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texas
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Joined: 03 Jan 2017
Last visit: 12 Mar 2018
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GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
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Posts: 20
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GMAT for PhD Finance Applications Updated on: 05 Mar 2017, 16:33
Originally posted by texas on 04 Mar 2017, 15:15.
Last edited by texas on 05 Mar 2017, 16:33, edited 1 time in total.
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Hi

I am looking to apply to US Schools for PhD Finance programs starting in 2018. I recently took a GMAT and got 680 (Q49 V34). I am thinking I would need to boost it up to be competitive or is it possible for me to be admitted with this score?

The rest of my application is strong, undergraduate GPA equivalent of 4.0 (First Class Honours Degree in Finance, Economics, Econometrics from the University of New South Wales, the top business school in Australia). I have several academic awards and scholarships and extensive co-curriculars. I will also have published my undergraduate honours thesis by the time admissions open.
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GMAT for PhD Finance Applications 05 Mar 2017, 08:44
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Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. PhD programs are a bit unique in that sometimes, the specific topic you hope to research/study should really drive where you want to go. Can you share a little bit more about the specific area you want to focus on? Doing the due diligence for the thought leaders in this space will be important in your school selection process. Looking to hearing back!
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texas
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GMAT for PhD Finance Applications 05 Mar 2017, 16:31
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Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. PhD programs are a bit unique in that sometimes, the specific topic you hope to research/study should really drive where you want to go. Can you share a little bit more about the specific area you want to focus on? Doing the due diligence for the thought leaders in this space will be important in your school selection process. Looking to hearing back!

Hi. My main research interest in theoretical/empirical asset pricing. I did my honours thesis on international asset pricing (I derived a theoretical model for exchange rates using concepts from advanced asset pricing theory- the stochastic discount factor, epstein-zin preferences, etc and investigated its implications for the carry trade). I am working to publish my dissertation at the moment alongside working on GMAT. I also have interest in the broad topic of asset pricing anomalies (hedge fund alphas, liquidity pricing, etc) and market microstructure. So I would say that my interests lie broadly in asset pricing but cross-over into international economics as well.

^I have done some research for certain US schools and academics in this thought space, but have mainly focused on gmat to date.
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GMAT for PhD Finance Applications 07 Mar 2017, 02:58
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texas
CriticalSquare
Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. PhD programs are a bit unique in that sometimes, the specific topic you hope to research/study should really drive where you want to go. Can you share a little bit more about the specific area you want to focus on? Doing the due diligence for the thought leaders in this space will be important in your school selection process. Looking to hearing back!

Hi. My main research interest in theoretical/empirical asset pricing. I did my honours thesis on international asset pricing (I derived a theoretical model for exchange rates using concepts from advanced asset pricing theory- the stochastic discount factor, epstein-zin preferences, etc and investigated its implications for the carry trade). I am working to publish my dissertation at the moment alongside working on GMAT. I also have interest in the broad topic of asset pricing anomalies (hedge fund alphas, liquidity pricing, etc) and market microstructure. So I would say that my interests lie broadly in asset pricing but cross-over into international economics as well.

^I have done some research for certain US schools and academics in this thought space, but have mainly focused on gmat to date.

More than test scores, for a PHD what will be important is:
- Your research topic
- Prior publications if any
- Teaching experience
- Your ability to find a school with a mentor in your topic
- A good understanding of the academic market in your niche topic

As well as any other work/volunteer experience.

The schools don't care as much about GMAT as they do about your ability to publish interesting stuff and to lead research and teach courses.


Best,
Jon Frank
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texas
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GMAT for PhD Finance Applications 07 Mar 2017, 03:03
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texas
CriticalSquare
Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. PhD programs are a bit unique in that sometimes, the specific topic you hope to research/study should really drive where you want to go. Can you share a little bit more about the specific area you want to focus on? Doing the due diligence for the thought leaders in this space will be important in your school selection process. Looking to hearing back!

Hi. My main research interest in theoretical/empirical asset pricing. I did my honours thesis on international asset pricing (I derived a theoretical model for exchange rates using concepts from advanced asset pricing theory- the stochastic discount factor, epstein-zin preferences, etc and investigated its implications for the carry trade). I am working to publish my dissertation at the moment alongside working on GMAT. I also have interest in the broad topic of asset pricing anomalies (hedge fund alphas, liquidity pricing, etc) and market microstructure. So I would say that my interests lie broadly in asset pricing but cross-over into international economics as well.

^I have done some research for certain US schools and academics in this thought space, but have mainly focused on gmat to date.

More than test scores, for a PHD what will be important is:
- Your research topic
- Prior publications if any
- Teaching experience
- Your ability to find a school with a mentor in your topic
- A good understanding of the academic market in your niche topic

As well as any other work/volunteer experience.

The schools don't care as much about GMAT as they do about your ability to publish interesting stuff and to lead research and teach courses.


Best,
Jon Frank

Thanks for your comment. Do you however think that my GMAT score of 680 will mean my entire application will be ignored though? I keep hearing that a 700 GMAT is necessary for a PhD application to even be considered, even if the GMAT is not the most important criterion
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GMAT for PhD Finance Applications 12 Mar 2017, 23:49
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Your perception is indeed correct. That for certain programs there will be a "threshold" to pass with the GMAT, and once you pass that then they look at the rest.

Best,
JF
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texas
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GMAT for PhD Finance Applications 13 Mar 2017, 02:31
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JonAdmissionado
Your perception is indeed correct. That for certain programs there will be a "threshold" to pass with the GMAT, and once you pass that then they look at the rest.

Best,
JF

Thanks for your reply. I am working to improve my GMAT anyway. I have a couple of months until applications open for 2018 intake (in September) so I will spend my time doing that. I am going to go to the UK for masters in 2017/2018 (Cambridge most likely), so I hope that helps my application. Thanks for your advice
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GMAT for PhD Finance Applications 15 Mar 2017, 08:53
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Hi I am a student from Pakistan with my academics in Bachelors in Business Administration with 3.46 gpa (with all the A+ in finance courses) and MBA with 3.62 gpa. My masters research was based on the relationship between the spot market and stock future trading at Pakistan stock exchange. I had also worked as research assistant at my masters level and currently teaching Business Studies to the students of O-level (9th, 10th, & 11th) and making them prepare for Cambridge International Examination. And I have also been to USA for an exchange program of business and entrepreneurship at Ball State University in my Bachelors. I have a question that if my profile is fine to apply for PhD program in Finance, how much GMAT score is required for this profile and which school is best to apply for my profile.
Thanks
Regards