Advice Needed

[syk120]

Hi there,

I need some good opinion if anyone could provide me their experience within the application process and college acceptance criteria.

I took the GMAT test earlier this year (first attempt) and did not do as well as I should have - 530 and 5 on AWA (32Q, 24V, i think). I'm not really good at apptitude test taking skills. I got killed due to bad timing esp at the end. I took a prep course with VERITAS.

I wanted to apply for FALL 2010 MBA programs and wanted to see if I would have a shot at all.

Here's a basic profile about me....i have a solid work background, strong essays, recommendations, but my GMAT score is not so good.

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Undergrad in United States, BSc in Industrial Engineering
2 minors in Engineering/Leadership related fields
3.2 GPA Cumulative, ~3.8 in minors
5 years work experience top business/IT consulting company (IBM)
Certifications in TWO professional accredited programs (APICS CPIM & LEAN SIX SIGMA)
Leadership roles in college - resident assistant, VP/Student board in several orgs.
Lead University Recruiter for my company
Team Lead experience on projects + Deputy project manager for 100 person project.
Extensive community service involvement
International experience - have lived overseas in South Asia for 10+ years.
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I know GMAT was one part of the mix, but everything else about my candidacy I feel is solid, just weak GMAT performance.

Schools I'd be interested in: Oxford, U of M, Indiana, CMU, UVA or some places in europe etc....

Area of focus is Supply Chain Management/Operations - my work background solidifies it, MBA would open more oppty's into leadership roles.

please give your thoughts if I would have a shot in getting in and should apply with my current score..

[mbaMissionJessica]

Hi - thanks for your question.

You have an interesting and varied background with good work experience, international experience and what seem like good community involvement. But as you identify, the GMAT is really a big gap. Unfortunately, while your GPA is fine, at a 3.2 it is not strong enough to allay the admissions office's concerns about your academics abilities. The schools you are applying to seem reasonable, but a GMAT of 530 is low enough that everything else would have to be not just strong but exceptional. I think you'll find the process much less worrisome and ultimately more successful if you can retake the GMAT and pull your score up.

Best of luck.