Profile Evaluation Please

[sonaligmat]

Please evaluate my profile below:

Indian Female - Age 24
I want to apply by round 2 for the Fall 2010 intake
GMAT Score - 660 (Q49, V32, 5.5). My previous score was 660 as well (Q44, V36, 5.5). Please advice if I should take the GMAT again and apply for the 3rd round.
Undergraduate Studies - McGill University in Canada - Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. My GPA is ok - 3.0
Work Experience - 3 years by the time I join

Work Experience:
I have been working in a large (3000 employees) software company as a Technical Sales Engineer. The company is part of the fortune 100 list in the US. I have been working there for almost 2.5 yrs and have very good sales experience. I have achieved over 20% growth in my region. I conduct web demonstrations, seminars and on-site field visits. Through my sales experience, I have developed very good interpersonal skills.

I have decent leadership experience - I have led my team in order to successfully penetrate some of our major accounts. I am also a part of our business leadership team.

I am very interested in an MBA and want to major in the sales and marketing areas. In a couple of years down the line I am also interested in starting my own venture most probably in the software industry only and hence I am also interested in the entrepreneurship programs that schools can offer.

Extra-curricular activities:
Mentor for high school students in the F.I.R.S.T Robotics Competition.
Volunteer at a community center.
Volunteer during the freshman orientation week at McGill University.
Volunteer for The International Student's Buddy Program at McGill University.
Member of the High School Swimming Team for 4 years.
Classical Music - Learned Indian classical music for over 10 years and took part in musical competitions and stage performances.

Initially I was very interested in applying to some of the top 20 b-schools but due to my GMAT score I am not sure if I stand a chance there. Please do let know what my chances are and what are the schools I should be looking at.

Thanks is advance.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear sonaligmat,

It is best to apply R2, so unless you are confident you can increase your GMAT score at least 30 points, then it is probably not worth the risk of retaking and applying R3. You are most competitive where your GMAT and GPA are close to/above the average. Since you are from the IT industry, you are part of a large subset of the applicant pool. I think you should focus on schools with GMAT averages in the 640-680 range for your best chances, assuming they have the curriculum and resources you seek for your career. You have some strong professional experience, so be sure to capitalize on your managerial and leadership skills in your essays. Finally, use your essays and recommendations to distinguish yourself from the compeitition more and give you the best opportunity for admission.

Good luck,
Lisa

[sonaligmat]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks a lot for your reply. Could you also suggest some schools that I could apply to?

Thanks!