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I just took my GMAT couple of weeks ago and plan on taking it again in three weeks. Can anyone please suggest the best schools I have a good chance to get into with my current qualifications and experience? My target schools are NYU, Columbia and Cornell but I'm pretty sure I can't even get an interview with any of them with my current scores which is why I'm taking the GMAT again. However I realized I should apply to schools with lower average GMAT scores for matriculants. I think to be more realistic, I should apply to Indiana U, Carnegie Mellon and Duke. I'm interested in a program that is strong in Finance. Target is to get into Healthcare Coverage or Sales & Trading.

Here is a little bit about me.

Ethnicity: Southeast Asian
Immigration Status: International
Undergrad Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
GPA:2.95
School: Maryland '06

Graduate Major: Chemistry
GPA: 3.39
School: City University of New York '10

GMAT: 660 (Q48 V33)

Extracurriculars: None (Very much into sports though)
Volunteer/Social Work: Negiligible


Work Experience: 4.5 years
Industry: Nutritional Supplements Contract Manufacturing
Position: Supply Chain Coordinator with Account & Project Management responsibilities

Went through financial hardships throughout college so worked like a dog at restaurants and banquet parties to finance my education. Couldn't even get loans due to being an international student. Can get execellent recommendations from superiors.

Thanks!

Thanks for reaching out to me. I've responded to this message in your mailbox. Please take a look at my response and let me know if you have further questions.

First, to address the GMAT, certainly a score increase of 40 points or more would make a difference, but it is only one factor. Recognize that just doing the same thing you have been doing all along for another three weeks is unlikely to move your score. You will need to recognize specific weaknesses in your performance and correct them. An experienced tutor can help you identify leverage points.

Since you are changing fields from supply chain into healthcare or sales, you will have to convince the admissions committee that your reasons are appropriate and well-though out. Why do you want to switch? How does your background relate to the new field? Why do you believe you will enjoy and be successful in the new function? You will have to work hard on your essays to convince the reader. An admissions consultant may be worth the investment. You will either have to incorporate your existing masters degree skills in your career goal or explain why you are walking away from the field.


Any highly-ranked program will have a solid finance component. You should focus more on the more targeted areas of your goal such as healthcare. If you can combine healthcare with your chemistry background you may have a strong story.

Good luck,