Columbia GSB -- Please Evaluate

Thanks Linda and Hjort for putting in the time on this forum. Excellent.

I am a 27 year old Computer Engineer at a Fortune 500, and I will have over 4 years of experience by the time I am planning to enroll this Fall of '06.

I read school profiles, fit most, but still don't have a feel for my chances of making one of the Top 5. Appreciate your help.

I graduated from a top 20 engineering school, Texas A&M, with a BS. in Comp.E. in 2001, 3.0 (Major GPA, 2.96 Overall )

GMAT 740 (98%)

I've had a full work experience in a truly cross-functional role. Lead responsibility for hardware and software development on over 10 projects from concept to deplyoment, with high visibility into and involvement in Vendor and Technology Selection and Evaluation, Product Marketing decisions, Supply Chain Management, Process Quality Control, and Customer Service and Support decisions.

Worked all through highschool and college, but this has been my only role post-undergrad. I was promoted in a year and faster than all 7 or 8 fresh college grads I started work with. I continue to grow and have proven myself under high pressure several times.

I know I can excel at the coursework, but I'm worried my GPA will hold me back from the top tier, specifically Columbia. I did not enjoy the coursework during undergrad, and did not do as well as I could; part of the reason I want an MBA is to make a move out of engineering. I'm not sure if my GMAT score compensates.

I stay active in sports, have broad interests and hobbies, enjoy the company of people, and am lucky to have many friends, but I've never led a Habitat for Humanity team, saved a tribe in the Amazon, and have yet to climb Everest.

I know I will fit in and succeed. The question is, will they give me the chance?

Thanks again.