Realistic chances for a 6+ exp guy and one shot at GMAT

[kenfrapin]

Hi,
I have just begun my prep work on cracking the GMAT. My goal to answer the exam mid-Nov with a complete 3.5 month preparation. I have ample time to go over all GMAT sections, bug myself to death answering all sorts of tests and practice tests and go all out for a good score

So my question is - based on my profile described below, what should an ideal GMAT score be for a shot at the top 10 schools across US and UK. I have just one chance as I am almost 32 and the Missus is forcing me to start a family very soon and this is my only chance at a shot for an MBA!!!

My profile is as follows
Exp - Over 7 years experience as an IT Consultant in the UK
Degree - Engineering in Electronics at 73% over 4 years
School - Pretty good, top ranks all the way through school
Extras - Few Company awards, Certification from PMP, lots of school certificates in Sports etc

What I feel I have to show is my excellent growth in the IT industry - inside of 6 years, starting from an Engineering background to J2EE development, designing to now finally managing clients, leading a team and also securing an account for my company in the UK. I am no whiz at Management which is why I am gunning for an MBA to fill in all the gaps and help me progress further. I have a clear set goal of a career as an IT Director in Strategy/Communications or IT Consultancy, well atleast for now unless I realize I have other strengths during the course.

Finally, what I feel I have to set myself apart from the rest are the journeys I have made in my life till now - Born to Indian Parents in the Middle East, lived through the Gulf War, spent few years in India for my Bachelors and then spent 5 years in the UK - I believe this gives me a unique perspective on various cultures and understanding how people can be managed. This is one of the key reasons of my excellent skills in people management and communications. I have an outer body experience everyday - which is why I am commended in knowing how to deal with people from every dept in my company - be it the Biz Unit head, a core development guy or a stakeholder in my project - my experience helps me mould and manage even the most difficult of people and bring the best in them under the most demanding of situations.
Oh, and I am a genius in Telecoms processes where my expertize lie at the moment.

Based on all the above (sorry for the details), what GMAT score will be good enough to get the guys to give my application another look? I really have no clue if a 600 coupled with my experience will be good enough or even a 720 wont get me in.
I am only aiming for the top 10 in the UK or USA

Many thanks
KP

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

In order to have a realistic shot at a top 10 school in the US, you should aim for a 720. As you know, there is no magic number, but, based on the information you have provided, I think you will need a high score in order for an Adcom to seriously consider your application. You may be a better candidate for an executive or part-time program (because you have more experience than the typical candidate). A question will be why you need an MBA at this point in your career. You will need a compelling answer to this question. Think about why you didn't seek an MBA 4 years ago? Experience is great, but, if you have been so successful, is an MBA even necessary? And, if you haven't been successful, what changed that made you want to seek an MBA now??

Recommendations and professional accomplishments will be much more important for you than for a more recent graduate. Make sure that your recommenders understand why you need an MBA to accomplish your long term goals.

Lastly, you haven't said anything about extracurricular activities and community involvement. These will also be important components in your application (particularly for a top tier school).

Best of luck!

[kenfrapin]

Deleting as next post is more relevant

KP

[kenfrapin]

One more thing I should have mentioned Jessica on my ECs are
1. I do host and compeer a number of company and personal functions/events as I am a pretty good speaker and very successful in hosting big events
2. I have been a member of the RSPCA and NSPCC for over 2 years now
3. I have been awarded for my recognition in fields of work other than just IT. For example - Thinker of the Year due to my valuable inputs in streamlining Company Processes
4. I am have a keen interest in Indian Investments particularly Mutual Funds and Equities - this has been a passion for over 10 years now and taken a considerable part of my free time over the years. My investments actually paid for my wedding and also helped put a down payment for my flat!
5. I also carry out Income Tax Calculations and assist friends/family with their wealth management planning and this too has been going on for over 5 years now

This is ALL my ECs outside of work. Since it's my first time applying, will this info strengthen my applications in anyway?

Thanks!!!
KP

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

Hi KP -

All of those things will absolutely help your application! And, again, make sure to discuss your leadership and the specific things that you did organizations to make a difference (not just stating awards, but, WHY you were chosen for recognition)!

Jessica