What GMAT score needed for top 5 MBA given my stats?

Dear ucbucb,

A GMAT score is good for 5 years, so be mindful of that when you think about when you might apply. Generally speaking, scoring in the 700s is ideal as you will be at or above the average for just about any program. Based on the information you posted, you might still be competitive with a score in the 670-700 range, but it is hard to know at this point in time as your professional experience is a question mark. I think an acceptable range to shoot for is probably 670+, but higher is always better.

The best things to be doing for future applications are progressing in your career while gaining quality experience and being involved in activities outside the office. You want to have solid professional accomplishments and contributions on your resume, as well as great leadership and teamwork examples you can write about in your essays. While I understand your work hours are plentiful, many people find the time to spend a few hours a month on an activity or volunteer to work on a short-term project for an organization on a periodic basis. How do you plan to find the time to prepare for the GMAT? I think you will find that your available time will increase a bit as your career progresses, but it is best to get involved in something sooner rather than later to reflect a track record over time.

Best of luck,
Lisa