I'm currently applying for full time programs. I have been a project manager (no direct reports, but I interface with clients and manage project designs and time frames) for the past 18 months as a civil engineering consultant - which in this industry often doesn't happen until around 5 years experience. I started after 3 years. As a project manager, I realized that I really love the business aspects of working, rather than the technical design, hence my pivot. In fact, I've always been better at the qualitative types of work rather than straight math. Eventual goals to start my own development or real estate finance firm, but to work in the industry for a bit first.
Education:
B.S. Civil Engineering from ABET accredited top 75 engineering state school
GPA. 3.33 (top 20% of class, 8/49)
Test Scores (2013) - 164 Q(86%) & 162 V (90%) - GRE (GMAT rough equivalent of 700)
Work Experience - 4.5 years currently, last 20 months as a Project Manager. My resume shows Grad Eng 1 > Grad Eng 2 > Project Manager. Projects vary between $40K and $1,000K in construction cost.
I've already applied to A&M Mays and UT McCombs (interviewing in November) for Round 1 and now I am considering alternative schools as well, though I'd like to stay in Texas. Am I in a good enough position to apply to some Top 10 programs for Round 2, or should I keep my focus in that 10-30 range. I'd prefer to keep debt down, which is why I am looking at Mays (lots of $$$ go around there).