TestMagic Forums - View Single Post - Evaluate an older student returning to school

halcyon_daze · 04-09-2008, 09:30 PM

Hey Oldprogrammer,

I'm also a 'non-traditional' (read older) student and will be starting my PhD in the fall (in strategy, not finance). Before starting the application process I did a lot of research into which programs were more likely to accept someone with a great deal of work experience rather vs. a preference for taking applicants fresh from undergrad. I found that some schools (e.g. NYU) virtually accept no 'seasoned' applicants while others (e.g. Wharton) are certainly much more open to it.

Have you considered doing a one-year masters in finance to a) boost your chances of acceptance as many candidates do have a completed masters; and b) establish the relationships necessary to get the academic LOR's that are preferred for PhD app's?

Since I'm a product of the Canadian system and knew I would be applying to Canadian schools I did a master's degree first. Most Canadian schools require a completed master's degree before entrance into a PhD program, so I didn't have a lot of choice! During my masters I worked on a couple of research projects and presented at conferences/published in proceedings. This record established and legitimized my serious interest in research.

Finance programs are incredibly competitive to gain admissions into and most applicants will have a 700+ GMAT or 800 quant score on the GRE, so you need to find something to set you apart. There are many finance programs out there that prefer - or require - the GRE for finance so you may need to write both standarized tests. If you come in with more recent grad school experience combined with fresh recommendations from academics, your chances for admissions will likely increase significantly, IMHO.

Cheers!

04-09-2008, 09:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
halcyon_daze Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 18	Hey Oldprogrammer, I'm also a 'non-traditional' (read older) student and will be starting my PhD in the fall (in strategy, not finance). Before starting the application process I did a lot of research into which programs were more likely to accept someone with a great deal of work experience rather vs. a preference for taking applicants fresh from undergrad. I found that some schools (e.g. NYU) virtually accept no 'seasoned' applicants while others (e.g. Wharton) are certainly much more open to it. Have you considered doing a one-year masters in finance to a) boost your chances of acceptance as many candidates do have a completed masters; and b) establish the relationships necessary to get the academic LOR's that are preferred for PhD app's? Since I'm a product of the Canadian system and knew I would be applying to Canadian schools I did a master's degree first. Most Canadian schools require a completed master's degree before entrance into a PhD program, so I didn't have a lot of choice! During my masters I worked on a couple of research projects and presented at conferences/published in proceedings. This record established and legitimized my serious interest in research. Finance programs are incredibly competitive to gain admissions into and most applicants will have a 700+ GMAT or 800 quant score on the GRE, so you need to find something to set you apart. There are many finance programs out there that prefer - or require - the GRE for finance so you may need to write both standarized tests. If you come in with more recent grad school experience combined with fresh recommendations from academics, your chances for admissions will likely increase significantly, IMHO. Cheers!