Hello Everyone,

I could use a little help. I'm planning on attending b-school in the Fall of 2014 and I am in the process of studying for the GMAT. I'm wondering if you could give me some help in regards to a timeline I should shoot for, applying while living overseas (although I am American), and possible target schools.

A little background:

23, male, graduated with a degree in International Business with Minors in Asian Studies and Mandarin Chinese in 2011. I went to a small liberal arts school with a GPA of 3.4. I am conversational in Chinese (and now a language called Rukiga (see below for explanation)). While in college I started a consulting firm for small-business owners, and fell in love with strategic consulting. Since graduation I worked as a GTS operations analyst for Citi for about 6 months and then an opportunity came about in international development and I decided to take a different path. So, I am currently a US Peace Corps Volunteer living in rural Uganda working in Mircofinance, with no power/water until 2014! Help! Just kidding. But, do you think my service will make me a more competitive/unique applicant?

I have not taken the GMAT yet, but I will in the coming months. What date do you think I should take it by in order to start with the applications, essays, etc in enough time to apply?

Also, does anyone have any experience applying overseas. Do you think this will hinder me in regards to interviews or will the adcomms understand my "unique" situation?

I want to get into consulting after receiving my MBA and would like to target schools that have strong consulting backgrounds. So any help with target schools would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Patrick