GMAT - 650 (Q46,V34, AWA- 5.0) - need advice

[maddy_kaps]

Here is my profile.

Indian Male

Age-26

Engineering Degree in Computer Science with 72% (Don't know how it will convert into GPA). Can somebody tell me how much it would be in terms of GPA approximately.

Pursuing MS in Software Engineering from Arizona State University (completing in April 2010)GPA Avg till now - 4.0

GMAT - 650 (Q46,V34, AWA- 5.0)

Profession - IT - Software Engineer with American MNC

Work Exp - 5 years (by Aug 2010)

International Work Exp - 7 months - US

Target Schools - Europe and Asia Pacific colleges.
Some specific schools are
Insead
ISB, India
Oxford
Cambridge
SP Jain,Dubai
NUS,Singapore
Nanyang, Singapore
GSIM, Sydney
other UK schools ranked 20-50 category.

I am looking for accelerated 1 year residential program so not considering any US colleges. I would like to continue in IT after MBA in a Management or Consultant role.
As per my initial analysis, my GMAT score is close to the avg GMAT score of most of these institute except ISB and Insead.

Career Growth - Good

Co-curricular activities - Avg

Please advice whether I should concentrate more on my application and essays or I need to again appear for GMAT for better score.

Thanks

[Cindy Tokumitsu]

Hello,

As an Indian it’s advisable to be above average in the GMAT range for whatever programs you’re targeting. However, it’s absolutely critical, and a challenge, to differentiate yourself among the largely represented Indian IT group. Therefore, since you’re already at the average for the GMAT, I suggest focusing on the essays, because a slightly higher GMAT still won’t differentiate you, whereas the essays absolutely must differentiate you for a successful candidacy.

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