Any suggestions for target programs?

[Causa Mortis]

Undergraduate Degree - BA/Econ, 2005, 3.55 GPA, one of the better UCs known for fighting grade inflation.

Graduate Degree - MA/Econ (terminal) 3.8 GPA, one of the CSUs

GRE: 740 quant/660 verbal/5.5 AW

GMAT: Scheduled for Nov 5th.

Letters of rec: I know them well, two have published books, remaining has many contacts within BA community.

Math: Calc 1 & 2, Linear Algebra, Statistics, Math for Economists, several quant-intensive economics courses.

Work experience: 3 years, but probably not helpful as work was not in management.

Research: 2 working papers, neither of which is likely to be published before the applications are due.

Interests: Strategy, game theory, management application of economic principles, international business.

Program needs: Realistically I'd need significant assistantship, waiver at minimum, and I'd like to see that most of those who complete a program are getting academic positions. Not sure if this is realistic or not given my background.

Any suggestions? About half of the programs I've looked at are not listing median GPA and GMAT/GRE scores.

[swint]

They don't publish that because it isn't that important. In decent PhD programs, GPAs, GREs & GMAT scores are used mainly for initial screening. What is important is to show fit to the department you apply to and to show some knowledge about what you want to do and how you want to do it - that is to show your potential as a researcher. This is typically done through your statement of purpose and LORs. an impressive CV or GPA or GRE score can help, but it is not the main criterion.