Thanks for posting the link. It was a wiiiiiise idea to remind me where we are.
anyhow to continue our conversation,
Obviously, you are late in the game for R1. Nothing you can do about that, though. But for R2, you are definitely early enough. The Big question will be: how much free time do you have (can you make) to do your applications? (i.e. how many can we do within this time)
As for your lack of ECs, it's unfortunate that there isn't anything "official" over the last few years, but maybe digging around, we can find something. I don't know what yet, maybe your business sponsored a Holiday barbeque, or collected money for a charity. Even if we can;t find something, what's done is done at this point, so there's no point worrying about it. We'll just focus on the positive aspects of what you DO have.
For your application strategy, well, that's usually best done personally, but let's say I would aim for 6 schools, two from each category. Although of course if you have the energy I would apply to more. Applying to more schools, esp. when you have a nice profile, only can increase your chances or a( getting in b) getting offered money. And therefore will only give you a broader range of choices as you get your answers back.
Remember, you only do this once, so it's better to go all the way.
