Trying to be realistic. Any advices?
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24 Sep 2014, 02:11
Hello,
I am an international student who has recently graduated with BA in accounting and finance.
I've studied in top 15 university (top 10 in my course (accounting) and top 15 overall) in the UK and now would like to move on to study further.
Unlike many people here who would like to apply for MBA, I set my mind to PhD finance after contemplating between MBA and PhD finance.
One unfortunate thing is that my uGPA is rather horrible, I think no one in their right mind with this GPA would even think of getting a job, let aside try to get into any grad school. In equivalent of US uGPA, it will be somewhere around 2.0-2.3 with a bit of F's.
Though, I had my reasons (health issues, newly found type 1 diabetes which require me not only an insulin pump but also made me emotionally unstable), I guess it won't matter much to the admission offices.
The fact I am an international student, it's quite hard for me to remedy low GPA in any ways.
Few schools in the States have postbacc programs which may help me to get into some PhD programs but I am not sure what's the best way to proceed.
I've studied both GRE and GMAT and there are handful of universities that will accept either one when applying for finance.
What can I do, realistically? I am not sure if I can get any LoRs that will boost my chance as I attended a massive public school that no lecturers can't be arsed with writing a detailed LoRs and they will most likely write ones based on the grade I've got. So, it won't be helpful. Though I can get a couple from previous employers overseas which think high of me and could be helpful.
Since my father has PhD in electrical engineering from MIT and my mother has masters of fine arts from Yale, it is almost impossible for me to give up here, not only because they hold postgrad degrees but also I want to follow my parents' footsteps.
Community college is not really an option and thinking of going to state school to get some As, for about 12-18 months before applying for PhD as there are quite a bit of schools that do not require MSc or MA before applying for PhD. Definitely going to take GMAT over GRE as it seems like a better match for me. As I would require F-1/student visa before anything, processes might be different and not every postbacc or second bachelor's, continuing, non-degree type of studies will be suitable for me.
My ultimate goal is to get into schools that are overall considered to be a good school. Doesn't have to be great in finance but the school name is more important as in my country, they care more about the name of the school rather than how good it is in my major.
Any international students or even domestic students who would like to help me on this? Will be greatly appreciated.
Oh just to summarise few things
UGPA: 2.0~2.3 in top 15 UK university
GMAT: Not been taken yet. Still studying
Work Experience: Worked in mid sized local engineering firm for 1 year in finance department in my country (recommendation from the CEO can be obtained)