profile eval

[paniyuki]

Grades: graduated from uChicago majoring in Bio and Econ with an overall gpa of ~3.5

GMAT: got 740 (50M, 39V), I know that I can do about 2-3 points better on verbal and can improve my math by another point (I have consistently been getting 51M and 42V on my practice exams)

Experience: worked in banking right out of college (was laid off after a year due to the fact that my department doesn't exist anymore)...did a bit of soul searching, took an internship overseas in a top strategy consulting firm (one of the top three), signed with the firm (wait time between signing of the contract and first day of work is about 6months)...

MBA: aiming to apply next year for the class starting in 2011 (will have two years of experience in consulting and one year in banking)...target schools-hbs, wharton

Question: 1) are my targets realistic? 2) how will my change in career (and the limbo period) affect my chances? 3) should I retake my gmat to up another 20-30pts? 4) advices in general?

[MBAApply]

Don't obsess over the GMAT. You're in the range where it's no longer a factor for admission.

As for the 6-month gap, it's not a big deal. Tell the truth. In this economy, adcoms get it. You're hardly alone.

In terms of schools, it's hard to say. There are folks like you who get in, and folks like you who get dinged. You have enough of a chance that it's worth giving it a shot, but I wouldn't bank on just those top schools. You may also want to apply to other schools like Chicago, Kellogg, Columbia, etc. as well to spread your risk.

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