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zra200 · 06-10-2008, 04:13 PM

Hello,

I'm just curious going through Finance PhD applications. A lot of them ask for an optional essay that explains any unusual circumstances that the adcom should be aware of. Personally, I had to work full-time throughout my undergrad and grad degrees to support myself and my family. This had a negative effect on my GPA. I must also add these are very competitive/cut-throat schools that are top 20 or so in national rankings.

How much weight does adcom actually give to these "unusual" circumstances? What actually constitutes as an usual ciricumstance? Do you think this is just a formality on the adcoms part?

Prawler · 06-10-2008, 10:53 PM

Well I have never heard of that. But I don't think that adcoms will like you talking about family stuff anyways, even though they are "unusual"

Teazer · 06-17-2008, 01:33 AM

Different individuals on the admissions committee may weigh it differently! Different departments will too. It may be useful to explain a few low scores so long as you have other convincing evidence of ability. They may then shift the weight of their decision away from your previous scores a bit to some other part of your application. However you'd probably want to make it clear that your circumstances in a phd program would be sufficiently changed that you wouldn't think of working on the sly outside the program.

You will also, I hope, consider doing a lot of applications not in the top 20 as well!

zra200 · 06-17-2008, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I'm applying to 16 or so schools 8 of which are outside of the top 25 and tiered thereafter.

hvzw · 07-08-2008, 05:43 PM

Keep it impersonal, put a twist how you overcame it and dod what you did with limited resources. Turn a disadvantage into an advantage.

zra200 · 07-09-2008, 02:28 PM

The way I've tried to slant my SOP is by saying that I've persevered through my personal family obligations and still managed to complete my degrees with decent GPAs at very competitive, top 20, programs. I also tried to highlight specific times where at work things picked up and I was torn between my personal responsibilities at work and also school. My only concern though is, are top 20 schools really going to care?

06-10-2008, 04:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
zra200 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 13	Special Circumstances Essay Hello, I'm just curious going through Finance PhD applications. A lot of them ask for an optional essay that explains any unusual circumstances that the adcom should be aware of. Personally, I had to work full-time throughout my undergrad and grad degrees to support myself and my family. This had a negative effect on my GPA. I must also add these are very competitive/cut-throat schools that are top 20 or so in national rankings. How much weight does adcom actually give to these "unusual" circumstances? What actually constitutes as an usual ciricumstance? Do you think this is just a formality on the adcoms part?

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06-10-2008, 10:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
Prawler Within my grasp! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 310	Well I have never heard of that. But I don't think that adcoms will like you talking about family stuff anyways, even though they are "unusual"

06-17-2008, 01:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
Teazer Eager! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 68	Different individuals on the admissions committee may weigh it differently! Different departments will too. It may be useful to explain a few low scores so long as you have other convincing evidence of ability. They may then shift the weight of their decision away from your previous scores a bit to some other part of your application. However you'd probably want to make it clear that your circumstances in a phd program would be sufficiently changed that you wouldn't think of working on the sly outside the program. You will also, I hope, consider doing a lot of applications not in the top 20 as well!

06-17-2008, 10:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
zra200 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 13	Thanks for the reply! Yes, I'm applying to 16 or so schools 8 of which are outside of the top 25 and tiered thereafter.

07-08-2008, 05:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
hvzw Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 24	Keep it impersonal, put a twist how you overcame it and dod what you did with limited resources. Turn a disadvantage into an advantage.

07-09-2008, 02:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
zra200 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 13	The way I've tried to slant my SOP is by saying that I've persevered through my personal family obligations and still managed to complete my degrees with decent GPAs at very competitive, top 20, programs. I also tried to highlight specific times where at work things picked up and I was torn between my personal responsibilities at work and also school. My only concern though is, are top 20 schools really going to care?

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