I am applying for Fall 2013 MBA, a bit bg about myself… bilingual in Chinese, raised in China went to high school in S. Cal, graduated from Emory University in 2008 (graduated within 3 years, gpa 3.33, Econ major), worked for a start-up jewelry & e-commerce company, became executive manager of their small e-commerce operation until 2010 the exec team were separated which lead to company dissolution. Worked for 3 other small to mid sized companies from then to now, had entre level positions as well as jr. manager positions. Resume looks impressive from far but the companies were not big names and operations were not very professional. I felt that I could be less competitive from a professional standpoint for not have made significant accomplishments in the last few years in those small companies and no major company work exp records.
My Gmat is 660 (V36Q44), took in 2009 (still good for the fall app), and the reason for MBA is to re-start my career in international business with a focus on international marketing. I am planning to concentrate in finance and at the same time taking some marketing courses to make a strong candidate for work functions in marketing analysis and etc. I felt by just concentrate on marketing in MBA is kind of waste of time unless get into a top notch marketing program like Kellogg.
I have a few questions and would love to have y’all input on these:
1. What is my chance of getting into a top tier MBA (I am not talking about top10, rather maybe top 50 since my work exp and GMAT might not be impressive enough for that), I am applying Emory (where I went for undergrad), USC, UCI, and UCD, and might also add UCLA for 2nd round if my time allows. What’s my chance at those programs?
2. If I want to eventually work in international business functions, would it be really worth the ROI to getting into the best program possible without fellowships compare to a less expensive program that has good local connections? (I am also applying UCR, CSUFullerton for these program are closer to home and if admitted I might end up with decent fellowship)
3. My goal is to work in the wine related CPG companies, prefer dealing with international functions such as international marketing, branding, or operations. Based on this what programs would you recommend the most? (I chose UCD for its approximity to some of the best wineries in the country and good relationship with some CPG firms, Emory for its connection to Coca Cola and the fact I went there for undergrad)


Any suggestions would be really appreciated, thanks!!

Thanks for your reply!