Hi Amy:
To be perfectly honest, you are not going to have a problem getting into the part time programs at UCLA or USC. How I know this? Because I have helped people with lower GPA and lower GMAT scores get into these two programs -- especially UCLA.
However, this does not mean that we do not need to think critically about the application process. I do not want to give you a false sense of security.
I do not think that your GPA is going to be the issue. This is for several reasons -- the first reason is that it occurred 15 years ago -- the second reason is that you show grade progression -- the third reason is that you did very well on the GMAT. This is somewhat of a proxy for your ability to perform well within a business school program.
I do think that your age may be a concern to the admissions committee. With your 15 years of work experience,they are going to be looking at your career progression. If you are a financial analyst, they are going to wonder why you are not the manager -- for example. This can be mitigated by writing about your significant leadership experiences at work -- either formal or informal. I want to be very specific with my advice for UCLA as well. There is a checkbox on the online application form that asks you if you would consider another MBA program at UCLA Anderson, should the admissions committee deem you a better fit for that program. You are going to want to check that box. That pretty much means they are lining you up for the executive MBA program. If you can write about your management experiences, you may be a good fit for that program, in addition to the FEMBA program.
The long story short -- you will definitely be able to get into Pepperdine. I think that USC is also very realistic. I think that UCLA is also a strong possibility, as long you can address the points above.
I hope all of this helps. Please let me know if you would like to set up an initial consultation for next week. I can share more of the ins and outs of the UCLA program over the phone.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
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