620 GMAT, applying to UT Austin: CleanTech MBA PLEASE ADVISE

Hello! I took the GMAT yesterday and scored a 620 (Q39 V37). My average timed practice tests were 650 - 680 range.

Here is my profile:

Adam Candler, 28

GMAT 620
Hospitality Management Degree, San Diego State University
(A's in all math classes: econ, stats, calc, etc.)
Minor in Sustainable Tourism Management
3.61

5 years in the U.S. Navy as a Helicopter Search and Rescue Swimmer
-Indonesian Tsunami Relief
-Hurricane Katrina Relief
-Many times awarded, including several air medals and a fleet-admiral comendation.

3 years of hospitality management in San Diego. Dana Hotel and Marina.

Created, funded and carried out a 12-month worldwide sustainability field study and internship program for the flagship class in the Sustainability Tourism Management degree program at San Diego State University. Countries covered: Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, (Malaysian and Indonesian Borneo), Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore. A form of this program is available to current students looking for international experience with regard to global sustainability in tourism.

Managed a nightclub in Australia's Gold Coast for six months.

Managed a dive resort in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia for four months.

Currently the evening manager at the Four Diamond Regency Hotel on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

--> I only want one program: The UT Austin "CleanTech" emphasis in the MBA program. I am from Austin, my family is there, and my brother in law is raising my niece by himself out there.

Sorry for the life story, but I know that it all goes into the application.

My question is: Do I need to re-take my GMAT? I studied extremely hard and took a dozen practice tests (likely I took too many and psyched myself out). The 80% GMAT acceptance rate is 620-730 and I am clearly on the low end of that. My GPA is above average, but does that and my other experience make up for my GMAT score?

You're right you're on the low end and it won't be fatal, but it will be a handicap. If you are confident that you can squeeze another 30-40 points out of that GMAT, I would retake it. You otherwise have a strong background, so the only thing holding you back at this point is your GMAT (assuming you'll do a great job on the written applications and interviews... and that's a given since everyone goes in wanting to do a great job on the applications and interviews).

Alex,

Thanks for taking the time to reply! I have the GMAT rescheduled for next month and I hope to do better. Other than that, I have to hope that my story is interesting enough and that my grades can speak to my ability to do well in business school.

Anyhow, thanks again.

Adam

Alex,

I took the test again and put on 60 points! I think that a 680 will make me competative for UT Austin. I'm also applying for UCLA and UCSD. Do you think that I might be competative for these three programs?

Thank you again for taking the time to write to me, I really appreciate the advice.

Adam

That's great news! Yes, you should be competitive for the schools you mentioned. At this point it's focusing on doing the best you can on the written applications. Good luck!