Listen, I know there are a lot of overachievers on here, and I respect everyone for that... but I also know that a 700+ score isn't totally necessary to get into a top school. That said, I just finished my first GMAT attempt and scored a 600 (Q 34, V38, Q42%, V84%, 68% overall). The schools I am/was shooting for include UCLA, USC, NYU, and Columbia. I was considering entering second to last round at USC/UCLA and final round at NYU/Columbia for 2008 admission in February. I'm wondering if it's worth it to give it a shot....
Before you jump on me and tell me how mediocre my score is and how low my Quant score was, let me explain that I went to a top Ivy League school, graduated with a 3.5 GPA, and have had six years work experience in the entertainment/media fields, including working for a TV startup company, which from what I've been told, differentiates me from a lot of candidates who come from banking/consulting backgrounds. And, furthermore in terms of diversity, for what it's worth, I'm gay, and I've found that after visiting schools and expressing interest in the LGBT groups I've gotten the sense that schools want to add gay candidates to the mix.
I would love you to be honest and not sugarcoat things here, but I ask you not to be mean, either about my score or my suggestion that being gay adds to a diversity of a school, since of course it is not something considered anything near being a "minority" or "underrepresented group" - however, many schools do appreciate the individual as opposed to the cookie cutter applicant. The last thing I want to do is disrespect "true" minority groups.
Honestly, I'd love to be relieved of the burden of having to fill out four applications within the next month; on the other hand, if there's a shot, I want to go ahead with it so that I'm not stuck another year in a job that isn't taking me to the next level. Plus, from what I hear, even if I'm rejected re-applications are looked upon favorably, especially if it is shown you've improved scores, made an alternate transcript to take math courses (which clearly I lacked given my Humanities BA degree), and an renewed interest in the school. (Please correct me if I'm wrong about re-applications.)
Any advice would be vastly appreciated.
Thanks.