Hi there,
I agree with the feedback above - R3 is really tough from an admissions standpoint and if you got dings from R1 at the top schools, the chances of changing that around in R3 are slim. Of your list, UNC is probably the most likely of the 5 but still a stretch.
Absent further information, I would agree with your initial analysis that your undergrad GPA and higher years of work experience are working against you. Your compensation probably isn't helping your case either since you'll presumably be more expensive (and have higher expectations) for post-MBA hiring firms. (Plus, "% increase in salary post-MBA" factors into many of the rankings, which schools care about.) That's not to focus on the negative, I just wanted to shed a bit more light on what could be going through the adcom's mind as they reviewed your application. With that said, it could still be worth considering applying again next year with the right story - including crystal clear career goals and reasons for needing an MBA now.
Have you also considered EMBA programs? I know the part-time structure is less appealing to some but you might find your profile better suited to those programs, not to mention that your classmates will be more on the same page as you from a career timing standpoint. Another option would be European 1-year MBA programs (such as INSEAD, Cambridge Judge, etc.) which offer an accelerated timeline (which means lower opportunity cost at a time in your career when you're making more money) and are more friendly to older applicants. Whether or not those programs make sense for you also depends on your post-MBA goals, of course.
Anyways, I'm happy to chat through your options with you if that would be helpful. You can sign up for a free consultation through our website in my signature below. Either way, best of luck to you!
Kindly,
Melody
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