Due to circumstances with my work, I would like to apply for an MBA very soon. The problem is it looks like for many of the good US schools the application deadlines for fall intake have passed.

Which leaves me with MBAs with spring starts, meaning less selection of good business schools. Although I really want to study in the US (Harvard is my dream school) starting in spring probably means going to Europe (I would target Insead)

The other, less desirable option for me would be to wait until fall 2018. This is a fall back option unless I can either (1) find a good US business school that would take my application for fall 2017 intake, or (2) apply to a spring intake MBA in Europe.

I know this is all a bit vague, but I what would you do in my situation? When should I apply?

[Edited by Trolley Tron Tran on Apr 26, 2017]

Look on my profile page for a list of which schools start when.

Thanks! Yes, I'm aware of when the top schools start. I guess I was looking for more general advice - for instance, would going to Insead in the spring be a good substitute, since I won't be able to apply to Harvard this fall.

Are you a competitive candidate at Harvard? If so, take the HarvardX Core qualification and network with alumni. Depending on your profile you might want to get waitlisted for some schools for this year just in case an early start with a good trade off for you.