too quiet here.... anyone applying this season?

Question

last year this forum has been quite busy at this time of the year....
new applicants - speak up... tell us about your struggles with the applications... share your experience and aspirations... you might even get an occasional good advice....

anyway... good luck to all those applying

ReDx · Answer

can you apply to 2 different phd progams in the same school?

emarinich · Answer

i'm applying for Fall 2008 - Accounting.

summary of my application:
- GMAT: Q42, V40, AWA 6.0, T680
- MS Accounting from University of Cincinnati, GPA: 3.7 - including an extra year beyond the requirements of the degree in exclusively quant coursework such as calculus, linear algebra, stats, probability, etc.
- Post-Bac Certificate of Accountancy, Arizona State University, GPA 3.7
- BS Finance from Miami University, GPA: 2.5 (I know this is awful, but it was 10+ years ago and i am hoping my work exp and post-grad gpa will redeem me somewhat)
- work experience: 6 years total (3 years in investment banking, 3 years in software)
- rec letters: 3 very positive letters from current and previous Accounting and Finance professors. one from the director of the PhD program at UC and one from an undergrad professor who will hopefully help explain that my undergrad grades are not a true indication of my abilities.

applied so far to:
Michigan State
University of Massachusetts Amherst
George Washington
University of Connecticut

still plan to apply to:
Syracuse University
Arizona State University
University of Cincinnati

University of Toronto is also a school that i would love to attend, but i feel like my chances are not very good there and therefore i am not sure if i will apply.

the process so far has been seriously draining - emotionally, financially, intellectually. also, the quant coursework i'm taking this year is really challenging - which is making me think a lot more about how difficult doctoral work will be.

i am very excited but also really scared. my fear is that i will not be accepted anywhere, which would be a huge disappointment.

ReDx · Answer

I'd imagine you should be more afraid of publish or perish.

emarinich · Answer

haha yes - worried about that too!

stress levels are pretty much through the roof right now in general.

firemaplegirl · Answer

emarinich,

I've heard really positive things about ASU's program from an alumni. I'm investigating it as well, but I'd be a Fall 09 start. I would guess that if you left a good impression on the professors while doing your post-bac that you have a decent chance of admittance there.

How was University of Cincinnati Master's program? Is it primarily practice oriented? I'm trying to find an Accounting Master's program that is academically focused and I'm having a tough time.

hobbit · Answer

just wait until you get in and start studying....then you see what a high stress level is

although - your waiting season (just around the corner) is stressing too.

hobbit · Answer

anyway - I wish you success and good luck. it worth the effort

cabro57 · Answer

I don't think you need to worry with your BS finance GPA. I think the fact that you're currently making up for any quant weaknesses you may have largely makes up for anything bad that may have happened years ago.

Also, I honestly can't see how all these schools would reject you with your profile. Toronto is definitely a stretch as it's more into the realm of elite schools now, but I think you have a shot at all the others. Unless I'm mistaken, there's no way in hell you're getting rejected at U.Conn or Syracuse. Arizona State has Jim Ohlson which is an extremely well known guy but is a little weird (haven't worked with him but I've heard of his lectures/personality). I can't think of anyone "famous" that's at any of the other universities you listed but they're not exactly crappy schools either. Good luck with the whole process.

emarinich · Answer

thank you everyone for your feedback! i really appreciate the information. i feel very alone in this process a lot of the time - because it isn't really a "common" experience that the average person might have something to say about.

this forum has provided some sanity for me - by reminding me that i'm not alone and that there are others out there who have been through this. it's awesome to be able to bounce ideas off of others who have been there or are currently going through it.

i will definitely keep everyone posted on my progress. it was especially reassuring to read that my profile looked strong enough for my list of schools.

thanks again and good luck to anyone else currently in the midst of the application process! :-D

ReDx · Answer

If I do apply I'll be applying for 2009. The more I think about it, the it feels like Ph.D to me is like medicine to a kid, it tastes horrible but its just good for you (in this case your intellectual well-being).

tkkoh · Answer

All the best to all the applicants. Those who have done it know how it is like... days are like weeks, and weeks like years. But eventually, March and April will come around.

Hang in there.... anyway, I have a  blog  of my application process and waiting season... hope it helps....

emarinich · Answer

got an email from Michigan State saying app is complete, has been forwarded to adcom, and if the committee is interested in an interview they will "most likely" be contacting me third or fourth week of january.

which is next week and the week after.

the wait is already killing me - now every day i'm going to be freaking out about getting an email or call. and then if i don't get one, i'm going to really freak out and think i haven't been shortlisted.

this whole process is draining beyond belief.

hobbit · Answer

if anyone is interested - 
seems like HBS has started to call for interviews (for PhD/DBA). if you applied, you might hear from them soon (or not... they never called me last year...)

li · Answer

Hi all!
I have applied for the accounting PH.D 2008 too. 
Still anxiously wait for the replies of the schools. I am worrying about the interviews because I am an internation student. Someone get a good idea about the interviews?

tkkoh · Answer

I think interviews differ from case to case. I had 2 interviews last season. Both are pretty casual, asking a bit about my interest, background, and plans. Go to my blog and see my postings in Jan and Feb 2007.

The interviews were conducted over the phone. I'm also an international student. Nothing to worry about... most of the Profs are quite exposed to international students. However, just may sure you speak clearly (and perhaps a tad slower) if it is a phone interview. Also, make sure you are in a comfortable place when doing your interview. It could stretch to like an hour or so.

tkkoh · Answer

Spotted an offer @ gradjournal. Potentially the first for the 2008 season.

li · Answer

thank you tkkoh! your advice is very valuable!
i also spoted that offer. I also planned to apply to that program but at last i gave up due to some reason.

junkbondswap · Answer

I am also surpised considering the significant increase in b-school applicants this year. It is extremely interesting when you consider the the strong correlation between the relative strength of the economy and business school matriculation.

phd2008 · Answer

Does anyone know if Wharton Management PhD has started their interviews?

too quiet here.... anyone applying this season?

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