High GPA, low GRE - realistic profile eval

[smc0708]

Hi all,

I'm looking for any advice on application strategy and/or what my chances would be of admittance to Texas business schools.

Undergrad - Texas Tech University
BBA in International Business and Energy Commerce, minor in Spanish
Graduate with 3.8 Magna Cum Laude
Graduated top 10% of business school and top 50 overall at university based on grades/extracurricular involvement
President of my sorority
Business Ambassador to my school of business
Study abroad experience - 6 months in Spain, 3 months in Norway
Congressional intern to John Cornyn

Scores - GRE 158/158 Q and V (have not yet taken- these are average practice)

Work Experience - 3 years by time of admittance
5 months working on President John F. Kennedy Commemorative Event in Dallas
1 year 3 months at oil/gas software company, promoted once to senior associate. Led Spanish operations
7 months to present as an external consultant to same company handling oil/gas accounts working remotely abroad in Madrid, Spain (also attending Spanish school part time)

Essays - short/term long term goals and life event (typical to most schools to which I am applying)
- short - obtain business development role in energy industry (specifically Latin America/Mexico development)
- long - still business development field (Latin America/Mexico) but more of a managerial position in strategy
- life event - time studying and working abroad and the skills I have acquired; how it's shaped my goals

What are my chances for my top schools?
-TX - McCombs
-Rice - Jones
-SMU - Cox
-TX A&M - Mays

I appreciate all thoughts and advice!

-S

[Alexbr@ClearAdmit]

just curious, Why GRE versus GMAT ? With a competitive test score, you are going to be a very strong candidate for those schools, and nationally top 10 schools I would imagine. cheers, alex

[smc0708]

Hi Alex - sorry for late response apparently my email spammed the notifications!

But to answer your question GRE v GMAT- I actually studied and took the GMAT in 2013 and to be honest did not do well. I was great at the verbal but could not seem to pick up my quant score. This year I have been living and working abroad again and the resources available to me here along with my schedule pointed toward GRE. I figured as well a school would be more apt to accept a lower GRE than GMAT given the minimal statistics available - but I do see as well how that can be a double edged sword.

Additionally I am not looking to leave out of the state of Texas and luckily all of my target schools accept the GRE. What are your thoughts on acceptance in the schools listed above with a high GPA/expected lower GRE candidate?

[Alexbr@ClearAdmit]

It would appear that the GRE will be your weakest point; if you can get a score within range for the schools you have listed, I imagine the other aspects of your application will help you standout. cheers, Alex