Ask Veritas Prep Admissions Consulting

I just took the GMAT, and I ended up with a very, very low score. I don't think I prepared well, although I did "try" to study at least 5 days and about 15 hours a week for 2 months.

My profile:

25 years old, Vietnamese American male, community activist, writer

GMAT: 400 (Q: 26, V: 20, IR: 4, AWA: 5)

GPA: 3.71 UC Berkeley, Double major in American Studies & Ethnic Studies, Highest Honors, and finished an honors thesis for the Department of American Studies

Undergraduate career: Very active in student groups that help low-income communities. Led youth mentorship programs. Taught an interdisciplinary class on hip hop history. Studied abroad in Vietnam.

Current Career: Nonprofit development manager. Pioneered a donors program and first annual fundraiser, raising $100k+ for the organization whose operating budget is under $2 million. Started at the nonprofit since 2010 as an intern and was promoted many times. 3 years work experience. Will have had 4 years experience upon matriculation in Fall 2015.

Current civic engagement: Youth mentor for the Key Club that I started in high school. Went through various civic leadership programs. Community organizer/fundraiser for various multicultural community programs. Also involved in the arts and performance community through my interests in dance and music.

Target schools: Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and Berkeley

Why MBA: I'd like to learn more about organizational sustainability and fundraising through the lens of business in order to advance my own theory and practice in my career, which is also my avenue to impact marginalized communities. My reasons for pursuing an MBA cuts through both my intellectual and career growth.

You have an interesting story, a good undergrad record and some good diversity for top schools but you have a very slim chance with that GMAT. If you can get it above a 600 you will dramatically increase your odds. Consider taking the Veritas Prep class or someother guided preparation--you will be amazed at the difference it can make vs. preparing only on your own.