My profile:

GMAT - 680 (Q49, V34)
CGPA - 7.6 (First class with distinction)
Note: My University does not use GPA system
Degree - B.E in computer science
Nationality - Indian
Work Experience - 3 yrs as software engineer in a reputed MNC
1 yr as senior software engineer at the same MNC
Post MBA goals - Product management/product marketing (need to decide between the two)
Other criteria - Applying to colleges only from NYC and California for personal reasons.

Colleges planning to apply:

Dream colleges:
- NYC Stern

Reach colleges:
- UC Davis
- USC Marshall

Safe colleges:
- Zicklin School of Business


My Qs/concerns:
1) Please advice on my college selection.
2) How does Zicklin school of business compare against UC Davis/USC Marshall ?.(In terms of placement for international students or placement in general, quality of teaching/coursework, brand reputation)
3) Between UC davis and USC Marshall, Which is better ?.(Criteria mentioned as above)

Read: Shortcut to find the best US MBA www.find-mba.com/board/36065

The main issue is that your profile - southeast Asian applicant with a background in software engineering - is probably one of the most competitive profiles out there. You'll need some way to distinguish yourself from the droves of other similar students, many of whom have higher GMAT scores.

In short, I think you'll need a substantial bump in your GMAT score for you to be competitive at Stern. The other schools could go either way for you, but a higher GMAT would go a long way to make them safe bets.

3) Between UC davis and USC Marshall, Which is better ?.(Criteria mentioned as above)