silverarrow

I'm also an international applicant for Finance PhD (will be attending top 30 program this fall). I just want to share my thoughts: 1. Research the Master's program(s) carefully. Ideally you need a program that is highly quantitative. Most (but not all) MFin programs are for industry so they may not provide the level of math AdCom is looking for. For example, MSc Finance and Investment from RSM is not for PhD preparation; you better look at research (econ) masters from Tilbergen or Tilburg (just for comparison in the Netherlands). 2. Letters are the most important thing. Make sure you make connection with the professors from the first day of your Masters. I didn't have letters from famous profs and it was my huge disadvantage. 3. Standardized test scores are mainly as cutoff (at least at top 20 schools). People care more about research experience and potential (and letter!). 4. CFA is useful, but mainly at lower ranked schools. I also finished CFA but no top 20-30 schools asked about it during the interviews. It can help when you are on the job market though. 5. Adcom don't really pay attention to your professional experience (unless you are a star) so try to grab some research exposure from now. You can approach a prof at your local university and ask for RA.

Thanks a lot for the info from all of you. I guess I will wait one/two weeks more before making final decision then. @Ariel & iyadnej: I see that you're also finance applicant this year. I've sent you PMs and hopefully we can share our information to each other :).

Hi everyone I've applied to several Finance PhD programs in the US and now am watilisted at some of them. My first choice now is Ohio State (the second is Emory). Does anyone have any insights into these two programs' waitlists (or Finance PhD's waitlist in general)? Is it usual to have some movements (let's say 3-4 applicants reject the offer) for these kinds of schools? I am asking because I am admitted at another lower-tier university and will have extra funding if I accept the offer soon. And does anyone know the typical funding/stipend for Finance students at OSU/Emory? Any info is much appreciated. Thanks all!

I think it's better to ask Stanford admission officer. I remember a few weeks ago someone had the same problem (posted on gradcafe) and it turned out that it was just a new function added, so no official document was required. But if you're admitted then maybe that request applies to you. So just ask the university before spending $150.

Congratulations! Both are great schools so you will not regret with either choice. Personally, if I were you I would choose Sloan as it has huge brand name and prestigious. Also Sloan seems to have bigger department so you may have more support or change your advisor if needed. However, I heard that recent placements from Haas have been very good in the last few years. I would suggest you look at the placement of both schools and see which one is better (depending also on your field). Also ask your profs, they have more inside information about the academic world than we do.All else equal, you can think about the location and financial support. P/s: I'm also finance applicant so it would be great if you could tell a bit about your profile so that I can see my competitiveness.

I just had an interview invitation from a top 20 in finance next week (not Michigan, UNC, BC or Rochester fyi). While being super happy about it, I just find it strange that the professors joining the interview are not the ones I mentioned in my personal statement. And there will be 3 profs interviewing me but the interview is supposed to be 15 min long only. Has anyone had the same experience? Or I'm just overthinking about it :).

@ Silviatx & XanthusARES: thanks a lot for your advice. I'll send an email to them asking for more time while trying to be as honest as possible. I hope the professors've had similar experience so they will understand. @ finboy: I've received your pm and tried to reply but you inbox was full. No it's not Rice. I'm also waiting for Rice's response now. Best of luck!

Hi everyone, it's my first time posting here. I've applied to 20 programs in finance and the first (and only) response I received is an acceptance (without interview!) yesterday. Very happy but also confused because this is one of my safe schools and I want to see signals from other schools before making any decision. Is it nornal to ask the university for time (e.g. until end of February, so one month from now) to think about the offer before accepting it? The hard deadline to response is April 15 but I think they expect me to accept/decline their offer much earlier than that since the funding is quite generous. Anyway at least I have one offer in hand now! Wish everyone good luck also! (P/s: it's a university in Texas with ranking around T50)