Hi Cam,
Bottom line - aim higher.
If I were you, I'd actually be shooting a bit higher than the schools that you've listed ... If you can get break 700.
Now keep in mind, I don't have all the information I need to make a definitive assessment. But that won't stop me from trying! Ha.
Even though your GPA may be a little lower than the average at top b-schools, you may be graded on a curve if you can provide the admissions committee some more detail around how you have arrived at the point where you are today...
Hear me out.
Are you the first in your family to attend University? Are you among the first in your family to attend University? Under what circumstances did you grow up?
I ask because I've worked with clients who were card-carrying members of their respective nations. While my experience is anecdotal, the circumstances under which they grew up placed them at a distinct disadvantage because often had to overcome obstacles that would stymie others their age. In short, they demonstrated resilience and grit that top Business Schools look for as these are among the defining characteristics of a leader - ie who you need to be to get into a top 5 school. With me so far, Cam?
A lot of what you do for work now involves providing students greater opportunities - in one way or another. If you can connect that to your background, how you grew up and how you innately understand the value of opportunity (more than the next guy or gal) then you just may have a winning story for schools like Stanford and Harvard - ie programs that ask you "What matters most" or "Tell us anything we wouldn't know about you from the rest of your application?" In my experience, most applicants just don't have the authenticity and credibility that you may have. That I suspect you may have anyway. If you can translate that onto paper (your essay), then you just may have a winning application for a top-5 school.
So Cam, if you can get above 700, I would definitely encourage you to apply to schools like Harvard and Stanford. With respect to the rest of the schools that you have listed. I think Tuck is definitely a fine choice given what I "know" about your personal background and what you do for work. I would also take a closer look at Haas and MIT. I list these schools because (IMHO) they have a genuine commitment to bettering society and that's reflected in their curriculum. Just like it's reflected in your work.
Now with respect to goals...you never told me any. So let me give you some ideas. I would encourage you to focus on consulting. Tadaaa!
You may feel like that's a bit of a standard answer but I really feel that your leadership and your community involvement would be an asset to a certain type of firm. I think the MBBs would like a shot at you potentially, but I know firms such as Dahlberg and BridgeSpan would really want to have a look at your resume. So with respect to formulating goals, I would begin with that as a starting point.
I hope this helps let me know what other questions you have.
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