Preparing to apply for MBA - how long to prep for GMAT, what to say in application, etc

[ForestHigh]

I'm coming up to 40, and have been working in the not-for-profit sector for a few years. My (small but well funded) organisation is great, and our Director very supportive, but there's a limit to how much more I can do and grow there.

I'm looking for a new challenge, and I'm thinking about doing an MBA. I've been for a one day conference at the school of my choice, and had a few informal chats with staff there. They seemed great, and I was feeling all enthusiastic about it.

It does have a not-for-profit specialism, but the application process seems all geared up for people from the big corporates)

SO, I'm now preparing to take the GMAT, thinking about my CV, my LinkedIn profile, and my application form (plus, of course, the vast amounts of money needed).

I'm feeling rather intimidated at the moment. My experiences at a not-for-profit don't really fit with the questions on the application form, which seems geared up to the big corporates - questions about this year's bonus, your starting salary and starting bonus (?????), etc. Plus, of course, prepping for the GMAT - it's been a long time since I did maths A-level and I'd like to score highly.

I think I just need a bit of reassurance from those MNers that have been through this before...

So please, MN, tell me how you successfully applied for an MBA!