Surprising GMAT score, now I have no idea where to go

Question

Through a combination of the amazing resources on this site, Manhattan GMAT prep books, and my local library resources, I was able to score a 710 on the GMAT (47 Math, 40 Verbal).

I had initially planned on going to the Rochester Institute of Technology for my MBA because I had completed my undergrad work there and could finish their program in just one year. Their requirements were a 580 on the GMAT, and it seems the average score is a 600. Obviously, now I think I should probably apply to other schools.

Here is a full rundown of my qualifications and I would love to hear what you think some safe schools would be, schools I have a decent chance at getting into, and some reach schools might be. Thanks!

Personal Information: 
 21 years old
Air Force Brat who lived overseas and in several different states
Caucasian

High School 
 Graduated with a 4.0
I was the graduation speaker in front of 500 of my classmates and their families
Member of National Honors Society

Undergrad:
  Rochester Institute of Technology
BS in Political Science, minors in Philosophy, and Business Administration
Enrolled in 2010, graduated in 2013 ( a year early)
Active member of the Honors program, graduated with honors
National Society of Collegiate Scholars member
GPA: 3.8

I also won two writing awards, with cash prizes through the college. 
The first was for my work in political science on the subject of the legal definition of personhood, and its implications for chimera creation in the field of biology and biomedical science. The second award was in the field of philosophy of science on the subject of whether development of plate tectonic theory constituted a Kuhnian revolution or paradigm shift in the field.

My employment history:
 
 I was the Complementary Learning Advisor for the Honors program, from October 2011 – May 2013. I advised undergraduate students on their complementary learning plans, which is the 20+ hour service requirement per year that each student is required to perform. I recommended community service activities, and recorded & tracked counseling session data for trend analysis.

I worked as a Hot Line cook during High School at Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers from November 2009 – August 2011.

I was an intern for the Transportation Management Office at RAF Mildenhall, a joint USAF and RAF base in England from June 2007 – July 2007. I performed basic clerical tasks but also worked with civilian and military personnel.

Finally, my first job was as an intern in the computer support office of the Civil Engineering squadron at RAF Mildenhall from January 2006 – December 2006. I Assembled computers, and installed software including a custom Air Force version of Windows using a ghost image, ensured network connectivity, and organized & catalogued various types of electronic hardware. I started there as a freshman in high school.

I can procure recommendations from the following people as well:
 
 Two different associate deans of the liberal arts college, one is the chair of the philosophy department as well
Both professors who recommended me for the writing awards who I took multiple classes with
The chair of the political Science Department
Two MBA graduates who currently work at RIT. One is a former VP for a Swiss bank, worked in risk management, and now helps manage the investment of RIT's assets and its overseas campuses, and my intro to options and futures professor which I got an A in. The other is a social media marketer, owner of his own company, and an incredibly tech savvy professor.
My supervisor at the Civil Engineering Squadron, a retired USAF Master Sergeant, and current systems administrator at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
My first accounting professor at RIT, I got over 100% in his class
Probably any other professor I have studied under. I never failed a class, or had any trouble meeting deadlines, even though I frequently took 20 credits under a quarter system.

Finally, I will probably need a rather hefty financial aid package. I'm not exceptionally well off, and already fairly in debt for my undergrad studies. Schools who are a slightly lower tier, but easier to pay for would automatically jump to the top of my potential applications list.

I look forward to reading your responses, I know I have a rather odd profile. Also, I have no idea how much work experience is weighed in the admissions processes and as you can see I'm rather lacking in that area.

highwyre237 · Answer

You have an impressive profile... but something's missing...

Why MBA? Why Now?

You have the stats to apply anywhere... but zero work experience(MBA programs do not consider pre-UG, or during UG work as experience... More like extra curricular)... Why do you feel this is the right time to get an MBA?

dws1159 · Answer

My real problem though is that I haven't been able to find a full time job that isn't going to be comparably menial to that high school job. I can't afford to flounder for two years with just my undergraduate liberal arts degree. Political campaign work is usually unpaid, and government jobs aren't really too common for the inexperienced in the wake of the sequester and current economic conditions. I just don't think I can get meaningful work experience without a second degree. Demonstrating to an admissions board that I have leadership potential is kind of hard when my resume is going to look pretty spotty after graduation, and I don't want to lose steam because I have been really pushing myself to excel (I only studied for the GMAT 3 weeks and my entire last undergraduate year, and some of the year before, I was taking extra classes).

Are there no top 100 schools that would look at the speed at which I completed a four year program combined with my GPA and my global work experience as an asset? I never had any delusions about getting into Harvard or Stanford, so lowering my expectations to a school with a 680 mean GMAT isn't a problem.

Are there no top 100 schools that would look at the speed at which I completed a four year program combined with my GPA and my global work experience as an asset? I never had any delusions about getting into Harvard or Stanford, so lowering my expectations to a school with a 680 mean GMAT isn't a problem.

highwyre237 · Answer

Of course you could get into a top 100 school. Hell since you're in rochester already, Rochester (Simon) is a solid top 50... but you're selling yourself short.

Why an MBA and not another masters? What are your career goals? What specifically is it about an MBA that makes you think its the correct next move?

Edit: Also, thats not to say Rochester is a shoe in... and without work experience, recruiting will be tough coming out.

There are many schools that accept kids right out of UG... But they may not be worth the time or money invested.

Africa1989 · Answer

OP,

Whether to apply:I'd honestly suggest staying out of B-School and getting some work experience. BSchool can be used as a great catalyst to either re-brand yourself or change your career direction. As it stands you don't really have a career, meaning you're in all likelihood not sure what you want out of your work life. Additionally, as you said Bschool is extremely expensive. If you are going to spend ANY amount of money on something make sure the juice is worth the squeeze. Why go to RIT (not to knock it), when you could work a couple of years and go to a top 20. Start to plan based on your life time trajectory, not just what seems like a good idea for now.

GMAT: you pulled a 710, which is a good score (don't let anyone tell you different), but its not a  GREAT  score (730+). If you really did only study for 3 weeks , then you may have a  GREAT  score in you. Try take the time to actually prepare for the exam and put your best foot forward.

Suggestions: do some real prep and retake the GMAT,get some real work experience, don't sell yourself short. You seem like an intelligent young person with a good head on your shoulders. Try make sure you give yourself every opportunity to get ahead.

CobraKai · Answer

The first thing I thought of when I read this was this blog post: https://cheetarah1980.blogspot.com/2012/06/great-expectations.html

Read and heed.

igotthis · Answer

Great score. Congrats! You should have applied to Harvard, and the other top B schools. But t

Surprising GMAT score, now I have no idea where to go

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