Filthydelphia wrote:
HeadingEast wrote:
Filthydelphia wrote:
Sandy over at HBS Guru/Poets&Quants gave his thoughts on my profile. My career outside of the military has been accounting and compliance, jobs that aren't 'HBS feeder jobs' which sank my app. Didn't help that I will be 33 at matriculation. Goes to show you that sometimes you get dinged for things you cannot control (age, career to date), even if the things you can control (GMAT, GPA, essay) are in good shape.
I almost think I would have been better off omitting that I have private sector experience. A straight military applicant is preferable to a Reservist with active duty time but also many years of private sector experience.
As much as it sucks I think the 11 years WE was the deciding factor. It totally depends on the year and what element you bring to the class composition. Individuals on the far end of either side of the WE spectrum seem to be more polarizing
Sent from my iPhone using
GMAT Club Forum mobile appCan that be right? How can
more work experience possibly be a
negative? Something is off in business school admissions.
Candidates with more than 10 years of experience can successfully apply to BSchool, including HBS. I had 9 years of experience when I applied, and I wasn't the most experienced student in our class. I remember that one of the students was a 40+ (50+?) university professor (Mathematics), looking to switch field. HBS and other top programs do admit very experienced applicants every year (albeit a small number). However, it is absolutely key to convey why you feel that applying at this point of your career still makes sense, and to clearly articulate your post MBA goals and show that you know precisely how to get there). It's likely quite important as well to convince them that you will fit in the BSchool environment. Finally, for applicants from underrepresented industries, a strong track record of professional success, and robust LORs can make a big difference.
A lot of great candidates with fantastic stats receive dings every year, often without interview, and it's hard to single out the precise reason in most cases.
There are many other great programs, and an HBS ding is in no way an indication of your potential (or lack thereof) to get into a leading MBA. All the best !