Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Here is my background:

1. GMAT Score: 690 (Q 49 V 35) on 2nd attempt (this is my biggest concern)

2. Academics:
Academics, I think is my strongest point
2.1 Undergrad - B.Tech in Mineral Engineering from Indian School of Mines with a GPA of 4.42/5.0, university 2nd. (Topper had a GPA of 4.44, I barely missed the gold medal)
2.2 Grad - Masters in Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah with a GPA of 4.0/4.0

3. Work Ex:
I have been working in various roles in a mining company called Kennecott Utah Copper which is a 100% owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto (worlds 3rd largest mining company)

3.1 Control Room Engineer: June 2006- June 2007
Responsible for the operation of a $600M smelting complex. (No kidding the whole operation was controlled from the central control room)

3.2 Shift Process Engineer: June2007- June 2008
Monitored, troubleshot extractive metallurgical process equipment to ensure peak operating efficiency and generated maximum plant profitability.
Provided technical assistance to operations and maintenance personnel specifically regarding process chemistry, process control, and instrumentation issues.

3.3 Acid Plant and Power House Area Engineer: 2008-to current
Technical in-charge of the acid plant and the power house areas of the smelter.
(I am the youngest area engineer at the smelter, all my colleagues are 30+, typically the job requires 6-7 yrs work ex)

3.4 VSA (vacation, sick and absent) coverage for Acid Plant supervisors: July 2009 to current
Responsible for production and operations of the acid plant along with performing my normal job duties of Acid Plant and Power House Area Engineer.
Supervision over hourly employees with a crew of up to 28 people reporting to me

I can elaborate plenty more on my actual job duties and job achievements.

4.0 Extracurricular/Co-curricular:
4.1 General Secretary of student body at Mineral Engineering Department, ISM Dhanbad. (2003)
4.2 President of student body at Mineral Engineering Department, ISM Dhanbad. (2004)
4.3 Research assistantship (University of Utah, 2004-2006)
4.4 Teaching assistantship (University of Utah, 2005)
4.5 Project Coordinator, Salt Lake City Chapter of ASHA for education (2006-2008)
4.6 Represented my undergrad university in basketball at state level
4.7 Won several dance, literary competitions in undergrad.
4.8 Organized India Night at university of Utah for 3 years.
Etc. etc.

I understand that there is plenty representation of Indians in top b-schools and my Indian ethnicity does not add any advantage in terms of diversity b-schools are looking for. But I was hoping that my mining related background with hands-on operational, and process engineering experience will differential my application from other stereotypes.

My fields of interest are finance and entrepreneurship.

I was planning to apply for HBS, Sloan, Wharton, Haas, Tuck or Columbia and one of UCLA/ Darden/Texas-Austin for safety.

Am I being too ambitious or you think I stand a fair chance. Should I drop a couple of top schools and get a couple of 10-20 ranked universities in my list for safety.

Also, do any of you consultants have a local office in Salt Lake City, Utah???

Thanks a lot.