Profile Eval - 660 GMAT - retake?

[druegg8]

Hi,

I'm currently deciding between retaking the GMAT or sticking with the score I earned 3 years ago. Can you please evaluate my profile for the given MBA programs? Any stretch / safety school advice is very helpful as well.

Demographics:
-25 yr old white male (26 at matriculation)

GMAT:
-660 (Q 46, V 35)

Undergrad:
-USC Marshall Business, emphasis Finance & Strategy
-Minor coursework in Cinema-TV (did not complete minor though)
-GPA of 3.3
-Member of social fraternity:
-Active participant in volunteer events
-Member of social committee
-Undergrad internship experience at a major film studio in the international business strategy & distribution group
-Undergrad tutor in Finance

Work Experience:
-Currently 3 years at national financial and operational advisory consulting firm focused on resolving business disputes (litigation consulting)
-Experience working with leading industry experts to perform analysis and draft expert reports
-Advanced excel / database modeling skill-set
-Displayed leadership through case work, often managing contractors, colleagues, or teams; also acted as point of contact for client in multiple cases
-Early promotion to Senior Associate
-Earned quarterly excellence award for dedication to client service
-Provided crucial support when direct group downsized from 6 people to just me, and then I facilitated the on-boarding of 2 new managers

Volunteer Experience:
-Peer mentor to an underprivileged youth and Junior Partner through Big Brothers Big Sisters organization
-Volunteer at Special Olympics

Extracurricular:
-StartUp Weekend finalist (top 10), where I managed 3 weekend participants in developing a mobile application based on my idea
-Currently developing a different mobile application to facilitate a complicated tax calculation; worked with programmers in India and USA to design and develop app
-Extensive travel throughout the world, including 3 month backpacking trip between graduation and full time work

MBA Major:
-Strategy & Marketing (maybe product management?)

Post MBA Goal:
-Strategy / business development / or marketing at an entertainment, media, or technology firm

Targeted MBA Programs:
-UCLA
-Northwestern
-USC (What is consensus going to b-school where I earned undergraduate business degree??)
-NYU
-UC Berkeley
-UT Austin
-Georgetown

Any other advice on programs or anything is welcome, thanks!

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

I would recommend trying the GMAT again if possible, yes. With a 660 it is going to be difficult to get into the schools that you listed, and in fact some admissions officers may even wonder why you DIDN'T re-take, especially since it was 3 years ago. With a 700+, you are looking at better odds at the programs you are considering. Additionally, the lower-than average GPA at some of the programs you mention further makes the case for re-taking, as sometimes a higher GMAT can help to balance out a slightly lower-than-desired GPA.

Other than that, you have included some good experiences that demonstrate your analytical skills, innovation, and project management. If possible be sure to also highlight experiences in teamwork, communication skills, people management. If you get the GMAT up, the decision will then be based more on your essays, recommendations, interview-- how you present yourself.

In terms of schools, Kellogg is definitely the most challenging to get into on your list. Followed by Haas & NYU. In terms of USC, it is not a huge factor either way but can be a small plus if you are demonstrating that you know the university well already and are interested in returning there.

Keep us posted on q's and outcomes, and think about if and when you could give that GMAT one more shot if possible! ;)