greysonn

I am requesting a review of the schools that I want to apply. My research has been primarily based off of rankings which is why I need help - the rankings aren't everything, and I am struggling to find data on how "good" the networks of schools are.

About Me
I have a 2.9 GPA for my B.S. in psychology and two years of post-undergrad work experience, and I have not taken the GMAT yet. My target score range is 680 to 720. I would like to apply for my target schools in round 1. However, it may not be possible to do that for McCombs or Foster because I will need at least two to three more weeks of study to achieve my target GMAT score. Right now, I am consulting for an internet marketing company from Thailand and will take my GMAT in Chiang Mai.

Goal
Get a business strategy/finance job in the video game industry - California, New York, or Seattle areas.

Requirements of the School
Near a school that has a baking and pastry program for the wife, interesting electives (finance and classes that build quantitative skills), in locations that I like (California, Texas, Seattle, Boston, New York)

My Target Schools + Main Reason(s)
University of California--Los Angeles (Anderson): Finance program, located in LA
University of Texas--Austin (McCombs): Interesting electives, in home state (can get in-state tuition)
University of Southern California (Marshall): Interesting electives, PRIME
University of Washington (Foster): Seattle
Boston University: One-year international MBA program
University of Texas--Dallas: Cheap (can get in-state tuition)

Other Schools that I Reviewed but Ruled Out (most likely not going to be accepted, no nearby cooking program)
Boston College (Carroll)
Columbia University
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
New York University (Stern)
Rice University (Jones)
Texas A&M University--College Station (Mays)
University of California--Irvine (Merage)

TLDR
My biggest hang-ups are: is UTD a better safety than UCI (video game industry in Cali)? Do I have too many "reach schools?" Have I ruled out a school that would be a better fit than any of my target schools? I apologize for the monster post. Thanks for any and all help.

cbreeze

Without your GMAT score, it is a bit premature to select your target schools. In addition, unless you have significant achievement in your job experience, your low GPA will be your one of your biggest obstacles. Good luck.

greysonn

@cbreeze, thanks for the feedback. I will focus more on kicking the GMAT's ass than schools right now then. What does b-school consider significant achievement? If you have an example, I'd like to hear if I might have something from work that applies. Appreciate the honesty.

cbreeze

I suggest you read this forum.
Discussions-BW Business Schools- BusinessWeek

Gold2828

Would advise you to choose the school with the best reputation and alumni network.

greysonn

For my purposes, the schools with the best reputation and networks for my industry are USC or UCLA. Thanks for the advice. It makes it simpler to think of it in those terms.