Howell,

Thanks for your note. Yes, your spotty academics present a bit of a quandary. Your 720 GMAT is quite impressive - there is no need to retake this test. Having said this, the adcom will be a bit worried about your 75% quant score. Thus, they will look to your college/grad school transcripts for evidence of your quant ability, particularly in business foundation courses such at economics, statistics, accounting and calculus.

You mentioned that you had a 2.7 gpa in college, and that Biology coursework negatively affected your grades. While your 3.3 gpa in your Journalism Masters is an improvement, it doesn't really address your quant ability. In addition, your grades fall below the 3.5+ gpa averages of the top full time programs.

Thus, I strongly suggest that you build an alternate transcript to prove that you can handle the quant aspects of the MBA program. Be sure to take at least 1 intro college course in statistics, accounting or economics (and get As in the courses). You can take classes from a local college or even from on line course (just make sure that you take the courses from an accredited academic institution).

As an older applicant (33 years old), you might consider applying to the eMBA and part time programs because they are likely to place more weight on your work experience. You might also consider broadening your school selection beyond top 5 full time MBA programs.

Sincerely,

Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit LLC