gwe9766

In regards to the GMAT: I scored a 690 both times, 48 on Q the first time and 42 the second time. Taking the GMAT a second time definitely didn't do me any favors since my Quant went down. Unless you feel that a 690 and 44Q is about as good as you do, you may consider taking again. A 44Q is not doing you any favors. I did address my math background in my SOP. I enrolled in linear algebra and calc 2 during the application period, and I emphasized that. If I were you, next year I'd apply to a range of PhD programs and sprinkle in a few MSF programs (you should have no problems with MSF admissions). I'm concerned that your profile doesn't have anything that helps you stand apart, but building faculty relationships and gaining research experience in a 1 year MSF program would greatly increase your chances. A word on the MSF programs, the tuition waivers and funding opportunities are not nearly as generous at the MSF level as they are at the PhD level; don't take that lightly when planning your future. Here's a helpful link on schools that offer an MSF program: M.S. Programs in Finance at U.S. Universities (provided by Don Chance)

I think there's value in finding out in advance what type of student a school is looking for and how many slots are open given budget constraints. I know I would have removed a couple of schools from my list if I had known in advance what they were looking for. For example, a top 75 school that I applied to last year was willing to take 4 students b/c they only ended up with 2 the year before. Whereas other schools on your list only took 1 or 2 students this past year.

You have a similar profile to what mine was last year, and I received 3 offers including 2 top 50 offers. I applied to 12 schools within the 20 to 100 range. I had the same GMAT score, similar industry experience, and a similar undergrad GPA. I went to a state school, which was probably more recognizable than your school, but it's a top 75 program so it's not blowing anyone away. Are you a native english speaker? Right or wrong, that's a huge asset when applying. Your math background is better than mine, I only had one calculus course and a couple of stats courses. One thing that helped me a lot is that one of my LOR writers is well published for an Asst Prof and had connections with the schools where I was accepted. I think this is what set my profile apart. I'd recommend a decent MS Finance program (that's what I was told to do if I didn't receive any offers). It doesn't need to be a top program, although that doesn't hurt. An MSF program will allow you to gain some research experience and exposure to finance faculty. You may want to get over the 700 barrier on the GMAT, and raise the quant a bit. It's not a necessity (I received 3 offers), but I was initially waitlisted on 2 of the 3 schools that eventually sent me offers, and I think that was largely due to my GMAT.

You can check your status here: Online Status Check You should already have an ID and password from when you applied. I was rejected... No email or phone call to check site, etc.

I think I have FSU at third at this point, but I threw them in just in case. I'm generally indifferent on research interests at this point, as I think my interests will likely change as I progress in my studies. I just want to go to the best school. I know that Arizona has historically been better, but Drexel is on the rise. What does everyone think??

Example comparison question: Column A: (2^30 - 2^29)/2 Column B: 2^28 The answer is C. Can someone please explain why these 2 columns are the same? Also any insight on adding or subtracting exponents with the same base would be useful. Thanks!