Does being Married help or hurt?

Question

I haven't really heard much on this topic. Does anyone know how the admissions folks view someone who is married vs not? Or does it affect the admissions process at all?

Thanks

bsd_lover · Answer

I would suggest taking a look at the statistics of the schools that you are interested in. I personally do not think that its much of an issue, you would expect a proportion of the student body to be married if they are in their late 20s.

riverripper · Answer

I think some schools pride themselves on being family friendly and have a much higher percentage of students who are married than other schools. I don't think being married helps you at these schools, I tend to think married people are more likely to select them.

kidderek · Answer

I don't think it makes much difference to schools. Certain job industries may care.

riverripper · Answer

If you want to go to BYU it may matter...something like 90% of their class is married. Kellogg has a very high percentage of students married. Tuck and Duke both pride themselves on being family friendly.

GMATcram · Answer

I think it's positive sign, given that you're mature. I saw married applicants , especially female, got huge scholarships this year. Again, an admit heavily depends on your whole application, but schools also reject just because of one minor factor like TOEFL even you got high GMAT and the rest is pretty impressive. Last year, a lot of guys considered the admit at top school a "random" pick.

lepium · Answer

It doesn't matter per se, it may only matter if it does or does not make sense within your life plan/aspirations/goals.

Eg: if your short term goal is to be a rock star and tour all year long playing every other day at a different city and "getting to know" lots of groupies, then being married may be a red flag, but just because your plans are not that "together" so to speak. 

On the other hand, if during your interview you mention that the most important thing in life to you is your family (just because you read here that someone else did so) and then mention that you are single and haven't visited your folks or any other relative for 3 years straight, then that's another kind of red flag (the "he's full of BS" red flag).

The examples are quite far fetched, but you get my point.

L.

lanter1 · Answer

I agree and disagree that it shows maturity. I have married friends who are extremely immature and can't get over the frat mentality developed in college and some who act like they are collecting social security.

One thing i will say is that it brings a sense of security and consistency to life. I am married and if I was single still, i would be out every weekend night (at least) chasing girls. Being married inables me to focus on different things and takes some drama out of life, imo. My wife and i go out on the weekends, but my life does not revolve around that. My single, guy and girl friends can't wait for the weekend. For me, it's still exciting, but i don't plan my lweek or life around it.

rhyme · Answer

It wont matter.

Does being Married help or hurt?

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