Please evaluate my chances

[sriram]

Hi Amy,
I appeared for GMAT today and only got 600 (Q47, V27)
In my previous attempt, I had got 490 (Q37, V21)

I have an improvement of 110 points in GMAT..Is that considered for admissions?

I have 2 years of full time work experience in IT. I have few leadership skills to mention in my essays. Though, I do not have enough extra-curricular activities to highlight.

My in Engineering, I got 81%. I am not sure how much GPA it converts to.

Can you please tell me if I have any chance of getting into top 30 universities in US?

I plan to apply for the following universities:
Rice University
University of Texas as Dallas
University of Pittsburg - Katz

What do you think about MBA in Canada? I heard its a struggle to get placed in Canada..is that true?

[Stacy Blackman]

Hi Sriram,
I replied to your private message, but my general assessment is optimistic! Your GMAT is below average, but you have shown great improvement. You should stop worrying about the GMAT and focus on other aspects of your application. The extracurricular involvements taht you feel are weak, and the leadership skills can be critical, so either improve upon them or figure out ways to work with what you have!

[sriram]

Hi Stacy,
Thanks for your reply.
Some of the schools have deadline for International Students on December 1st. I would be taking my TOEFL on Nov 24th and it takes 20 days for the results to be out. So I wont be able to specify my TOEFL score in the application. Is TOEFL mandatory for international students in order to process the application or I can send them my score later?

[Amy]

Hi Sriram,

The TOEFL is needed for international students if your primary instruction during college was not in English. The best way to determine whether you will make the deadline is to call your target schools and ask - schools have differing policies regarding submitting materials after the deadline.

Good luck!

Amy