With your current GMAT and work experience, I would say that your chances of admission at the programs that you mention are very slim. Most programs of the caliber that you are talking about will be looking for more work experience, a better GMAT, and --depending on where you did your undergrad work-- a better GPA. The GPA is not a deal-breaker (for instance, if you went to a very tough-grading / low grade-inflation undergraduate institution or majored in something like engineering that is known for tough grading) but the other two items probably are.
Your best bet right now is almost certainly to get solid work experience with as much responsibility as you can possibly handle, maybe get some international experience, and then try to get your GMAT up in a year or two when you are closer to applying again.
Speaking very candidly, I think getting an MBA is probably two to three years off for you, especially if the recession continues and the applicant pools stay as competitive as they are right now.
In terms of other programs, you might consider: London Business School, Rotterdam School of Mgmt, IMD (though this is geared a bit more towards senior execs), and a few others. Buying a good guide to business schools would probably be a good place to start as you think about your options.
I know this may be discouraging but there is a positive side: you have several years to improve your credentials and really strengthen your candidacy: use them well!
Cheers--
Paxton
Keep me in the loop about your thinking and let me know if you have any more questions.
Paxton
Paxton Helms is an MBA admissions consultant for Kaplan Admissions Consulting. He earned his MBA from UCLA and specializes in helping clients that are applying to top twenty and "reach" programs. He can be reached directly at
[email protected].
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