Dear Matthew,

Your strong GMAT does help your case. How much it helps is relative to the program and where you fall in its GMAT and work experience ranges. I don't think NYU is out of reach for you, but it is hard to say without knowing more about what you have done in your tenure as a manager and what you want to do post-MBA. It is true that some schools are more open to nontraditional careers like restaurant management, retail, or education than others. So you might encounter a larger hurdle at some programs in terms of making a case for your candidacy.

I would suggest visiting NYU and establishing a rapport with the admissions office. Likewise, I encourage you to visit our sticky on school selection for tips on how to evaluate other programs that might be a good match for you. I would suggest concentrating on schools in the top 20-50 range as there are great options there and many will be open to your experience. Regardless of where you apply, it will be imperative that you present a solid rationale for getting your MBA in relation to your future career goals.

Best of luck,
Lisa