gonatsyay
some info about me:
-graduated liberal arts school in Top 30 with a major in accounting (graduated 2016)
-GPA 3.85 (major GPA 3.90)
-GMAT 780 (Q 99% V 99%)
-Licensed CPA in Virginia
-Big 4 public accounting & advisory experience in the US (1 year) and Korea (1.5 year)
(I have quit my big 4 job three months ago and will probably get a M&A advisory job at another big 4 in korea next month)
-econ background: macro and micro
-math background: AP calculus, multivariable, linear algebra in high school. no math taken in college
I think that overall I have strong stats to get into top programs, but the only thing that bothers me is that my background in econ and math is weak considering I only took the minimally required courses in college. I haven't decided which area (archival, analytical, behavioral, etc) I would like to pursue yet, but I would like to apply to programs that are analytical and related to capital market. Most of these programs, based on my searches, require extensive background in econ and math (math especially). Should I take some online college-level courses (either credit or non-credit) to demonstrate my capability and interests? I know I am capable in quantitative skills - I just didn't take any courses in college because back then, I was trying different things.
I would appreciate any advice or comments!
Hello
gonatsyayFirst congrats on that awesome GMAT score
Accounting is in practice very simple math, so I was a little bit surprised when you stress out math prep as condition.
However after I checked some of the best business schools and their PhD in Accounting programs, I do get the picture.
You need math that is necessary for research, that is the reason.
For instance Stanford mention as desirable, to have a solid understanding of applied microeconomic theory, econometrics and mathematics (linear algebra, real analysis, optimization, probability theory) prior to the start of the program.
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/p ... quirementsOn the other hand, Harvard insist on Econometrics, but does offer you option just to add that additional course in the first term of your doctoral program:
https://www.hbs.edu/doctoral/registrar/ ... fault.aspxYes, you should definitely take some online college-level courses (either credit or non-credit) to demonstrate your capability and interests, in areas mentioned above, or other requested.
You should contact program coordinators and some professors from schools on your list to guide you and advise you which one to take.
Based on your profile they may even encourage you to apply and fulfill some requirements later before/along doctoral studies, most probably before or in first semester.
They will be in best position to provide you with pertinent advice and at the same time you will get some insights and test how much and who is most interested in you.
All in all, based on your overall profile you should def target only best programs in US, top 5 (or top 10 maybe if you have some favorites among them also), I agree with you on that.
Good Luck with application and online courses