Would I be admitted to a decent PhD program?

Question

I'd appreciate an honest assessment of my chances at getting into a good PhD program. I have a BBA (double major in marketing and communication arts) from a Big 10 university and graduated with a fairly average GPA. I spent a year in corporate marketing before moving overseas to Hong Kong. I spent the next 5+ years working as a researcher (and later project manager) for a university-affiliated business policy research institute. I've worked on published research and media projects involving prominent Asian corporations.

During this time, I was considering a move into business/financial journalism and completed a part-time Master's in Journalism at a good Asian university. I've now turned 30 and am thinking of pursuing an academic path. I haven't settled on an exact field, but I'm generally interested in the economic development of E. Asia. I know I don't have an ivy league pedigree, or a high-flying corporate background. I'm also getting kind of old. What are my chances?

Answer 1

Sounds like you've got a pretty unique set of circumstances.


Don't worry about your chances and just apply -- there's no way you can really know for sure before you give it the ol college try.

your college work probably counts for very little compared to the rest of us who apply at an earlier time -- me for instance, applying just after my MA program -- which had followed my B.A. immediately ...
for someone like you, though, you're so far removed through a professional and working life that I'm pretty sure that will be the focus of your applications...

just apply.

also, you didn't mention what field -- that always makes a difference... but even still....
none of us can tell you your chances with that variable description.
you'll find out when you apply. good luck!

Answer 2

For a good Ph.D. program in business,(and I have a Ph.D. in Marketing from a top school) unfortunately, most of the things you mention only have secondary meaning. They will look first at your GMAT or GRE score, then at your GPA. If those are very high, then the work experience is also important, but if they aren't, the Ph.D. is a research degree, and even having a stellar corporate background won't get you into a strong program. You are not, however, too old. Many people don't pursue their Ph.Ds until their 30s - I've interviewed people in their 60s who were just earning their Ph.Ds.

I would take the GMAT or GRE, and if you score very high (in the 700 range or so), you can argue that your average GPA as an undergrad was due to immaturity, which you have now outgrown. If your GMAT or GRE fall below 600, you probably don't have much of a chance of getting into a good program.

Answer 3

needless to say, getting admitted into any grad-software at a perfect-knotch college is going to be demanding - it is why the faculties are seen perfect-knotch, as they do no longer take merely each and each individual. To the terrific option the previous poster, it is delusional, "extracurriculars" at the instant are not seen.

Answer 4

yes