Hello, James,

In terms of the numbers, the strong GMAT will somewhat mitigate a lower than average GPA for the top-tier schools you are targeting. It looks like you have strong work experience – though for the level of schools you mention it will be important to show that in your career you have excelled relative to your peers, not just that you have advanced, and from the information provided I can’t tell whether that’s the case. Also, you didn’t mention your extracurriculars and non-work, interests/activities, which will be a factor for most of these schools, which want to see well-rounded and community-focused applicants.

For safety schools, it’s hard for me to recommend because I don’t know what your goals are and that is a major factor in determining suitable schools. Based solely on your numbers and work experience, I would consider a school like Simon at University of Rochester, Emory, Maryland and such schools as safety schools.

Good luck with your MBA plans --

Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com