UPDATE: Do I have what it takes?

[briangtsmith]

OK, I finally took the GMAT! Ended up with a 700 (42Q/42V) and expecting a 5.5. or 6.0 AWA. SO relieved to be done with that ordeal!

I told myself that, if I scored 700+, I would apply to more competitive programs. As such, I've narrowed my selection down to the following 9 schools:

Uber Elite
Harvard
U. Penn

Elite
Northwestern
Yale
UCLA

Almost Elite
Emory
Georgetown
UT-Austin
USC

Is 9 too much? I don't want to tire my recommenders, and need to make sure I have enough time to make each application great.

Would appreciate any thoughts and help!




Stats

Male, 26 years old at matriculation
American, Caucasian
UG: Top 50 University with 3.27 GPA
EC: Campus leader in several clubs

Studied Abroad in Japan, Fluent in Japanese


WE1: Hotel Manager at Fortune 100 Corporation with 20 direct reports
WE2: Hotel Manager, later Night Manager, at re-opening of world famous luxury hotel with 20 direct reports
WE3: Property Manager, then promoted to Asset Manager, at Japanese Real Estate Firm. Proposed new division, which was executed and I was given responsibility for it. Speak Japanese on daily basis at work.

Goal
Get MBA to pursue career in hotel development. I have strong hospitality leadership background, international experience, and have delved into real estate, so I feel I possess a strong profile.

[briangtsmith]

Updated, thanks all for your help!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear briangtsmith,

If your GMAT ends up in the 700+ range, then there is no reason you should exclude a top 10 program from your mix of schools. However, it is prudent for any applicant to have a mix of reach, reasonable and safety programs that are a good match for his/her career goals. The outcome of your applications will greatly depend on how you present your background and rationale for an MBA in your applications, not to mention your fit with the program.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[briangtsmith]

Thanks Lisa! I've updated now with my actual GMAT- took Friday!

[Lisa Anderson]

Congratulations on your score! Well done! Now it is time to get those applications in tip top shape. I do think 9 might be too many, but it is really your call on how many applications you feel you can handle within the timeframe. You might consider using 3-4 recommenders to spread the load a bit if you decide to proceed with your current list.

Good luck!
Lisa