I suppose this could have been posted in the evolution of the bschool app page but decided to create a new one to see how many people are in my shoes..

In a nutshell my bschool application story is the following. Spring of last year turned down a Masters in Real Estate Development program at Columbia (decide an MBA will better position me for this new economy and that the job market will be better in 2012 instead of 2010 with a specialized masters). Begin prepping for GMAT in the Summer. First swing is a 650 second swing a 710.

Wanted to break 700 because I felt I had a compelling story, solid ECs, 2 good recs, and applying from an underrepresented part of the country (New Orleans) that I would at least have a shot a some top 10s if I was able to frame my story well.

Targeted 6 schools (applied to 5) - 4 top 10, 1 top 20, & 1 safety. Because I had to retake the gmat again I applied in r2 and r3 for Haas.

accepted into my safety with fellowship, accepted into top 20 w/ $$, dinged by NYU, waitlisted w/o interview by UCLA, waiting to hear back from my r3 application at Haas.

To be honest I was surprised to even get waitlisted at UCLA. Because I didnt get the 710 until December 23rd, I literally panicked and put together two sloppy R2 applications for NYU and UCLA (at the time i thought they were OK). My haas application on the other hand I felt was great. The amount of depth and insight I was able to put in the essays makes me cringe to think about how poor of a job I did with the previous applications ( I credit it to being able to focus on one application and not being rushed by multiple deadlines.)

Anyway, long story short. At the moment I feel like my ability to put together thoughtful insightful essays is leaps and bounds greater then it was late last year. In addition, I came across resources (such as this forum) that I did not tap for my previous apps.

So I was just wondering if anyone out there is sitting in my shoes feeling like they want to throw their hat in for a R3 app at H/S or Columbia or Columbia Jterm? I know at the least they would be my best applications. I have no love affair with HBS and would rank it 3rd to the other 2 for 'fit' and personal reasons.

Is it statistically impossible at this point to get in? Would Columbia JTerm at full price w/o an internship be better then a top 20 where I have to pay half the price? Anyone else have the urge to let it ride?