So I was reading some random MBA application help website, where it was mentioned that you're at a disadvantage if youre under 24 or over 30, and you have to have something else that's stellar to cover up for this.
That worried me. So I'm thinking, I'm going to turn 30 this December.
Has anyone given thought to this or is it unimportant? Anyone in the past applied when they were 30 and got through?
thanks
NM

Some of that depends on what schools you're looking at.  HBS is very likely out, but I think that's about it.  I'm 31 now and was just admitted to Insead, and I'll be 32 by the time I start.

While 30 is slightly above average for many schools it's not a barrier.  Of course your entire application needs to be solid, regardless of age.  Just take a look at the websites for the schools you're interested in.  Many provide pretty specific age information.

32 and got admit from Columbia, INSEAD, and Kellogg and will be attending INSEAD. Don't fret too much about the age instead use it an advantage to strengthen your essays. it's the total package that counts. Good luck

BS, bunch of 30 to low 30s people around here... and they're probably the most valuable people in class discussions.  Many of the younger folks never say a word... and seem outclassed in many ways as well

Hey there.  You are good to go at pretty much any program EXCEPT HBS and Stanford.  I found myself in a similar boat last year.  Here' my post about it.

http://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bw-bschools&tid=82410

Good luck!

I'm 34 and I'm first year student of Chicago Booth. What is important? You have to show why you do need MBA at your 30s, why not EMBA and great accomplishments.

Good luck!

I believe 30 is fine for just about any school except HBS. I am 30 and my age wasn't a problem getting admitted to Stanford. Wharton neither. HBS on the other hand... not even an interview. Which surprised me. Not that anyone is entitled to anything in the bschool app process. But passing the bar on Stanford's 7% admit rate and not even getting a sniff on HBS's 1/4 interview rate leads me to believe that my age was a deal killer, especially given their stated preference to trend young and given they could select a younger applicant from a pool of similar profiles (consulting>>PE, competitive stats, etc.).  Yes, I think HBS discriminates based on age.

thanks a lot all you guys
Not that I was not gonna apply cos of my age, but it does help to hear from people who've been there done that.
regards
NM

This is truly the case where you cannot apply this rule to all schools. Yes, there are certain programs that have definitely decided on a younger class profile so candidates who are older than 30 years old are pretty much excluded from the process simply based on their age and experience levels. However, most top schools are not following the lead of others and they are accepting older, more experienced students. I encourage you to take your research to the next level and see the class profiles of the schools you are interested in as well as speak to students (do not speak to admissions as they will tell you that everybody is treated the same - as they have to -- as they cannot discriminate based on age). The same is true for the under 24 group.

I would also recommend that before you get started that you sign up for a free candidacy evaluation with Manhattan Review. This will provide you with a wealth of information on the admissions process as well as give you specific feedback on your candidacy.

I'm almost 31 and I'm applying to a couple of schools.  When I visited Duke they had tons of students around 30 years old or a bit older.  Virginia seemed to have a fair share too, but maybe not as many.