Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 00:56 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 00:56
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
Richardson
User avatar
Joined: 21 Aug 2008
Last visit: 16 Jul 2010
Posts: 83
Own Kudos:
129
Posts: 83
Kudos: 129
Waiting list 25 Sep 2008, 18:43
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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.
User avatar
possible_phd
User avatar
Joined: 17 May 2007
Last visit: 14 May 2018
Posts: 33
Own Kudos:
3
Posts: 33
Kudos: 3
Waiting list 26 Sep 2008, 06:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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?
User avatar
Richardson
User avatar
Joined: 21 Aug 2008
Last visit: 16 Jul 2010
Posts: 83
Own Kudos:
129
Posts: 83
Kudos: 129
Waiting list 26 Sep 2008, 11:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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.
User avatar
possible_phd
User avatar
Joined: 17 May 2007
Last visit: 14 May 2018
Posts: 33
Own Kudos:
3
Posts: 33
Kudos: 3
Waiting list 26 Sep 2008, 11:40
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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! :-)
avatar
tkkoh
avatar
Joined: 05 Oct 2005
Last visit: 23 Nov 2009
Posts: 412
Own Kudos:
23
Posts: 412
Kudos: 23
Waiting list 26 Sep 2008, 19:35
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Richardson
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.
Show more

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.
Moderator:
said.tojiboev
PhD Forum Moderator
65 posts