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lucky123

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Everything posted by lucky123

  1. The lower ranked schools on that list are within reason (i.e. Ohio, CMU, Florida, Illinois). I’d say that the top schools on your list are a little too high. One thing that may hinder you is that you don’t really have much of an accounting background. Research experience is one of the most important factors when it comes to your CV. I would suggest that you have ~ a year of RA experience, especially so that your references can speak to your research abilities. If they are just speaking to your academic abilities, it may not be enough to sway an adcom. I think applying to a few schools in T20 and more in T50 would be a good spread. To give you an idea of how competitive admissions are, I applied last cycle and received offers from 4 of the schools you listed above (I didn’t apply to all of those ones, though). My undergrad degree was in business, I had a > 3.9 GPA from the top university in my country, a master’s degree and had 2 years of RA experience with accounting faculty and my GMAT score was > 700. if you have more specific questions, PM me and I’d be happy to discuss this in more depth
  2. Have you taken any Econ classes in the past? Math is important, but I think that Econ is equally as important, given that you will most likely be taking micro/econometrics at the PhD level once you get into a program. In terms of what you could do to improve your profile, just having Calc I and II probably isn't as bad as you assume. I think that most PhD applicants in accounting don't have quantitative training that exceeds that. If you're looking for a good course to take, I'd suggest Linear Algebra (mostly for stuff that you'll do in econometrics). In terms of your research experience, it is definitely worth mentioning, especially if you're going to get a reference from someone that you did research with. Your references will be a big determinant on where you end up. I think that overall, you have a solid profile. What types of schools are you aiming for (i.e. in general, Top 10, Top 20, ... etc.)? This will help to determine what your chances are like.
  3. That's a good question. I think there is a lot of heterogeneity between schools. Some schools are more lenient on prior research experience while others aren't. My perceptions are that programs like Michigan and even Wharton would accept candidates that have limited research experience but have good industry experience. Other programs on the other hand (and I'd say this is the case for most of the schools in the Top 20) would want at least a summer research position under your belt. I know for a fact that there were applicants this cycle that had already published several articles, albeit in lower-ranked journals. All of this to say that while it is possible that you could get into a program without research experience, I think that it really help to have previous research experience. This helps on multiple fronts. First, I found that I actually learnt a lot and it gave me some exposure to academic research, which is entirely different from "regular" accounting. Secondly, it serves as a signal to adcoms. And lastly, I think that having a good letter from someone you've done research with can really help your chances, especially if they're well-known in the field. If you want to speak in more depth, feel free to PM me!
  4. Throughout the past few years, I've used this forum a lot for advice on what I needed to do to get into a top accounting PhD program. As the application season is coming to a close, I thought I would share some of my insights going through this process. A lot of the information on this forum is very useful and informative, but a lot of the content (as far as I saw) may not reflect what the process is like today, as the forum was more active before. If you want detailed statistics from my profile, you can probably find them on one of my older posts. I am from a school in Canada (for the sake of anonymity, I won't say which one, but it's one that is considered one of the better schools in Canada). I was accepted into 2 schools that are typically considered to be in the T-10, 3 additional ones that fall within T-20 and 2 safety schools. Overall, I felt that I did quite well this application season, all things considered. Here are some takeaways that I had from the application process, and things that I might have changed: I ended up getting reference letters from people who knew me really well, and who I had worked with. If I had known earlier just how important references were, I would have tried to get to know senior faculty at my school better. I knew that references were important, but I didn't know that these would be so important. Some of the interviews that I landed were largely because some references knew people in the faculty at those schools. I would have worked at an accounting firm for a few years before I applied. I know that a lot of schools tell you this doesn't matter, but throughout my experience this cycle and talking with other applicants, it seems that there does seem to be some preference for prior work experience. It may not matter as much as other things like research experience, grades, references, etc., but I was asked very often about why I chose not to work before going into a PhD program. I would not have worried as much about math courses or rigorous econ training. A lot of programs don't have this as a requirement. To an extent, it seemed like they cared more that I was passionate about the field than they did about the specifics of my training. I was really worried that my quant preparation would be too weak, and I spent a lot of time trying to correct this issue. I think some of that time may have been better spent gaining work experience or getting to know faculty a bit better. My biggest piece of advice for people who are in undergrad/master's programs that are looking to do an accounting phd is to go out and meet faculty. Not only because they can write you references, but also because they're usually the best sources of information for the application process. I can't understate how important and useful faculty members have been in helping me with the whole process. If you have any more specific questions, I'm happy to answer them through inbox!
  5. I would say that research experience is the one thing that's missing from your profile. I think that it's quite key to the adcomms, and getting a good reference letter from someone you've done research with can really help boost your chances of getting in. Seeing as though you are already in the workforce, it may be difficult to get additional research experience. I would suggest what YaSvoboden suggested above, which is to narrow down your research interests as much as possible, so that you can convince the admissions committee that you understand the motivations to pursue a phd in your chosen field.
  6. I've finally settled on my list of schools that I'm applying for, so I wanted to post one last profile eval to get some advice/comments on whether or not my list of schools seems realistic, given my profile. Academics: 3.90 Undergrad GPA (accounting/economics), currently enrolled in Masters' of Economics program for the year at UofT also. My GMAT Score was a 720 (49Q) Research Experience: By the time my application is submitted, I will have worked as the lead RA for a professor for 1.5 years, and I also worked for another professor (full time) for 6 months as their RA. Lots of experience working with accounting data through data collection, but I'm very comfortable with using data analysis software and other relevant programs. Teaching Experience: I've TA'ed for 8 different courses including some accounting courses, economics courses and a calculus/linear algebra course. From what I've heard, teaching experience isn't very important for PhD applications. Letters: The two professors I've done research with have already agreed to writing letters for my application. One of them is an accounting professor, while the other one (6 month position) does research in economics. My last letter will be from an accounting professor that I had during my undergrad, who knows me very well and I did very well in his class. These are the schools that I've finally settled on. I'd appreciate it if you could tell me if this is a good range of schools: Schools: Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Toronto, University of California, Berkeley Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign, Indiana University, University of Washington, Cornell University, Northwestern University, Duke University, Yale University, Columbia University, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, University of Waterloo, Purdue University, Ohio State University, University of Alberta
  7. I will be applying next cycle, and although I've done a profile eval post before, I now have a better idea of all my marks and test scores when I'm going to be applying. Here's a little about myself, and the list of schools I'm thinking about: Undergrad GPA: 3.92 in Accounting and Economics (CGPA) Grad Program: When I apply to the PhD, I will be enrolled in UofT's Master's of Economics program. GMAT: 720 (taken only once) Relevant Coursework: Accounting/Finance - Auditing (A-), Introductory Financial (A)/Managerial Accounting(A), Intermediate Financial(B+)/Managerial Accounting(A+), Advanced Tax(TBD), Business Finance I (A) and II (A+), Financial Modelling (TBD) Economics - Introductory(A)/Intermediate(A-)/Advanced Macroeconomics(A), Introductory(A)/Intermediate(A) Microeconomics, Quantitative Methods in Economics(A+), Econometrics I (A+) and II (TBD) Mathematics Courses - Calculus I (A+), Calculus II (A+), Multivariable Calculus (A+), Linear Algebra (A+) Relevant Work Experience: - TA for Quantitative Methods and Business Finance II - Lead Research Assistant for an Accounting Professor for 1 year, and contracted for another year while in Master's. - Summer internship in an Accounting related position Other Relevant Skills: - Good experience with Stata and SQL - Some experience in SAS and Python References (without giving away who they are): - One Accounting Professor (research active, 2 publications in top 5 accounting journals) - One Finance Professor (research active, 3 publications in top finance journals) - One Accounting Professor (research active, 11 publications in top 5 accounting journals) My Research Interests: - I'm thinking, broadly speaking, of doing research in the financial analytical or financial archival area. I've tried to craft a list of schools that's realistic given my profile but also fits with my research interest. Weaknesses: - Lack of work experience outside of research experience, which was paid but not full time - My GMAT score is good, but maybe not good enough for top-tier schools List of Schools: (Reach/Dream Schools) - Harvard University - MIT - Northwestern University - University of Pennsylvania - Stanford University (Good Fit Schools) - University of Toronto - Duke University - University of Michigan - University of Illinois - Ohio State University - University of Washington - Yale University - University of California - Berkeley (Safety Schools) - University of Arizona (or Indiana University) - Waterloo University Is this list of schools realistic given by stats? Is it a good fit for the areas of research I'm interested in? Any advice on how to make my profile better is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
  8. I can't speak to what schools would be the best research fit, but I might be able to address your GMAT score. What was your Q score on the GMAT? I think it would depend on how low it is, but given you got a 750 overall, it can't be that low. Did you take any math classes during your undergrad (Calculus, Linear Algebra, etc.)? That might make up for a low Q score.
  9. Hey everyone! So, I’m planning on doing a Canadian Econ Masters at UofT, but I have an issue: I recently got my midterm mark back on my Advanced Microeconomics test and didn’t do so well. It looks like the highest I’ll be able to get is an A- and that’s being REALLY optimistic. This is the last semester I can take the course in, and still have it show up in time on my transcript for admissions. These are some of my other marks, for reference: Overall cGpa: 3.92/4.0 from UofT Relevant Courses: linear algebra (A+), intermediate microeconomics (A), statistics (A+), econometrics (A+), advanced macroeconomics (A+), and some other miscellaneous Econ courses that are all A- or above. Basically, I’m conflicted. Should I drop my Advanced Micro course now, or should I keep doing it and settle for a sub-par mark? I’m not sure which is more important: taking in and getting a not great mark, or just not having it on my transcript at all. Thanks in advance for your help!
  10. Thanks for the great advice as always, taxPhD. Do you think there would be any concern regarding the 49Q score?
  11. I recently took my GMAT after some on/off studying for a few months, and I'm wondering if I should re-take it? Is it worth the extra effort? As I mentioned when I posted before, I am planning on applying during the 2019 cycle, so I still have quite a bit of time, so I could definitely fit in a re-take for the GMAT. I scored a 720 (49Q, 40V, 6 IR, 6 AWA) on the test. I'm planning on applying to the top schools for their Accounting PhD programs. Just to summarize some stats about myself for people who didn't see my past posts, I am at UofT, and I'm finishing up my fourth year. If all goes well, I should end with a 3.92 GPA (realistic, considering the courses I'm taking next year). The main reason I would want to re-take it is to increase my Q to either a 50 or 51, as the percentile for a 49 is quite low. I have taken some math courses throughout my Undergrad, which include: Calculus I & II (92%), Statistics (91%), Linear Algebra (96%), Intro to Proofs (91%), Multivariable Calc. (90%), Real Analysis (TBA) So, I just thought I'd get some opinions on whether or not I should re-take my GMAT? I know that if I study for another month or so, I can at least get it up to 730-740 (anything beyond that would probably have to do with how lucky I am in terms of the types of questions they give me). Thanks in advance!
  12. Sorry, I posted a different thread and got some very good advice, so I haven't really updated to make it more specific. I'm interested in pursuing a PhD in accounting, as that is the background for my research and undergraduate studies. I have two areas of interest in research. The professor I RA’ed did research mainly on Corporate Governance and Corporate disclosures, which I found very interesting. Otherwise, I’m also interested in the relationship between financial information and valuation, as the course I TA-ed for was actually a corporate finance course for basic valuation. In my undergrad, I've taken Calc I and II, Linear Algebra, Intro Statistics, and Multivariable Calculus. I have not taken a Real Analysis course. As for Economics courses, I've taken intro, intermediate and advanced microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, economic analysis of law, econometrics and labour economics. Before I apply for PhD programs, I will be pursuing a masters of economics, so I will have some graduate level economics courses, as well as trying to get another RA position before I start applying.
  13. Do Accounting PhD programs tend to favour GMAT over GRE? I wasn't aware of this unfortunately, otherwise I would have taken the GMAT instead.
  14. Yes, sorry about any confusion. They are all research active, and the years are how long each one of them has been at Rotman. Unfortunately I don’t know them, but I could possibly look into getting to know them better during my MA. The main reason I wanted to do my MA was so I’d have extra time to get more research experience while I’m doing it, but I assumed it would help with my quant background as well. Thanks for the advice so far, everyone. I really appreciate it!
  15. No worries. I have two areas of interest in research. The professor I RA’ed did research mainly on Corporate Governance and Corporate disclosures, which I found very interesting. Otherwise, I’m also interested in the relationship between financial information and valuation, as the course I TA-ed for was actually a corporate finance course for basic valuation. I’ve never been able to tell whether or not a professor is considered notable in the academic world. All three are from Rotman (UofT’s) department. One hasn’t been doing research for around 10 years, another for 4 years and one just became a professor last year. All three are involved in research, though. I got a 165 verbal, 169 quant and 5.0 AWA for the GRE but I haven’t taken the GMAT.
  16. I actually am graduating with a BComm from my school with a specialization in accounting. Having realized that I wanted to pursue a PhD earlier than most people, I structured my courses (and took a few extra) to make sure I at least had the basic Quant courses. I’ve been an RA and TA in my undergrad, which was done at one of the top schools in Canada (not sure how that stacks up against other undergrad schools in the states). My CGPA in my undergrad is 3.93 Saying that though, I don’t have my CPA as I knew I didn’t really have an interest in going into industry, and I was more interestedly in the research side. I know it’s impossible to say what the odds of getting into specific schools are, but with my profile, should I think about applying to a T-15 school or is that too much of a reach? Thanks again for your reply :)
  17. I'm wondering how strong of a Quant background someone applying for an Accounting PhD should have for a T-15 school? I've taken the GRE, and by quant score was 169. In my undergrad, I've taken Intro Calc, Linear Algebra, Intro Statistics, and Multivariable Calculus. As for Economics courses, I've taken intro, intermediate and advanced microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, economic analysis of law, econometrics and labour economics. Before I apply for PhD programs, I will be pursuing a masters of economics program, so I will have some graduate level economics courses, and can take extra math courses if my quant background is too weak. Does this quant profile look too weak for an Accounting PhD application, or is it about average?
  18. I'm currently doing my Undergrad degree, and was thinking about doing a PhD in a Business related field, as that's what I'm doing in my Undergrad now. I've already taken the GRE, and wanted to see if I could get any advice on the path I should take after I finish my undergrad. As of now, these are what my profile looks like: Test Scores: I took the GRE, and my scores were 165V, 169Q, A.W. 5.0 Undergrad GPA: 3.93/4.0 in Commerce. A decent amount of Economics courses, like Intro, Intermediate and Advance Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Labour Economics, Economic Analysis of Law. But, with the amount of Accounting courses I had to take for my specialization, I didn't have the opportunity to take many math courses. Graduate GPA: N/A Research Experience: RA with professor that studies corporate disclosure and corporate governance. Teaching Experience: TA during my undergrad for two Business Finance Classes and an Economics class. Work Experience: Nothing relevant.
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