Is it necessary to take the prelim exam?

[Yalee]

I am studying in a Econ PhD program and facing the prelim exam. Since I am gonna apply the business PhD in the fall, is it still necessary to take the prelim exam for Econ PhD? I can still get a master without attending the prelim exam, but I am not sure if not attending the prelim shows some disadvantage of me when applying for business PhD.

In this program, I have a 3.5 GPA, althought not outstanding, but it still seems easy me for to pass the prelim as long as I work on it. I just don't want to waste like a month on that kind of stuff, most of which would be irrelevent to my future study.

I would like to here thy suggestions. Thanks.

[tkkoh]

Which field in Business are you going to apply to?

My take is that the important thing here is to get the Master.

However, you may have a hard time trying to explain the switch from Econs to Biz. One possible question the school may have is "could it be that this chap has problems with the coursework?"

So if you can clear the prelim well, it may be useful to clear some doubts (assuming you are in a relatively good school now).

Furthermore, you might be able to get some waivers in your business PhD. You need to check on this though - I'm not sure whether clearing the prelim is necessary or sufficient. Also, some schools don't give waivers.

All the best.

[Yalee]

Which field in Business are you going to apply to?

My take is that the important thing here is to get the Master.

However, you may have a hard time trying to explain the switch from Econs to Biz. One possible question the school may have is "could it be that this chap has problems with the coursework?"

So if you can clear the prelim well, it may be useful to clear some doubts (assuming you are in a relatively good school now).

Furthermore, you might be able to get some waivers in your business PhD. You need to check on this though - I'm not sure whether clearing the prelim is necessary or sufficient. Also, some schools don't give waivers.

All the best.

Thanks a lot, tkkoh, good points.

I am interested in Strategy and Organizations, the field similar to IO in Econ. But I just don't like the atmosphere of Econ programs and that's why I wouldn't shoot a better IO program.

Do you think a 3.5-3.6 GPA is a bad sign of course ability or a disadvantage when I apply? My current program is ranking 70-100 and that's why I wouldn't apply for top schools, what I am aiming for are business programs like Maryland or Emory,etc.

More advice is appreciated.