Too old for full time?

Question

Hi all,

Big fan of this forum. I will be taking my GMAT later this year and my target school is UC Berkeley. I will be 35 during the process. I do have strong work experience and I have been part of a successful startup for the past 3 years. Is 35 too old for a full time program or do I still stand a chance based on my resume?

Thanks.

refurb · Answer

35 is pushing it, I think. But it really depends on the school.

I was 33 when I started. Out of a class of 260, there are maybe 5 others that are as old or older than I am. Our oldest is 37. Tuck is pretty "older person" friendly.

It kinda comes down to whether or not a full time MBA is right for you (and thus your are a good match for the school's program).

RF

kinokosarada · Answer

This year's class average is 27, Tuck is obviously less and less "older person" friendly. I was 33 too when I started and our oldest this year is 34.
psv76: you should perhaps consider European programs such as IMD or INSEAD (but heard that the average was down at INSEAD too), one year programs in the States (Johnson, Kellogg...) or EMBAs.

nink · Answer

I would agree (in general) with refurb's assessment. There are special exceptions at every school (age 37-40ish).

I would also like to add that you may find opportunities limited (compared to your peers) due to your age and experience. For example, some companies are looking to fill their positions with younger candidates. Some HR reps would ask older candidates if he/she would be okay with working for someone younger than him/her. It's illegal for companies to reject an applicant based on his/her age. However, they have every right to only select candidates they want to interview.

So if you don't have a special reason, I would recommend PT MBA or EMBA program.

psv76 · Answer

Thanks for the feedback. I had PT as my backup option at UCB. I cannot move out of the bay area due to other commitments.

Posted from my mobile device

StacyBlackman · Answer

Hi psv76,

You should not be worried that you have hit some imaginary cut-off age. As an older candidate, you will have to prove that it makes sense to return to school at this late stage of your career and that you are not merely encountering a mid-career crisis.

You will also have to demonstrate that all of your time in the work world has been well spent. You should demonstrate progression, tangible contributions, and a high level of self-awareness, confidence, and maturity. A 37-year-old applicant who has spent 15 years in the same position without showing significant growth or progression will have a hard time being admitted to a top school. But this is not because they are 37 or because of the 15 years of experience. Rather, it is because they may have not demonstrated growth during that time.

I hope this was of help.

Best,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Too old for full time?

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