Hey encrypton:
Thanks for the detail that you provided in your original post. It helps in evaluating your candidacy. The one thing that I would have liked more definition around was your goals. Remember that the MBA is simply a bridge to get you towards your goals. So while I can tell you that you will be competitive from a backwards facing perspective -- that is based on what you already -- it will be hard for me to tell you what specific bridge or MBA program you should take.
With respect to timing, I would seriously consider applying to US MBA programs next year, if not this year. As you know, the American schools tend to trend younger and at 26 you are definitely well within their target market. The European programs tend to value experience more than a high GMAT score or academics. So if you plan on applying two years, look more towards European programs.
With respect to the GMAT, I hope that you can break a 700. The bottom line is that the bar for students located in the European Union will be lower than average -- at US MBA programs. This is definitely your advantage. Admissions committees in the United States do not get a lot of international applicants -- generally speaking -- from Western European countries. This is when compared with other regions such as Asia. So if you can get in the high 600s, I recommend applying to top 10 US business schools. Of course with a score in the high 600s, European business schools are well within range.
Again, since I do not know exactly what it is you want to do in the long-term and with respect to goals, it is hard for me to define exactly what MBA program would be appropriate for you. I know that it is based in entrepreneurship, but that could basically encompass anything -- from finance to consulting to technology.
I hope the above helps and I do believe that you have a lot of assets that a top 10 business school would appreciate. If you would like to schedule a one-hour initial consultation, please reach out to me at
MBA@amerasiaconsulting.com.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti