I am a 27 year old who graduated from the University of South Carolina with a 3.6 in Hotel Management. Upon graduation, I was accepted into the management training program with Marriott International. Over the next three years I was promoted numerous times, eventually settling upon a role as a director of room for a mid size property ($24 million in revenue for my department) in the Ritz Carlton brand. Over the past few years I have served in the United States Tennis Association as part of the urban activism program. I am moderately fluent in Mandarin Chinese and just scored a 700 (42 V, 46 Q) on the GMAT. I am planning on taking it again, if necessary, and I believe that a 700-710 is do able, although not statistically different. Post-MBA, I would like to move into a strategy consulting firm. What would be my chances of admittance to Darden, Tuck and Duke. Thanks for your time.
Your chances should be very good. You have shown career success and academic achievement and come from a less heavily represented industry. I would not bother retaking the GMAT unless you have identified and corrected a specific weakness that can move your score by 30 or more points. 700 is well within the range of the schools you are targeting. With strong recommendations and excellent essays (an experienced admissions consultant can be a wise investment), you should do well. That said, keep in mind that the schools you have listed have many more excellent candidates than they can accept and regularly turn down strong applicants. I always advise people who are determined to go to school next year to include one or more safety schools.
Good luck,