For all Fall 2005 PhD applicants: I was hoping we could use this thread to begin a discussion of everyoneâ€™s experience with the application process. I think we could all benefit from an on-line support group to help us through the turbulence of the next few months. Hopefully we will be able to compile some information that will make the process simpler for future applicants. On a personal note, I am applying to PhD programs in Quantitative Marketing. Iâ€™ve made application to 9 schools (Duke, UNC, Ohio State, Chicago, Northwestern, UT Dallas, Penn, U of Mich., & Yale). Iâ€™ll be shipping off the last of my application materials later today. My background is as follows: Bachelors Degree in Economics MBA Masters Degree in Statistics 720 GMAT 2+ years work experience as a senior analyst for a national CPG firm Thus far, I have found the Application process to be incredibly time consuming. I was surprised by how long it took to write my personal statement (a 2 page essay shouldnâ€™t be that difficult). Although I am relieved to have my applications finished, the prospect of having to wait three months to find out where (if anywhere) I will be heading is extremely stressful. I look forward to hearing how this process has progressed for the rest of you

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Fall 2005 Applicants

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roy1000

Joined: 23 Oct 2004

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31 Jan 2005, 15:00

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That's the problem - it doesn't say "in academic review" it just says "incomplete" and "Your application is being processed".

Has anybody seen this from MIT?

One more thing - what's a campus interview? is that common? at which university?

soulutions

Joined: 04 Oct 2004

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31 Jan 2005, 15:23

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Whoops! I missed the "incomplete" portion of your message. That is truly bizarre. Do you have any idea which components of you application are incomplete? I'm not familiar with MIT's system, but most of the schools I've applied to will list the pieces of the application that have (or haven't) been received.

It is a little frustrating that there isn't anyone you can contact at MIT to get additional info about the problem.

An on-campus interview is just that: an interview with a particular program conducted on campus. I don't know if it is common or not (perhaps someone else on the forum can speak to that issue). It is my understanding that some schools conduct them and some don't. I would imagine the process is a little different for domestic vs. international students.

I'll provide more details about the specifics of the event when I get back.

If you havenâ€™t done so, I would recommend taking a look at the PhD Strategy thread on the Business Week website. There is a wealth of info related to the application process amassed there. It might take you a couple of weeks to get through.

shygo

Joined: 21 Apr 2004

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31 Jan 2005, 16:02

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Soulutions,

Good Luck!

Can you tell us when you got the interview call? Was the invitation sent by e-mail?

Shygo

soulutions

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31 Jan 2005, 20:40

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Shygo,

I received the invite by email last Friday. I'll let you know how it goes.

promothesh

Joined: 17 May 2004

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31 Jan 2005, 23:14

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soulutions

From the prospective of a PhD aspirant, what is the most important factor to consider when selecting a PhD program? Should you just pick the most prestigious institution you can get accepted to, or is it better to consider other qualitative factors like who you will be working with, where you will be living, etc...? Any thoughts from current PhD students or professors would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I've got an on campus interview this Friday. I'll post additional details when I get back.

First of all , what happened in the campus interview??

I have been talking to some Ph.D. students and the general consensus is that until the school id really outstanding, it would be better to go for a place where there are matching research interests and helpful Profs(from the point of view of an RA)

hpun

Joined: 15 Jan 2005

Last visit: 28 Apr 2005

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01 Feb 2005, 06:28

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hi roy1000, i got EXACTLY the same thing for my MIT application. I completed my application in Dec 20 but then it shows incomplete. For other university, it shows "complete" or under review. I am worry about this myself too!

hpun

Joined: 15 Jan 2005

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01 Feb 2005, 06:30

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soulutions, great to know that you have interview. Is most of the schools offer interview to potential students? I have applied to some top schools but then what I heard is that, I would get the news by mid-Feb. Does it mean that these schools has no interest in me?

I am an international student. However, I don't think that it would differ as much because they can always request a telephone interview

Anyone else has interview?

soulutions

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01 Feb 2005, 09:28

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hpun

I have applied to some top schools but then what I heard is that, I would get the news by mid-Feb. Does it mean that these schools has no interest in me?

At this point, I really wouldn't worry about it. It is still very early to hear anything from anyone. As far as interviews are concerned, a lot of the top schools don't even conduct them (other than perhaps a telephone interview). Take a look at the admissions FAQ for the schools you are applying to. In many cases they address this issue directly.

promothesh

Joined: 17 May 2004

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02 Feb 2005, 22:22

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I have received a call for a telephonic interview. What to expect in such an interview?

soulutions

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02 Feb 2005, 23:07

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promothesh

I have received a call for a telephonic interview. What to expect in such an interview?

Congratulations, Promothesh! I hope it goes well.

When is the call scheduled for? From what I understand, the process of a telephone interview should be fairly simple. I would imagine they will ask you questions about your experience, academic background, reasons for pursuing a PhD, etc.

Let us know how it turns out.

promothesh

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03 Feb 2005, 00:22

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The date has not yet been finalised, they were asking what time would be convenient( because of the time difference).
I just hope they dont start asking about the research of their faculty:)

jantarmantar

Joined: 31 Dec 2004

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03 Feb 2005, 03:49

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Although I too appreciate it is too early to expect anything, but as people have started getting interview call so am a bit anxious.
Any finance interview call so far?
And if anyone just elaborates on how a telephonic interview proceeds,like how in-depth they go, so that I will read something:)
Does anyone have any idea when INSEAD releases there calls?

soulutions

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08 Feb 2005, 08:49

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Just to let everyone know, my interview went very well last Friday. It was much less stressful than I had originally anticipated. I met with all of the members of the admissions committee as well as a couple of the current PhD students. In all, I was very impressed with the program. :-D

As of last night, I've received a couple of offers of admission. I haven't heard anything else from the rest of my schools.

How is the process going for everyone else?

jantarmantar

Joined: 31 Dec 2004

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08 Feb 2005, 09:12

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Congrats Soulutions!
But will anyone tell me anything about finance. Whether interview calls are out yet?
Just ANYTHING!! ANYTHING!!!!

roy1000

Joined: 23 Oct 2004

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08 Feb 2005, 09:38

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No - I haven't heard anything either (Finance).
As I understand, most schools do not conduct interviews due to the large number of applicants.
To the best of my knowledge there will be no offers from top finance programs before march.

nately

Joined: 08 Dec 2004

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08 Feb 2005, 09:51

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soulutions, you're going into quant marketing, right? I've gotten a couple offers as well - probably at the same schools, since it's still so early.

soulutions

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08 Feb 2005, 10:06

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nately

soulutions, you're going into quant marketing, right? I've gotten a couple offers as well - probably at the same schools, since it's still so early.

Nately,

Congratulations on your admits! It is a relief to know that regardless of what happens in the future, we have at least a couple of options we can turn to. Did you have to interview with either of the schools that contacted you?

If you don't mind, would you post your stats & schools you applied to?

Thanks!

nately

Joined: 08 Dec 2004

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08 Feb 2005, 11:21

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Sure, I don't see why the schools would mind since it helps inform the next round of applicants. And you're right, it is a relief.

I had an informal phone call with each school - it was more like they were calling to make sure I'm not crazy or anything. U.S. citizen; top-tier U.S. university (3.6 math/econ); 800Q (GRE); 3 years quantitative work experience.

My list includes Carnegie, Columbia, Duke, MIT, Stanford, and Wharton. Assuming now I'll have 3, maybe 4 offers, it'll be a tough choice, but one I'm lucky to be faced with.