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28 Jan 2015, 19:14
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Hi everyone,
Im an older applicant wanting to apply to a full time program (not even that high full time program). I haven't taken the GMAT yet, so to be fair im just starting. I'm turning 40 in March and I recently reached out to an admissions consultant and this is the info I received:
"So, when it comes to European programs, they ARE more open to older applicants. But (and my apologies for the confusion there) 39 is still a bit too old for the top programs. They skew up to 31, 32, 33... but as you get closer to 40, it's just much, much harder to get in. And LBS is definitely gonna be a BIG stretch, since they are one of the only 2-year programs in Europe, which means they actually prefer applicants in the 28-31 range.
So, we'll definitely want to stick with US schools ranked 30-50 or 30-60. That's where we'll want to start, at least. And taking the GMAT in May should be just fine. That'll give you some time to re-take if you need to. The only thing I'd recommend is NOT waiting until the GMAT is done to get started on this process. You've got a bit challenge ahead of you, and a lot of work to do to overcome it, so no matter what... we should start as soon as possible. I want to dig into your profile a bit, learn more about you, and figure out where you stand now. And then we can lay out a long-term plan so we can use the next 6 months to your advantage: start researching schools, start making moves to make your career change seem less severe, figure out your strategy to explain why you waited so long to get an MBA, figure out your strategy to explain why you need an MBA now (without looking to the adcom like you're in a dead-end in your career... which is what they often think with older applicants!), etc.
Lots and lots to do, and the earlier we start, the better off you'll be. I know you've got a lot going on at the moment, but if we wanna do this right, we'll wanna start using this time to your advantage as much as we can!
I know that's a lot of info, so digest it all, and then send me any and all Qs you've got!"
Before I say anything else, these folks have been very nice as well as professional and I can't tell if it's tough love or what - but at 40 you just don't respond to tough love from someone ten years younger than you as well. It's kind of frustrating though - they can supposedly get chicken farmers into top schools but can't get a licensed engineer with 17 years experience into a good school? I hate to sound frustrated, but I am. Extremely. If this is the way it is, then I'll just go on and do something else. But before I did, I just wanted a second opinion. Thank you all for your help.
Im an older applicant wanting to apply to a full time program (not even that high full time program). I haven't taken the GMAT yet, so to be fair im just starting. I'm turning 40 in March and I recently reached out to an admissions consultant and this is the info I received:
"So, when it comes to European programs, they ARE more open to older applicants. But (and my apologies for the confusion there) 39 is still a bit too old for the top programs. They skew up to 31, 32, 33... but as you get closer to 40, it's just much, much harder to get in. And LBS is definitely gonna be a BIG stretch, since they are one of the only 2-year programs in Europe, which means they actually prefer applicants in the 28-31 range.
So, we'll definitely want to stick with US schools ranked 30-50 or 30-60. That's where we'll want to start, at least. And taking the GMAT in May should be just fine. That'll give you some time to re-take if you need to. The only thing I'd recommend is NOT waiting until the GMAT is done to get started on this process. You've got a bit challenge ahead of you, and a lot of work to do to overcome it, so no matter what... we should start as soon as possible. I want to dig into your profile a bit, learn more about you, and figure out where you stand now. And then we can lay out a long-term plan so we can use the next 6 months to your advantage: start researching schools, start making moves to make your career change seem less severe, figure out your strategy to explain why you waited so long to get an MBA, figure out your strategy to explain why you need an MBA now (without looking to the adcom like you're in a dead-end in your career... which is what they often think with older applicants!), etc.
Lots and lots to do, and the earlier we start, the better off you'll be. I know you've got a lot going on at the moment, but if we wanna do this right, we'll wanna start using this time to your advantage as much as we can!
I know that's a lot of info, so digest it all, and then send me any and all Qs you've got!"
Before I say anything else, these folks have been very nice as well as professional and I can't tell if it's tough love or what - but at 40 you just don't respond to tough love from someone ten years younger than you as well. It's kind of frustrating though - they can supposedly get chicken farmers into top schools but can't get a licensed engineer with 17 years experience into a good school? I hate to sound frustrated, but I am. Extremely. If this is the way it is, then I'll just go on and do something else. But before I did, I just wanted a second opinion. Thank you all for your help.
Hi and thank you for posting this one. I see you have been around for a bit.
I feel for you. What the consultant meant is that for full-time MBA you are probably past your prime. I know it hurts to be told you are too old (I am getting up there too) but the reality is that schools want folks who are on fire and will keep being on fire (sprinters rather than marathoners). There are many reasons and some are BS while others are valid.
However, this does not mean you can't go to bschool - you absolutely can and there are MANY options; just not a traditional full time program.
Your options would be:
1) EMBA
2) PTMBA (though you maybe politely asked to head to EMBA)
3) Programs such as Stanford Sloan Program (not sure if many of this kind)
4) Perhaps a European program; i know a few are open to older applicants
I think you will be much better off in EMBA - folks of your age... unless you really like 25-26 year-olds as your peers; I would guess will be tough to connect and form long-lasting bonds as you are in very different stages of your life.
Anyway, the consultant is not wrong or off really unfortunately. You can google for the expert of this - MBAOver30 is his username on GMAT Club and site as well I believe.
Also, here is an interesting older post: older-applicants-friendly-schools-59661.html ... no pun intended.
P.S. Here is a view of all schools and average age of students: all-school-stats-in-one-place-166143.html
I feel for you. What the consultant meant is that for full-time MBA you are probably past your prime. I know it hurts to be told you are too old (I am getting up there too) but the reality is that schools want folks who are on fire and will keep being on fire (sprinters rather than marathoners). There are many reasons and some are BS while others are valid.
However, this does not mean you can't go to bschool - you absolutely can and there are MANY options; just not a traditional full time program.
Your options would be:
1) EMBA
2) PTMBA (though you maybe politely asked to head to EMBA)
3) Programs such as Stanford Sloan Program (not sure if many of this kind)
4) Perhaps a European program; i know a few are open to older applicants
I think you will be much better off in EMBA - folks of your age... unless you really like 25-26 year-olds as your peers; I would guess will be tough to connect and form long-lasting bonds as you are in very different stages of your life.
Anyway, the consultant is not wrong or off really unfortunately. You can google for the expert of this - MBAOver30 is his username on GMAT Club and site as well I believe.
Also, here is an interesting older post: older-applicants-friendly-schools-59661.html ... no pun intended.
P.S. Here is a view of all schools and average age of students: all-school-stats-in-one-place-166143.html
gcb09173
Joined: 23 Oct 2014
Last visit: 20 Oct 2015
Posts: 188
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 36
Concentration: Finance, Strategy
Schools: LBS '17 (M$)
29 Jan 2015, 03:02
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LBS usually stretches up to 37-38 on the FT MBA but that will be one or two exceptional candidates.
Once you're approaching your level of work experience they would likely suggest taking one of the EMBA options.
However LBS also have the one year full time Sloan MSc - which might be exactly the type of thing you after and fit with your profile?
What they look for:
Are you a successful senior manager, professional or entrepreneur?
Do you have more than 15 years’ experience?
Are you a decision maker who is accountable for results?
Are you looking for the skills and confidence to accelerate to a C-suite or board level position or start your own business?
Do you lead critical projects and manage change within your organisation?
Would you fit into a highly experienced and diverse class of highly accomplished fellow students?
Do you have a passion for learning and the drive to set yourself apart?
It kinda comes down to what your aspirations are - targeting lower ranked schools just because you are further along the age curve does not seem worthwhile if you could attend a top school based on credentials, and it is perhaps a little late to have a radical career shift that a traditional 2 year MBA could offer. However the EMBA/MSc route might aid transfer into industry consulting or stepping up a notch in your career, moving into more strategic, marketing, management positions etc??
Also if your network in your target post education position is excellent then it possibly doesn't matter how and where you do it?
It appears you may have given the consultant more background as he suggests career switching - if you could provide that here then it might help someone give a decent second opinion?
Once you're approaching your level of work experience they would likely suggest taking one of the EMBA options.
However LBS also have the one year full time Sloan MSc - which might be exactly the type of thing you after and fit with your profile?
What they look for:
Are you a successful senior manager, professional or entrepreneur?
Do you have more than 15 years’ experience?
Are you a decision maker who is accountable for results?
Are you looking for the skills and confidence to accelerate to a C-suite or board level position or start your own business?
Do you lead critical projects and manage change within your organisation?
Would you fit into a highly experienced and diverse class of highly accomplished fellow students?
Do you have a passion for learning and the drive to set yourself apart?
It kinda comes down to what your aspirations are - targeting lower ranked schools just because you are further along the age curve does not seem worthwhile if you could attend a top school based on credentials, and it is perhaps a little late to have a radical career shift that a traditional 2 year MBA could offer. However the EMBA/MSc route might aid transfer into industry consulting or stepping up a notch in your career, moving into more strategic, marketing, management positions etc??
Also if your network in your target post education position is excellent then it possibly doesn't matter how and where you do it?
It appears you may have given the consultant more background as he suggests career switching - if you could provide that here then it might help someone give a decent second opinion?
