Chances of big 3 at 38?

Question

Hi,

I am 37 years old male from India looking to apply next year. I am yet to take my G mat or GRE and I am in the initial stages of evaluating as to whether a Global MBA program is possible for me.

I have 14 years of experience, the latest being 3 years of heading a fintech platform at a conglomerate. Prior to that, I was looking at strategy at an NBFC and before that, 6 years in investment banking. I am looking for an international exposure. I already hold an MBA from IIM Indore having graduated in 2010. Wanted to understand if there’s any chance of someone like me getting through one of the big 3 US b schools.

Thanks.

Archit3110 · Answer

Sure you can .. your reason for why MBA should be strong to convince adcom... target at least 645 GMAT score..

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hi  Rottenroti  , I hope all is well!

At 38, securing admission to the "big 3" U.S. business schools (HBS, Stanford, Wharton,  accept second MBA candidates ) for a second MBA can be challenging due to your age, career stage, and the fact that you already hold an MBA from IIM Indore. These schools  primarily  target younger candidates or those without prior MBA-equivalent degrees. That said, your 14 years of impressive experience, including leadership roles in fintech, strategy, and investment banking, positions you as a strong candidate for programs like the Sloan Fellows (MIT, Stanford, LBS) or Executive MBAs, which are designed for seasoned professionals. To strengthen your application, aim for a high GMAT score (700+, higher the better), craft a compelling narrative explaining  why a second MBA is essential for your goals , and explore programs that cater to mid-career professionals seeking global exposure. While HSW may be a long shot, other top programs can provide the international opportunities you seek. If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a 1:1 call with you to discuss your profile in detail to gauge your chances for the best-fit schools. Please feel free to  schedule a profile evaluation call  according to your convenience.

Please feel free to  “Join Our Exclusive Webinar!"

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
 Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  Rottenroti ,

Getting into the top 3 schools is not going to be straightforward considering your age, years of experience, and prior management degree; you should look at targeting EMBA programs or 1 year MBA programs in the US alongside aiming for as high a GMAT score as you can.

All the best!

minhhoangvo · Answer

you have to understand why they should admit you to the regular MBA program when you're too overqualified. I highly doubt that you yourself can find a good reason why you need to be in one of those top programs besides the school's brand name and network, which to the admission team is highly unfavorable.

Instead, the schools will always try to ask you to apply for their eMBA, which I also think is a better fit for your career at this stage. You still get the brand name and the highly valuable network you need without sabotaging other younger candidates' chance of getting in their MBA programs.

Rottenroti · Answer

I can neither afford an EMBA nor am I likely to benefit from it. The biggest reason I'm looking for an MBA abroad is to have an international career.

Is there absolutely no chance that they'll select someone like me?

minhhoangvo · Answer

I can never speak on behalf of any school, tbh, but the chances are slim for sure.

With that, you may need to manage your expectation of the tier of schools you're planning to apply to. I do know some people who'd had a local MBA degree and would still later apply to a US MBA program - not sure if they've made it or not in the end.

If you feel strongly about this as a necessary part of your next career move, be sure to narrate it well in your application and explain the details. I would still suggest you give it a shot, because you have nothing to lose here.

LilacBuds · Answer

Hi,

Let me break your profile into important data points:

1. Educational Background:

Existing Qualifications: You have an MBA from IIM-Indore.

Opportunities for Further Education: In the U.S., most of the top MBA programs accept candidates for a second MBA. This includes prestigious schools like Stanford, Wharton, Yale, NYU Stern, Kellogg (Northwestern), Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Harvard Business School (HBS), MIT Sloan, Cornell, and Michigan Ross.

Alternative One-Year Programs: You can consider one-year MBA options tailored to experienced executives such as the Stanford MSx Program, MIT Sloan Fellows MBA Program, Kellogg’s One-Year MBA and Emory Goizueta’s 1 year MBA program

2. Professional Experience:

Years of Experience: By 2026, you will have over 15 years of professional experience.

Nature of Experience: Your career so far includes a diverse mix of roles, emphasizing significant leadership experience.

3. Standardized Test Scores: Required Scores for Admission

GRE - Score of 326 plus desired

GMAT - Score of 675 plus desired

Advice: With your extensive experience and prior MBA, targeting specialized one-year programs can enhance your leadership skills and further enrich your strategic management capabilities, positioning you effectively for higher-level executive roles.

In case you have any further questions/doubts, you can reach out to us. Book a free call on www.lilacbuds.com

Best
Rajiv

Rottenroti

Hi,

I am 37 years old male from India looking to apply next year. I am yet to take my G mat or GRE and I am in the initial stages of evaluating as to whether a Global MBA program is possible for me.

I have 14 years of experience, the latest being 3 years of heading a fintech platform at a conglomerate. Prior to that, I was looking at strategy at an NBFC and before that, 6 years in investment banking. I am looking for an international exposure. I already hold an MBA from IIM Indore having graduated in 2010. Wanted to understand if there’s any chance of someone like me getting through one of the big 3 US b schools.

Thanks.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Please feel free to take a look this  BLOG .

Chances of big 3 at 38?

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