Paul,
Would greatly appreciate it if you can evaluate my profile:
Age: 24
Sex: Female
Ethnicity: Asian American - Japanese
Undergraduate: Major - Mechanical Engineering; Minor - Applied Mathematics - University of California, San Diego, GPA: 3.56/4.0
Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society
ASME - publicity, 2 yrs.
GMAT: 620 (Q45, V31), AWA 6.0
Work History: Mechanical Engineer (2 yrs, 1 yr intern) @ major defense contractor. Due to funding issues there were several cutbacks/layoffs. Was not directly impacted but left due to instability and not so bright future prospects. Currently, at a smaller firm - consulting/systems engineering. Although, I do not hold a leadership title, my superiors/bosses at my previous job can vouch for me that I have potential. I have received stellar reviews and have been told several times that I have impressed them on several different levels.
Community Service - Not soo much now, did some tutoring/mentoring during undergrad. Worked in the math departement, grading papers, assisting professors/TAs. Did community service through the clubs @ UCSD - outreach programs/clean up services, etc. I am looking into doing more volunteer work but I am sure it is pretty transparent that it is for applications
Goals: As with most people here, a change in my career. Dont get me wrong, engineering is fun, but not my cup of tea - it is not something I see as long term. Would like to transition into the likes of strategy/operation/corporate finance.
Target Schools: Georgetown, Duke, UCLA, Yale (need to do a bit more research...or if you have any suggestions)
Very much aware that my GMAT is not very competitive for these schools and therefore, am thinking of retaking it. If, however, I do not get a higher score or end up not retaking it, is my current score too low for me to even try for my target schools? Initially, I had wanted to apply this year but due to my score, I am starting to think I may or should wait until next year. What do you think?
Any comments/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advnace.