Verne,

Since you addressed the commmunity in your post, I will give you my two cents, as well. Firstly, I like your profile. I also have a high GMAT score, am an American, have good grades, and have a Masters degree from another country in a business related field. I also applied to three of the schools on your list (one from each category). So, I think I understand where you're coming from and I'm sure you will succeed wherever you go. But I am worried that you might be overconfident. Why? Your tone and rating system indicate to me that you think that most top 20 schools have their doors propped open for guys with your numbers. They don't and you will still need to open the doors with your essays, recs, interview, fit, and demonstrated teamwork, maturity and leadership. You may also need to defend one of your strengths: Why do you want an MBA if you already have an advanced degree in Finance? Be prepared for that.

You have the basics, for sure; but that is just the beginning. I am willing to bet that half of the people who apply to your "safeties" of Duke, UCLA, etc will have the basics (if not as stellar as your basic scores and experiece). They will approach their essays, letters of recommendation (that is a process), and interviews with passion. You will definitely need to compete with applicants with a 690 GMAT or a 3.0 GPA. They mop the floors every night in Uris Hall (Columbia - your sweet spot) with the halfhearted applications of overconfident candidates...

I'm probably misreading this whole thing, but this forum is a place where we help each other and you might benefit from my prospective. Good luck!

J