Chances for Wharton UG at Fin. Phd admissions?

**financephd** · 07-16-2005, 07:47 PM

I'm new to this forum so I'd really appreciate any advice on the matter. I want to know my chances at a top PhD program in the United States. In particular, my chances at MIT, Chicago, Wharton, and Stanford. I'll be a senior this coming year. Here is my info:

-3.79/4.00 with a dual concentration in Finance/Statistics and minors in Math and Sociology (should be on pace to graduate summa if i get a 3.8)
-My math background is not as strong as it could be, I have a math minor because of much of the overlap with my majors. I have taken math through linear algebra and advanced calculus.
-I have only taken one introductory course in CSE, however, I have been exposed to many programs in my classes.
-I have taken finance/stat classes on Derivatives, Fixed Income, Probability, Stochastic Processes, and Time series.
-I have completed a summer internship at a bulge bracket I-banking firm
-Unfortunately I have no research experience.
-My main extracurricular has been on the college newspaper which I have been very active in since my Freshman year of college.

I have not taken my GRE yet and I think my letters of recommendations should be strong but I am not sure yet. What do you guys think I can do to enhance my profile in this last year and what do you guys think are my chances? Am I aiming too high?

**financephd** · 07-17-2005, 08:40 PM

please?

**Plazzain** · 07-17-2005, 09:43 PM

I'd just compare myself against top candidates. Why don't you cal Wharton and ask them what their typical candidate is like Oo

**CK6** · 07-18-2005, 06:41 AM

i will also be applying for a PhD in Finance program at a business school in 2006.

i think your gpa looks good, but i think you probably need more math and econ background. in addition to the courses you listed, i would suggest courses such as real analysis, ODE, PDE, econometrics, intermediate micro & macro, game theory, etc.

as for your extracurricular activities and experiences, i have no idea if you can use them as your advantage when applying. i personally also have tons of extracurricular activities and work experiences, but i'm still confused if the admissions will value them. i know that PhD in Econs do not really value them as they literally only value academic experiences, such as RA. however, PhD in Finance programs are usually held at business schools, so i have no idea if they value any extracurricular activities and work experiences.

any ideas guys?