Profile Evaluation Request

Hi,


I'd really appreciate it if you could evaluate my profile!


· ​Demographics : 29, Female, Asian American
· Education: GPA 3.6, Economics major, Top 20 Public University
· GMAT or GRE: GMAT 710 (Q47, V40) I'm planning to retake it soon to get a higher score.
· Work experience: Tech consultant at a global consulting firm (Not MBB/Big4).
· Target schools: M7 schools, Yale SOM, Haas, NYU Stern



I started college at 20 and it took an extra year for me to graduate because of some personal issues. To make a long story short, I did ballet at school for about 10 years but had to change my career by the time I auditioned for colleges because of some health issues and injuries directly related to my performance. Fortunately, I got into a decent school after a few years of struggle and graduated with an okay GPA even though it took longer than I thought. Since I graduated from college, I've been working at a global consulting firm as a Technology Consultant. It's been about 2.5 years and I got promoted once.
I've always wanted to do an MBA but I'm concerned about my age and work experience. I know most people apply at 26 - 28 with 4-5 years of experience but if I apply this year, I will be applying at 29. Plus, other older applicants around my age usually have much more work experience, which is about 7-9 years. I'm concerned that admissions officers might interpret the relatively short years of work experience compared to my age as a sign of incompetency.

My current GMAT score is 710 and I know it's on the lower side for my target schools. I'm planning to retake a couple more times within the next two months and apply in Round 2. In the worst case scenario (If I don't get the target score within the next two months), I will wait and apply next year (2022) in Round 1. I'm personally okay to apply next year but wonder whether it'd decrease the odds of me getting into one of the top schools. I'm already on the older side even if I apply this year (applying at 29) and if I apply in 2022, I will be applying at 30. It is personally and financially better for me to apply in 2022 but I've heard applying at/over 30 could decrease the odds significantly. My concerns are:

1. Will my age and relatively short years of work experience compared to my age be viewed negatively? Let's say I submit my application with a higher GMAT score (740+), do you think I still have a chance to get into top schools? I'd like to know whether the admission committees would view my age and relatively short work experience compared to my age as academic failure or lack of ability even if I submit my application with a high GMAT score.

2. Is there a huge difference between applying at 29 and applying at 30? If I apply in Round 2 this year, I will be applying at 29 with about 3 years of experience (3.6 at matriculation). If I apply next year, I will be applying at 30 with about 4 years of experience. If I actually end up applying next year, do you think the odds would decrease dramatically even if I submit my application with a higher GMAT score? Should I just try my best to apply this year in Round 2?


I'd appreciate any advice or feedback you can give me.

Hi @SaraG1117,

You look like a fantastic candidate. I wouldn't be concerned with your age and work experience. The work experience is in line with the typical 3-8 years at time of matriculation. The age isn't an issue, however because there's a 'mismatch', you can clear up any potential confusion by writing an optional essay and address the college timeline. You should also make your timeline very clear in your resume by adding dates and structuring the resume according to experiences (college, professional and possibly ballet). Happy to discuss in more depth - feel free to arrange a consultation with me. More direct feedback to your questions in blue below.


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