Right Time to Apply? Please Help a Lost Monkey Out!

Hi Monkeys,

Current A2 in Audit at a Big 4, graduated from a target undergrad in Summer 2024 and have just over 1 year experience. I honestly hate the job and want to exit ASAP (I'm currently looking for a different job). My dream is to pivot into IB, which is why I see an MBA as one of my only exits. I'm very stressed at the moment with some family stuff, and juggling that with work and the dilemma below is eating away at my mental health. Please, I'd be so grateful for any and all advice.

I got accepted to a deferred MBA program at a T10 MBA, and I can now choose to enter the Fall 2027 program (deadline to accept is in two weeks). But, I know I would regret it if I didn't apply to more schools (M7, for instance) and see if I could get into a better program.

My GMAT score is terrible at the moment, only around 620, but I think with enough studying I can break 750+. Knowing this, I see two options:

1. Take the deferred MBA now, which starts in Fall 2026, but live with the constant "what-if"
2. Wait another year, study my ass off, perfect my applications to the M7 schools, submit Round 1 apps in early September 2026 for a start date in Fall 2027, and hope I get accepted

But here's the catch: remember the deadline to accept the deferred program is in early October, and Round 1 applications are due in early September / decisions are made in Nov/Dec. In other words, I can either apply for Round 1 to M7 and pray I get an acceptance in Nov/Dec, or I just settle for the T10 that I have. I can't do both. So, there's a hidden 3rd worst-case option: if I don't get accepted to the Round 1 application in early September 2026, I would lose a year and have to submit my application for the deferred program in Fall 2027 which would start in Fall 2028.

To be honest, I'm scared of "losing time" compared to everybody else. I'm young, which puts me ahead of my peers and I don't want to "lose" or "fall behind." I also don't want to disappoint my parents, who have truly sacrificed so much for me to be able to pursue my dream.

Sorry for the half-vent, half-plea for advice. I pray that I find a solution soon - I'd truly, truly appreciate any and all advice. Thank you all.