TestMagic Forums - View Single Post - PhD in Econ, worried that I'm not eligible

dvvecon · 09-23-2007, 08:30 PM

Hi everyone, I would like to know whether I should apply to a M.A/M.Sc in Econ program and then go for a PhD or apply directly for a PhD in Econ. My stats:

Age: 24, U.S. citizen
GPA: 3.3 from George Washington University, B.S. in Econ.
GRE: 730Q 580V (expected)
LoR's: 3 solid rec's from Econ professors

The reason I want a PhD is firstly that I like economics (and the math), and secondly I want to get ahead in my field of expertise/experience for the past 3 years, economic development. There is a large need in the development world for people who understand and can do both technical research and project management. I'm not planning to make a career out of being an academic.

That being said, do I have a chance of getting accepted to any PhD programs in the United States? I'm not asking about Harvard or top-tier programs. Would it make sense to first get a Master's in Econ to make me more competitive for PhD programs? If I am competitive for any PhD programs, which schools should I be looking at? I am interested in studying development economics, international trade, and urban & regional economics.

I appreciate your feedback!

09-23-2007, 08:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
dvvecon Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 7	PhD in Econ, worried that I'm not eligible Hi everyone, I would like to know whether I should apply to a M.A/M.Sc in Econ program and then go for a PhD or apply directly for a PhD in Econ. My stats: Age: 24, U.S. citizen GPA: 3.3 from George Washington University, B.S. in Econ. GRE: 730Q 580V (expected) LoR's: 3 solid rec's from Econ professors The reason I want a PhD is firstly that I like economics (and the math), and secondly I want to get ahead in my field of expertise/experience for the past 3 years, economic development. There is a large need in the development world for people who understand and can do both technical research and project management. I'm not planning to make a career out of being an academic. That being said, do I have a chance of getting accepted to any PhD programs in the United States? I'm not asking about Harvard or top-tier programs. Would it make sense to first get a Master's in Econ to make me more competitive for PhD programs? If I am competitive for any PhD programs, which schools should I be looking at? I am interested in studying development economics, international trade, and urban & regional economics. I appreciate your feedback! Last edited by dvvecon : 09-23-2007 at 08:48 PM.