I would like to hear what you folks think about my packet for the schools in the 25 - 60 range, will be submitting for early deadlines in December 2018/January 2019..
Test Scores (GRE): 161Q (80%) 159V (80%) 4.5 AW (80%)
Undegrad GPA: 3.89 (Business, accounting focus)
Graduate GPA: 3.80 (MBA with a finance specialization)
Research Experience: Fairly strong with data analysis and computation; independent study in statistics (not published)
Teaching Experience: Coaching with Executives (with former professor, LOR writer)
Letter of Recommendation: Strong letters from graduate professors (I also write a killer personal statement)
Work Experience: Extensive, 10+ years across multiple industries; I currently serve as a financial services examiner with a state agency (safety and soundness compliance)
Concentration Applying to: Management: Entrepreneurship, Strategy, International Business/Project/Portfolio Management
Number of programs planned to apply to: 8 - 12
Dream Schools: University of Virginia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Texas at Austin, University of California-Irvine, Vanderbilt University
Other Questions:
What made you want to pursue a PhD? I am overflowing with research ideas that my mentors consider interesting and I want to make a contribution that will stand the test of time.
Questions or concerns you have about your profile? I went the University of Phoenix for my undergrad (physical campus, at night, while working 50+ hours!)
Any additional specific questions you may have: I would like to consider myself a very solid applicant for schools in the 60 - 100 rankings, give or take a few spots. Schools like UC-Riverside (68th), University of South Carolina (62nd), and University of Georgia (63rd, and a LORs Alma Mater) feel like as-close-to-comfort picks as I can get from a tier 1 research university (rankings are my custom rankings).
Thanks for your thoughts!