Beat The GMAT a GMAT & MBA community

All 3 are solid programs. At Texas A&M (Avg GMAT = 647) and SMU (Avg GMAT = 655) your GMAT shouldn't be an issue, but it could hold you back at Rice (the highest ranked of the 3 schools and an avg. GMAT of 673 last year).

I would say that if you don't feel like you're going to improve anymore at this point score-wise, focus on the other aspects of your application, and you should be okay. If, however, you feel like you're capable of strengthening your score, maybe try it one more time. Statistically you're not likely to improve much beyond your 2nd score, but that's just the law of averages. Nothing says you can't study hard and rock it the 3rd time around Either way, you're right that the quantitative parts of your application outside the GMAT score will help you. I'm going to be attending a similarly ranked school (Maryland/Smith) with a similar GMAT (650) and I believe it was my science undergrad degree that helped me get in. Your work in Finance will look that much better.

Scholarships are hard to comment on as every school has a different angle. I think your chances are better because of your GPA but lower because you're a middle of the road candidate for these schools, not a 4.0 GPA/750 GMAT applicant. My advice would be to find out if they have opportunities, like fellowships. Your past leadership positions may help you in that respect.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, it's a tough call...

Yes it is. Unfortunately you and I hit the same area GMAT-wise. Just strong enough to show you know what you're doing but not strong enough to submit it comfortably to good schools.

I truly think that with your stats you'd be a lock for at least one of these schools. And they're all similarly ranked that it may depend more on where you want to live and what you want to study.

Good luck, and be encouraged that there's light at the end of the GMAT tunnel!