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phdinaccy

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Everything posted by phdinaccy

  1. I heartily second this. Maybe I was reading things into the OP that weren't there, but I also came away with the sense that consulting the activity in general was being referred to. Either way, this forum is dripping with the "curse of knowledge" (a la Chip and Dan Heath), and as a result the multiple meanings of certain terms ("consulting", among others) may get lost in the forum's singular emphasis on the PhD lexicon. I think the very methodical nature in which the OP laid out the case for and against PhD studies speaks to a skill set that may be applied well to PhD studies, if he or she decides that is ultimately the path to pursue.
  2. Actually, I don't find that too surprising. If you're anything like me, my knowledge of the math tested in the GMAT had peaked between my junior year of high school and freshman year of college. I took the GMAT in 2010 (to apply to Master's programs), and let's just say it had been a few years since my high school days at that point! None of my undergraduate business courses really focused on most of the math topics tested on the GMAT. (I have since refreshed myself on these topics, in preparation for a phd, but at the time I had to really scrape my memory for any recollection of these topics). There are others who did much better than me on the GMAT, and several good forums out there to get GMAT advice but I'll tell you my preparation story. I prepared for the GMAT using Kaplan's book and software, and a book full of official GMAT questions. Total investment was under $100. I suggest you go through as many questions as possible--I would spend a few hours on the software and then sit down with a piece of paper and the book and start on those questions. Strategy is important to learn, but there's a sharp inflection point of diminishing returns. You only need to pass a certain threshold of strategic advice, and beyond that it's wasted time because it's time you are not practicing questions. Even though math required the most refreshing (it had been years), I actually gained the most overall points from where I started by increasing my verbal score. Because the GMAT is such an international test nowadays, many non-native English speakers take it. As such, gaining a point on the verbal section sometimes increases the overall score more than gaining a point on the math section, where international students are much more at parity (or--dare I say?--better). Also, I think that data sufficiency is something no "normal" class prepares you for. In my academic history, anyway, it stands as entirely unique to the GMAT. So, be sure to spend a good amount of time on that, because your instincts may be relatively worthless on those questions, compared to more typical math questions. Good Luck!
  3. I was actually just thinking about this. What happened here seems backwards; it just makes me sick to my stomach. People who are more lurking than sharing (like me, admittedly) reap the benefit of observing the open conversation on this forum, which helps one gain insight into what certain programs are looking for--a powerful advantage when applying. Lurkers are furthermore shielded from any bad actors getting themselves involved in a detrimental way in the admissions process. Those who share and participate more transparently, however, are opened up to potential mischief--of whatever motivation. I don't think that's very fair, and I'm sorry to be on the more advantaged side of that equation. I just feel very sorry for this happening to HQ and cannot imagine the horror if it had happened to me. In my case, I know that I am perfectly capable of producing my own faux pas's, thank you very much. I don't need anyone else's over-eagerness to further complicate the naturally knife-edge balancing act of phd admissions. Whoever did this should just remember that even having a forum like this is a privilege brought to you by mutual trust and cooperation. Trust can be broken very quickly if the people within a society do not act morally, ethically, virtuously, and otherwise correctly. This is an incredibly appropriate lesson for the future, as almost all of the academy's activities are predicated upon collegiality and cooperation. This action bodes very badly for whoever did it, and for their future in doctoral studies. It's just a terrible habit to be in when one is pursuing this line of work, and it's a habit that needs to be changed or it will bite you back hard some day. I can think of times when I have had confidence broken in the past (as I'm sure most of us can), and from my experience I say that the sooner you purge the bitterness from your heart the better--with or without the other person's contrition. Forgiveness is the only way to rise above, and to flourish in spite of offense. I agree that reconciliation should be mostly or entirely private. I would hope if anyone held a grudge for something I did or for some my dumb comments I made that they would address it to me directly--so I can apologize and let them know that I'm just un idiota and not to take me seriously. If I remember correctly HQ has already reached out, so, I'm not saying this to chide HQ. Not in the least. One thought about how to possibly prevent this in the future: I'm not certain that the Econ Forum-style threads--in which you detail your acceptances and rejections, etc.--are a good match for this forum. The applicant pool is proving to be small enough that it is relatively easy to make out someone's RL identity. Econ applicant pools are larger and so their openness carries little downside, and a lot less risk of being made. I don't know; that's just my initial thought...maybe I'm overreacting.
  4. When I first tried to research this on my own, this is the tentative conclusion I came to as well. Most schools that talked about the mathematical preparations for an Accounting PhD did not mention differential equations.
  5. It sure does help. Thanks for sharing your experience. My stats course was pretty good, I felt. The guy who taught it was an economist who basically started the course saying "I'm going to teach you as if you were going on to do economics research, or other social science research. For those of you who don't want to do research and are only in this class because it's required for your major: too bad." That said, it was still only one class an it included a lot of probability, so there were time constraints. We got into regression toward the end of the year and there was a lecture on multiple regression, but it was the last class period and that material was not included on the final. Chi-squared tests were covered (although I could use a refresher) and ANOVA was not touched at all. I have been toying with the idea of a self-study refresher or MIT Open Courseware approach for re-learning the material and getting more exposure to regression. Now that you mention it, I will also look at options to learn ANOVA and to refresh my understanding of chi-squared tests. I'm assuming that any extra math classes I sign up for now will have minimal effect on my admission (applications already sent). That's why I'm tempted to believe self-study is a viable option - I don't need the credit; I just need the knowledge.
  6. Bump. Thanks to all those who have answered so far. I appreciate the vote of confidence, 4getmenot. One related question I have is whether student loans are even an option for PhD students. Non-school-certified student loans look to be a thing of the past (with the retirement of the Wells Fargo Connection loan), so the school-determined Cost of Attendance calculation is crucial. If in that calculation both the tuition waiver and stipend are considered "aid", it doesn't seem like there'd be much, if any, room to borrow money. Is this correct? Or is one of these two not typically considered "aid"?
  7. Quick question... I am registering for math classes for Spring 2013, which will help me prepare for a PhD in Accounting program in Fall 2013. Two classes are available: "Linear Algebra" and "Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra". I have a pretty tight schedule, so I am left to consider the cost and benefit of the additional "Elementary Differential Equation" material. How helpful is that additional material for a PhD in Accounting? I hope to pursue the experimental/behavioral research track, if that makes a difference.
  8. This waiting game is killing me! I finished up apps mid-November and have been stir-crazy ever since. You inspired me. The other day I searched thegradcafe.com for the schools I applied to and created a spreadsheet with the average dates for Accepts, Rejects, Interviews, and Waitlists. If it's accurate, the timeline is February 6th interview notification, February 29th acceptance, March 9th waitlisting notification, March 20th rejection. ...hopefully, that's not all from the same school.
  9. Thanks for all those who've responded. Anyone else reading, feel free to share whatever thoughts you have related to these questions. @Forgetmenot - I sure do hope my profile is enough to get a good admission. I wake up every day worrying that it isn't. This waiting game is one of the more difficult games I've ever played, and the least fun... My list has changed from what I posted back in June (and grown to include 15 univerisities -- all applications done, woohoo!). This is thanks in part to the great suggestions from this forum. 20k is also what I am tentatively considering the conservative figure for stipend. I will need to be able to support a family on my funding. I have confidence that it can be done (and that we can adjust our living expenses -- we were on a student budget once before, we can do it again!). Yet, I am generally a risk-averse person, and I want to know what flexibility I have as far as increasing income or getting additional funding if need be (I know that big expenses can and do hit you sometimes). @all - One of my biggest question marks is about student loans. I am trying to see how taking out student loans as a PhD is even possible. This in unfortunately an area that I have some...familiarity...with, so I'm trying to ask very specific questions. I question the existence of PhD student loans because (1) there are no more non-school-certified student loans, as far as I can tell. The last of the bunch was the Wells Fargo Connecion loan which was discontinued in the 2010-2011 time frame. So, (2) PhD student loans (government-related or private) will therefore be school certified, meaning they are capped by school-determined cost of attendance, and only allowed in the amount of cost of attendance not covered by other forms of "aid". (3) I am very curious to see how tuition waiver and stipend affect this. If both are considered "aid", then I can hardly see any remainder in the cost of attendance to be loaned against. For example: I have never seen a cost of attendance at more than 20k above the cost of tuition. So if tuition is 30k, then cost of attendance has (based on my experience) a max of 50k. If the 30k in tuition waiver is considered "aid", then only 20k would remain as loanable cost of attendance. The conservative estimate for RA/TA stipend is 20k also, meaning that if the stipend is also considered "aid" there would zero dollars to loan against. This is definitely a question I will ask the financial aid office of any school I get accepted to (I'm crossing fingers). In the meantime, I hope to gather information on what is the norm. ADDITIONAL NOTE: I am aware that I may not be calling these things by their correct name. As I investigate universities I have applied to, it seems each of them has differenent terms for all of this (teaching fellows, resaerch assistants, summer teaching instructorship, fellowships for RA/TA activities, stipends, and whatnot). I'm not he most knowledgeable about the meanings nad disticntions between these terms. I apologize if my questions in the OP are at all confusing. Feel free to ask me if there's any doubt as to what I mean and please correct me if I am mistaken in my usage of them of my understanding of how they work.
  10. Wow, now I'm "another quintessential PhD fool"...and I'm not yet even admitted to a PhD program! I'm honored by the preemptive hooding -- what a terrific black swan! (Actually, I think that your debate style and arguments fit into Taleb's framework as fragile (i.e. with more disorder, they get weaker, not stronger), because you have not been able to defend your arguments against opposing arguments without resorting to trolling and name-calling. On the other hand, I would say that my argument (that you are showing bad form at best and are trolling at worst) is antifragile. The more you fight against it, the stronger my argument gets.)
  11. No thanks. My time is a scarce commodity. You're going to have to market your posts better than you have to get me to expend my time reading them. And besides, what does your response to rsaylors have to do with your -- dare I say it? -- troll-like behavior towards TheAmazingSteve? The potential merits (or the potential lack of merits) of your argument do not dictate the manner in which you choose to deliver it.
  12. Since I have now contributed to the hijack of this thread, I feel a responsibility to reply to the actual thread topic... Unfortunately I can't name any T30 to T50 (I'm also a PhD in Accounting applicant), but, one resource is the UTD rankings The UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankingsâ„¢ - Naveen Jindal School of Management - The University of Texas at Dallas According to this tool -- using the journals of Operations Research, Journal of Operations Management, Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, and Production and Operations Management and limiting the search to publications from 2000 to 2012 -- the following list is the ranking 30-50 [TABLE=class: grey100] [TR] [TD]30 [/TD] [TD]Rutgers University at New Brunswick and Newark (Rutgers Business School) [/TD] [TD]25 [/TD] [TD]13.95 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]31 [/TD] [TD]University of California at Berkeley (Walter A. Haas School of Business) [/TD] [TD]24 [/TD] [TD]13.91 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]32 [/TD] [TD]University of Rochester (William E. Simon Graduate School of Business) [/TD] [TD]25 [/TD] [TD]13.86 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]33 [/TD] [TD]Clemson University (College of Business and Behavioral Sciences ) [/TD] [TD]30 [/TD] [TD]13.61 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]34 [/TD] [TD]McGill University (Desautels Faculty of Management) [/TD] [TD]23 [/TD] [TD]13.49 [/TD] [TD]Canada [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]35 [/TD] [TD]University of South Carolina at Columbia (Moore School of Business) [/TD] [TD]22 [/TD] [TD]12.64 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]36 [/TD] [TD]University of Chicago (Booth School of Business) [/TD] [TD]20 [/TD] [TD]11.53 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]37 [/TD] [TD]University of California at Irvine (Paul Merage School of Business) [/TD] [TD]16 [/TD] [TD]10.16 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]38 [/TD] [TD]University of Utah (David Eccles School of Business) [/TD] [TD]19 [/TD] [TD]10.08 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]39 [/TD] [TD]University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (College of Business) [/TD] [TD]24 [/TD] [TD]9.75 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]40 [/TD] [TD]Texas A&M University at College Station (Mays Business School) [/TD] [TD]19 [/TD] [TD]9.70 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]41 [/TD] [TD]University of Cincinnati (College of Business) [/TD] [TD]19 [/TD] [TD]9.50 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]42 [/TD] [TD]Georgetown University (The McDonough School of Business) [/TD] [TD]18 [/TD] [TD]9.41 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]43 [/TD] [TD]Boston College (Carroll School of Management) [/TD] [TD]15 [/TD] [TD]9.16 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]44 [/TD] [TD]University of Washington at Seattle (Michael G. Foster School of Business) [/TD] [TD]17 [/TD] [TD]9.00 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]45 [/TD] [TD]University of Toronto (Joseph L. Rotman School of Management) [/TD] [TD]14 [/TD] [TD]8.91 [/TD] [TD]Canada [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]46 [/TD] [TD]Vanderbilt University (Owen Graduate School of Management) [/TD] [TD]15 [/TD] [TD]8.83 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]47 [/TD] [TD]Wake Forest University (Babcock Graduate School of Management) [/TD] [TD]11 [/TD] [TD]8.75 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]48 [/TD] [TD]University of Notre Dame (Mendoza College of Business) [/TD] [TD]17 [/TD] [TD]8.74 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]49 [/TD] [TD]Southern Methodist University (Edwin L. Cox School of Business) [/TD] [TD]16 [/TD] [TD]8.66 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]50 [/TD] [TD]University of Connecticut (School of Business) [/TD] [TD]14 [/TD] [TD]7.83 [/TD] [TD]USA [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] My recommendation is to tweak the search how you like (if you want different parameters) and then go look at the reseach from OM faculty at each of these schools (look up the researchers on the school websites, then look up some of their papers on SSRN or scholar.google.com). This can be tedious, but it is a decent way to get a rough feel for research fit. Good Luck! EDIT: I have assumed that T30-T50 will correlate with ranking 30-50 in research publications in OM...although I can see already that that might be a problematic assumption (admissions competitiveness may much more closely correlate with publication strength across all disciplines or something else, such as the elusive school "prestige"). I will be happy to be corrected if someone can provide the OP a better idea of how to target T30-T50 schools for "safety schools".
  13. That's not what I got from your posts at all. But, then again, I haven't been reading them too closely. I usually just skim your posts because they, on the large part, have little to do with the practical exigencies of a PhD in Business (applying, interviewing, acceptance, coursework, dissertation, etc.). I come to this forum for that, because I do not personally know anyone studying in a PhD in Business program and I need a frame of reference, support, and advice. Rather, from what I've read, you tend to go off into the philosophical deep end (rightly or wrongly: I haven't read enough to have an opinion on the merits of your many arguments). I have no interest in that. And from TheAmazingSteve's posts I would hardly say he lacks reading comprehension (that accusation was a part of your post I did read) or that his posts contain "thoughtless attacks". I also don't think you can argue that TheAmazingSteve's "environment has confined in" his thinking "more than you can imagine." You don't know TheAmazingSteve from Adam's Off Ox. Characterizing his "environment" is entirely outside your capability -- that is, unless you were to resort to "thoughtless attacks". (Yes, I am aware that TheAmazingSteve has posted a number of things about his circumstances, but hardly enough to draw the conclusions that you have drawn).
  14. This thread is to discuss the typical income for a student pursuing a PhD in Business (specifically, a PhD in Accounting, but responses from those in other concentrations will most definitely be helpful). I ask the questions below without any expectations. That is why I am asking these questions: I have no idea what to expect now and I want to have a realistic feel for what is more or less normal, at least in the Urch forum sample. This info could help me plan and prepare for the economic realities of a PhD in the months prior to admission. One big variable, the stipend for regular RA/TA activities (that is, during the fall and spring semesters) has already been discussed in a few threads I have read, and I know that varies between schools. I don't expect to have an understanding of that prior to being admitted (if I'm admited ::crosses fingers:: ). But, I am hoping to learn what others' experience has been with three other variables: summer teaching, fellowships, and student loans. If you feel a question below is too personal to answer, feel free to skip it. But please do answer as many questions as you feel comfortable answering. 1) Summer Teaching -Is summer teaching available in your program? If so, how many classes can realistically be taught (with or without factoring in summer research)? -How much is the stipend for summer teaching per class, per credit hour, or however it's figured? -Have you or any of those in your program been successful in teaching during the summer while also pursuing research? 2) Fellowships -Are there fellowships available in your program? -What are the criteria for this/these fellowships? -What percentage of students would you say receive fellowships in your program? -What would you say is a typical amount--if you had to pinpoint a single number--for a fellowship award? -Are fellowships offered only upon admission or does one receive continued consideration for fellowships throughout the program? 3) Student loans -Do stipends get factored into your college's cost of attendance (I am assuming this is "yes", but I want to make sure)? -Do stipends for summer teaching get factored into your college's cost of attendance? -How much would you say is the typical difference between cost of attendance and stipend received in your program? -How much debt would you say is typical for a PhD student in your program to take out?
  15. I can't speak from experience (I'm applying this year myself), but my gut says you're better off applying by the priority deadline, but that you still have a chance if you apply by the final deadline. For example, the Ohio State admissions blog (https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/phd-admissions/) states that if you do not apply by their priority deadline you are ineligible for a whole swath of fellowships (see te Nov 14th, 2012 entry). This seems like a big thing to me, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong (I don't know how prevalent it is for new addmitants to receive fellowships). Also on their admissions blog, they state that the Accounting PhD admissions were closed on January 23rd last year and April 20th the year before (those are the two dates I paid attention to, sorry). When I look at that January 23rd date, I have to believe at least some review of applicants took place before January 1. But, hey, that's just my conjecture. I am assuming that early priority deadlines are put in place to allow admissions staff to close the admissions process early if possible. So I assume that they begin to review these priority applications earlier. But maybe I'm wrong on all those counts. Maybe twenty years from now I'll get to watch the adcom process. Then I can tell you for sure. Ultimately, I think this is a question you should direct to the Kelley and Marshall admissions staff, because (1) there's a risk they employ a mechanism similar to Ohio State (no fellowships for those applying after the priority deadline), and (2) they may be able to cut you some slack on the deadline if you explain the situation. My experience is that admissions staff are very helpful, if you explain yourself. I wouldn't ask it as in terms of "does that deadline really matter?", but in terms of "I am trying to meet the priority deadline, and have everything on my part ready so as meet this deadline. However, due to an unforeseen setback one of my recommenders is experiencing, I may not be able to have his/her recommendation to you before that date. What sort of a disadvantage am I at if I cannot apply by the priority deadline? Is there any way I can have my application processed as received by the priority deadline without his/her recommendation?" That's generally the tack I would take. As for the recommendation writer, you may consider offering to write a draft for the recommender to spare this person some of the time in drafting the letter -- then the recommender could review/change the draft to match what they really think of you ;). If you feel the professor would be open to that, try it. It might speed things along. If you think the professor would be upset or offended by this idea, then don't try it (obviously). Best of luck!
  16. I think it depends on your tone, and what you are asking the professor to do (something like: "Can you move mountains to educate me on your research without me lifting a finger...?" vs. "I'm really interested in this, and a big-time novice, so I apologize if this is a silly question -- but I've tried to do a lot of reading and I really hope you have an opportunity in your busy schedule to answer this one narrowly defined question I have..."). Clearly, you got the tone and message right, because you got positive feedback. Still, generally, I think the rule of thumb not to contact professors is sound. But maybe I say that just because I personally feel it too risky to do in my own situation. I know there are only a handful of universities that I'm really interested in and that best match my research interest. Doing something that could hurt my chances at any of them -- even if low probability -- would make me worry like crazy that I have just significantly hurt my own outlook for favorable admission. So, basically I'm a scaredy-cat. Kudos to you for being braver than me! :encouragement: OP: since no one answered this as far as I can see, I think either one works just fine (doctor or professor). If you're trying to be more honorific toward them, which you probably are, I think doctor is more flattering. Doctors have either received their PhD or are medical doctors. Professor describes doctors as well as adjunct faculty, who probably only have master's degrees. Also, I've seen more people get picky about being called "Doctor So-and-So", than I have about being called "Professor Such-and-Such". Less risk of offending with doctor, I think.
  17. Well, I don't want to move you away from performance measurement if that's what you're interested in. All I'm trying to say is that if you like information system-related research, you seem to have a good profile for it. I wouldn't say performance measurement is narrow. There's a lot of research in it. Just not as much as financial archival. If that's the rubric, yes it's pretty small. But on more absolute terms, its got lots of potential blue ocean.
  18. This is great material for the Statement of Purpose you send in with your applications. My impression from advice on this forum and elsewhere is that you can indeed explain some negative aspects of your profile in your Statement of Purpose and nulify or reduce their effect on your application. A car crash seems a pretty plausible excuse for a 3.4 GPA -- which is only "bad" because of the hyper-competitive nature of PhD admissions. You have a great GMAT score, a good undergrad GPA (once the 3.4 segment is explained), and a perfect graduate GPA (I'm not sure it matters as much as you may think that it was from a "mediocre state school"). You are building a very competitive profile. When did you take the GMAT? Most schools only consider them valid for five years. Also, you went from linguistics to computer science? That might need to be explained to the admissions committee as well (I'm am not ragging on linguistics -- I seriously considered majoring in linguistics once upon a time). Like phdhope said, I think there's a shortage of business PhDs in general. I have no data on whether accounting PhDs are the most in demand of the bunch or not, but I think almost all departments in the business school are prime targets right now. The biggest problem you face is research interest. If performance measurement is what you want to study, then you should go for an accounting PhD (and whatever preparations...MAcc, etc.... that entails). Apply to programs that have faculty involved in performance measurement (I know of a few, since this is something I am interested in as well). You are also a really good match for an accounting PhD program where faculty specialize in information systems research -- possibly without a MAcc. And that's a big possibly. As a sample of the work by accounting PhDs in the information systems field, check out the work of Martin Loeb and Lawrence Gordon at the University of Maryland. Lawrence Gordon lists interests both in management accounting topics and information systems issues (especially cybersecurity). The field of information systems and accounting are increasingly getting co-mingled, and as such, I think you might have a shot with your current profile at an accounting PhD. If your accounting PhD is toward a research interest other than information systems, you almost definitely need to get a MAcc or somehow demonstrate an interest in and understanding of accounting in your profile. I don't know a lot about MBA enrollment and your future chances, nor do I know much about management PhDs, but I would assume there is a good niche in mixing computer knowledge with management as well. You might need some refresher statistics and calculus...maybe. Others might be able to speak to that more, and we aren't entirely clear on what you've taken in the first place, so it's hard to say. I know one school I am applying to recommends that if your math is over about five years old, you should "systematically review" that material. Might be a consideration. I don't think, at 33-34 years old, you are quite at the point where age is going to be a prohibiting factor. I don't have direct experience in this, but I think you are within the general range for PhD application age, although possibly toward the very high end (this is entirely based on my vague, possibly-worthless impressions). There are some threads on the forum addressing this specifically, if you want to look those up to get more specific answers. If you apply in 2014, let's say, then your 3.4 GPA will be seven or eight years old. I think even a T20 program will be able to overlook that (all else being equal), as long as you properly explain it in your Statement of Purpose.
  19. I asked my letter of recommendation writers via email and it is working out just fine so far (I also live a significant distance from them, though not across national borders). I surely have phoned, but I wanted to have my thoughts ordered when I asked them and I worried that I would present myself poorly over the phone. These professors also all have written letters of recommendation for me in the past, so I have had more direct (i.e. face-to-face) interaction with them on this topic before. I felt it justifiable, and they all seemed perfectly fine with it. Also, they are all a little younger and have primaily communicated with me via email in the past, for its convenience. A couple have specifically mentioned that it is their preferred method of communication. If your professor is older or of a different mindset, perhaps email is looked down on by him or her. Just try to consider your audience's preferences. This is very good and I think makes an email more viable. The reasoning for a face-to-face meeting is to make the professor feel as special as they are for doing something very critical for you that you cannot do for yourself. So a phone call, or a face-to-face visit is an expression of your gratitude for the big favor they are doing for you. You clearly have started the PhD conversation with them and shown respect by asking their opinions. I think this allows you justification to send an email. Alternatively, if you decide you don't want to email, I suppose you could suggest they designate a time they will be in the office. Playing international phone tag can be ugly and expensive and I'm sure the professors don't want to put you through that. Offer to set up a fixed time so you don't have to call five times before reaching them. This would be a short email which says something like, "Hi, I wanted to touch base with you about my research interests and plans over the phone, let me know when you will for sure be in the office so I can give you a call. Thanks!"There's also skype. Maybe that's an option if you decide in the end you simply must make a phone call rather than an email.As for your email, I'll give my thoughts...for whatever they're worth (I'm at the same stage in this process as you). This is not a bad opening. It's strengths are that it gets to the point, which is respectful of the professors' time. Still, maybe you want to include a detail about the professor, or express your appreciation for their class first. I wrote to one of my professors and started out asking how her baby boy was (she had recently given birth last time I had talked to her). The point is to try to personalize it. Think back and try to remember if there is anything you have spoken about with this professor before. Perhaps you merely pick up where you left off in the PhD conversation, something like "thanks again for the wonderful advice you gave me about pursuing a PhD. I have given a lot of thought to xyz lately and it has really helped abc...etc.".Perhaps the solutions is simply to talk about the class you had together first (putting part of your second paragraph first, that is). Something like...Dear Professor XXX,I hope this email finds you well. While studying at XXX University, I enjoyed attending Competition & Strategy classes (Spring 2011). [snip] [T]his class hugely contributed to my development and growth as well as helped to increase my interest for the field. [add additional details about how this class, or how this professor helped you professionally or stirred your interest in a PhD].I am writing to you to ask if you would be willing, time permitting, to write a letter of recommendation for me for my application to a PhD program in strategic management. More specifically I have been more interested in focusing my future studies in global strategy in developing economies, as well as [omit comma] technology and innovation. I [am] ask[ing] you [snip] for a letter because I believe that you [are] familiar with my approach and dedication to academics [and because...add something about how this particular professor could uniquely speak to your abilities, or uniquely qualify you in your chosen research interests - e.g. "and because your expertise in global srategy in developing countries allows you to uniquely speak to my interest in that subject"]. The rest of the email draft seems alright. I would omit the detail about the intention to move to the Pittsburg area, it isn't really relevant and these professors know that acadamic positions usually come at the sacrifice of desired geography, so it might send up an unnecessary red flag...unless you are returning to the area or it is the professor is from or where they are curently located, in which case you might express the positive things about the area that make you hopeful you can move there. Also, say "If you find that you are able to recommend me" and not "If you decide to recommend me." Don't set it up as a decision for or against you. That puts pressure on the professor, because they might worry that it's rude to turn you down directly. Rather give them the implied excuse of not finding themselves able (for whatever reason), not just becuase they decided against recommending you. Same goes for "to help you decide to recommend me". Replace that with "to give you a feel for my qualifications and abilities."I don't think you need to send transcripts. They know the grade you got in their class (or you can remind them) and your overall GPA is probably going to listed on your resume. They are not evaluating your profile, they just need to know your general path. The best words they will offer are from their experiences with you in their own class anyway, so a transcript is probably unnecessary.There's my advice. Feel free to take it, leave it, laugh at it, or change it. Good luck!
  20. No, I don't think it will cover all your bases. Especially, as YaSvboden said, if you do not already have an accounting background. If you do have an undergraduate accounting degree, then maybe a Master's in Statistics will be acceptable to admissions committees, but even then I think the more typical path for accounting PhD is to get a MAcc. Overall, I'm not clear on your logic. After considering two or three MAcc programs are you giving up on the whole idea of a MAcc? There is an overabundance of respectable MAcc programs out there. If a MAcc is the right path, you need to be willing to widen your search beyond two or three universities. I would argue that for a PhD in Accounting, especially without a Bechlor's in Accounting, it is hard to see the MAcc as anything but the right path (or at least most straightforward one). Statistical know-how is important, but it will only be a tool for your research into accounting phenomena. If you don't understand accounting you will be significantly less effective in using your statistical tools. At some point (undergrad or grad) you probably need to have a straight up accounting degree -- or maybe significant accounting experience -- to get into a PhD in Accounting program. The core question I think you need to answer first is whether a PhD in Accounting is the right thing, and if it is, I think you need to broaden you search for MAcc programs (and it doesn't have to be a MAcc program that is specifically PhD-prep, in my opinion). I can't speak to Finance and the acceptability of a Master's in Statistics in that field. The Queen's link you gave seems to show a good MAcc program. Better still it is designed to be PhD-track. I think that can only be a positive (although, again, not required). I generally have heard good things about Queen's University, although I have not specifically heard anything about their MAcc program. That's about the best I can do to help you in that regard. Someone else on the forum might be able to speak more to the pros and cons of this program. Have you considered seeking out a MAcc from a university you are interested in getting your PhD from? If you take that approach it could offer some guidance to your MAcc search, and could give you an inside track on admissions (a letter of recommendation from a faculty would presumably be considered highly). No, it isn't. I've never attended BYU (though a member of the LDS church), but my wife graduated from there and I have visited the campus various times. I have a friend who went through the MAcc program there as well (but not PhD-prep track). The campus culture is not at all comparable to the KKK or the Westboro Baptist Church. I think you are conflating rsaylors negative opinion of the university(as expressed in the thread you dug up recently) with general opinion or even fact and then projecting that onto the comments in this thread. None of my comments were meant to indicate that the church or university was in anyway fundamentalist, or right wing, or in the extreme, as you seem to imply. I don't see YaSvoboden's comments as a call for comparison of BYU to the KKK, either (although he or she can speak for himself or herself as to what was actually meant). As for my comments, I was merely stating that admissions requires ecclesiastical endorsement, so you must know an LDS ecclesiastical leader well enough for him to sign his name to a statement which vouches for your commitment to live in accordance to the standards upheld by the university (including those related to the honor code, which I believe you have been referred to in the past). It is religious-adherence-based, not race-based (which you implied with your comparison to the KKK and your mention of your own ethnic background). In response to the criticism that has from time to time been laid against the university's honor code, I'd say it is difficult to entirely disentangle the admittedly exacting honor code from the success of BYU's MAcc program. The honor code isn't just about religious issues, but it also includes the requirement to possess "Honesty", and to exercise "Obedience to the Law", building blocks for the sort of ethical standards an accountant needs to cultivate (see wikipedia page on the honor code). Furthermore, what exactly is unsettling about people voluntarily agreeing to hold themselves to a more stringent standard of living and agreeing to live what they believe is right? From what I know of other religions, much of the honor code would be in line with the lifestyle of a devout adherent of many faiths, with perhaps a few notable differences. If the lifestyle is so different from your own, no one is putting a gun to your head and telling you you have to attend. Just go somewhere else.
  21. fyi, BYU is a private university funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the LDS Church, or Mormons, colloquially). Admissions involves a required ecclesistical endorsement (an endorsement which must be written, I believe, by an ecclesiastical leader from the LDS church). It is more the exception than the rule that a nonmember of the LDS Church is admitted, as far as I understand it. If you are not a member of the church, this may dramatically reduce your chances of being admitted to the MAcc program. Your larger point about research interests matching closely with your MAcc program (at least, I think that's what you're getting at) is not a high priority for most PhD admissions committees. That's my impression -- that a MAcc is more a box to be checked and not much scrutiny is placed into what research-oriented things might have rubbed off from the university you got it from. The university's "ranking" might matter, but I'm not sure fit between MAcc school and applicant research interest is closely watched. I also get the feeling that publication prior to admission is not a requirement for Accounting PhD's. I don't know if I can go so far as to say that "it doesn't matter" (I would be very surprised if it didn't matter at all that an applicant is published), but I think the vast majority of applicants are unpublished, and/or without RA experience, so not having either of these experiences is not a profile-maker or breaker, in most cases. A greater bang for your buck, as far as improving/solidifying your profile, may be GMAT study, focusing on a good graduate GPA, acquiring meaningful work experience, and taking math courses. I say that based on my reading of this forum and of various schools' admissions guidelines. Accounting PhD admissions committees seem to view applicants very similarly to how public accounting firms view recently graduated applicants: the public accounting firms do not care so much about whether you have performed an audit before, but they care about whether you have good grades and overall intelligence -- the building blocks that allow them to know they can teach you to perform an audit. PhD adcoms seem to merely want you to bring the raw ingredients to the table; they take it upon themselves to cook you up into an professorial pie.
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