Please advise

[aborda]

Age: 24
Gender: Male
Undergrad - Finance 2008
From: Ohio State
Nationality: Indian
GMAT: 580-610
GPA: 3.44
Full Time Work Experience: 1.2 years (Citigroup - Hedge Fund Accountant)
Application year: 2010
How far along in application process: GMAT (Dec 24th), Recommendations in process.

Target Schools:
OSU
Notre Dame
Rice
Vanderbilt
Univ of Miami
UC- Irvine

Please advise if any these schools are beyond reach, or any other school you could suggest.
Any tips or suggestions for application.

[SkyMann]

aborda,

What is your motivation for getting an MBA now and from these schools in particular? Aside from your GMAT score, knowing how to answer this question in a compelling manner will earn you big points with the admissions board. Your essays will be particularly important since you are young and have relatively little working experience. Think about this and get back to me. I can help you get on the right track if you are interested.

Good luck,

[palermo10]

It looks like you are applying to some quality schools, and you have a decent GPA. But the admissions office will want to see a higher GMAT, and of course more work experience. Their question to you might be... "you've been working for 1 year, what is it that you think you can contribute to the class?"

And based on your nationality, a low GMAT will hurt your chances of getting into "tier 2" schools similar to the ones you have listed. Best of luck.

[aborda]

It looks like you are applying to some quality schools, and you have a decent GPA. But the admissions office will want to see a higher GMAT, and of course more work experience. Their question to you might be... "you've been working for 1 year, what is it that you think you can contribute to the class?"

And based on your nationality, a low GMAT will hurt your chances of getting into "tier 2" schools similar to the ones you have listed. Best of luck.

Would it be beneficial in anyway, if an MBA professor from OSU writes me a recommendation?
I'm applying to the same college where I completed my undergrad.
I'm doing MBA for career change, want to get my Degree in Entrpreneurship and/or Management, and want to start something. I'm currently working on setting up something.

[SkyMann]

aborda,

Most of the schools you have listed will be a reach unless you can get your GMAT up to the mid 600's at least. Also, with the exception of Rice, none are particularly known for Entrepreneurship curriculum. There are other schools that are recognized for their entrepreneurship focus that are more in your current GMAT range. Take a look at U of Louisville or U of Illinois at Chicago. Both are in your range and in the Midwest. Is the location important to you? I can suggest more good schools in other areas.

[aborda]

aborda,
Is the location important to you? I can suggest more good schools in other areas.

Yes location is important. A big City, if not good school from these, and those I would apply to in March.

After much thinking I have decided these schools. If I don't get a good score, will apply next year re-appearing for GMAT.