Letters of recommendation - academic vs. industry

[alexis]

Originally Posted by longshot

I just don't think a top 10 (Berkeley, Penn, NYU, Columbia, Harvard, MIT) marketing program is going to bite on a 750Q. It's not a 650, you're correct, but I doubt they look at anything under 780, they just get so many applications.

That said, I think Temple, CUNY, and BU would be a great fit (turns out BC doesn't have a program in marketing). They won't get many applicants with the quality of your undergraduate record and industry experience, so they probably won't make a stink about a 750Q.

To offer a different point: The average GRE scores for admitted students in 2009 was 615 V, 785 Q, 4.75 AW at Penn (all Wharton PhDs, including marketing, and accounting/finance, where Q is the most important thing). It's on their website. Granted, marketingphd's Q is below average, but only by 35 points. I think their GRE scores are definitely competitive. I get the concern about the LORs & GPA as well--but marketingphd, I think you have a shot, and you should go for it.

[elsenot]

Definitely do not rely on industry letters. Focus on the academic ones. I understand your managers might know you better but they will be highly discounted.

[shootermcgavin7]

I would avoid rec letters from industry if at all possible. You want academic researchers who are willing to comment on your ability to do academic research, period.

[gsphD]

hmm but what if program specifically wants a letter from manager? like BU program is DBA and they want someone who can evaluate you from a professional point of view... yea i found that pretty odd too..

and what about programs that says.. 'at least one from academic..' i wonder even in that case, industry letter is totally disregarded?

what about a letter from professor in education dept vs. industry letter from a person who has MSU PhD?