TestMagic Forums - View Single Post - Evaluate Int'l applicant with moderate ambitions

jenizaro · 11-01-2006, 04:31 AM

Hello,

This is my first post, though I've been reading the forum for quite some time now. Reading it has become like a drug really, so much useful information.

Anyways, I'd like to do the Econ PhD too (surprise

! ), but my credentials are not very competitive. I'm an international student, econ major, finishing my Master in Finance, with quite unimpressing grades (UGPA 2.8/4, graduate GPA 3.3/4). My undergraduate school is a top public university in my country, and I'm doing my master's at my country's top business school. I know that doesn't make any big difference though. I did well in the mathematics courses (was teaching assistant for calculus and linear algebra) except in statistics and econometrics (hated the profesor...). Nonetheless I consider I have the required background to pursue an Econ PhD, and feel there's nothing else I'd like more than that.

I haven't taken the GRE yet, but aiming between 780-800Q, 450-550V. The fields that interest me are trade and development, international finance, macroeconomis and econometrics.

So, my question to all of you TMians is what schools do you think I should apply? I've considered all the 100-300 spectrum in the econphd.net rankings, but don't have a clue about my real chances. Are Iowa State or George Washington reachable for me? Would it be better to do a MA in economics before applying?

Thanks for your help!

11-01-2006, 04:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
jenizaro Stressed out! Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 110	Evaluate Int'l applicant with moderate ambitions Hello, This is my first post, though I've been reading the forum for quite some time now. Reading it has become like a drug really, so much useful information. Anyways, I'd like to do the Econ PhD too (surprise ! ), but my credentials are not very competitive. I'm an international student, econ major, finishing my Master in Finance, with quite unimpressing grades (UGPA 2.8/4, graduate GPA 3.3/4). My undergraduate school is a top public university in my country, and I'm doing my master's at my country's top business school. I know that doesn't make any big difference though. I did well in the mathematics courses (was teaching assistant for calculus and linear algebra) except in statistics and econometrics (hated the profesor...). Nonetheless I consider I have the required background to pursue an Econ PhD, and feel there's nothing else I'd like more than that. I haven't taken the GRE yet, but aiming between 780-800Q, 450-550V. The fields that interest me are trade and development, international finance, macroeconomis and econometrics. So, my question to all of you TMians is what schools do you think I should apply? I've considered all the 100-300 spectrum in the econphd.net rankings, but don't have a clue about my real chances. Are Iowa State or George Washington reachable for me? Would it be better to do a MA in economics before applying? Thanks for your help!