Where would a nontraditional background be a strength?

Hi Decadecaf,
So by mid-30's I'm assuming you're about 35? There are a lot of questions left open which Jon pointed out. But let's say you're an interesting guy, and you're a writer yourself with an interest in branding and you have a sense of how to spin your story into a compelling human interest story.....so let's assume that reading your application is going to be a pleasure for the Adcom and you're the kind of guy they want to meet. Now as far as doing MBA Math....sounds like you stressed while taking the GMAT the first time and still got a 700. I think it would be reasonable to assume that if you sat the GMAT again, you could get a 720. I'd look to do that especially since you are pretty early in the game.

Now the big elephant in the room is the age thing. If you're 35 now you won't start an MBA until you're 36 or 37....which means you would graduate at 38 or 39. Even if the Adcom really likes you...they serve two other masters and they are: 1. Rankings 2. Companies that recruit at their program. In terms of the rankings - they need 99% of the class to find a good paying job within 3 months of graduation.....and in terms of the companies, they need to cater to what they are looking for (both in terms of skill-set and age). If you're looking to get into brand management at a consumer goods company like P&G etc. an MBA is a great way to do that.....but they want people who are bit younger. I seriously question whether you would be able to land that position through on campus recruiting. And now back to the rankings....that means you would need to find a job through your own networking/means...which makes you a risky candidate...one who might not land a high enough paying job 3 months post-mba.

I'd be happy to chat and discuss further. I feel like you could get into an MBA program but I questioned whether you are going to get the return on investment you imagine. Without more detail it's hard to get a real feel.

All the best,
Leah