<p>I just wanted to get some feedback on whether my goals are realistic and whether I'm correct in my assumptions about the necessary GMAT score to get into my target schools. I'm seriously considering applying to Columbia ED, as well as NYU and Chicago.</p>
<p>I'll start with the biggest problem with my application, my GPA. I have a 3.0 in Chemistry (hoping I can get a bit of a handicap for the major) from Brandeis. I took a lot of quantitative and finance courses (probability, stats, financial econ, econometrics, econ stat, etc.) around my major, but have nothing on my degree to show for it.</p>
<p>For my work experience, I've been doing financial consulting for a Big 4 for the last 2 years, and will have 3 years of experience at my time of enrollment. I have had some opportunities to manage people as the head of a small team, and have been part of a rotational program, so I've had significantly different responsibilities every 6 months.</p>
<p>I'll have recommendations from a manager (who is a Columbia MBA grad) and a senior manager, both who gave me perfect internal ratings while working for them.</p>
<p>As for my GMAT score, I am taking it this Saturday, and have been scoring around 710 on my practice exams via Manhattan practice exams. I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself, telling myself that I need to get a 730+ to even have a shot at Columbia ED.
Do I need a reality check on my target schools, and is my expectation that I need a stellar GMAT to compensate correct? Or will a 700-720 be sufficient to be competitive. Appreciate any feedback and advice. Thanks.</p>