please evaluate my profile

[suman]

Nationality: Indian Male 23years old

GMAT: I have taken GMAT and got 640 score(Q50 V26).

Graduation: Completed B.tech(mechanical engineering) in may 2006 with CPI-8.38 out of 10 ie GPA of 3.4 out of 4 from National Institute of Technology, Nagpur,India. Topper of the batch.

Work experience: Full time. Working in Automobile firm (TATA motors-India's Biggest And World Fifth largest commercial vehicle manufacturer) from past two years from july 2006. Im currently working as Assistant Manager in Planning & operations(PE).

Extra curriculars: SQDCM member of planning(PE)- TATA MOTORS, Organiser of many cultural and technical events during graduation, Learnt Classical Indian Dancing, Leader of Fund collecting groups(Flood relief and soldier welfare fund), Got state ranks in many Talent Tests during school days.
Good Academics from childhood. XII standard-95.3% and X std-86.5%


I want to go into some top B schools(top20) in 2009. Should i retake GMAT ? or Can i apply with the same score?
Does B school take highest GMAT score or latest attempt?
What should do to improve my verbal score if im going to retake GMAT? I have studied OG11, OG verbal & math,Manhattan , Kaplan.

[MBAApply]

Re-take the GMAT. As an engineer/techie, you need to do whatever it takes to boost that verbal score. An engineer with a low verbal sends a huge red flag about your critical thinking skills (which is what the verbal section measures). If you're only using books, consider taking a course, or hiring a private tutor in your area (even if you're in India, you should be able to find one locally given the sheer number of Indians that apply to b-school each year). Shoot for a verbal score that is as close to 80% as possible.

Otherwise, your chances at any of the top 20 schools is slim (and yes, adcoms only look at your highest score).

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

[suman]

thank you very much

if i want to retake GMAT, how late can i take i.e. considering time to write essays, recommedations etc?? i.e. tell me the earliest date generally b-schools start accepting applications

Also please suggest me the course material (content) to boost my GMAT verbal

[MBAApply]

Most people take around 6 - 8 weeks to prepare the written applications.

As for the deadlines, you have to do your research on this - it's all spelled out very clearly on the schools' websites.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com