Please provide a general assessment of my current situation

Beware, long read ahead. Thank you beforehand for any help and advice.

I graduated from Purdue University in May of 2009 with a degree in Industrial Management. The degree is part of the Krannert business school, but it incorporates engineering level Math and Science classes in your first two years to develop a more quantitative and analytical-based mindset for upper level Management classes. My overall GPA was a 3.1 at Purdue. Ultimately I feel this is the biggest bottleneck I will have for my MBA apps.

After graduating, I worked at a very small company called StaiArt for two years. Because of the size of the company, my duties and functions were very multi-department based. Although my official position was Product Consultant and Sales Assistant, my duties also included marketing, quality control, and helping with the manufacturing and supply-chain. I feel like my responsibilities were all over the place. Although I did the job well and the vice President of the company will be one of the people I will ask for one of my reccomendations, I feel like I am at a disadvantage to those who have worked five+ years in a specific industry at a specific position (ie: accountant, product manager, etc.) Also, I understand two years is at the low-end of the spectrum for work experience within the top MBA schools. My ultimate goal is to be an analyst or manager in the operations and supply chain department of a company.

I recently took the GMAT for the first time and received a 710 (48 Quantitative, 37 Verbal). I quit my job at StaiArt 3 months ago for two reasons. One was to take a full month vacation to China to visit my grandmother. The second was so I could have more time to invest in studying for my GMAT. During my studying, I got a part time job at Starbucks, mostly because it would help cover the rent and I enjoy the environment of a coffee shop. Plus coffee is one of my passions (drinking and learning about it).

So as of current:

(1) Two years of full time work experience.
(2) Quit three months ago. Working part-time now (30 hours a week).
(3) 710 on GMAT first try.


My top three schools are Northwestern (Kellogs), Berkeley (Haas), and UCLA (Anderson). I understand last deadlines for these three schools (and majority of schools) have either passed or are very soon to be passed. Therefore I would be sending my apps during the first round this October. In my mind, that gives me plenty of time to study and retake the GMAT again. I am aiming for a 730 and above GMAT score to off-set my low GPA and low working experience.

Having 6 or so months to research and dedicate to my apps also gives me time to fully write excellent essays. I also have a few extra-curricular activities and am fluent in both Mandarin and English, with English being my primary language.

It is my low GPA and low work experience that concerns me. The schools I would be applying for are generally in the top 20, with my backups in the top 50. If I apply during the first round, does that give me a better chance? Does a high GMAT percentile (95% and above) often offset low GPA scores and work experience for near-elite to elite schools? Does anyone have any recommendations for a good MBA program that is very diversified in ethnicity, with a strong program in operations and / or international business? Are there any things I can do from now until fall to help supplement my application?

Please do not hold back on any criticisms in your insights or advice. I appreciate the long read and any tips.

Best regards,

Tony