Hi. I am new to this forum and this is my first posting. I'm considering applying to several phd programs in international management next year and would like everyone's advice on my chances of gaining admission as well as suitable programs.
A little about my background... I am 26 and currently doing my MBA in management at the same US university (Ivy League) that I did my BA (Economics and International Relations). My grades are not so great (BA: 3.13 and MBA: 3.3 {3.7 in my management concentration}) but the MBA is a top 3 program so I am hoping that may play a positive factor. Also, my extremely low grades were in 2 biology courses, an art class, and music class so my gpa does up almost 0.3 if those grades are excluded. Other things include a GMAT score of 750 (perfect quant score) and I've done over 6 months of research (data mining and some empirical analysis) with a professor while in the MBA Program. Instead of interning this summer, I'll be continuing this research while preparing my SOP. (I had some mixed feelings when passing up internship offers but in the end I think that I made the right choice). I also have 3 plus years of experience in strategic consulting both in New York and abroad. As for recommendations, I believe that I will be able to get three good ones from faculty members as well as one from work (I did a research project for a national government and my final report was published).
So, I would be extremely thankful if some members could comment on my prospects as well as suggestions on schools, especially safety schools. I noticed that everyone on this forum tends to be positive but I wouldn't mind constructive feedback as well (as long as it's put nicely
). Thanks in advance for your help.