Hnoorshn, as someone who used to be on the Safety Committee for Wells Fargo I salute you. That was so boring.
Back to you. It's kind of heartbreaking that you don't think you have anything that will set you apart from the most common profiles. However many people should have your sense of realism.
I personally think that growing up in a war-torn area would give you a perspective that others might not have. So if I'm just able to see that from what I see here, there could be lots of things about you that would set you apart. Objective is for others to learn from you in a classroom situation. So think it through from that perspective.
With regards to your question about MBA math preparation, yes absolutely, I would without a single doubt apply and complete the MBA math classes online. You just go to MBA math.com.
And this serves a dual purpose, to prepare you and also you can directly submit the transcripts to the schools you applied to. With your quant score they probably won't be completely worried about your ability to make it through the courses, but it really never hurts and shows that you are willing to do what it takes, and have prepared yourself to hit the ground running.
I'm always so confused as to why applicants ask for others to recommend schools when we don't know anything about you or your goals. That's like asking strangers to order dinner for you. Except that dinner last for 2 years and essentially for the rest of your life. It's a personal decision. What is it that you're trying to do by way of an MBA? I would do school research through a combination of website, clear admit guides, and YouTube subscriptions period between those three things I think you will know more about where you'll fit in culturally.
Identify your career goal and then look at their employment statistics to see if they can do what you need them to do, on the job front.
I basically agree with you about top 10 but it's not impossible. I got a Chinese interior designer into Booth with a 700 last year. 700 in addition to MBA math would qualify you for those 10 to 20 schools, if you have any additional variables like International work experience community service, things like that. I think the war-torn thing might bring a very different perspective to the classroom that they would like.
I would say to get focus on what you're trying to achieve and stay positive. Don't undersell yourself.
Farrell Dyan Hehn, MBA
Admissions Consultant & Verbal Strategist MBAPrepCoach.com