In need of constructive feedback and evaluation

[dreww]

Hi there,

I'm looking to apply in 08 to attend 09, top choices are NYU and UVA. Any help, criticisms, reality checks or suggestions would be more than welcome. Thank you in advance!

Education
University of Maryland, Economics Major w/ 2.87 GPA
Calc I&II - didn't do so well (C's)
Econometrics, Quant. Methods - did ok (B+ and A)

GMAT
710 and a 6 on the writing

Work Experience
Work at a small public policy research firm down in Washington DC. Started out as a research analyst I but was promoted recently to research analyst II (a position that usually requires a masters degree). When I apply in 08, I will have worked there slightly over 2 years. When I attend business school in 09, I will have worked roughly 3 years. At this job I have worked on several research projects, learned statistical methods in research, worked on projects in team environments, created/managed budgets, written proposals for new business, and have leveraged my technical background to help our company grow in terms of its technological experience and expertise.

Aspirations
I want to get an MBA to help me excel in (and break in to, to some extent) a career in business consulting. I also have an interest in finance, but I particularly enjoy how businesses operate and how they interact with each other. I feel an MBA is the next step in pursuing a career that most closely matches my interests.

Questions
Is my GPA too low for the schools I'm looking at? Would taking more classes this summer help? If not, how should I spend the time before I apply? Volunteer work? Pursuing personal hobbies? Getting involved with professional associations of interest? Is there anything else I'm missing?

Thank you again for all of your help!