Profile Evaluation for Round2 vs Round 3-Please advice

[Raphael123]

Hi. I have recently taken the gmat second time and got my scores as below.

GMAT: 600 Q:44, V:28

US citizen
Work Exp: 2 yrs working in ABB (fortune 500 company) as Estimation Engineer.
Undergrad: Bachelors in Engineering Hons. from one of the top indian Institution (Bits Pilani)

I am planning to apply to the following universities in california

1. UCI
2. UC Davis
3. UCSD
4. Pepperdine/ UCR (keeping them as my safe option)

I know my gmat score is not great but the problem is i don't have enough time to retake the gmat exam and apply in the 2nd round.

Can you please advice if my profile looks convincing enough to have a shot at these universities.
Also please suggest whether its better to apply with my current gmat score in round 2 or retake the exam and apply in round 3?
And can you advice which one among Pepperdine and UCR is better in terms of teaching quality and campus placements?

PLEASE! I REALLY NEED SOME ADVICE here as i don't wanna end up making the wrong decision.

Thanks!!

[Bryant@VeritasPrep]

Your odds are better in R2, and your GMAT score will likely be in the 80% range of your target schools, so I would say go ahead and focus on your applications vs. risking a R3 run.