Hello,

I would like to start my MBA in Sep 09, but so far I have not started my application because I took this decision very recently. I have just completed my GMAT and TOEFL is scheduled for 10.01.09 therefore I will probably not be able to meet the 2nd round of most Business Schools that all end around 05.01.09. Taking into account that I want to apply for the top schools in Europe, but will be only part of the 3rd round, I would be really interested if application for only these schools make sense. Currently, I am considering the following schools:
- London Business School: 08/2009
- INSEAD: 09/2009 (if this is not possible anymore 01/2010)
- IMD: 01/2010
- Cambridge Judge: 09/2009
Though, to be honest, I think that I will only apply to the first 3 schools as time for the application is so limited.

Background:
740 GMAT (Q47, V44), AWA results not yet received
31y old, German (father is from India)
German Diploma in computer science (german grade 1,1 on scale from 1,0 - 5,0, should probably be equivalent tio 4,0?)
Current Position: Manager in one of the big-2 global IT consulting companies
In the last years a led a team of ~25 persons, did financial planning & mgmt. for a team of ~60 persons and a lot of tech work on IT delivery deals

Potential challenges:
- international experience: worked with delivery centers in Europe, worked on a project in Rumania. But I always lived, worked and studied in Germany (though I personally like to travel)
- extracurricular activities: recruiting for the firm?

Could you eventually provide me some tips for the application? Should I apply to one "safety" school? Is round 3 still ok or should I postpone my plans to next year (which would not fit into my personal plans for the next years to be honest).

Thanks a lot!

Thanks a lot for this useful feedback. I am currently thinking about applying for LBS & Judge in the 3rd round and for INSEAD & IMD for the 1st/2nd round for the January start date. Or do you think it might be better to go for round 3 in all schools?