Profile Eval

[PGC123]

Profile is graduated from Columbia University 2004. Job out of college was as an equities trader but switched into investment banking at a bulge bracket 6 months out and have been doing it for approximately 2.5 years (will be 3.5 years when I start bschool) with much live deal experience and closed deals. My target school is Columbia (I loved it there). GMAT score of 710.

I guess my question is - I took my GMATs right when my Manhattan GMAT class started (this week) because I didn't know I was taking the class until last minute (bank is paying for it). My GPA (3.0) in undergrad was in the lower range of the spectrum relative to most accepted applicants in the ivy league b-schools but I think it can be somewhat explained in the optional essay on bschool apps.

Given the profile above, I suppose my real question is, is it worth it for me to retake the GMAT at the end of my classes in december? If i get a 750 versus 710, will that better show that I am academically capable or is getting a 750 going to do nothing for me as 710 is good enough to show that?

Thanks.

[MBAApply]

710 vs. 750 isn't really going to make much difference. And yes, your GPA is on the lower end, but not to the point where you need to explain (there's no excuses no matter what you say - illness, family issues, working/studying at the same time, blah blah blah they've heard it all, and there's been folks facing similar circumstances or worse who still managed to get better grades).

Focus on the rest of your application, because that's what will really make or break you.

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