640 (75%), V33 (66%), Q44 (68%)
AWA: 5.5 (77%)

Undergraduate: top 10 public schools in the US
GPA: 3.7
Major: Humanity

Can I please get some expert advice?

I took the GMAT for the first time early 2011, and don't plan on taking it again.

I am not the greatest standardized test taker (my highest SAT score was 1150 (out of 1600) and I took it twice), and I studied for the GMAT for 6 months while working at a start-up as a finance and marketing manager (~50hrs/week).

I am starting a non-profit organization, and don't have time to study for the GMAT again. I am pretty confident my score won't improve much, probably 30pts much, if any. I took over 8 practiced full length test, and my highest score was 670. I am planning to apply 2012. Will the admission officers frown upon me if they see me taking the GMAT early 2011, and did not attempt to try to raise my score since I "extra" time on hand?

I figured I can improve my resume and get more involved in the community with the Organization I started, which I personally think are better benefits than improving another 30pts on my GMAT. (correct me if I am wrong)

I have about 4 years of solid work experience, about 2 years of Full time work experience. I would like to get into organizational behavior/HR consulting.

I really want to go to the top business schools (Berkeley, Chicago, Stanford, UCLA, etc), but I am worried that 640 is not a good enough score for my target schools. Please advise.

Hi there,

Thanks for writing in. I appreciate your point of view, and GMAT is just one part of the application. Work experience and community leadership are other important parts, and it sounds like you'll be stronger there. I don't think the schools will so much notice that you had an extra year and didn't use it to prepare again, but a 640 will be a significant weakness for the schools you list. A 670 is still going to be tough at the top schools but will at least approach the bottom of the median-80% range at UCLA (680 is the lower end of the range).

Ultimately you need to prove you can handle the MBA coursework. Would you consider community college/online courses in areas such as Finance, Stats and Marketing to help show your academic abilities, as well as your motivation to improve your profile?

Hope that is helpful and good luck!

Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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Although my major is in humanity, I wrote my senior thesis on the topic of Human Resource and have taken these classes at my Undergraduate University:
1) Intro to Business: B
2) Statistics: A
3) Accounting: A

If my current job right now is marketing and finance, do you think I need to take additional classes?

Hi again,

Since you have the academic coursework to show your skills extra courses may not be necessary. Still, the school is going to scrutinize your GMAT score -- you can use the optional essay to point to your strong transcript and daily responsibilities that show your competency in this area.

Good luck!
Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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