Hi, I am planning on applying to Columbia and Carlson (U of M) this year. I am 20 and have a 3.2 GPA, but its a upward trend. If I were to score high on the GMAT, would that counter balance my low GPA? Do I even have a shot at these schools? I work as a cashier at a retail store but I have volunteer experience: Hospital, elementary school, youth center, UNICEF.......What can I do to improve my application with the lack of job experience?? Should I look for some kind of internship or another job (downtown)?? Thanks.

I am aiming to score 720+ on my exam....Would that help, hypothetically speaking??

Also, I need help as to what I should include in my essays. I want to go into the field of retail....I want to start my own clothing company eventually. I know exactly what I want to do, so should I be precise in my essay or should I be more broad and general (just say I want to have my own line)?? Thanks.

PS....I am learning about fashion also.....