Your Input, please.

[bestkid]

I applied for PhD (Strategy) last year and ended up with just a couple of waiting list 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 (M/V: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.

[oldprogrammer]

I would think the most helpful thing would be to get involved in a couple research projects in the Strategy field. That would serve three purposes: research experience, research-oriented LORs, and clarification of your research interests in your SOP.

It sounds like you are a "non-traditional", older student, and if you're already working on your second Masters degree, you need to start doing research. Otherwise, you may have a hard time convincing AdComs that you really understand that research is integral to finishing a PhD and that you enjoy doing research. I wouldn't worry about improving your GMAT until you have some research experience, as solid research experience will outweigh any benefits you will get going from a reasonable improvement from a 700 to, say, a 730.

[bestkid]

Thanks very much. I believe thy input would be a great assistance for me to get prepared for PhD better.

Appreciated if you could answer to my question on your comment. You mentioned "research". Does it mean I need to get involved in the research from the school works (say, along with professors) or I rather take any relevant research item and do the reseach works by myself from now on??? I think the first would work better, but given the situation that I face I don't think that would be the case for me since my school and its program is not quite research oriented. So alternative to that is I pick a relevant and intriguing subject and do research on it alone. And I elaborate this point on the SOP along with a strong interest in doing advanced research in PhD programs that I apply for. How does it sound to you? As well, any further input would be welcome.
THx.

[darcie]

Since you got waitlisted and not accepted, you should get stronger recommendations

[oldprogrammer]

You need to find a professor to work with on the research. Your best bet is a professor from your own school, even if their research isn't well known. If you're currently not in school, try finding a past professor who might know you to be a good student. Barring that, try compiling a list of professors at different schools whose research interests you, and then email them with details on why you're interested and what you can bring to the table. There might be a lot of rejection here, but I've heard of people having success here.

[bestkid]

I managed to get two more LORs: one from the current master's program and the other from the school that I attended for an MBA. Both LORs are from Finance professors, one of them has a good research performance.
Now, I am wondering if those LORs still provide a good support for my application to Strategy. I am actually applying to both strategy and finance. What do you think?

[UnknownPhD]

Good for you! I don't think it matters if you have either Finance professors or Strategy professors. But if finance professors write letters for finance programs, I think there will be more chance that the programs can recognize the names. Same to strategy. Anyway, good luck to you.