IS IT ONLY ME?

Question

Hi,
From past 3 years I had been clinging to my dream of getting into top business school...Due to family commitments and responsibilities, I was not able to give complete attention to preparing for my dream. I am 29 years old at the moment, doing ok with my career (in IT) and planning for mba to get job opportunities at senior levels. After lots of struggle, repeated failures to keep up with my studies I took gmat exam twice and scored 440 the first time and 470 the second time. 

I have started to feel that maybe I am not "apt" for gmat or should I simply re-visit my career plans at 29th year of my life. I made lots of adjustments towards my personal front and office environment and made them clear about my dream. Everyone is supporting me fully but I am not able to maintain a consistent study pattern for gmat. I did my swot analysis, self introspection a hundred times to check whether my dream is still prtactically feasible or I am simply going nuts. Is there anyone like me out there Or am I simply being obsessed with my dream from past 3 years? Should I consider going for MBA at 30 years of age?

sm176811 · Answer

Dont Worry Dude! You are still well within the age limit!

Just practice practice practice!! You will definately succeed!!

They Say...

'Some are destined to succeed, some are determined to succeed'

ALSO

'If your mind can conceive it, your heart can believe it, have faith that you can achieve it!!'

All the BEST and keep us posted!

gmatesttaker · Answer

Thanks sm176811 for your words of encouragement. 
I liked what you said - "If your mind can conceive it, your heart can believe it, have faith that you can achieve it!! " 

Does anyone know of any good web-based or online gmat prep classes? I have already taken a crash course in Kaplan 2 years ago but I need to join another one to keep consistency. Thanks.

sunandan.ganguly · Answer

testtaker,

My friend. I am turining 30 this year. I already have a failed marriage behind me. I was going through major depression about 6 mths back. But, I told myself that I am not gonna let my personal setbacks get me. Thats where my quest for Management education started. I have a highly satisfying (Wall Street) job, a boss that adores me and I know that I will grow fast at my job. But, lately I have found myself asking if I will be happy doing what I am doing now and have never received an unqualified "Yes". Truth of the matter is, you are as old as you think you are. And in my knowledge, the average age of B school students is 28-31 with 5-8 yrs of work ex.

So, please dont give up, esp. since you have nurtured your dream for 3 yrs now. And just do one thing - "BELIEVE". You'll be fine.

Cheers !!

gmatkrishna · Answer

I am 32 yrs old and I have just started my preparation. I dont mind going to a top school even in my late thirties for I feel age is no barrier (for quest for excellence). 

Never under estimate yourself 

Good luck

gmatesttaker · Answer

Thank you, gmatkrishna and sunandan. I was surprised and touched by overwhelming support from all of you. I wish you best in your mba preparation. Thank you again everyone.

MA466 · Answer

I am also 31 and still praparing myself for GMAT.I never brought my age to spoil my dream. Go ahead and you will be succeed.
ma466

old_dream_1976 · Answer

You are as old as you think you are. 

But you need to be very clear about what a top school MBA can offer you. We are all unique in our backgrounds, constraints, ambitions etc and expect unique things from a B school experience. 

Just be absolutely clear about your field of interest. Do a lot of research. think about what you want in life. e.g. Investment Banking (PE) looks glamourous but are you willing to sacrifice what it takes to succeed in IB ?

alimad · Answer

dude, you're just 29, i'm 33 and extremely motivated to pursue an MBA. You are at the best time of your career because you have now the skills and the age to take up MBA responsibility. Keep up the good work and keep you focus in you'll be fine. Just remember all you need is 3 months of good studies. Here' what I would do , just devote the next three months totally, I mean totally towards your gmat. I can guarantee you that you'll get the score but you'll have to make changes in your personal life( but it's only for 3 months). So the $64,000 question is, are you up for the challenge!!. Are you???? Are you , are you are you. ??? Tell me you are !!

All the best. 

Gmat , the final front

dawnietheskier · Answer

I'm 41! I guess I'm ancient compared to you youngins. My plan is to attend a program part time as oppose to a full time -- assuming that i can get my gmat score up. i've been out of school for 2 decades and i didn't remember any of the math. my score was so low that i'm embarrased to even tell you what it was. I've invested in the GMAX online course and i've already seen a drastic improvement. I took the diagnostic test today and realized a huge improvement in both areas. That's after only 2 lessons with GMAX. If you haven't already invested in another program I'd check out the demos on this site.

And keep the faith, if I believe that i can do it at my age you surely can.

Anecdote: I've been through a divorce too, and my attorney started law school very late, if i'm not mistaken at the age of about 38-40. She was a heck of an attorney -- and now she's one of those attorneys that is a judge on TV. I won't tell you which one but there are only a few :lol:

drummond · Answer

Heh. Dawnie, I will be 46 inside of two months from now.

So I don't want to hear you kids complain about being too old!

Old_dream makes an excellent point though;  have a plan . 

Good luck!

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