how do i know what schools to aim for? please help

[dianegmat]

Hi,

Below is my profile
Age - 30
Applying for Full-time MBA
GMAT - 740
GPA - 2.8 from a top engineering school in the US. Downward trend and failed classes. Took 5 years to graduate
Work Exp - 7/8 years. I am a team lead and I have good recos.
Completed a part-time Masters in engineering while working full-time. GPA - 3.7 from a local college. Took 5 years to graduate taking classes on and off
Aiming for schools -Kelley, Emory, Ross, Duke
Nationality - Female from India

Are these schools within my reach considering a bad academic record but a good gmat and good work exp? Is my age a negative factor?

[mbaMissionBrianE]

Hello dianegmat, thanks for your question.

Regarding your academics, was there an extraordinary circumstance that caused your low marks? Do you have any other analogue that is a better representation of your academic ability and potential? Programs will want to know that you can handle the material. Your high GMAT serves as an indicator, but you could use another one to mitigate the 2.8.

Certain programs like Booth and Wharton seem to be more welcoming to more experienced candidates, but in general have you considered executive programs?

Best of luck,
Brian

[dianegmat]

Thanks for your reply. Other than taking graduate classes and earning a graduate degree while working full-time and my gmat score, I do not have anything else to help show my academic capability. Can you please suggest what else I should do?
I was hoping my part-time masters GPA would help mitigate my undergraduate GPA.
I am not very keen on executive MBA programs. I would prefer a full-time MBA program at the moment.

Do you think my profile is not as good for Kelley or Emory?

Regards,
Diane