Seeking opinions about re-applying? re-taking GMAT?

[PurpleElephant]

I applied to the following schools, with the following results:

Columbia (rolling, sent early Jan) - ding without interview
Wharton (rd 2) - ding without interview
Booth (rd 2) - interview, then ding

Now some questions...

Is there any chance or re-applying to these schools in round 1 this year(early decision for Columbia) and expecting any different of a result...or do successful re-applicants need more time to enhance their application?

Can I change my post-MBA career goals a bit in my new application or will that look bad?

I've taken the GMAT twice...
1st: 690 Q44 - V40 - AWA 5.5
2nd: 710 Q49 - V37 - AWA 6.0 - IR 5

While my 2nd GMAT score is OK, the IR score was 52%!!! How much could that have hurt me...will it be even more of an issue next year? Should I re-take the GMAT this summer?
(for context, my undergrad GPA was 3.4 from a good state school and my work experience is in investment banking)

THANKS in advance for any help/advice that you can share.

[Jon@Admissionado]

Of course! Many people get in the second time around after just one year. The key is to improve whatever you can in your profile and your application in the meanwhile - they want to see CONCRETE advancement CONCRETE results, a promotion if possible and of course - better essays!!!

[Apply Point]

First, please know that re-applicants are viewed favorably and it is not too soon to re-apply for upcoming Round 1. There will surely be updates to your candidacy you can discuss and improvements you can make to your application. I would not wait.

Second, you can absolutely change your goals and this will not look bad. However, I recommend you are as specific as possible when it comes to your short and long term goals. Business school admissions committees want to know that you will hit the ground running working to secure that internship (in-between the two years) and job (post-MBA)..and the only way you can do that, is if you know exactly what you want to do.

Third, I would re-take the GMAT. Please know that you can re-take the GMAT multiple times and admissions committees will only take the highest score. Did you work with a private tutor when you prepared for the GMAT earlier this year? If not, I have a wonderful recommendation for one. A 3.4 GPA is solid and so is a previous career in investment banking, but to give you anymore advice, I would want to know more.

I am an admissions consultant and former MBA admissions director, so if you have any additional questions, let me know.