Profile Evaluation please: GMAT 710 (Q49, V38)

[Sudish]

Hi

I took my GMAT a couple of weeks before and unfortunately scored only a 710 (I expected to do much better). So, with a bit of a low score for the b-schools I hoped to apply to, I'm confused whether to re-take the GMAT or apply with the current score/profile. Could you please provide your valuable comments?

I plan to apply to Harvard, Stanford, MIT and NYU Stern in the second round.

My profile is mentioned below:
1. Indian Male, IT background (I'm so damn frustrated to be in the cursed pool), Age - 26 years
2. Undergrad - Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics & Telecommunication), Mumbai University, India - 61% aggregate (think this converts to a GPA of 3.0 - not sure though). Graduated in 2007.
3. GMAT - 710 (Q49, V38, AWA - 5.5) {I'm contemplating on re-taking GMAT if I don't stand a good chance with my existing profile}
4. Work Experience: 52 months (as of November 2011)
Current position - Senior Software Engineer in HSBC Software Development, India (not sure whether I could leverage the brand name?)
Joined as a Trainee Software Engineer after graduation, got promoted to Software Engineer position within 6 months and to the current position in another 2 years - well ahead of my peers, who joined with me. Current job role includes mainly analysis, consulting, project planning and coordination. Previously, used to engage in software development as well.
International exposure - Have worked in the UK with HSBC Invoice Finance for more than a year in 2008 and 2010 as Analyst & Onsite coordinator.
5. Extracurricular:
Multi-faceted interests - Academically strong in school (stood first in a class of 80 during 10th grade exams and scored in the top 1% during 12th grade exams), trained Indian Classical dancer (trained for 5 years with distinction throughout) and various dance performances in the city, won several prizes during school in essay and poem writing competitions, won several robotics competitions organized by IEEE during college, won the intra-department Table Tennis tournament, won several prizes in painting in school and at work
6. Awards:
Won the prestigious HSBC Platinum League Team Award for outstanding team efforts during a project - the award is given to a total of only 5 teams every 6 months from teams competing across the HSBC group (with a presence in over 85 countries across 10000 offices)
Won several other awards at HSBC for team and individual performances during my stint so far (think I can quantify these in a decent manner)
7. Interesting personal facts:
As mentioned earlier, I consider myself a person with varied interests. Apart from that already mentioned, I enjoy cooking and painting, sketching, origami, etc. I enjoy listening to different genres of music and watching movies. Enjoy walking as well - walk across the South Downs in England countryside of Woodingdean was amazing - one of the best I've ever enjoyed.
Professionally, interested in a 'consulting' job post-graduation as it has been something what I've been doing over the years and enjoyed the most. Long term goal - become an entrepreneur, entrepreneurship being one of my passions. (I've experimented on several business plans during my spare time, after work, but have realized that executing an idea requires more than just a plan)
8. Recommendations: I'd mostly take recommendations from my Senior Project Manager, my ex-Team Leader and a colleague who is an year senior to me (we have worked closely for almost 4 years now) - I believe that these people can give the best recommendations, considering the fact that they have all worked closely with me.

Apologies for the lengthy/detailed profile (didn't want to miss out on anything). I'm pretty confident that I could write decent essays highlighting the key points in each of the areas mentioned above.

The dilemma I have is with respect to the overall strength of my profile and my low GPA/GMAT score (considering the b-schools I hope to apply to). Could you please advise whether I should re-take the GMAT or could do anything else in a month or so to better my profile? Do I stand a chance?

Many Thanks
Sudish

[Bryant@VeritasPrep]

Sudish--your profile looks fine--GPA for engineering is typically lower than other majors, so you shouldn't have a problem there especially considering your WE and your GMAT, which despite your stated dissappointment, is quite a good score. Yes, your pool is expansive, but another 20 points on the GMAT will not improve your odds much. I would focus on your story and how to relate your experience and involvement in a compelling way which captures the attention of a committee who will be receiving many applications from similar backgrounds as yours. Your key will be integrating the many interesting and unique aspects of your experience and interests. It's good that you have a well thought out plan for your post MBA career, which is a must-have, now weave together a story which integrates all you have done in work and in your personal life which demonstrates thoughtful preparation for it. Your target schools will be choosing several people with a background like yours--how will you stand out to be one of them? This should be your focus now.

[Sudish]

Thanks Bryant, for your advice.

I'll definitely concentrate on my application and essays at this point in time. As of now, I've decided to apply to NYU Stern and LBS only, considering the round 2 deadlines approaching fast.

Cheers,
Sudish