Hey John,
Good to hear from you, and thanks for the looooong detailed post. It helps us sort things out. In a way, lucky for you, the basis of the problem is easy to solve - low GMAT + low GPA is pretty much a double-whammy that will eliminate your chances at top schools. Most skills will overlook one black mark if they like your application for other reasons, but with two, schools like Wharton just have waaaay too many applicants with good GMATs and GPAs. Sooooo your mission: ace the GMAT. Don'y worry about age. The difference between 29 and 30 is minimal or nonexistent, and it's normal even if it's a weeee bit on the older side. Your work experience seems very good, but since you didn't get accepted this year anyhow what I wold recommend is to take this as an OPPORTUNITY.

I mean, you already have a few whole applications written, so in addition to retaking your GMAT it would probably be a very good idea t have an admissions consultant look at the stuff you already wrote and give you a "ding analysis" so that you can work on improving whatever weaknesses in your application this year. Also, based on your actual GMAT score once you retake, you may want to make a new strategy for your school list.


Best,
JF