Dear goughar,

Congratulations on your GMAT score! Based on the information posted, I think you have a competitive profile for your target schools. I do think you should consider adding one safety school to the mix as a backup plan--perhaps apply to your top choices R1 and the safety R2 if you need to? There are many great programs out there that would prepare you for your career goals, so I think it is a matter of finding ones that you feel are a good fit for you (both in terms of culture and curriculum).

I agree that your undergraduate GPA does not warrant an explanation as it is not that low. What will determine your decisions is the strength of your overall application. You have the numbers (GMAT & GPA), so now it is your essays, recommendations and interviews that will determine whether or not you are admitted.

As for being involved in your church, that is not a negative. You appear to be heavily involved and have leadership roles there which will reflect positively on you. I think you have some other interesting aspects to your personal life though, like private pilot's license, musician and avid runner. Be sure to highlight those things as well.

Best of luck,
Lisa