Hi Lisa, can you evaluate my profile?

[jufesado]

Hi Lisa, I would really appreciate if you could help me evaluating my profile.
Thanks in advance.

My GMAT score:
550 AWA 4

Age 33/Colombia South America
Lived and worked in Colombia

Undergraduation:
2000, Industrial Engineering
GPA 3.0

Work Exp:
This is my strong point. Working for a Marketing Research Company during the last 8 yrs in several leadership positions. During the last 5 years I have been promoted 2 times reaching managerial positions in marketing. Now I have responsibilities as a Product Leader for Colombia, Central America and The Caribbean reporting to the regional manager and the Product Leader for Latin America.

Accomplishments:
Strong growth of the products under my leadership (growth in revenue and EBITDA - 30% year achieving budget targets over 15%), increase the penetration of such products - 35% year, development of new products for new industries (telecom, automobile, household appliances) in the marketing research business.

Extra-curricular activities:
Married with a 3 year old daughter. Sportsman (marathon runner, soccer player) Nature lover. I like hiking, mounting biking and camping.

What I am looking for
I am looking to do my MBA 2010 from a Canadian (Montreal) b-school. Mcgill, Concordia or HEC
I want to develop the appropriate skills for a general manager position specially developing team leadership skills. My issue is that my GMAT score is too low, however the minimum score required by the three schools is 550 but the average score is between 620 and 640. I want to know if my profile is right for these colleges and if its necessary to take the GMAT again. I should take as a reference the minimum score or the average?

Favorite Schools
I am looking for
HEC Montreal
Concordia University
Thanks in advance

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear jufesado,

I agree that your work experience is an asset for you and will serve you well in the admissions process. I also agree with you that your GMAT will be a concern. Since you are at the minimum, you can certainly apply and see what happens. However, I think if you can retake your GMAT and increase your score even 20-30 points, then you will be much closer to the average and the admissions committee will be more confident in your academic ability. Worst case scenario: you apply with your 550 which meet the threshold. Either way, you want to submit a strong set of essays, good recommendations and do well in your interview to give yourself the best chance for admission.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[jufesado]

Dear Lisa
Thank you very much for your advice,

Regards
jufesado