Ask Veritas Prep Admissions Consulting

Hey guys,
I'm interested in honing a list of schools to visit this spring in advance of applying in the fall. I'd really appreciate some feedback as to whether or not I'm a viable candidate. Here is my background:

-University of Florida Graduate (top 50 college in US News).
Major: Business Administration - Marketing. GPA: 3.5

-Work Experience:
1 year in rotational management development program at publicly traded company
2 years at middle market investment bank as an IB analyst (top decile-ranking of analysts both years)
2 years (at matriculation) at middle market venture capital firm

-GMAT: 700 Total; (59% - Q; 99%-V); 6.0 AWA

-Extra Cur: President of 100 man fraternity in undergrad; founded philanthropy benefiting MDA in undergrad; 3 years volunteering in at-risk schools tutoring middle schoolers about financial topics while working; guest lecturer at University of South Florida on VC/PE to graduate level class (3 lectures) while working

I'm concerned that my low quant score on the GMAT is going to hold me back. Will my quant-heavy background in IB and VC make up for this? The score was a fluke, but I no longer have time to study for and re-take the test.

Schools I am most interested in targeting:
-Northwestern
-Columbia (Will ED help?)
-Duke
-Yale

I appreciate the help. If I can approach my selection process intelligently now, I intend to reach out to a consultant in the fall to help refine my personal message. The help is greatly appreciated.

Of course the higher the quant score the better, but with a 3.5 from a top 50 college, you will likely have some quant coursework with good grades on your transcript, which can help offset the GMAT. Also, you can certainly point towards your job skills as quant-intensive as can your recommenders. If you have the time, I would re-take the GMAT, paying more specific attention to the quant section. Your target schools are lofty, and many are in the ivy league, so the profile should be as competitive as possible. Keep in mind ivy league schools are more concerned with where you went to undergrad and your GPA than GMAT score as a general rule.