Applying to Business Schools is a long and tedious process. Here’s some advice from the pros:
Start early. One year before classes begin is a good time, but as an international student, you better start even before. Be aware that the process is slightly longer for non-US citizens (because of the TOEFL, translations, earlier admission deadlines, etc).
Apply early. Usually Business School’s have some sort of limit or pre-set number of students accepted from each country. Applying early, then, has an even better impact for foreigners than for Americans.
Choose a manageable number of schools. Applying to more than 5 or 6 schools not only costs a lot of money, but will decrease the quality of your application and preparation. Assess your background (GPA, GMAT, quantity and quality of work experience) and choose a couple of schools that seem within your range. Then you can add a couple of schools with harder criteria, and a couple with easier criteria (you never know).
Aim high. It is said tWhat it is easier for foreign students to get in than it is for Americans (you are competing with fewer people). The chances improve when economic crises strike your region. So, even if you do not think you can get in a top school, you might be wrong.