Research MBA Programs

Hi Everyone,

First time poster, long time lurker. I am kind of disappointed today as I took the the GMAT for the third time. Here are my score results

March 2011 660 (41Q, 40V) AWA 6.0
May 2011 680 (40Q, 42V) AWA 6.0
July 2011 680 again but.....(45Q, 38V!)

I am extremely disappointed in my verbal score the third time, as I always practiced from the 42-44 range. I do not think a re-take would be wise, and honestly, I have very little time in the upcoming few months to improve. Therefore, I think I need to accept my score as it is (unless someone can convince me otherwise that a retake is necessary for top 10 MBA programs).

I have a few questions

1) Since my other verbal scores are clearly higher during my other exams, do you think the admissions committee at Tuck, NYU, Yale would consider the highest verbal score?

2) What are my chances at admission into Tuck Early Action Program, my top choice?

3) What other schools should I look at for my short term career goals (consulting, Mckinsey, BCG)?

Background

Top 25 UG Institution, magna cum laude, distinction Phi Betta Kappa. Liberal Arts Major, Quantitative Minor.

I worked in finance for four months following graduation and then left my job to work at an unrelated field at a smaller company. I left my finance job because the new job offered more of an opportunity to effect chang (I know it sounds application essay esque, but it is true) I currently work at a 20 year old company that is making a very strong comeback. My efforts (and the CEO acknowledges me for this in person and will acknowledge this on my recommendation letter) helped bring the company from an operating loss to its second most profitable year in history in 2011 (our YTD sales so far). I created a corporate restructuring plan 2 and half years ago and almost every bullet point of my advice was implemented successfully. ( my CEO acknowledges how invaluable my efforts have been for improving the corporation). Essentially, I was in charge of three successful products launches and an international corporate expansion within my 2.5 years of employment. This has been a very rewarding experience for me and I feel that I have a strong story for my application essays. In addition, I think the results achieved at my current job justify why I left an analyst position for a project management based role.

short term goal- to work in consulting. I think I can justify this career path as I like to find solutions to organizational problems and my work experience at my job proves this. Long term goal, entrepreneur.

Extra curricular/Volunteer- Extremely strong. I can elaborate on details if one would like, but this is one element of my application that will help my candidacy.


Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. I know that I should be happy with a 680, however, I am terribly disappointed and would like to know an accurate assessment of prospects of admission into top mba programs given my background and scores.

Thank you Beat the GMAT for being an excellent resource to MBA hopefuls like myself.