Is my application competitive or I just have high expectatio

[oilfieldboy]

Background:
Male; 27 years old; U.S. citizen; spend the first 18 years of my life in the Middle East (Jordan, Syria and UAE); Bilingual (Arabic, English).

Academics:
B.S. In Industrial and Systems Engineering; The Ohio State University (2005); GPA 3.2

Work Experience:
I've been working for Schlumberger oilfield Services since I graduated from college (+4 years).

GMAT Score: 650 (49Q; 31V)

Goals:
Management consultant in the oil and gas industry

Schools Targeted:
Top 20: Harvard, NYU, Columbia, Texas, Stanford, Haas

Do I have any chance especially with such a low GMAT score? or should I start looking for other programs

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear oilfieldboy,

It is not impossible as your work experience and GPA are in range; however, your GMAT score is below average for your target schools. As such, you must make a compelling case to be at or below a 650 that are offered a seat in the class. Your essays, resume, recommendations and interview must be outstanding and convince these admissions committees you will be an asset to the program. I think you have 2 options at this point: retake the GMAT and try to get your score up 30+ points OR add some schools to your list where your GMAT is closer to the average.

Good luck,
Lisa