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08 Nov 2018, 01:20
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi guys,
I'm a Research officer and Assistant Lecturer at a reputed, top-ranked University in New Zealand who's interested in a career in academia, and I would love to hear some of your recommendations.
I am applying to OB/HR Ph.D. programs in US Business schools. I believe that I am a strong candidate but the GRE has been my biggest stressor. I just took it yesterday and I totally bombed it (my scores being devastating). I have been studying for ~3 months and my finals scores were worse than the scores from my practice tests.
Background: Indian Male, New Zealand Permanent Resident
Test Scores (GRE): Verbal (156 - 73rd Percentile) Quant (154 - 57th Percentile), 4.5 AWA
Undergrad GPA: 3.7 from a top-ranked University in Mumbai, India, Pharmacy major
Graduate GPA: Have two masters qualifications from AACSB, AMBA & EQUIS accredited Business Schools in NZ.
1. Master of Business & Management – University of Waikato, NZ: Graduated with a Higher First class honours/Distinction, top 10 of my class (US Equivalent of Magna Cum Laude). GPA: 3.75/4.0
2. Research Masters in Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management (MPhil)- Massey University, NZ: Graduated with a Higher First class honours/Distinction, top 5 of my class (US Equivalent of Summa Cum Laude). GPA: 3.8/4.0.
I was a Massey Masterate Scholar for my MPhil as I received a Merit-Based Scholarship of $15,000 (as a stipend) along with a tuition waiver. I was one of the four recipients of this highly competitive scholarship from an applicant pool of 400 students.
Research Experiences: I am working as a Research Officer at Massey Business School, NZ since last year. Currently involved in a Government funded research project with top researchers and scholars in the field of OB/HR in NZ. The findings of this massive research study (involves more than 200+ organisations) will be presented to Govnt next year to design policy on workplace bullying and harassment. So there is direct implications of my research to both theory and practise.
Have also worked as a Research Assistant to the Director of Research for 2 years at the same University. Have worked on two Master’s thesis/dissertations. One-small 25 point dissertation and another major-120 point Thesis. Scored an A in both of them, with my MPhil Thesis being assessed by External Examiners from another University. Will definitely receive glowing letters of recommendations from leading researchers/scholars in my department.
Have also presented papers at reputed International Academic Conferences (Academy of Management- Australia & NZ division referred to as ANZAM). Currently, also working on two manuscripts to get them published in Academic Journals.
Teaching Experience: Almost five years. Have been a lecturer of Management: OBHR & Strategic Management at a reputed Business School in NZ since last 4 years.
Work Experience: Have been in Academia most of my life but I’m also a consultant and Financial Director for a successful Educational Services Firm in Mumbai, India.
Concentration Applying to: OB/HR
Number of programs planned to apply to: 15
Dream Schools(Not quite dream range though, I am pragmatic because of my GRE score): University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Arizona State, Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Uni of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Purdue, Uni of Maryland, Uni of Georgia.
Other Questions:
What made you want to pursue a PhD? I want to pursue a PhD because research is my passion and I thoroughly enjoy it. The satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives through my research, how much ever small the contribution might be, is something that drives/motivates me to pursue an onerous program like PhD in Management.
Questions or concerns you have about your profile? I am freaking out about the GRE. My goal was to score 160 (70thQ, 86thV) but after taking the exam I am truly beginning to wonder how I am going to bring up my score roughly 10 total points. My first applications are due December 15th so I don’t think I have enough time to retake the exam. I have heard that business schools in 25-100 rank range don’t need very high GRE/GMAT scores. Does anyone have any further thoughts on this? Also--Any words of advice on bringing my score up.
Do you think I have a shot of getting into a doctoral program at a decent University?
Every Doctoral program admits only 2-3 students per division. So, I know the competition is stiff. But I would really appreciate if someone can guide as me to whether I can get into 2nd Tier yet good Business Schools like Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Arizona State or Minnesota Twin Cities.
Would a high GPA and other accomplishments/experience compensate for a low GRE score?
Lastly, do you think that other positive aspects of my application can overpower my low test scores? Or do you think my scores are egregiously low and thus, are a non-starter for my applications? Then maybe I can consider taking the exam again and make my applications next year.
I'm a Research officer and Assistant Lecturer at a reputed, top-ranked University in New Zealand who's interested in a career in academia, and I would love to hear some of your recommendations.
I am applying to OB/HR Ph.D. programs in US Business schools. I believe that I am a strong candidate but the GRE has been my biggest stressor. I just took it yesterday and I totally bombed it (my scores being devastating). I have been studying for ~3 months and my finals scores were worse than the scores from my practice tests.
Background: Indian Male, New Zealand Permanent Resident
Test Scores (GRE): Verbal (156 - 73rd Percentile) Quant (154 - 57th Percentile), 4.5 AWA
Undergrad GPA: 3.7 from a top-ranked University in Mumbai, India, Pharmacy major
Graduate GPA: Have two masters qualifications from AACSB, AMBA & EQUIS accredited Business Schools in NZ.
1. Master of Business & Management – University of Waikato, NZ: Graduated with a Higher First class honours/Distinction, top 10 of my class (US Equivalent of Magna Cum Laude). GPA: 3.75/4.0
2. Research Masters in Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management (MPhil)- Massey University, NZ: Graduated with a Higher First class honours/Distinction, top 5 of my class (US Equivalent of Summa Cum Laude). GPA: 3.8/4.0.
I was a Massey Masterate Scholar for my MPhil as I received a Merit-Based Scholarship of $15,000 (as a stipend) along with a tuition waiver. I was one of the four recipients of this highly competitive scholarship from an applicant pool of 400 students.
Research Experiences: I am working as a Research Officer at Massey Business School, NZ since last year. Currently involved in a Government funded research project with top researchers and scholars in the field of OB/HR in NZ. The findings of this massive research study (involves more than 200+ organisations) will be presented to Govnt next year to design policy on workplace bullying and harassment. So there is direct implications of my research to both theory and practise.
Have also worked as a Research Assistant to the Director of Research for 2 years at the same University. Have worked on two Master’s thesis/dissertations. One-small 25 point dissertation and another major-120 point Thesis. Scored an A in both of them, with my MPhil Thesis being assessed by External Examiners from another University. Will definitely receive glowing letters of recommendations from leading researchers/scholars in my department.
Have also presented papers at reputed International Academic Conferences (Academy of Management- Australia & NZ division referred to as ANZAM). Currently, also working on two manuscripts to get them published in Academic Journals.
Teaching Experience: Almost five years. Have been a lecturer of Management: OBHR & Strategic Management at a reputed Business School in NZ since last 4 years.
Work Experience: Have been in Academia most of my life but I’m also a consultant and Financial Director for a successful Educational Services Firm in Mumbai, India.
Concentration Applying to: OB/HR
Number of programs planned to apply to: 15
Dream Schools(Not quite dream range though, I am pragmatic because of my GRE score): University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Arizona State, Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Uni of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Purdue, Uni of Maryland, Uni of Georgia.
Other Questions:
What made you want to pursue a PhD? I want to pursue a PhD because research is my passion and I thoroughly enjoy it. The satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives through my research, how much ever small the contribution might be, is something that drives/motivates me to pursue an onerous program like PhD in Management.
Questions or concerns you have about your profile? I am freaking out about the GRE. My goal was to score 160 (70thQ, 86thV) but after taking the exam I am truly beginning to wonder how I am going to bring up my score roughly 10 total points. My first applications are due December 15th so I don’t think I have enough time to retake the exam. I have heard that business schools in 25-100 rank range don’t need very high GRE/GMAT scores. Does anyone have any further thoughts on this? Also--Any words of advice on bringing my score up.
Do you think I have a shot of getting into a doctoral program at a decent University?
Every Doctoral program admits only 2-3 students per division. So, I know the competition is stiff. But I would really appreciate if someone can guide as me to whether I can get into 2nd Tier yet good Business Schools like Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Arizona State or Minnesota Twin Cities.
Would a high GPA and other accomplishments/experience compensate for a low GRE score?
Lastly, do you think that other positive aspects of my application can overpower my low test scores? Or do you think my scores are egregiously low and thus, are a non-starter for my applications? Then maybe I can consider taking the exam again and make my applications next year.
09 Nov 2018, 16:48
Kudos
Bookmarks
LiamOBHR
Hi guys,
I'm a Research officer and Assistant Lecturer at a reputed, top-ranked University in New Zealand who's interested in a career in academia, and I would love to hear some of your recommendations.
I am applying to OB/HR Ph.D. programs in US Business schools. I believe that I am a strong candidate but the GRE has been my biggest stressor. I just took it yesterday and I totally bombed it (my scores being devastating). I have been studying for ~3 months and my finals scores were worse than the scores from my practice tests.
Background: Indian Male, New Zealand Permanent Resident
Test Scores (GRE): Verbal (156 - 73rd Percentile) Quant (154 - 57th Percentile), 4.5 AWA
Undergrad GPA: 3.7 from a top-ranked University in Mumbai, India, Pharmacy major
Graduate GPA: Have two masters qualifications from AACSB, AMBA & EQUIS accredited Business Schools in NZ.
1. Master of Business & Management – University of Waikato, NZ: Graduated with a Higher First class honours/Distinction, top 10 of my class (US Equivalent of Magna Cum Laude). GPA: 3.75/4.0
2. Research Masters in Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management (MPhil)- Massey University, NZ: Graduated with a Higher First class honours/Distinction, top 5 of my class (US Equivalent of Summa Cum Laude). GPA: 3.8/4.0.
I was a Massey Masterate Scholar for my MPhil as I received a Merit-Based Scholarship of $15,000 (as a stipend) along with a tuition waiver. I was one of the four recipients of this highly competitive scholarship from an applicant pool of 400 students.
Research Experiences: I am working as a Research Officer at Massey Business School, NZ since last year. Currently involved in a Government funded research project with top researchers and scholars in the field of OB/HR in NZ. The findings of this massive research study (involves more than 200+ organisations) will be presented to Govnt next year to design policy on workplace bullying and harassment. So there is direct implications of my research to both theory and practise.
Have also worked as a Research Assistant to the Director of Research for 2 years at the same University. Have worked on two Master’s thesis/dissertations. One-small 25 point dissertation and another major-120 point Thesis. Scored an A in both of them, with my MPhil Thesis being assessed by External Examiners from another University. Will definitely receive glowing letters of recommendations from leading researchers/scholars in my department.
Have also presented papers at reputed International Academic Conferences (Academy of Management- Australia & NZ division referred to as ANZAM). Currently, also working on two manuscripts to get them published in Academic Journals.
Teaching Experience: Almost five years. Have been a lecturer of Management: OBHR & Strategic Management at a reputed Business School in NZ since last 4 years.
Work Experience: Have been in Academia most of my life but I’m also a consultant and Financial Director for a successful Educational Services Firm in Mumbai, India.
Concentration Applying to: OB/HR
Number of programs planned to apply to: 15
Dream Schools(Not quite dream range though, I am pragmatic because of my GRE score): University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Arizona State, Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Uni of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Purdue, Uni of Maryland, Uni of Georgia.
Other Questions:
What made you want to pursue a PhD? I want to pursue a PhD because research is my passion and I thoroughly enjoy it. The satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives through my research, how much ever small the contribution might be, is something that drives/motivates me to pursue an onerous program like PhD in Management.
Questions or concerns you have about your profile? I am freaking out about the GRE. My goal was to score 160 (70thQ, 86thV) but after taking the exam I am truly beginning to wonder how I am going to bring up my score roughly 10 total points. My first applications are due December 15th so I don’t think I have enough time to retake the exam. I have heard that business schools in 25-100 rank range don’t need very high GRE/GMAT scores. Does anyone have any further thoughts on this? Also--Any words of advice on bringing my score up.
Do you think I have a shot of getting into a doctoral program at a decent University?
Every Doctoral program admits only 2-3 students per division. So, I know the competition is stiff. But I would really appreciate if someone can guide as me to whether I can get into 2nd Tier yet good Business Schools like Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Arizona State or Minnesota Twin Cities.
Would a high GPA and other accomplishments/experience compensate for a low GRE score?
Lastly, do you think that other positive aspects of my application can overpower my low test scores? Or do you think my scores are egregiously low and thus, are a non-starter for my applications? Then maybe I can consider taking the exam again and make my applications next year.
I'm a Research officer and Assistant Lecturer at a reputed, top-ranked University in New Zealand who's interested in a career in academia, and I would love to hear some of your recommendations.
I am applying to OB/HR Ph.D. programs in US Business schools. I believe that I am a strong candidate but the GRE has been my biggest stressor. I just took it yesterday and I totally bombed it (my scores being devastating). I have been studying for ~3 months and my finals scores were worse than the scores from my practice tests.
Background: Indian Male, New Zealand Permanent Resident
Test Scores (GRE): Verbal (156 - 73rd Percentile) Quant (154 - 57th Percentile), 4.5 AWA
Undergrad GPA: 3.7 from a top-ranked University in Mumbai, India, Pharmacy major
Graduate GPA: Have two masters qualifications from AACSB, AMBA & EQUIS accredited Business Schools in NZ.
1. Master of Business & Management – University of Waikato, NZ: Graduated with a Higher First class honours/Distinction, top 10 of my class (US Equivalent of Magna Cum Laude). GPA: 3.75/4.0
2. Research Masters in Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management (MPhil)- Massey University, NZ: Graduated with a Higher First class honours/Distinction, top 5 of my class (US Equivalent of Summa Cum Laude). GPA: 3.8/4.0.
I was a Massey Masterate Scholar for my MPhil as I received a Merit-Based Scholarship of $15,000 (as a stipend) along with a tuition waiver. I was one of the four recipients of this highly competitive scholarship from an applicant pool of 400 students.
Research Experiences: I am working as a Research Officer at Massey Business School, NZ since last year. Currently involved in a Government funded research project with top researchers and scholars in the field of OB/HR in NZ. The findings of this massive research study (involves more than 200+ organisations) will be presented to Govnt next year to design policy on workplace bullying and harassment. So there is direct implications of my research to both theory and practise.
Have also worked as a Research Assistant to the Director of Research for 2 years at the same University. Have worked on two Master’s thesis/dissertations. One-small 25 point dissertation and another major-120 point Thesis. Scored an A in both of them, with my MPhil Thesis being assessed by External Examiners from another University. Will definitely receive glowing letters of recommendations from leading researchers/scholars in my department.
Have also presented papers at reputed International Academic Conferences (Academy of Management- Australia & NZ division referred to as ANZAM). Currently, also working on two manuscripts to get them published in Academic Journals.
Teaching Experience: Almost five years. Have been a lecturer of Management: OBHR & Strategic Management at a reputed Business School in NZ since last 4 years.
Work Experience: Have been in Academia most of my life but I’m also a consultant and Financial Director for a successful Educational Services Firm in Mumbai, India.
Concentration Applying to: OB/HR
Number of programs planned to apply to: 15
Dream Schools(Not quite dream range though, I am pragmatic because of my GRE score): University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Arizona State, Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Uni of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Purdue, Uni of Maryland, Uni of Georgia.
Other Questions:
What made you want to pursue a PhD? I want to pursue a PhD because research is my passion and I thoroughly enjoy it. The satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives through my research, how much ever small the contribution might be, is something that drives/motivates me to pursue an onerous program like PhD in Management.
Questions or concerns you have about your profile? I am freaking out about the GRE. My goal was to score 160 (70thQ, 86thV) but after taking the exam I am truly beginning to wonder how I am going to bring up my score roughly 10 total points. My first applications are due December 15th so I don’t think I have enough time to retake the exam. I have heard that business schools in 25-100 rank range don’t need very high GRE/GMAT scores. Does anyone have any further thoughts on this? Also--Any words of advice on bringing my score up.
Do you think I have a shot of getting into a doctoral program at a decent University?
Every Doctoral program admits only 2-3 students per division. So, I know the competition is stiff. But I would really appreciate if someone can guide as me to whether I can get into 2nd Tier yet good Business Schools like Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Arizona State or Minnesota Twin Cities.
Would a high GPA and other accomplishments/experience compensate for a low GRE score?
Lastly, do you think that other positive aspects of my application can overpower my low test scores? Or do you think my scores are egregiously low and thus, are a non-starter for my applications? Then maybe I can consider taking the exam again and make my applications next year.
Hello LiamOBHR
I will try to make this reply cut to the point as possible.
Being Research officer and Assistant Lecturer, with all experience you mentioned is your competitive advantage.
Since you have Indian descent, does that practically makes you a native speaker ?
Your undergraduate GPA is fine, however admission committee will look more closely to your masters degrees, as most recent, and there you stand even better as being top 10 and top 5 in your class, plus you won scholarship.
Applying to 15 programs is too much, 7-9 the most would be optimal, however that is strictly your choice.
I would not call Penn State, Michigan State, Washington State, Ohio State, Arizona State or Minnesota Twin Cities as 2nd Tier universities necessarily, only if your benchmark is Ivy League.
I can see you use typical GRE words like onerous and egregious
Your GRE score is not egregiously low, it is average just on quant part, on verbal part is okay, especially for international student.
That being said, you may be perceived as native speaker and as somebody who already had a lot of experience in English speaking country.
Valuable Insights :
Michigan State University successful applicants typically score above the 80th percentile on both the verbal and quantitative portions of the test.
Washington State University would like to see 630+ on GMAT, your current GRE score corresponds to 550 on GMAT.
Ohio State does not specify minimum requirements.
University of Minnesota has average GRE score of 325.
I am sure this facts should answer your question how to proceed
Good Luck !
09 Nov 2018, 21:12
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi there,
Yes, I agree some schools have mentioned Average GRE scores but I believe they are kinda deceptive because they are averaged across all the departments (including quant intensive depts like Accounting, Finance, Economics, Info Systems and Operations management). I believe most of these candidates applying for quant intensive programs have very high quant scores and thus, high overall GRE/GMAT scores. But does that mean adcoms also look for high test scores for Management and OB students? For example, Uni of Minnesota mentions their average GRE as 315 for their OBHR students, Uni of Arizona and Uni of Miami mention 311.
So I am really not sure as to whether ad coms are flexible when it comes to test scores or they have a hard cut off and if one does not meet that they won't even look at/review other aspects of the application.
Yes, I agree some schools have mentioned Average GRE scores but I believe they are kinda deceptive because they are averaged across all the departments (including quant intensive depts like Accounting, Finance, Economics, Info Systems and Operations management). I believe most of these candidates applying for quant intensive programs have very high quant scores and thus, high overall GRE/GMAT scores. But does that mean adcoms also look for high test scores for Management and OB students? For example, Uni of Minnesota mentions their average GRE as 315 for their OBHR students, Uni of Arizona and Uni of Miami mention 311.
So I am really not sure as to whether ad coms are flexible when it comes to test scores or they have a hard cut off and if one does not meet that they won't even look at/review other aspects of the application.
