Needs expert help to select colleges and prepare app

While your GMAT is below average for top tier schools, I always recommend you go to the best school you can get into. In other words, don't target schools based on your score, target schools based on their culture and potential fit into your vision. Remember that the posted average GMAT scores are just that--averages and you will find a much broader range of scores across all admitted students. The distribution will even have outliers in the 6th sigma of low 500's or even 400's in some cases (yes I know personally of someone who got into a top 5 school with a 490 GMAT). It really has to do with your application as a whole and whether you can "make up for" shortcomings in one area with excellence in another. There are a number of really good consulting groups out there to help with your applications, many of whom can be found on this website or with google. I applaud your seeking help, which will come in handy since you have posted a lower score. Good luck!