sajeevvk

Looks like a standard email that has gone out to all applicants. I too received the same email.

There are some posts in gradcafe about written assignments instead of interviews. Anyone here has an idea what the nature of these assignments are?

Hi, I am planning to apply for PhD programs in Marketing for Fall 2016 admissions in US universities and am currently working on my applications. I would like to know whether there is any value-add in attending forums like DocNET recruiting event or PhD project event. Do these events help build contacts that may help in the admission process? I have been doing fair amount of research on the application process, programs, etc for the last few months so can I expect these forums to provide any new information that I don't know already. I am based in Los Angeles, so just wondering whether the travel to Chicago to attend these events will be worthwhile. Appreciate if members who have been to one of these events fill in with insights. Best.

Thanks @evergreen for your encouraging views. Yes, it is one among the top 4 journals in Marketing. And I went to one of the top MBA schools in India for my graduate program. I will shortlist my target schools soon and go ahead with the application process.

Thank you YaSvoboden for your comments!

Hi, Please evaluate my profile. Test Scores (GMAT): 750 (98%ile), Q50 (90%ile), V41 (93%ile) Undergrad GPA: 3.5(India) Graduate GPA: 3(India), 4(US, currently pursuing MS in Marketing) Research Experience: Research assistant since Feb 2015, co-author of a paper that is under review by leading marketing journal, planning to submit a paper that I wrote for my current degree requirement in a suitable journal Teaching Experience: None Work Experience: 10 years in sales & marketing with top MNCs (consumer goods and telecommunications) Concentration Applying to: Marketing Quant Number of programs planned to apply to: Max 15 programs Dream Schools: HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, Stanford What made you want to pursue a PhD: Strong inclination towards a career in academic research, especially due to my current academic experience, and the belief that my professional experience can contribute significantly to quality research Concerns you have about your profile: I am approaching the wrong side of 30s, so is it a disadvantage? I mostly see much younger people among current students. Any additional specific questions you may have: 1. I am yet to figure out a specific area of research that I would like to focus on, though I have few choices in mind. Is it okay to sound a bit general in the SOP rather than be very specific about the focus area? 2. While I am inclined towards quantitative stuff, the professor with whom I am working feels Marketing strategy is a good fit given my experience. So, again, is it okay to keep options and interests open when I state my preferences in the essay? The key is to get an admission in a leading school, so for that if need be, I am willing not to restrict myself to a specific sub-area. And I understand from various posts here that final research areas mostly change as we go through the PhD program. Thanks