Wow! What a test.

[matthewxjr]

I'm doing this a little backward. I bought the official guide, went through it once, took the official practice tests, and naively sat for the exam over the weekend. Needless to say I didn't ace the test. I scored a 700. Didn't even finish the math section(47) and got through the verbal(38) with a second to spare. Felt more like an athletic event than an intellectual exercise. I was beat.

Realizing I got in over my head, I've decided to find out a little more about this process. I'm not hoping for top five or even top ten, but something like Virginia, UNC, ASU, or even Florida is probably more up my alley.

I'm 35, an oilfield engineer(U.of Texas, mechanical engineering) turned Airline pilot turned Investment Advisor. I have my own small state registered firm. I'm content, financially independent, and certainly don't fit the "profile", but I want to go to "B" school. From what I've gathered from these forums, I'm not exactly what appears in the dreams of the admission officers.

My positives would be that my experiences are somewhat unique. As a project/drilling engineer, I worked in some interesting places, Suadi Arabia, Indonesia, Australia, and some more mundane European locations. I flew a jet all over the Eastern United States for a regional carrier. And I've started a fairly successful investment advisory firm with no previous professional experience in the industry.

My negatives would be my undergrad record. Shows some aptitude. Lots of As in difficult courses, but a couple of blown-off(as in having to repeat) semesters slaughtered my GPA, 2.5. And I'm guessing my career ambition of just wanting to go back to my firm would not impress.

I'm looking for the full-time two year experience mostly to challenge myself and to expand my knowledge base, so I definitely want to go to a competitive program or not go at all.

My question is how should I proceed? Should I not waste my time? Should I retake the GMAT? I think I could definitely improve my score significantly with some solid preparation. Any thoughts on my chances of admission or general advice would be appreciated. Please don't be gentle. I have pretty thick skin.

Thanks,

Matt

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Matt,

I'm a little confused by your post. You scored a 700--that is a fabulous score! Congratulations! For the schools you mentioned as potential target schools, you are close to or above their average GMAT score. Depending on how well you write your essays, do in your interview, and look in your recommendations, I think you have a good shot at those schools.

The main question the schools will have concerns your rationale for business school, including why now and why full-time. You will want to have realistic career goals and connect the dots between your past experiences to the MBA to your future goals. You have dabbled in some very different industries and functional roles, so it will be important for you to give legitimate reasons around your career moves. You did not indicate when you plan to apply, so I assumed you will be applying this fall for 2010 entry. If you are trying to get in an application now, I think you might have a shot, but it will be much more competitive as few slots remain for third/final round applicants.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[matthewxjr]

Lisa,

Thanks for the quick response. You all rock.

The advise will be very helpful. I'll spend my time tying my life and career together in the essays and preparing for a potential interview.

The intensity of the gmat surprised me. Just felt if I had taken the time to find out more about the test, I could have done much better. I gather from your comments that my time will be better spent strengthening other areas of my application given the programs I'm considering.

Thanks again. Great to get a third party opinion.

Matt