Hi, and thank you for your post.
I agree with your idea to apply to 3 ambitious, 3 realistic and 3 safer schools. In terms of your profile, admissions committees will look at your stats (GPA and GMAT), work experience, and extracurriculars.
You have a very good GMAT score, but as you mentioned, it is actually below the average for your demographic, so you will have to rely on other parts of your application to really stand out.
Work experience is one way to stand out, and even if you do not have official leadership roles, be sure to emphasize that you have been involved in taking the initiative on projects and that you have really made an impact in your role. Also highlight any coaching/training/mentoring that you have done.
Similarly with your extracurriculars, make sure to emphasize your leadership roles there or the fact that you have taken initiative. It would be ideal to show that you have been very passionate about an extracurricular or two, and have really made an impact.
It is tough to suggest schools for you since I do not know your personal and professional stories, as well as what you are looking for in an MBA program. Your goals will also be important in deciding where you will want to go (and also help admissions committees determine if you will be a good fit at a certain school). That being said, I think you can still be ambitious and apply to 2-3 top 25 US MBA schools.
Good luck!
_________________
Michael GuttmanmbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant
Michigan Ross MBA; Former Career Counselor; 10+ years of finance experience
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