JHU masters in applied economics for tax phd

[taxphd0987]

Hi,

 

I'm preparing for a phd in tax and am wondering if it's worth getting a second masters at JHU. I'm planning to finish it within a year (2014-2015) as a full-time student while applying to phd programs for the summer of 2015.

 

I do hold a masters degree in business administration but am considering JHU for the following reasons: phd prep, to see what I will be really getting into for the next five years, get better recommendations, etc. I actually did not considering getting a phd during my first masters thus am considering JHU.

 

Below are my credentials:

- BA in Econ with 3.6 GPA from a prestigious liberal arts college (took up to linear algebra)

- MA in International Management with 3.8/4.3 GPA from a prestigious school abroad

- CPA, 3.5 years of exp at a public acct firm

- am a little worried about getting good recommendations

- high 600s GMAT (am planning to take it again soon)

 

Essentially, I'm debating whether to pursue a 2nd masters for admissions to better phd programs or gain another year of work experience and leave the firm as a manager rather than a senior associate. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!