How old is too old for B school full time?

Question

I am 30 and planning to apply for admission in 2014. From many of the posts I've read it sounds like admissions takes age into consideration and that older applicants may be at a disadvantage. Can anyone confirm or deny this observation? Specifically, I am looking at UT Austin, Rice and Dartmouth. Any input on those programs? Thanks!

bagdbmba · Answer

I don't think at 30 you're at any short hand...

Although MBA average age ranges from mid20s to mid 30s in general(it's very relative to Schools also),however one needs to show one's respective achievements if going for an MBA after 8+ years of job.. And besides the normal full time MBA you've the option for EMBA,if you're interested in. Anyways,I'm not an expert and the same MBA aspirant like you..

Look forward to some experts shedding light on this thread...

cheetarah1980 · Answer

I applied to business school at 31 and matriculated at 32. I do not think my age was an obstacle at all. Just like any other candidate your reasons for doing an MBA now have to make sense. There are plenty of people over 30 in top MBA programs. I don't think you really need to "seek out" the schools who are "open" to older applicants. If you're a good applicant you're a good applicant, regardless of age.

gmat80000 · Answer

bagdbmba · Answer

Hi cheetarah1980,

Just out of curiosity..did you do EMBA or normal MBA?

And when and from where did you do your MBA? what was your GMAT score..?

Strongholder80 · Answer

Hi lahai1dj,
You should not worry about your age. I am 32 now, and because of the 620 GMAT I have decided to postpone my application for 1 year. So, I will be 34 in 2014. Actually, I think that the age does not matter if you know why do you need an MBA and if you believe that you really need it.
Unfortunatelly, I cannot post urls till I am the member for 5 days, but there is the article on Poets&Quants "Am I Too Old To Get An MBA?"
I think you find there the answer to your question.

gmat3000 · Answer

I posted a similar question and feedback is that if you can put in a strong application go for it. I think it does become a little more difficult but many schools are ok with it. A lot less over the age of 30 apply so the numbers are lower. There might be some top schools where it is competitive but that goes for all applicants. If you have a good case go for it. Make sure you put in the strongest application possible in terms of essays a good gmat etc.

Admissionado · Answer

There is no "cutoff" age for an MBA, although once you get into your late 30s most schools will look askance at your application. Also, top 10 schools tend to like their applicants younger than other schools. Best is to consult the actual facts for the specific schools you are aiming at looking at previous years class profiles... soooo, Rice: Median age of entering class: 27 Mean age of entering class: 28 McCombs: Median age of entering class: 28 Mean age of entering class: 28 Dartmouth: Median age of entering class: 28 Mean age of entering class: 28 And what does that mean? Basically you are within even the standard deviation. Just apply (well, not "just"... but you know

)

highwyre237 · Answer

this was a great blog entry on this subject https://mbaover30.com/2012/10/07/mba-adm ... okie-hype/

cheetarah1980 · Answer

All of my info is right under my name. I only applied to full-time programs.

lahai1dj · Answer

highwyre237, this blog is great. Thanks for sharing!

How old is too old for B school full time?

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