which schools should I apply to?

[mgtapp]

Hi all and thanks for taking the time reading this.

I am a long time lurker, but first time posting in this forum.
Soon I'll be applying to management phd programs. I think I have a pretty strong profile, but definitely need some advice in finalizing my school list (I think mine is too short), and get some "inside information" about the schools.

I am an international (Europian) 30 y/o. Have a B.Sc. and M.Sc in a scientific field (very strong in quant), finishing in the very top of my class. GMAT 760. some research experience - not in management, but 3 years work experience in management consulting.

I am interested mainly in strategy, but in a rather "esoteric" topic: the role of emotions in strategic decision making. So I'm a kind of between OB/psychology and strategy.

So, where should I apply?
Currently I think of Wharton, Michigan(Ross), HBS, Berkeley.
I miss a safety school though (what about penn state?)
Where else? any comments on my choices? any opinions/information about the schools?

Any advice will be appreciated.

[Bloomsbury]

One of the main specialist of this field is Quy Huy at INSEAD.
INSEAD - Faculty & Research - Quy Huy

[henders]

One technique you can use to identify programs is to see who has written papers in your area of interest. Find out who the "big names" are in the area of emotions and strategic decision making, and see what schools they are at. This should help widen your net to various programs. Applying to just those 4 schools is probably a long shot (for anyone); you probably want to make sure to have some less highly ranked (but still strong) schools on your application list.

[mgtapp]

Thanks all for the comments.

Because my spouse is an american, part of the deal is going (back, at least for her) to the US. so sadly, INSEAD is not an option.

Any comments on penn state?

[rsaylors]

Almost every program will allow you to do work that crosses over managerial levels, many encourage you to take classes outside of a simple micro/macro focus. Generally speaking, though, what you are talking about is part of the strategic management literature in that it doesn't deal with the general work-group but rather is part of top management team (TMT) research.