Do I have an opportunity to get admitted to one of the top business schools in the UK?


Hello all,

Hope you are safe.

I'm 36 years old with 12 years of experience, all in the accounting and budgeting field.
I'm working at an international non-profit organization for almost 7 years, all were at managerial levels. I've earned CMA credential in 2012, cleared 2 levels of CFA and working towards clearing the last level. I didn't sit for either GMAT or GRE exams before so not sure what is my real abilities in these exams.

I would like to change the industry and live in the UK. I target the consultancy industry where I can utilize my 12 years of experience, what I have learned in the CMA and CFA in addition to the skills and knowledge I will gain from the MBA program.

I'm not sure if I have an opportunity to get admitted to one of the top business schools in the UK or not, taking into consideration my age.

Any thoughts/advices?

[Edited by Ayman-Hussien on Apr 01, 2020]

Hello all,

Hope you are safe.

I'm 36 years old with 12 years of experience, all in the accounting and budgeting field.
I'm working at an international non-profit organization for almost 7 years, all were at managerial levels. I've earned CMA credential in 2012, cleared 2 levels of CFA and working towards clearing the last level. I didn't sit for either GMAT or GRE exams before so not sure what is my real abilities in these exams.

I would like to change the industry and live in the UK. I target the consultancy industry where I can utilize my 12 years of experience, what I have learned in the CMA and CFA in addition to the skills and knowledge I will gain from the MBA program.

I'm not sure if I have an opportunity to get admitted to one of the top business schools in the UK or not, taking into consideration my age.

Any thoughts/advices?
quote
Inactive User

I believe top business school would require a stellar GMAT for their full-time MBA programs.

I believe top business school would require a stellar GMAT for their full-time MBA programs.
quote
Duncan

I think you need strong score, say 640 to 660, but not a stellar score (which might be 740). Manchester is the obvious option for career and country switchers. Cambridge and Cranfield will be curious about you, maybe Durham and Edinburgh too.

I think you need strong score, say 640 to 660, but not a stellar score (which might be 740). Manchester is the obvious option for career and country switchers. Cambridge and Cranfield will be curious about you, maybe Durham and Edinburgh too.
quote

I think you need strong score, say 640 to 660, but not a stellar score (which might be 740). Manchester is the obvious option for career and country switchers. Cambridge and Cranfield will be curious about you, maybe Durham and Edinburgh too.


Thanks, Duncan - So with 640-660 score in GMAT along with my current profile, I might have a chance at Cambridge?

[Edited by Ayman-Hussien on Apr 01, 2020]

[quote]I think you need strong score, say 640 to 660, but not a stellar score (which might be 740). Manchester is the obvious option for career and country switchers. Cambridge and Cranfield will be curious about you, maybe Durham and Edinburgh too. [/quote]

Thanks, Duncan - So with 640-660 score in GMAT along with my current profile, I might have a chance at Cambridge?
quote

I think you need strong score, say 640 to 660, but not a stellar score (which might be 740). Manchester is the obvious option for career and country switchers. Cambridge and Cranfield will be curious about you, maybe Durham and Edinburgh too.


Just a note: although Warwick ranked # 4 in the Uk in the latest FT ranking, you didn't mention it in your suggestions.

[quote]I think you need strong score, say 640 to 660, but not a stellar score (which might be 740). Manchester is the obvious option for career and country switchers. Cambridge and Cranfield will be curious about you, maybe Durham and Edinburgh too. [/quote]

Just a note: although Warwick ranked # 4 in the Uk in the latest FT ranking, you didn't mention it in your suggestions.
quote
Duncan

Yes, I didn't mention it because you are a career and country switcher.

Yes, I didn't mention it because you are a career and country switcher.
quote
Duncan

So with 640-660 score in GMAT along with my current profile, I might have a chance at Cambridge?


Yes, their GMAT range is generally 640 to 730. With good recommendations, essay and a career goal that fits their typical outcomes you stand a good chance if you apply early.

[quote]So with 640-660 score in GMAT along with my current profile, I might have a chance at Cambridge? [/quote]

Yes, their GMAT range is generally 640 to 730. With good recommendations, essay and a career goal that fits their typical outcomes you stand a good chance if you apply early.
quote
George Pat...

I hear there is a reduction in number of applications, so qualifying candidates will face less competition this year, resulting in a bit higher chances of getting in compared to other years

I hear there is a reduction in number of applications, so qualifying candidates will face less competition this year, resulting in a bit higher chances of getting in compared to other years
quote

So with 640-660 score in GMAT along with my current profile, I might have a chance at Cambridge?


Yes, their GMAT range is generally 640 to 730. With good recommendations, essay and a career goal that fits their typical outcomes you stand a good chance if you apply early.


Thanks so much, Duncan.
Do you think that I might have an opportunity at Oxford Said? is it a suitable business school for switching industry and country?
Would my age make this opportunity very low?

[Edited by Ayman-Hussien on Apr 01, 2020]

[quote][quote]So with 640-660 score in GMAT along with my current profile, I might have a chance at Cambridge? [/quote]

Yes, their GMAT range is generally 640 to 730. With good recommendations, essay and a career goal that fits their typical outcomes you stand a good chance if you apply early. [/quote]

Thanks so much, Duncan.
Do you think that I might have an opportunity at Oxford Said? is it a suitable business school for switching industry and country?
Would my age make this opportunity very low?
quote
Duncan

Yes, that's a less suitable programme for you and you would be less likely to be admitted

Yes, that's a less suitable programme for you and you would be less likely to be admitted
quote

Yes, that's a less suitable programme for you and you would be less likely to be admitted


What about CASS? I'm considering affordability as well.

[quote]Yes, that's a less suitable programme for you and you would be less likely to be admitted [/quote]

What about CASS? I'm considering affordability as well.
quote
Duncan

I think it's a better option than Warwick for you.

I think it's a better option than Warwick for you.
quote

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