I received a PhD from a top UK uni 2.5 years ago and have become self-employed since then, is it worth trying to apply?

Short answer is of course "only way to know is to try".

Longer answer: PhDs are in high demand, since you've learned how to build a hypothesis and rigorously prove it + use logic & math in the process. Indeed, I often think PhDs and JDs have the perfect background for consulting, often much more so than MBAs.

You've also done a start up thing, which again is an appealing profile. You may have to work on the story telling a little bit ("trading stocks from my couch because I had no other job" is not what you want people to hear).

I suggest you reach out to friends / current consultants with a PhD, who may be able to guide you through the application and support the candidacy. Also, please understand the odds are always stacked against you (under 1% of candidates get an offer nowadays apparently), but it takes a lot of time and effort to be "ready": many of us studied well over 100 hours ahead of the interviews. A perfect profile will never be a guarantee you even get invited - but if you haven't started preparing by the time you apply, you will probably not be ready by the time you come in for the interviews. I highly suggest you start the prep today.

Hi,

Several points here:

1. It really depends on how you present your experience. Even being a self-employed options trader can have a lot of achievements
2. The likelihood really depends on your resume overall, so hard to assess without seeing it
3. Try getting a referral to increase your chances. More of the referral here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-is-a-referral-really-1103

Best

Similar situation here. Would be interested to get an opinion on that one.