gambelda wrote:
I am 26 years old and turn 27 in October. The difficult part is finding a good job quickly that isn't too big of a step back in the eyes of future schools I might apply to. That would probably make me 29 when I reapply and I would have to reapply in round I of all schools because I believe my gmat score would expire in mid august.
Be careful: If your GMAT expires in mid-august, then virtually no schools will let you apply with it (at least how it stands today; obviously that could change in 2 years).
I was in a very similar situation - I took the gmat early September 2008. When I went to apply to bschool this year (2013-14), my score was considered expired by a mere 2-5 weeks, depending on the school. (ARG!!!). Based on the written policies on each school's website, only Columbia and Kellogg would have accepted my old score (if I submitted the application very early - before the score's expiration date). (FYI I looked into most of the top 15 schools except Duke, UVA, and Ross).
Because of this, I ended up taking the GMAT again. If you don't think you're up for the GMAT again, then either go to USC or apply again immediately.
Additional thoughts:
1. You could down the deposit at USC but apply to Columbia Early Decision class of 2017 ASAP - I believe you would hear back before USC Starts (of course, you would have to be 100% committed to going to CBS)
2. It would probably be worth doing a free consultation with one or multiple admission consultants to get a professional's perspective, rather than internet stranger's opinion. In fact, I believe some offer "ding reviews" that you can pay for - maybe that would be worth it.