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Yen Truong Female and older applicant-handicap or no? Hello, I was going to apply for Fall 2016 but have decided to delay for another year to build a stronger application and retackle the GMAT for a better score (to override my less than 3.0 GPA). I do have an alternative transcript and took some graduate business courses a few years back. I've been in financial services since graduating in 2007 (moved through 2 different departments and promoted once so far in each department I've been at) and would like to transition into a new industry (Ideally Retail/CPG and took an interest to consulting/strategy because I enjoyed the experience that I had so far doing pro bono consulting for skills based volunteering.). Although I do have career growth at my current position (I have been doing manager level work for the last six months), I would like to break into a field that I have more genuine interest in and take on a more analytical and leadership role that my current role does not provide. Also, I just finished the MBALaunch program from the Forte Foundation but haven't utilized the program as I should have due to my grueling work schedule. However, I am grateful for the resources I do have and will utilize them more towards my Fall 2017 application. My question is relative to age. I will be 31 when I'm going to apply for Fall 2017 and would be 32 when I matriculate. I know that it is slightly higher than the average age per MBA class (My school choices are Duke, UNC, Emory, Vanderbilt, Georgetown, UT, and Georgia Tech). I just want to know if that is going to be a handicap? There were a couple of reasons I did not apply for graduate school earlier such as family reasons and the schedule I have at work (limited time to study and go through the application process). I hope by delaying I can have more time working on my weaknesses. I do not want to turn in a rushed application and be dinged. Any feedback would be appreciated. Regards, Yen #MBA {{ 1449720872338+1-1 | date : 'short' }} mba All Replies User Picks
Jay Mixter expert Yen - Hello from a fellow Bostonian. I just looked at your profile and you've got an excellent background. I am also glad to see that you are involved in the Forte program. Regarding your question on timing, I don't think age should be too much of a handicap if you delay for another year. However, as someone who is looking at switching career tracks from finance into CPG or retail marketing, the sooner you go back to school, the better. If you have already made the decision to delay, I would strongly suggest that you think about what you can do within your employer and/or on your own that demonstrates your interest, gives you some practical experience and exposure, and starts you moving in this new direction. You might be able to find some appropriate volunteer work. There are also a number of marketing associations you can join and marketing Meetups you can attend. Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions. - Jay {{ 1449765541185+1-1 | date : 'short' }}