Mstar

Hi, I'm a 24yo from India and I'm looking for help regarding my Marketing PhD application for Fall 2019. Background: I have a bachelor's degree in Sociology and an MBA in Media and Communications (both in the 7/10 GPA range). I have done really really well in my research methodology courses and dissertations. Work Experience: By Fall 2019, I should have over a year and a half of industry experience. Research: Currently, I have two undergraduate papers and one masters dissertation, but wondering if that might count as research experience? Hopefully I will have a paper presentation too by the time I apply. Test Scores: My GRE scores were 158V, 151Q, 4.0AWA but I'm retaking the test, hoping for a better score (aiming for 160+ on both and 4.5-5 in AWA). LORs: My LORs are pretty much sorted, I have good recommenders who I have worked extensively with. Why a Marketing PhD?: 1. My love for academia and research 2. I've checked the kind of work done in the consumer behavior track and it really interests me 3. My previous papers are in line with my potential area of study, both of which fit well into the consumer behavior track Help!: What I would really like help with, is understanding what kind of schools I should be applying to? I don't know if I should try for schools like HBS, Stanford. Do Columbia, Chicago Booth, Tepper sound more realistic? Also, what schools would you suggest I could apply to? What are schools looking for in an applicant? What should I do to strengthen my application? (Any other tips, advice is welcome!) Thank you in advance!