Try to summarize something I wrote regarding application on various threads, and contribute my 2 cents at the early stage of this field.
Time Frame
Application is a long process, and it is better to start early. It might not be necessary to finalize the application materials in early October as some guys have done, but it is still necessary to commence as early as possible.
GMAT
In my opinion, GMAT score is an interesting thing. In the beginning of admission process, a satisfactory GMAT score (>700 I sense) can make your profile pass through the screen of the secretary; during the evaluation process, it might not carry a huge weight for admission or offer decision; and yet when the school has to make a decision between two candidates with similar credential, a higher GMAT score can make you stand out.
Also, it is wise to take GMAT as early as possible.
TOEFL
I didn't take TOEFL, as I have finished one degree in the states. However, even though, it is still good to have one. Quite many schools still require a TOEFL score or TSE, and the candidate school pool would shrink consequently without TOEFL. As TOEFL is purely an English proficiency test, the school can use interview to test such a skill for applicants. So, a TOEFL score above the threshold might be safe; however, the higher the better.
GPA
I personally think GPA plays lest important role in the whole application process. GPA is definitely a biased one, and because of the grade inflation, it is fairly easily to get an excellent GPA, esp. in the states. As ETS has once pointed out that the correlation between GMAT and the performance at B-school is much higher than the one between GPA and the performance. Thus, no need to worry about too much on a relatively lower GPA, although it is still true that the higher the better. Canadian schools have quite restricted requirement on GPA, and I think it might be wise to negotiate with the school in such a case.
School Selection
It is a tedious process. I think the first job might be to clearly understand yourself, your credential more precisely. It is normal to set up 3-4 tiers for candidate schools, and these tiers should be in line with your credential. In other words, the 2nd tier candidate school of another person might be your 3rd tier, and vice versa. It is not good to be overoptimistic and it is not good to be over-pessimistic as well. The criteria to set up such tiers, I think, should mainly be how much academic support you can get from this school, and on the other hand, I think it is also wise to consider whether you want to reside in this school (loactaion) for 4 -5 years.
Personal Statement
Personal Statement might be the most important factor in the application process. My suggestion might be "be you". The structure of personal statement, I think, usually consists of following: Why PhD, Why this major, Personal Credential, Research Interest and Why this school. I don't think it is a good approach to reading templates. By doing this, in my opinion, your scope of thought might be limited. It is worse to copy and paste some so called fancy words in your personal statement, as this would jeopardize the consistency of your statement. I referred to at least 6 professors and 4 people who are good at creative writing. However, what I asked them to do is to tell me whether they can get a picture of mine by reading my personal statement. As long as my words can fully convey my enthusiasm and academic interest, I think I have achieved the goal. It is very essential to refer to an English specialist to read the personal statement. For example, I used "delicate" to describe a small and decent program, but 2 specialists both pointed this out, and suggested me to use some alternative words. While in every English-Chinese dictionary, "delicate" is always translated as精美的,雅致的; however, I assume that direct feeling of Americans towards this word might be related with "fragile", just as the entry given in Merriam-Webster, "easily torn or damaged".
Recommendations
Recommendation letters, as a matter of fact, are crucial in every aspect of life in the States, not only in school application, but also in job hunting, house renting and even pet adopting. I asked 4 professors to write recommendations for me, although none of the schools I applied for required more than 3 recommendations. As I have had one degree done and am ongoing another one, I think 2 professors from each department might present a more accurate picture of me. This is something unique to me, but it is important to ask some people who really know you well to write the recommendations. I think what the schools want to get is not a piece of paper filled with exaggerated words but a vivid picture of you, and only those who are close to you can make it. I know most of the Chinese applicants have to write the recommendation letters and even fill in the recommendation forms by themselves. I fully understand this, but I think it still might be better to ask such professors to write the recommendations if they are able to write in English. Actually, I don't think a person can write 3 pieces of words with totally different written styles. 马甲can be easily detected on a forum, and same thing here.
Transcripts
It is advisable to spend bit time on the English translation. My transcripts were done in a hurry back in 2002 and by then I didn't check it at all. Now, when I read the names of the courses I took, I could only "laugh".
Interviews
Now more and more schools are interviewing applicants. To my understanding, the purpose of interview is not necessarily only to explore your research interest although this is one important element, but to test the spoken English skill and try to find a mutual match. It is important to get prepared for the interview. For a surprise phone interview, I think it won't hurt to ask for another time. It is totally understandable. It is better than to have an interview without any preparation. Similar to job interview, it is important to know well about the school and the interviewer, and also similar to job interview, it is crucial to prepare a certain number of, the more the better, questions for the interviewer. For example, the interview of
陶瓷
I don't have a clear idea on this. However, I think unless you have a very sophisticated idea, it might not be a good try to contact the professors, esp. in the very beginning. After interview, I think it might be a good timing to follow these professors up. However, for schools, for example, Vanderbilt and PSU, applicants are encouraged to contact with faculty. In this sense, we should do so. Anyway, 陶瓷 is a two-edge sword, de facto.
Publication
If you have some papers published, it is definitely a good thing, but I think it is not wise to have publication limited yourself. Some schools would ask for written samples, and in this case, I sense that the schools mainly want to evaluate applicants' English written skill, as such a skill, along with Spoken English skill, is highly demanding for B school PhD study.
Inside information
As Zenger has pointed in his thread, it is import to contact some Chinese fellows in the schools you are interested at. They can provide valuable information.
4-15
I have written a thread before, and no need to duplicate it at here again.
http://forum.chasedream.com/dispbbs.asp?boardID=61&ID=160574&page=1
Acknowledgement
Once again, I want to address my deepest appreciation to one special person. When I deleted all GMAT materials and decided to step on another path, I was urged by this person to take GMAT. Without the encouragement and support, I would simply lose my determination. Secondly, there is another intimate buddy in
great words!
终于等到这个完整版啦，呵呵
Thanks a lot.
Very insightful
I have to say that you must get used to reading/writing in English if you decide to go abroad.
In another thread, I already mentioned that I prefer to use English, even though I am able to type in Chinese. The major reason is that it can help me to think in English.
Sorry, 99% of my threads are written in English. If you enjoy reading what I have presented, I feel glad; if you don't feel comfortable, well, I am not able to provide alternatives.
Good essay!
Thank you for sharing!
I feel supported after I read the whole essay for it alleviates my anxiety on my low GPA(3.36).
However i know i still have a long way to go!
Thank you!
Very good article, informative and thorogh. Which univeristy will LZ finally go for your Ph.D?
May I ask LZ why you prefer pursuing Ph.D. than being a professional after obtaining your master's degree?
zan!
fine reference, thanks much
Dear leighyao
Thank you for your post. I am writing PS and your sharing is very helpful. But What do you mean about personal credential? Is it rewards?
thanks LZ
your every word counts!Thanks for sharing!
Super thanks for such a great work!
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