Top PhD Admission - Possible?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi, I am considering a PhD in Management/ DBA and believe that I have a strong candidacy for the European DBAs, as they tend to be more practice oriented, but don't have a feel for whether I'd have a shot at one of the top US programs, as they tend to be more traditional and theory oriented. Below is my profile and I'd appreciate any feedback that people can provide. Also, please let me know what experience you are using to assess my profile. </p>

<p>My biggest issue is undergrad gpa. While I have an excuse -- working 60 hours per week to put myself through undergrad -- it was still a 2.4. I can prove that it wasn't an aptitude issue, given that I'm a member of MENSA, along with having the additional qualifications listed below. I do have to, however, prove that I have the drive... so, here's what I've done since.</p>

<p>I got my MBA from Babson with a 3.51 gpa, which is an A- there. I also took much more difficult courses than the typicaly student, with a strong focus on econometrics, financial and econometric modeling, and statistics and data mining, while continuing to consult on the side. Also, my GMAT was 750. </p>

<p>I have a great deal of experience in applying research and analytics. Prior to the MBA, I worked as a marketing consultant with an analytic consultancy, working with clients to develop marketing strategy and tactics based on quantitative modeling. Currently, I work as a corporate strategy consultant for a $100 billion Technology company (not a hard guess here) within a group that is more analytic than the typical management consulting firm. We do extensive primary research and then perform quantitative/econometric and qualitative analytics to recommend business actions. So, while this isn't an academic setting, I can make a strong case for my ability to use research and think very quantitatively through business issues, as well as apply those skills to real situations. In addition to about 5 years as a consultant, I have another 5 in sales and business management.</p>

<p>However, I just don't have a sense for how much these programs would value my practical application of business analytics, versus some undergrad who studied hard, had great grades, but has no real experience. </p>

<p>I expect the written portion of the application (the statement of purpose) to work in my favor, as communicating ideas in writing is a strength. Also, any situation where I'm permitted to interview will help me, as I have extensive experience in such settings. </p>

<p>With that said, I would appreciate any feedback from folks in terms whether I even have a chance, and if so, what would be a good strategy?</p>

2

<p>There is a great website [url=<a href="http://www.whogotin.com%5Dwhogotin.com%5B/url"&gt;http://www.whogotin.com]whogotin.com[/url&lt;/a&gt;] and I remember seeing a guy there who had a 2.5 undergrad GPA as well and got into CAL TECH. Babson is a great business school and I think that your MBA transcript and reccs are much more important than your undergrad record. Plus, a 750 on the GMAT is outstanding. Your work experience is a plus too. Where are you thinking of applying? I think you have a decent shot.</p>

3

<p>Your grad GPA will be considered over your undergrad. However, do yourself a favor and never mention Mensa to them. They will laugh, and it will look bad.</p>

4

<p>I agree on the MENSA thing, that is not something to mention to anyone, ever. but especially for grad degree, it is on what you have done, not potential.</p>

5

<p>LOL ... yea, the MENSA thing probably seems like a desparation move. But great feedback. I really appreciate it. </p>

<p>In terms of where I'm thinking of applying, there are really two group</p>

<p>1) The aspirational group (e.g. HBS, MIT Sloan , Wharton, Columbia, NYU). Trying to stay in the East as much as possible for family reasons.</p>

<p>2) Then there's the "still excellent but not Harvard" group (e.g. Michigan, Tepper, Notre Dame, Boston College, Boston University)</p>

<p>I'm really not considering safety type schools here. It seems that with my background already, it may not necessarily be worth the effort if it's not a nationally/internationally recognized university, as the alternate path of staying in the work force and gaining some executive experience may also be a path toward teaching management at the university level given that it's a field where experience really matters. </p>

<p>Also, if anyone has applied to such programs, are there any tips that you could share in terms of how to engage these schools?</p>

<p>Again, thanks very much everyone!!</p>

6

<p>"My biggest issue is undergrad gpa. While I have an excuse -- working 60 hours per week to put myself through undergrad -- it was still a 2.4. I can prove that it wasn't an aptitude issue, given that I'm a member of MENSA, along with having the additional qualifications listed below. I do have to, however, prove that I have the drive... so, here's what I've done since."</p>

<p>Copy+paste that into your SOP. It's pure gold.</p>

7

<p>mensa, lol</p>