Hello,

That GMAT score is indeed a hurdle. At least the quantitative score is better – adcoms look for evidence of quantitative ability.

Anything that counteracts the low verbal score will help. A good TOEFL will help, strong essays will help, recommenders emphasizing your communication skills will help, any good undergrad grades in coursework involving writing will help (though this latter seems unlikely with the Engineering program). You also could write a short optional essay explaining how the score does not reflect your actual verbal ability – but be sure to give concrete evidence.

Nevertheless, based on the info provided I think acceptance at the programs you mention would be difficult, though not impossible. You would certainly need a compelling application. I would have to know more about your profile overall to truly evaluate the impact of the score on your chances at these programs. Your career progress and specific industry/function, your goals, and your extracurricular achievements/involvements are all factors that would shape such a determination.

Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com