I'd shoot for a higher GMAT.

Wanted to make a general comment for all applicants re extracurriculars: it is much better to be involved in a few ECs where you could demonstrate leadership and where you were involved long term than just participating in many.

Hello,

For the part-time programs you mention, a better GMAT will be very helpful. Part of the reason is the demographic/industry group you are in, which generally has high numbers. The strengths in other areas (and, I assume, a strong professional track record) will help to mitigate the 580 to some extent, but I think it would be difficult.

There is not a black-and-white answer to whether you should re-take the GMAT. On one end of the spectrum, if you know you can get a better score with a reasonable amount of effort that you can afford to make, then you definitely should do it. On the other end of the spectrum, if you feel this is the best you can do even with further preparation and/or you can’t devote the time to additional preparation and you question whether you ultimately can raise the score, then you might be better leaving it as is and focusing on other things. Wherever in the continuum between these 2 extremes you fall, you’ll have to make the decision about whether the effort is worth the likely result.

Have you considered EMBA programs? A number of top-tier EMBA programs have eliminated the GMAT requirement. That might be a great alternative.

Good luck with your business school plans!

Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, www.Accepted.com