from the PhD/Masters. It is not a problem per se but it is something you will need to explain as to why you changed your heart and why it will be different this time. The adcom will want to make sure that you have a foolproof plan for the MBA and for getting a job after graduation.
Something to consider with MBA is that you will have to deal a lot with people. Sounds like your job is already aligned but many engineers have a hard time transitioning sometimes...
P.S. If you have such a high Quant score, you may appreciate GMAT more and it may help highlight your strengths, esp as the new format to be introduced in winter this year will make quant more important than verbal (and remove SC).
Bottom line - I would not worry about your age quite as much and rush. It sounds like you are doing well with comp and with career trajectory. You basically want to present yourself like a shooting star in your field with promotions, growth, etc. That will help with both admissions AND with recruiting afterwards.
12 Apr 2023, 23:55
Kudos
Bookmarks
I've helped people with two years of work experience get into top five US schools and INSEAD but they had a really solid resume/recs in terms of demonstrating leadership/ teamwork /problem solving. They also had a lot of community involvement, showing impact with that too. So, if you can establish all of that within two years, its possible, but if not then 3 is better. Results/impact is the key focus, as well as demonstrating investment and positive impact within a community.
WannabeMBAcand
