Hi Paul,

Would you please evaluate my profile and answer questions at the end of this post?

- Background
. 27 years old, Korean, male

- Academics
. Undergraduate: Double major in Business and Computer Science from top 25 university in the U.S.
. GPA: 3.59/4.00

. GMAT: 690 (Q49, V34) -> 1st attempt
-> Since this score is unofficial, I do not have the AWA score yet.

- Work Experience
. 6 months : Joint venture with a friend (Didn't work out)
. 3 years : Working as a R&D project coordinator for one of the major cellphone manufacturers
I do not have direct management experience, but my role basically manages R&D projects.

- Extracurricular activities
. Before College : Active church member, Taekwondo
. During College : Member of Business Association and Korean Club
. Currently : IEEE member, Church fellowship team for, active stock trader
-> As you can see, I don't have much extracurricular activities.
Would you recommend some extracurricular activities that I can start soon?

- Community activities
. Volunteered for 2 years during high school
. Volunteered for 6 months during college
. Currently, planning to teach a basic computer class or supervise a computer lab

-Why MBA
. My interest for the financial industry (especially in stocks) started after college graduation.
I would like to get a job in the financial industry.
Since I have not worked in financial industy, I think that MBA is needed for the career change.

- Career Goal
. Right after MBA : Equity Research Analyst at fortune 500 finance company
. Long Term goal : Manage my own fund, concentrating particularly on countries in Asia such as Korea.

- Target Schools
. Wharton, Chicago, Columbia, NYU, Anderson, Ross, Tepper
(I chose these schools based on Finance Rankings.
If you could recommend any other program to me, that would be fantastic.)

- Question
1. Should I retake the GMAT?
(I have been getting 680 ~ 700 on my practice tests.)
2. How important is AWA score?
Should I retake the test if I receive a low AWA score?
3. How are my chances at getting into above target schools
4. Should I apply in Round 1 or Round 2?
5. Any additional advice?

I look forward to your advice. Thanks in advance.

Paul,
Thank you for your advice.
I will retake the GMAT next month.

Would you recommend a study material to improve my verbal score?

So far, I've studied below materials.
- 2003 Kaplan
- 2004 Princeton Review
- Official Guide 11th edition
- Also, I've taken Kaplan classroom course.

I've just ordered Manhattan GMAT Sentence Correction book.
But I am not sure about what/how to study to improve my RC and CR skills. Should I try LSAT books?

Please recommend me a study plan for next 1 month.

Thank you.

Paul,
As you've advised, I will try the GMAT verbal book. I have ordered OG Verbal book.


Thank you again for your advice.

Hi Paul,

I retook my GMAT today (my 2nd attempt), and I got lower score (660, Q:49, V:31) than what I got on my first attempt (690, Q:49, V:34).

I was pretty confident that I was going to get at least 690 because I've been getting 690 and 700 on my GMATPrep Tests.

As you know, the 1st round application deadline is approaching (mid-October), and I need to work on the applications and essays. Should I retake the GMAT if I really want to get into top 10 school (Wharton, Chicago, Columbia, and Stern)?

When the adcom sees my GMAT score, do you think that the adcom will see my GMAT score as 660 (2nd attempt) or 690 (1st attempt)?

Thank you for all your help.

Hi Paul,

As you have advised, I will concentrate on my application and essays.

You said that top 10 school is a long shot for me.
How are my chances at NYU, UCLA, and Ross?

Thank you.