Profile Evaluation/Program suggestions- Accounting

[ark08]

I am applying for PhD accounting programs for next fall and I am looking for advice based on my profile and the type of program I am looking for. Any advice is greatly appreciated so thank you in advance.

First- I am looking for strong programs with broad research strengths. I don't have a good idea about what I want to ultimately research (not interested in tax or managerial) so I am looking for programs that are strong in multiple areas/types of research so that I can decide during the course of the program.

So, a little about my background:
I went to a top-30 private university and didn't do so great undergrad (3.1) but did better in my masters program (3.57)
I scored a 720 on the GMAT (Quant- 48, 80%, Verbal- 41, 92%, 720, 94%)
I have 3.5 years of good work experience- first at a big 4 firm, now work as a financial reporting analyst in financial services
CPA
I should have strong references from 2 well known academics and I think my personal statement is pretty good

Based on all this I am considering/have applied to:

Washington
Texas
UNC
Florida
Arizona
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Georgia
Pitt
Rutgers
Tennessee
Oregon

Am I significantly overestimating or underestimating my prospects for admission? Do these programs fit my preference for broad research specialties? Am I missing any obvious programs I should consider? Thanks again.

[rsaylors]

Your lack of focus is a problem.
Your low UGGPA is a problem.
Your only applying to a very small range of schools is a problem.
Your low relative Q in a Q based program is a problem.

You are probably over-estimating your prospects because your low UGGPA was so long ago and your GMAT is high. The truth is that Q is weighted more heavily than V, particularly in your field, and GGPA is almost entirely ignored in favor of UGGPA. You may get selected and so this was a good move. At this point I would apply to the least-selective*** Ph.D. programs that say they do accounting and look for research-fit with faculty:

Louisiana Tech
Memphis
Mississippi state
University of North Texas
Texas at Arlington
Texas at San Antonio
Washington State


*** Note that even the least-selective programs tend to only accept 3 out of 73 applicants

[taxPhD]

While I do agree that you need to increase the range of schools are are thinking about applying to, I would say that you will be quite competitive at a number of the schools you listed and I think you certainly have a decent shot at getting into a better program than UTA, UTSA, Memphis, etc.... I would look at adding some schools more of in the Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas Tech range instead of all the way down to the lowest tier programs.

A 720 GMAT score is competitive at the majority of the schools you listed, and while a 48 on the quant section is not through the roof, it is not horrible either. In my opinion GMAT is more of a hurdle than a deciding factor, and a score of 720 will keep your application in the "look at further" pile in the first cut at most schools.

In addition, I know for certain that a number of schools on your list greatly value work experience and having a CPA.

A few other questions that may help us guide you a little better......

What math and economics classes have you had, and what grades did you make in them?

Any idea at all at what sorts of topics may interest you research wise? I would recommend maybe looking at the abstracts of articles in recent issues of Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, and The Accounting Review and see if anything jumps out to you as particularly interesting.

Ultimately....what are some of the schools you would like to end up being on the faculty of if you complete a PhD?

[ark08]

Since I know many of you are in the midst of the application process I wanted to give an update on my application. I remember this was a very difficult/anxious time for me and its very easy to get discouraged, especially by reading this message board. From some of the threads/posts (see above) its easy to get the impression you need a nearly perfect application to have a realistic chance at any top program. This isn't true. Clearly my application was flawed (low GPA, mediocre quant score, very light on math/econ courses) and several programs were able to see through this.

I applied to about 2/3 of the schools on the list above as well as 3-4 others in the same range. I ended up getting into 4 programs, including one of the "best" programs on the list but I was also rejected from several of the least selective programs. I'm not posting to give myself a pat on the back or to disparage any members. I realize that its difficult to evaluate someone's application from just a few paragraphs and I certainly appreciated the advice. But you should take anything on this forum for what it is- one person's opinion, and nothing more. Get advice from as many students, professors, and program directors as possible and weigh all advice accordingly.

Good luck!

[YaSvoboden]

I appreciate the update. Going through the application right now is a little nerve wracking. Fortunately I have already received positive feedback on one application and still have plenty to get in. It's nice to know that we all have some sort of "flaw" in our application, but we can still find a good fit.