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Great! that makes a HUGE difference. Soooo now I see why you made the choices you made for your schools.

First thing I would recommend: Drop LBS. It's really far more of a finance place, than an industry one, and I think it would be a bit of a stretch for you, anyhow, so better to concentrate your energies elsewhere. Besides the schools you listed you might look into IMD also which has very strong industry connections and is very good for older students such as yourself.

Otherwise, I noticed you were interested in Mannheim.. if Germany is a goal for you (and given the importance of the Auto industry and your experience this makes sense) there are a few other schools in Germany that although not necessarily highly ranked outside Germany, can help you get where you want to in Germany: WHU, Leipzig, Frankfurt (more for finance as you would imagine) and ESMT.

Otherwise I think Sloan and INSEAD will be challenges for you (although you should still apply and give your shot). You have good work experience in a good industry, but come from a tough pool, and the experience is not superstar experience either, so those schools will be tougher. Otherwise, I think if you apply to all the schools on your list (or most) plus add a second and/or third German school, you might come away with some positive results.

Hope this helps! If you have any other questions, just drop a line,

Thanks a lot for your frank feedback.
I was wondering to swap LBS with either 'Broad MBA' or 'Marshall MBA' as additional safe schools.
Do you have a take on that.

Well, I'd say Marshall is probably somewhere closer to competitive, but Broad would be a good safe school for you.