Hello I am looking for some help on what schools I should apply and the chances I can get in
First of all -
Background information:
Undergrad - Purdue University GPA: 3.75
Major : Hospitality and Tourism Management
Several Deans Lists and student organizations
GMAT : 690 (Q47 V37) (considering a retake, thoughts on that? I feel I could do better but 690 is right in line where I am targeting at the moment)
Work Experience - (3 years upon applications)
2010 - 2011 - Manager Four Star resort, first job out of college. Responsible for staff, training, interviews for staff, inventory. Moved around several different restaurant outlets, a lot of great experience in management roles.
2011 - Current - Foodservice consultant
Design of commercial kitchens and restaurants. A lot of design work and project coordination. Currently project coordinator but am training for promotion to manage my own projects and become a project manager
Extra Curricular -
Several Work and professional organizations where an active member always trying to network and improve standing
Volunteer work here and there. Volunteer mentoring students and humane society
Looking to improve my extra curriculars, it is a decent part of my application but looking to improve with more management positions within organizations and non profit organizations
Goals: I am aiming for a top 25 school that will work with me and allow me to continue my studies in the hospitality industry. I am looking to get an MBA to eventually lead to a job in a hospitality company that works on business and planning for hotels and restaurants. My eventual dream goal is to start my own hotel/resort chain
Target Schools so far based on some basic research and profile evaluations. Right now I am targeting schools in the 10 to 20 range. I plan to choose two top ten schools and taking my shot but I need to do some more research on which two to choose.
Cornell
Emory
Tuck
Darden
Fuqua
McCombs
Anderson
It seems I am right below the GMAT Average for some of these schools and others I'm right at the Average if not slightly above.
After talking with some people I think general management would be the best course of action to reach my goals (although if I can get into Cornell the Hotel MBA would not be a bad choice).
Any thoughts on my chances to get into these schools?
My second question is whether part time should be an option for me? I know I could work from any location remotely for my company and go to school part time but I feel that full time is my better option. I am looking to leave the design consulting and get more into business planning and marketing for the hospitality industry (hence changing career paths) and from everything I've read if you intend to change careers/industry it is better to go full time.
Is full time my better option or could I get the same effect at a solid part time school?