Hi there,
1) Which route I need to take to apply, am I considered an “experience hire” now? Or can I still apply with recent MBA graduates route?
Most firms will ask you to apply as experienced hire at this stage. Please note though that you will still join at the same level of a post-MBA (Associate at McKinsey, Consultant at BCG/Bain)
2) Is any of these routers more difficult to succeed than the others?
Usually you have a preferential channel via campus recruiting if you apply as an MBA, in particular if the school is a target one. You can compensate for that with a referral. You can find more on referrals below:
▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation
▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral
Good luck!
Francesco