profile evaluation-- is it critical to raise GMAT 660?

[tschuma]

Hi looking for some advice: Looking to do a MBA focused on social entrepreneurship or possibly doing a joint degree Masters of Public Policy/MBA:
Focusing mostly on LA/NYC schools:
UCLA (1st choice)
USC
NYU
Columbia (2nd choice)
Yale


Background:

-Have 3+ years experience at Investment Manager/Hedge Fund in NYC: working as desk analyst in Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (left winter ’08)
-Currently (6months) at a technology startup in the revenue strategy department in LA (started in summer ’08)

3.75 GPA Econ degree (4.00 GPA in econ classes) from UofMaryland (transferred from Tulane my soph. year with 2.9 GPA)

Spent 2+ months in Africa volunteering for a nonprofit microfinance between my job transition

660 GMAT (dont remember breakdown, but quant was higher than verbal)

Looking to apply R12009. Given the likely influx in applications next fall, do you think it is imperative I raise my GMAT score to 700+? I plan on retaking test but just curious my chances with my current score?

Thank you.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear tschuma,

I think you have a chance at a 660, but your chances will increase if you can get your score into the 700s. Competition at the schools you list is fierce and being one of the folks offered a seat with a GMAT score below 690-700 is tough. Nevertheless, if you don't achieve a higher score, you should still apply and ensure your application is as strong as possible. If you do a great job on the essays, resume, and interview, you sill have a chance.

Best of luck,
Lisa