Do you plan to admit students for the fall of 2009

We expect to admit 2-4 students for the fall of 2009.  We admitted 3 students for the fall, 2008 and 4 students for the fall, 2007.

Will you look over my test scores, grades, etc. and indicate if I will have a good chance at getting accepted into the program?

We cannot prescreen candidates or provide indications of the likelihood of admission.  The four most recently accepted classes have a median GMAT score of 700 and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.58 in the last two years of their academic studies.  Over sixty-one percent score 700 or better on the GMAT.  The median student is in the 95th percentile for the quantitative portion of the test and the 75th percentile in the verbal section.  Over sixty-nine percent of the accepted students scored above the 90th percentile in the quantitative section.  All accepted candidates received strong recommendations by academics.   We invite interested and qualified applicants to apply.

What criteria do you consider in the admission process?

In no particular order or weight, we consider GMAT, grades, recommendations, information provided in essays, the rigor of prior academic studies, quantitative skills, verbal and written communication skills, and prior academic and professional achievement.  Although not required, it is beneficial if at least one recommendation comes from a person who can assess the candidate's ability to conduct high quality academic research.

Will you accept the GRE instead of the GMAT?

We prefer the GMAT, but we will consider GRE scores for exceptional students.

Do you offer financial support?

Yes.  All admitted students receive a Graduate Research Assistantship, which comes with a competitive stipend and a tuition waiver.  Subject to suitable progress in the program, the student continues as a research assistant for three years.  After that time, the student is paid to teach as a graduate teaching assistant.  Students who are good teachers often receive appointments as temporary instructors in their fifth year. 

Can I enter the Ph.D. program as a part-time student?

No.  The Ph.D. program requires a fulltime commitment.

How long does it take to complete a Ph.D.?

Most students take five years to complete their degrees.  A few take a bit longer.  It is extremely unusual to complete the degree in less than five years.

I am an international student and have a masters degree from a U.S. school.  Do I need to take the TOEFL exam?

No, and the Ph.D. office will also waive TOEFL requirements for students with degrees from anglophone Canadian schools and British schools.  Contact libby@gsu.edu for details.

What is the mailing address for application materials?

How competitive is the admissions process?

The process is very competitive.  In 2008, we admitted 3 students out of 51 applicants.  In 2007, we admitted 4 students out of 44 applicants.  The number of students that we admit depends on our needs, the budget, and the quality of the applicant pool.  Based on our needs and the quality of the applicant pool, a student who is admitted in one year might not receive admission in the next, and vice versa.

Do I need to have a masters degree before entering the Ph.D. program?

No.  Some students have masters degree and some have only undergraduate degrees.  If a student so desires, we can generally structure your program of study to allow students to earn a Master of Science in Finance as well as the Ph.D.

What can I do to prepare for Ph.D. studies?

Nearly all students, even those with degrees in mathematics, the sciences, or engineering, will benefit from taking additional mathematics courses.  We recommend that students try to take classes in linear algebra, probability and statistics, and real analysis or advanced calculus to better prepare for the Ph.D. program. If you have never had a finance course or have only had elementary exposure to finance, we recommend that you read a good corporate finance textbook (e.g., Principles of Corporate Finance by Richard Brealey, Stewart Myers, and Franklin Allen).

So do I need a technical background to be successful in the program?

No.  About half our students have a technical background (math, science, or engineering) and about half have academic backgrounds in business or economics.  One of the most successful finance academics of the last 30 years has an undergraduate degree in French!  Analytical ability, intellectual curiosity, and work ethic are more important than a specific academic background. 

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