TestMagic Forums - View Single Post - European MA's, GPA requirements and recommendation letters

jpartout · 10-28-2006, 03:48 AM

Hi! I need advice on what to do after my econ BA. I will be graduating in April from a Canadian university. I'm trying to decide if I should do a Masters, when, and where. I'm looking to do an applied MA, i.e. not as preparation for Ph.D.

1. What would be an acceptable GPA to get admitted to a terminal MA program in econ? Most US schools I looked at so far require at least 3.2. I was wondering if Canadian BAs are considered more rigorous (therefore you would be admitted with a lower GPA). My program is Honors BA econ. But my GPA isn't that high. It will probably end up at around 3.0. Does "Honors" have any weight? Do I have a good chance?

2. I'm considering doing my MA in Europe. What kind of reputation do European schools have, compared to US or Canadian schools? (Aside from LSE and UPF - I don't think I have a chance there) Would I have problems finding a job here with a foreign degree?

3. I don't have a lot of econ work experience. Is that a problem? Where could I get a research assistant position, other than with a professor at my school, and how would I go about getting one?

4. How important are letters of recommendation to the admissions committees? Do all schools require them? Do I have to make sure the prof knows me well personally for me to ask them for a recommendation? Or is it enough that I took their class? If I decide to work for a few years and then go for my MA: most profs will have forgotten me, so how would I get recommendations?

Thanks to everyone who replies!

10-28-2006, 03:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
jpartout Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: canada Posts: 5	European MA's, GPA requirements and recommendation letters Hi! I need advice on what to do after my econ BA. I will be graduating in April from a Canadian university. I'm trying to decide if I should do a Masters, when, and where. I'm looking to do an applied MA, i.e. not as preparation for Ph.D. 1. What would be an acceptable GPA to get admitted to a terminal MA program in econ? Most US schools I looked at so far require at least 3.2. I was wondering if Canadian BAs are considered more rigorous (therefore you would be admitted with a lower GPA). My program is Honors BA econ. But my GPA isn't that high. It will probably end up at around 3.0. Does "Honors" have any weight? Do I have a good chance? 2. I'm considering doing my MA in Europe. What kind of reputation do European schools have, compared to US or Canadian schools? (Aside from LSE and UPF - I don't think I have a chance there) Would I have problems finding a job here with a foreign degree? 3. I don't have a lot of econ work experience. Is that a problem? Where could I get a research assistant position, other than with a professor at my school, and how would I go about getting one? 4. How important are letters of recommendation to the admissions committees? Do all schools require them? Do I have to make sure the prof knows me well personally for me to ask them for a recommendation? Or is it enough that I took their class? If I decide to work for a few years and then go for my MA: most profs will have forgotten me, so how would I get recommendations? Thanks to everyone who replies!