Retired Moderator
Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Status:Darden Class of 2013
Posts: 1768
Given Kudos: 37
Schools:University of Virginia
Re: Profile evaluation
[#permalink]
12 Apr 2011, 19:19
Hi there, I think you have a fairly competitive profile for some of the top schools. I'm not sure your reasoning behind the schools you chose, but if you know why, that's all it matters. Honestly, with a 750 (when you do get it), you should aim a bit higher. While you come from a more traditional background, your marks and GMAT will certainly help. I don't think waiting another year is good because judging from your work experience, you'll be matriculating when you're 27 or 28, which is perfect. To wait one more year you're pushing yourself more and more away from the norm. Luckily, the GMAT happens to be a bit more looked favorably upon than college grade, but I honestly think your grades in college are fine. I think, given a 750, you should definitely look at top 20.
Your last question is sort of hard to answer. It's going to be a crapshoot for most to get in a top business school program, let alone getting scholarship. I think you need to be realistic with yourself. If you get in Harvard with no scholarship, and a full ride to Carlson, and you choose Carlson, then you shouldn't even bother with top 10 b-schools. If you're fine with little or no scholarship, then definitely look at the top programs. Again, it's almost impossible for anyone to tell you whether you have a shot for scholarship at top programs, but traditionally speaking, the lower the ranking of a school, the higher the chance of scholarship.