Low GPA/ high GMAT. Can I make it to a top school?

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Here is my profile. I am a student at the University of Central Florida. Currently pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Finance. I am at starting my senior year at 19 years old. My GPA is 3.0 and I scored a 770 in the GMAT. My goal is to get a Master in Finance (MSF) in one of the top school to begin a successful career in investment banking.
My first two years in college went well, I was maintaining a 3.5 GPA but I lowered because of economic hardships at home. I had to work for extended hours and unfortunately lowered my grades. However, this summer I fully focused on my classes and I aced them. I'm planning to do the same this year to bring my GPA up as much as I can.
But I still don't think my GPA will be high enough to satisfy the minimum requirement for one of the top school.
Currently I have no working experience in the investment banking area, but I just got an internship with Sun-trust Bank in that area for the following summer.
Do I still have the possibility to make it into a top school.

I would appreciate your honest response. Thanks.

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. It sounds as though you've been very busy in undergrad with working and attending school full time. There are a couple of points I want to make. First, it is commendable that you are able to work and go to school and still make pretty good grades. You'll certainly want to mention the reason for your lower GPA in the optional essay at each school to which you apply. Remember, you aren't making an excuse for your low grades, but rather providing the adcom with explanation for the grades. Additionally, your high GMAT score is a great indication of your potential success in the classroom.

The second point I want to make is around your timing. Why is it that you want to go directly to business school? Not many programs take students directly out of undergrad, and even those that do take very few. Given your limited internship/professional experience, it might be best for you to graduate and work for a few years (also given your age - you have plenty of time to go to bschool!). By working a few years you'll strengthen your professional profile and thus have a greater chance of admission success.

Regards,

Stacey