Hello all and thanks in advance:
Test Scores (GMAT/GRE): 160Q 157V
Undegrad GPA: 3.25 (Thesis on financial ratio analys of companies in the stock market, Actuarial Science)
Graduate GPA: 3.8 (The written project was not mandatory and it is barely thorough, becauseI did an MBA)
Research Experience: 2 years as research assistant (regressions, Strectural equation modeling, time series)
Teaching Experience: 3 years (Quantitive Tools (MBA level), Decision Analysis (MBA level) and in January 2020 Mathematical Finance II (for actuaries and finance, undergrads)
Work Experience: 4 years, bank, insurance and consulting in finance
Concentration Applying to: Finance
Number of programs planned to apply to: 7 (Would you recommend more?)
Dream Schools: Stockholm, Vienna, Essex, Washington, Bocconi, Bath
Other Questions:
What made you want to pursue a PhD?
Since I started teaching I was at the same time hired for research assistant and throughout the first year I really enjoy it a lot, which make me start pursuing the Ph.D. Last year I did apply but got no luck, the "tier" of schools I selected were Tier 1.
Questions or concerns you have about your profile?
I am worried that I am 30yo, although people have told me there is no problem about that
I am from a country that doesn't promote research, so I have tried these past 2 years to compensate it, ideally I would start helping a professor with a paper (but there is no definite time, which is why I am not putting it as an experience) and if we started it, it might be too soon to even put it as Work in Progress. Still I have been assisting PhD candidates on their research analysis.
I am doubting about my GRE in regards to Finance, a professor that comes from top tier schools told me it would be too low to even pass the first filter and that I should apply to the area of Management and maybe later move to Finance (got me a little down :upset: )
Since it is my second time applying I am looking at schools that: I would really like to go, that I do in theory have the qualifications to be accepted (based on their websites about no GRE min, and if they have I am in their range)
I am working strongly in my SOP and in an attractive Research Proposal (for the European schools).
I am looking to work on a more empirical result, I do know that my strength is not necessarily in the theory, but more in the practical research, which is what I have done.
Any additional specific questions you may have:
I would like to know your opinion or if maybe I should restructure my approach.