请给些建议：GMAT 不高，想申请 strategy management 的 PhD …

Hello Everybody,

I just took GMAT in July and got 690 only. Although the score is not very outstanding, I will not take GMAT again because, for an international student, preparing GMAT is very time-consuming. Thus, I will target at the schools that do not require GMAT of 700+, rather than at the top schools such as MIT and Columbia. However, the information regarding the schools in my list is very limited. Please give me advice about whether I am too conservative or too optimistic as to school selection.

Here is my school list:


Because my working experience motivates me to pursue a PhD, the field for which I apply is strategy management.
Here is my background: 
-GMAT 690
-Double MS degrees, one in Physics with GPA 3.7 in a so-so graduate school, another in Information Technology with GPA 3.3 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute(TOP 30 engineering school in the US), New York. 
-one year research assistant experience in a top research institute
-8 years multi-national working experience, including 5 years start-up experience
-Co-founder of two start-ups

Here are my questions:
1. I heard that most of PhD in business programs require that successful applicants have solid research experiences and look down professional experiences of applicants. Should I emphasize on my research assistant experience and downplay my working experience?
2. Since neither my GPA nor my GMAT is outstanding, are the admission standards of my targeted schools too high for me? Should I include more schools in wider range in my list?

I will greatly appreciate if someone can give me any advice. Thanks in advance!

i guess your physics and engineering backgroud can stand you out, i am taking for granted that you have no problem with quantitative subjects. GPA won't be a big deal, and your GMAT is kinda low, but won't kill you. in terms of working experiences, i guess they are somewhat appreciated. People who have been in the industry sometimes have better sense of what the problems are, though it may not be a big plus. on the top, i guess you can squeeze some higher ranked schools into your list.

Several things you can do to strengthen your profile. 1) Get strong LORs from famous professors that know you well.  2) Write good PS   3) retake the GMAT if you have time. it is marginal benefits may be  huge.

Agree with longwayhome.

Moreoever, try to emphasize your quantitative skills, and, if you have ever taken any micro economics course and got good scores, definitely mention it in your SOP, since econ is the base discipline of strategy.

Although it's true that Phd admission committees usually weight applicants' research capability more than their industry background, it's not to say that outstanding work experiences cannot catch their eye. Your background is very special among strategy PhD applicants, and giving up your past career as well as a good chance to get into top MBA programs means that you have strong motivation for academia. You surely can emphasize your work experience, but be careful that there is no need to delineate it in great detail-- just tell the adcomm how does it help you to shape your research question(s).

And, yes, put more schools on your list-- both upwards and downwards.

Good luck!

Thanks for your advice, which gives me a lot of confidenct. I will add more schools in wider range to my list.

RPI is a gorgeous school, but I heard from my classmate that Lally School offers limited financial support to students.  I am worried whether RPI, considering my low GMAT, will offer me financial aid even if I get admitted.  Thank you for your advice anyway.  I think I will apply to RPI.