Hi there,
You definitely have an uphill battle given your experience level and existing MS Finance degree. You'll need to make a strong case for why you need a full-time MBA now. Have you considered options like Stanford MSX or MIT Sloan Fellows? These are full-time, one-year programs geared towards mid to senior management level. Highly recommend you consider those two. Otherwise focus on schools with a pretty wide age range in their class -- Tuck is a great one for that, as is NYU, UCLA.
Given that challenge, and the fact that you are aiming for top schools, GMAT is very important. If you continue to struggle to raise your score after the 2nd attempt, it's worth considering switching to take the GRE instead (schools accept both and average GREs tend to run a little lower).
Otherwise, your work experience sounds very strong with executive exposure, work in UAE, plus strong academic background including the Fulbright.
Best of luck!
Kate
jasukhera wrote:
Hi
My name is Junaid. I am 38 years old and I would appreciate your input on the below:
1. Choice of schools
2. Next steps
My brief background is as below:
Undergrad: LUMS Pakistan (B.Sc. (Hons) Economics): GPA: 3.07/4.00
Graduate: LUMS Pakistan (MS Computer Science): GPA: 3.59/4.00
Graduate: Johns Hopkins USA (Masters in Finance): GPA: 3.86/4.00 - Went on a Fulbright scholarship
Professional Experience
3 years: Entry-level Investment banking in Pakistan
8 years: Private Equity: Currently heading the private equity portfolio (USD 1 billion + size) of a large family office in UAE. Global investment mandate. Report directly to CEO. Title: Manager Investments.
Certifications:
CFA charterholder
GMAT score: Will be re-taking 1st week of October and targeting around 730. 1st attempt was very low. 660 (Q 48: V 34). I had 730 in GMAT Prep practice test.
Schools considered:
Wharton (My ex boss is a Wharton alum and has good insights on the process)
NYU
Chicago
Columbia
Stanford (Chairman of one of the companies I invested in sits on the Graduate School Board. I know him well so will use him for one of the recommendations)
Darmouth/Cornell
Why I want to do an MBA now?
I want to relocate geographies and continue in the same career path. Most of my peers in I-banking/PE have Ivy league MBAs so I think it will matter a lot going forward.
I am not keen on an executive MBA. I am aware I am at the upper end of the age bracket and it might be a long shot in some schools.
Any advice/feedback will be greatly appreciated.