Focus GMAT vs regular GMAT and if MBA worth it for me?

Hi all


I’ve hit a crossroads in my career and I’m seriously thinking about an MBA. My career has taken an unexpected pause, and I'm grappling with a few questions: 1) Is an MBA the right move for me? 2) What are my chances of getting into a program? 3) Should I opt for the Focus GMAT, regular GMAT, or EA? I’m aiming to get started in 2024 and am only looking at top 10 schools.

Here’s a snapshot of my background:

I graduated from UC Berkeley (Haas) in 2015, after transferring from a community college. My combined GPA hovers around 3.2 (though I need to confirm the exact number).
Professionally, I spent a year at an investment bank in a buy-side role, followed by 2.5 years at a start-up, and 4 years at a top-tier investment manager where I was a VP focusing on structured credit products. I made a brief stint on the sell-side but, unfortunately, was laid off after 2 months.
I was earning a total comp of $350k on the West Coast, and I know roles in my field in NYC can offer between $600k to $700k+.
On the extracurricular front, I’m actively running a non-profit centered around college admissions.
I’m contemplating an MBA as a springboard to pivot into private credit roles or try entrepreneurship

Full disclosure - I have an aversion to standardized tests. The EA seems less intimidating, but I’m open to the Focus GMAT because many T10 schools don't accept EA