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Richardson
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Waiting list [#permalink] New post   25 Sep 2008, 18:43
I applied for PhD last year and ended up with just a couple of waiting list (PhD in Strategy) out of many programs that I applied for. Do you think if I make some improvement in GMAT score and SOP (I'm going to use other materials that I used last year) I will get higher chance to get an admission from those schools that I was wait-listed? Any experiences?

Just briefly introducing myself...
I have a long job experience in financial industry (Citi and HSBC). got an MBA from top 10 school. currently in the MS in Finance program in the states (top 10 in finance). GMAT 700 (49/37). 5.0 AWA. GPA is not great (major GPA 3.8 in undergrad, 3.5 in grad-MBA). I have no research experience or publications.

Any input would be highly appreciated.
Thanks.
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possible_phd
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Re: Waiting list [#permalink] New post   26 Sep 2008, 06:28
I don't think anyone here can say for sure. Logic would say that improving the GMAT and SOP will help only if that's why you didn't make the cut last time. If it were for some other reasons, then obviously, this won't do it. Can you ask the admissions office for some feedback? I know some schools specifically say they don't give feedback, but maybe some do. Say you are still very interested in the program and would like to reapply, so could they possibly suggest some areas where they felt you were weak so that you could work on strengthening them. You don't really have a lot of time between now and app deadlines, so you may only be able to address the GMAT and SOP. Are you sure your LORs were strong?
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Richardson
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Re: Waiting list [#permalink] New post   26 Sep 2008, 11:34
Thanks so much!!!

My LORs, from my own perspective, were not that strong. The professors who wrote the LORs were well known in the country that I come from, but that would not be the case here in the states. And two more LORs were from business professionals, not from academic sources. So, I presume that mine did not gain much attention from admission committess.
Your suggestion to contact schools is reasonable, I think. I'll approach them and find what would be their replies. Anyway, I would get either no or some comments which I believe would be better help at this time.
Again, thanks so much. Any further input would be appreciated.
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possible_phd
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Re: Waiting list [#permalink] New post   26 Sep 2008, 11:40
From what I understand, LORs are pretty important. Maybe try to get stronger/more academic ones, if at all possible.

Keep in mind I'm only an applicant myself, so take my comments with a grain of salt! :-)
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Re: Waiting list [#permalink] New post   26 Sep 2008, 19:35
Richardson wrote:
Thanks so much!!!

My LORs, from my own perspective, were not that strong. The professors who wrote the LORs were well known in the country that I come from, but that would not be the case here in the states. And two more LORs were from business professionals, not from academic sources. So, I presume that mine did not gain much attention from admission committess.
Your suggestion to contact schools is reasonable, I think. I'll approach them and find what would be their replies. Anyway, I would get either no or some comments which I believe would be better help at this time.
Again, thanks so much. Any further input would be appreciated.


Seems like the weakness is with the LOR. I would say
- use as many academic recommenders as possible. no matter how good are the LORs from biz professionals, use them as the last resort (i.e. when you know have sufficient LORs). I think some schools have a policy of having only at most 1 recommendation from non-academic sources.
- the reputation of the recommender is important to certain extent. But what is more important is what is being said in the LOR.

Since now you are doing a program in the US, you should start working towards securing strong LORs.
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Re: Waiting list [#permalink]
26 Sep 2008, 19:35
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