Reapplicant advice needed - Thank You!

[destiny920]

Could you please give me advice on whether I should reapply to top 10 finance PhD programs this year?

I applied last year to the same programs, and was waitlisted by two programs. I am considering reapplying but the only thing I can add is two new letters of recommendation and a new personal statement.

I don't know if I should wait another year to apply, as I might be able to strengthen my application, such as by taking a finance course or two, and gaining more relevant working experience (I am current working full time). Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[possible_phd]

I would get feedback from the schools that wait listed you, if possible. Contact the professors you were in contact with last season, if you were interviewed, and ask how you might strengthen your profile. Unless you know where you were weak, you won't know if you should wait; and it's a certainty that nobody here can answer this question for you.

[shootermcgavin7]

Originally Posted by destiny920

Could you please give me advice on whether I should reapply to top 10 finance PhD programs this year?

Your post reads like you are only focused on "Top 10" finance programs. If that is the case, why is that so?

Which list are you using? There are at least 25 "Top 10" programs if you go by the departments

[phdhope]

Well, it sounds like your application has not changed much since the last time you had applied. Were those sections the weakest link of your application. I would say apply and see what happens but I don't know if much has changed for them to change their mind. You also might have a harder/easier class for admissions so you may/may not get in. I would echo the opinion of the board to talk to the professors and see if they recommend you applying again. Their opinion should be highly valued and followed.