Dear transfer9858,
First, you must decide on timing--if you want to enter business school in August 2013 or in a couple of years. The HBS 2+2 and Yale Silver Scholars are both designed for high achieving college seniors to apply now, but not enter business school until after they have worked for 2 years. Do you feel you are ready to enter school in 2013? Based on your post, it seems you have focused career goals and have already gained some quality experience relevant to this path (all positives for your applications). Or do you think you want a couple more years to gain additional relevant experience so that you enter business school as a more seasoned professional, ready to write that business plan and pursue your venture after graduation? It is a tough decision, but I encourage you to really think about the best path for you--if you feel 2013 is the right time, then you will want to explicitly address why now in your applications.
Second, your GMAT score will be telling on your competitiveness for the MBA programs you note. You definitely want to be at or above average if you decide to apply for 2013 entry or the 2+2/Silver Scholars programs.
Third, regardless of which direction you go (2+2/Silver Scholars or regular), effectively conveying your rationale for the MBA in relation to your career goals is a critical piece to your application. With you level of experience, you want to be as specific as possible in demonstrating how the MBA is the necessary next step. Likewise, addressing why now (or in 2 years) is integral to this rationale. You should be able to leverage your current work experience, volunteer experience, and nonprofit venture as evidence that you are gaining relevant experience/skills/knowledge for the path you want to be on---you just want to connect the dots to the MBA and the future goals from there.
Finally, it is not bad to be a re-applicant as long as you can show how you improved your candidacy from the previous application. You never want to submit the same exact application--so new essays, resume and recommendations are expected. However, many people are successful re-applicants to top MBA programs every year. My advice: don't worry about re-applying until you have to.
Best of luck,
Lisa
