I'm also a re-applicant ( NYU & UCLA ). UCLA rejected me directly, twice. NYU gave me W/L last year and an interview invitation this year. I think you should try to learn more about schools' attitude toward re-applicants first. According to a NYU admin officer, a good percentage (more than 30% if I was correct) of admitted students is re-applicant. As for UCLA, I think they just don't prefer re-applicant as much as NYU.
I believe that you are good enough for these top schools, you just need to improve your essays. Besides, why don't you consider European MBA programs? Insead, LBS, and many other schools are also very strong in finance. Most important of all, they don't know you already applied MBA last year. You will not be disadvantageous.
Personal advice, I think you should do your best and apply again this year, or you may spend the rest of your life wondering "what if".