need help: taking gmat in 2 weeks, aiming for ox & cam

The main reason that I mentioned Chicago GSB is that it is well known for having a relatively open schedule and a very interdisciplinary tradition. It might be possible to do both degrees at Chicago and maintain a sense of sanity. The flexibility of the schedule also allows you to limit the number of quant courses you take in a way that this difficult in more prescribed programs.

Considering your goals, I think that a one year MBA and one year MA in IR also makes sense.

The Oxbridge MBA programs are young so they do not have the reputation and number of alumni of more established programs. On the other hand, it is important to note that MBA programs have existed in the UK for only about 40 years so the other schools in the region did not have too much of a head start. Further, they are associated with two of the best known academic institutions in the world so they have strong name recognition in that sense.

Hi Hjort,
Thank you for your suggestion...Very valuable.
A major concern I have is my GMAT score. I have quite a unique personal profile but I know gmat will not be my forte. I have doubts that I'll hit a mark high enough for first-tier schools in the States, but I've heard that UK b-schools don't put as much emphasis on GMAT compared to the US. Is that true that a lower gmat score will not cripple my application as much with Oxbridge?

I did another kaplan's CAT this morning and got 550--very disappointing. I've been told that kap's Practice Test is closer to the level of the real exam and their CAT's about 60-100 pts below it. Kaplan told me that I can expect something from 670-710, but looking at my marks (esp. today's), I find that too optimistic. I find it hard to assess where I actually stand. Can you give me some help? Do you think I'm ready for the exam? I'm starting to consider postponing the exam (an extremely dreadful idea) if I'm not ready.

Jan 03, 2005: CAT 2: 580 (70%) (Q37 V33)
Jan 05, 2005: PT C: 700 (93%) (Q50 V 37) (PT: Practice Test)
Jan 09, 2005: CAT 3: 560 (64%) (Q35 V33)
Jan 11, 2005: PT D: 700 (93%) (Q52 V36)
Jan 12, 2005: CAT 4: 550 (60%) (Q34 V30)

I think Chicago's pretty competitive too..and I think my gmat might be lower than their average. I'm publishing a book (social-political issues in relation to int'l business) within the next year, a second book on its way, and a couple of projects that will help my application stand out..I just need to know what's considered a "decent" gmat scroe for these schools and if I'm ready or should I postpone the exam.