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28 Aug 2014, 22:20
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This is my first post on this site and to say that this site has helped me wud be an understatement.. I recently appeared for the GMAT and scored a 680 (Q47/V37) and a 5.5 on the AWA. I was gunning for a score of at least a 720 but my verbal score kinda let me down...I am planning to apply to a PhD. finance program in the US and have zeroed in on universities lying in between the top 50-100 as per the US news ( Purdue University, University of Kansas, University of Missouri, the likes).
I have 18 months experience as a Financial Analyst for Bloomberg and for the past 1 year, I have been teaching accounts and finance in a University in India as an assistant professor. I am working on a couple of research papers but beyond that, I dont have any research experience. I have been working since i passed out of the 12th grade, starting with Wipro BPO in delhi. I worked there for 18 months and had to quit when i realised that i was screwing up my graduation percentage(Scored 49 % in the first year, 33 % in the second). Had to work really hard to score a 62 % in the 3rd year but still couldnt improve my overall percentage. I then pursued an MBA and passed with 65%.
I would like to know from fellow members how gud are my prospects of getting in and what areas do i need to work on?
I have 18 months experience as a Financial Analyst for Bloomberg and for the past 1 year, I have been teaching accounts and finance in a University in India as an assistant professor. I am working on a couple of research papers but beyond that, I dont have any research experience. I have been working since i passed out of the 12th grade, starting with Wipro BPO in delhi. I worked there for 18 months and had to quit when i realised that i was screwing up my graduation percentage(Scored 49 % in the first year, 33 % in the second). Had to work really hard to score a 62 % in the 3rd year but still couldnt improve my overall percentage. I then pursued an MBA and passed with 65%.
I would like to know from fellow members how gud are my prospects of getting in and what areas do i need to work on?
31 Aug 2014, 13:06
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Hi aalin,
Thanks for your message.
I really enjoyed your message as I have worked with previous PhD candidates on their applications as well as their dissertations, after they completed their programs. My first question is – why are you aiming so low with the 50-100 ranked programs in the US? Try and aim at the top 20 ranked programs. I understand your concern about not having research in your background and your challenging academic background, but please do not make the decision that your background is only competitive for the top 50-100. Let the programs make this decision. Given that you have many positive attributes to your overall background, please do not underestimate your experience as a faculty member, research papers, along with your experience at Bloomberg. Given your GMAT score, I would still try and apply with your current score and be prepared to shine in the other areas of your application. You may also want to give the GRE a try since it is quite similar to the GMAT but more pertinent to a PhD program.
The only real challenge you will want to be ready to address is your desire for a PhD in Finance. As you approach your applications, there are a few questions you will want to reflect upon, as these programs will have two main questions about your candidacy: What really entices you to pursue a PhD after your MBA? How will you specifically apply your PhD after graduation, given that you have a strong academic background already with an MBA?
I hope this helps you. If you would like to further speak directly with one of our former admissions committee members or recent admits at any point, please visit https://macapproved.com/free-evaluation/
Best wishes,
Sue
**Was our response helpful? Give us a Kudos and we will know**
Thanks for your message.
I really enjoyed your message as I have worked with previous PhD candidates on their applications as well as their dissertations, after they completed their programs. My first question is – why are you aiming so low with the 50-100 ranked programs in the US? Try and aim at the top 20 ranked programs. I understand your concern about not having research in your background and your challenging academic background, but please do not make the decision that your background is only competitive for the top 50-100. Let the programs make this decision. Given that you have many positive attributes to your overall background, please do not underestimate your experience as a faculty member, research papers, along with your experience at Bloomberg. Given your GMAT score, I would still try and apply with your current score and be prepared to shine in the other areas of your application. You may also want to give the GRE a try since it is quite similar to the GMAT but more pertinent to a PhD program.
The only real challenge you will want to be ready to address is your desire for a PhD in Finance. As you approach your applications, there are a few questions you will want to reflect upon, as these programs will have two main questions about your candidacy: What really entices you to pursue a PhD after your MBA? How will you specifically apply your PhD after graduation, given that you have a strong academic background already with an MBA?
I hope this helps you. If you would like to further speak directly with one of our former admissions committee members or recent admits at any point, please visit https://macapproved.com/free-evaluation/
Best wishes,
Sue
**Was our response helpful? Give us a Kudos and we will know**
31 Aug 2014, 22:00
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Thank you Sue for the reply,
The reason I feel that I have a better chance in the top 50-100 program is because, as mentioned, I goofed up a little during my graduation. Although i did make up for it later on during my MBA, but I still feel that this shortcoming might affect my chances more at a top 20 program. Moreover, all the top 20 programs state that the average GMAT of incoming students is 720-730. This is another reason why I feel I might not have a chance. Thus, I have shortlisted Universities which have average GMAT scores in between 680-710.
As far as my reasons for PhD. in finance is concerned, it is the next logical step for me to further my chances for growth in the career that I have chosen, Academics. Moreover, I have really started enjoying research, even though I haven't yet published a research paper, but I am working on a couple and the brainstorming it involves is something that I find to be fun, even though frustrating at times. I want to get better at research, engage myself in quality research and make a difference to my chosen field of academia. Thus, the PhD. finance.
The reason I feel that I have a better chance in the top 50-100 program is because, as mentioned, I goofed up a little during my graduation. Although i did make up for it later on during my MBA, but I still feel that this shortcoming might affect my chances more at a top 20 program. Moreover, all the top 20 programs state that the average GMAT of incoming students is 720-730. This is another reason why I feel I might not have a chance. Thus, I have shortlisted Universities which have average GMAT scores in between 680-710.
As far as my reasons for PhD. in finance is concerned, it is the next logical step for me to further my chances for growth in the career that I have chosen, Academics. Moreover, I have really started enjoying research, even though I haven't yet published a research paper, but I am working on a couple and the brainstorming it involves is something that I find to be fun, even though frustrating at times. I want to get better at research, engage myself in quality research and make a difference to my chosen field of academia. Thus, the PhD. finance.
They publish an 
