Intern
Joined: 10 Jul 2010
Posts: 6
Schools:Columbia, Yale, NYU
Is 700 GMAT score good enough to get into the top programs?
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20 Sep 2010, 15:02
Hi,
I took my GMAT earlier today and was quite disappointed to see a verbal score of 34, especially after studying hardcore for the past two months. I felt pretty confident going into the test but then executed poorly with time management on the verbal section. I was hoping to apply to top business schools on the east coast (Harvard, Penn, Columbia, NYU, MIT). After receiving my score, I'm a little concerned as to my chances of getting in. Based on my profile below, do you have any recommendations as to where I should apply and what my chances are of getting in to some of the schools I mentioned above?
I would also like to know what areas I should focus on in my resume and essays. I have a pretty extensive technical background (engineering, programming, cyber security, etc.) and have some experience with project management. Does it hurt my chances that I lack any background in traditional business areas (finance, marketing, accounting)?
Possible focus areas:
1) Northrop Grumman (3rd largest defense contractor) - I plan on utilizing my MBA to pursue more executive level positions within NG (tech director, possibly a CTO down the line). I have been promoted twice in the past year. NG is currently not listed as a major employer for most MBA programs. Are the top schools interested in expanding their list of employers in different disciplines? I haven't heard of too many executives in the defense industry that have gotten their MBAs from well known schools.
2) Experience working with several highly regarded Department of Defense agencies (w/ TS clearance). Does it hurt my chances that I fall in the Indian/Male/IT category? Or does the fact that I have a clearance set me apart from the rest since I will have more opportunities to make a direct impact in the security of the nation?
Program: MBA(FT)
Area of interest in MBA : General Management (focus on IT management if available, hoping to be more well rounded in non-technical business areas)
GMAT: 700 (34V 68%, 50Q 93%)
GPA: 3.75 Electrical Engineering w/ Minor in Math, Univ of Akron, OH (decent Eng school)
Work experience(WE): 4 years overall, mostly with defense agencies
Nationality: Indian
Age: 25
Gender: M
Extra-curriculars/community: Some volunteer work (no lead positions), currently working with my roommate on some entrepreneurship opportunities (mobile app development),
Schools I'm interested in (took out Harvard and Wharton):
School 1: Columbia ED (maybe ED will help?)
School 2: NYU Stern
School 3: MIT
School 4: Cornell
School 5: Yale
School 6: Dartmouth