Traumatized, Exhausted, and Still Going

I'm in the exact same boat- applied to 15 schools and had what I thought was a stellar PhD application package, 20 years military experience, solid SOP, great LOR's, transcripts are excellent to outstanding from three separate and accredited graduate programs and getting rejected left and right.  I had Univ of MN tell me flat out that GRE scores were the problem.  (157 V/ 154 Q)   I've taken it twice this past summer, used Magoosh and the 5lb Manhattan Test prep and cannot get my scores to elevate.  At this point, I'm guessing that there are five culprits:  1) GRE scores, 2) inability of the schools to translate military experience to academia 3) lack of research fit with the research department (I'm going for Business Strategy) and 4) lack of a university/professorial advocate at the school.     Anyone have any suggestions?  I'm out of options at this point.  

I understand.  We are right in the mix with our GRE Scores.  It's made it hard to find a program.  I have a very strong undergrad transcript, reasonably strong graduate (I did a dual MBA/MA and the MA field was new, which drug down my GPA to a 3.66).  Finding a contact in these programs is a straight up nightmare in many ways.  It seems if you're not a traditional application (Bachelors to Masters to Doctorate) who can roll straight through without working programs aren't interested.  I hope you can find something that's a fit for you.  Have you started to hear back yet?  How are things shaping up?

On 3/11/2016 at 9:30 AM, Navy_GRE said:

I'm in the exact same boat- applied to 15 schools and had what I thought was a stellar PhD application package, 20 years military experience, solid SOP, great LOR's, transcripts are excellent to outstanding from three separate and accredited graduate programs and getting rejected left and right.  I had Univ of MN tell me flat out that GRE scores were the problem.  (157 V/ 154 Q)   I've taken it twice this past summer, used Magoosh and the 5lb Manhattan Test prep and cannot get my scores to elevate.  At this point, I'm guessing that there are five culprits:  1) GRE scores, 2) inability of the schools to translate military experience to academia 3) lack of research fit with the research department (I'm going for Business Strategy) and 4) lack of a university/professorial advocate at the school.     Anyone have any suggestions?  I'm out of options at this point.  

 

On 3/12/2016 at 9:30 AM, Navy_GRE said:

I'm in the exact same boat- applied to 15 schools and had what I thought was a stellar PhD application package, 20 years military experience, solid SOP, great LOR's, transcripts are excellent to outstanding from three separate and accredited graduate programs and getting rejected left and right.  I had Univ of MN tell me flat out that GRE scores were the problem.  (157 V/ 154 Q)   I've taken it twice this past summer, used Magoosh and the 5lb Manhattan Test prep and cannot get my scores to elevate.  At this point, I'm guessing that there are five culprits:  1) GRE scores, 2) inability of the schools to translate military experience to academia 3) lack of research fit with the research department (I'm going for Business Strategy) and 4) lack of a university/professorial advocate at the school.     Anyone have any suggestions?  I'm out of options at this point.  

So?  How'd it go for you?

Not good.  0-16 in PhD program admits.  The only school that gave me feedback was Univ of SC.  Apparently for funded business programs, you need at least a 160Q or they won't even look at your app.  The other thing I am absolutely convinced that you need is a faculty advocate to vouch for you in front of the admissions committee.  Apart from these two things- I'm getting the impression that not much else matters.  Could be wrong.....  I'm trying to assess how I get to that 160 Q GRE benchmark ..... you have any thoughts?  What was your experience so far?

Edited May 28, 2016 by Navy_GRE

6 hours ago, Navy_GRE said:

Not good.  0-16 in PhD program admits.  The only school that gave me feedback was Univ of SC.  Apparently for funded business programs, you need at least a 160Q or they won't even look at your app.  The other thing I am absolutely convinced that you need is a faculty advocate to vouch for you in front of the admissions committee.  Apart from these two things- I'm getting the impression that not much else matters.  Could be wrong.....  I'm trying to assess how I get to that 160 Q GRE benchmark ..... you have any thoughts?  What was your experience so far?

It was a mixed bag. I got into 3 out of 6, but not necessarily the three I anticipated. I also wasn't looking for a funded program as I'm planning to work and they'll cover costs up to $7500.  I looked specifically for affordable programs and stuck to those 6. There was a 7th that I was considering, pending these outcomes.