psyche74

Each of the programs to which I applied are willing to consider applicants who do not have Masters degrees.

Yes, I'm an American. I chose UIUC primarily because it is significantly better in Accounting, at least in terms of marketability here at top US accounting schools, and I was only able to apply to the MSc at Oxford. A PhD in hand, you know... However, I personally love Oxford's more philosophical approach, and I'm sorry to have missed out. Still, there's always post doc work!

Hm, the question was about fame, though. Those links represent what 'people in the know' think, but Oxford's name still seems to have more power in the US among the general populace. I think more people have some idea of what it represents than they do about Cambridge, in the US of course.

I admit it: I feel pretty damn lucky :)

Growing up, I always had the 'feel' that Oxford was the top and Cambridge a close second. Obviously had no clue, but that was the general perception. And among those who still have no clue, Oxford appears to be perceived as the most prestigious university in the world, outranking all except perhaps Harvard. At least in the areas of America I've known.

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Program: Accounting PhD Undergrad: BS in Accounting from UIUC GPA: 4.00 (still finishing final semester) GMAT: 690 (44 quant, 40 verb) Research experience: 2 research assistantships, nothing glamorous LOR: from 3 of my professors (none full profs); worked as an RA for 2 Research interests: convergence issues (IFRS & GAAP) Unconventional circumstances: nontraditional student--single mother returns to school after early years as a stay-home-mom, blah blah blah. Normally a 700 is the minimum GMAT at UIUC, but they know me pretty well, they know my recommenders, and they know their own program--so perhaps my GPA served as a good signal. I only applied to Oxford's MSc program, which accepted about 20 people, so apples to oranges, I guess. Still, I think my research interests were a huge factor in being accepted there. Indiana, UNC, Cornell, and Stanford rejected my application. I had no personal contact with anyone at any of those schools. Hope this helps!

You are both killing me. Two snorts (that would be snorts of laughter--we're all *business* academics here after all) that close together can be dangerous.

Gee, now you sound defensive. LMAO I would have said that those of us in accounting were brilliant enough to understand what you meant, but PhDCPA went and ruined that argument.

Update: accepted to Oxford's MSc in Mgmt Research. Must decline, of course, but still nice to know.

In reverse order: I applied as an Accounting PhD applicant to both Cornell and Stanford. UIUC is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and it has I believe the oldest accounting department in the nation and definitely one of the best. My experience has been childcare primarily, which if you approach it the way I do translates well to management focused research. I always list my job as a mother on my resume :)

Here's the 2008 version: http://mason.wm.edu/NR/rdonlyres/9FBF1593-76E8-4B08-94E0-E088F1E36A14/0/PublicAccountingReportFacultySurveyResults.pdf

Just get used to this position: :notworthy

Oh, you guys just don't understand the thrill of it all! IFRS, GAAP--we rule the world!

Ha ha. Although I'm confused how the 'economist in you' objects to accounting, as its a very lucrative field for academics (median starting salaries over $120,000 for new PhD's right now with a projected shortage spanning at least the next decade).