I'm 33 - Am I too old for applying for MBA in US?

Adding my 0.02$ here. When you are considering MBA from US B School at age of 32+, consider the following:

- Higher the GMAT better. HBS Guru - Sandy said very clearly that top B Schools would prefer someone with a 780 GMAT score and zero leadership experience over someone who has managed 1000 people. He said "Anyone can manage a 1000 people how many can get a 780 on the GMAT."
- Apply to schools outside Top 10. Schools in the range of 20-60 are much more achievable. 750+ GMAT scores can also mean full scholarship in these schools.
- Get help from some consultants right now and engage in conversation with them. 1 year is enough time to mold your profile 2 months is NOT.
- If possible, Apply in Round 1, Early Admit rounds.

Adding my 0.02$ here. When you are considering MBA from US B School at age of 32+, consider the following:

- Higher the GMAT better. HBS Guru - Sandy said very clearly that top B Schools would prefer someone with a 780 GMAT score and zero leadership experience over someone who has managed 1000 people. He said "Anyone can manage a 1000 people how many can get a 780 on the GMAT."
- Apply to schools outside Top 10. Schools in the range of 20-60 are much more achievable. 750+ GMAT scores can also mean full scholarship in these schools.
- Get help from some consultants right now and engage in conversation with them. 1 year is enough time to mold your profile 2 months is NOT.
- If possible, Apply in Round 1, Early Admit rounds.

Can some tell me who is Sandy?

Hi All,

This is my first post !! Feels Happy & Great to be part of GMAT Club !!

I'm planning to apply for MBA in the US for 2015 Fall in take, for which I will start applying by end of this year.

I'm a Project Manager in a US based company (currently in South India) & wish to take up MBA to reach to senior management positions quickly & handle that position effectively.

My question (and my worry!) is: I will be 33 when I apply for MBA, and will have 11 years of progressive experience in IT !!

Am I too old for MBA? Will my applications be considered in the first place (or) be rejected out-right ??

Please let me know.

Based on the responses I will have to decide whether or not I should plan for GMAT & MBA.

Many thanks in advance.

Ram

Hey Ram,

I have almost identical background as yours. I also have my own startup(I contribute on a part-time basis). I am 32 and going through the ordeal this year. All dings in the first round. I have slight hopes on the second round outcome. I have a GMAT score of 700 and did a decent job with essays. But so far no luck.

Some unsolicited advice :

1. It's going to be very tough. Manage your expectations. Someone once told me that getting into a top US business school is a two year process for Indians.
2. Get a stellar GMAT score. I think a lot of people underplay the role of GMAT in the admissions. A very high GMAT will probably make the adcom take an another look at your essays
3. Stellar essays.
4. Why MBA story has to be perfect. Career goals should be crystal clear and make sense. By looking at the resume and essays, the adcom should know why you want an MBA and how your will flourish with it.
5. Play the round strategy properly.

I know all of these things in the hindsight. This sounds easy to execute, but it's a lot of hard work. One idea is to look at 1 years programs in Europe. They are relatively easy to get into and age is not going be a major issue there.

First step for you is to understand why you need an MBA clearly(not just getting senior management position). Start looking at the linked profiles and get a clear understanding of your career trajectory post-MBA. Explore post-MBA careers paths. Talk to current students and alumni.

If you are committed and strong, I don't see any reason why you won't make it just because you are 33. But the path is difficult and at the end of it you will come out as a better person. All the best!

Thanks,
Prodizy

Ram,
Prodizy has some very good advice in there. The point is that age becomes an issue for the adcom only if you show them that it is an issue/concern for you! If everything in your application is telling the same story and it makes sense as a progression (experience - MBA - career goals), age is out of the picture (except for top schools like Harvard). I'm 34 at the moment, and I've received offers with scholarship from more than one US school. Good luck!