Big Rich,
What's happening man, thanks for the prompt feedback.
To answer your questions with as much candor as possible:
1) I took the GMATPrep CAT (from the MBA website), and while I DID do the IR section, I opted to skip the essay.
2) I have just left my current consulting firm and am joining another firm in mid-July. I'm taking the test on the 13th and will be starting work on the 18th, and will need the days in between to move to a new city. My understanding is that consultants at the firm I'm joining typically work very long hours, making it hard to study for the GMATs at the same time. Additionally, I'm hoping to really be crush this new gig, and would rather not have to worry about GMATs hanging over my head as well.
3) I am not exactly sure when I will be applying, but it will likely be in 1 or 2 years so that I can attend in the fall 2 or 3 years from now.
4) I am planning to apply to HBS, Stanford GSB, Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, and Columbia (and potentially Yale SOM, Tuck, or Fuqua). I received my undergrad degree from a decently-named school with a [relatively] subpar GPA (3.1). I'm coming as a consultant from a large, 2nd tier firm, and moving to a boutique consulting shop. I believe I'll need the 750+ to offset the GPA, and will be relying on my extra-curriculars to make me stand out despite being an overly represented demographic (male/Indian descent/consultant) who's not coming from one of the top firms (McKinsey/Bain/BCG).
Any advice/recommendations appreciated, especially in regard to how to schedule my studying given my expedited timeline. Thanks Rich!