economics masters (ma, are, applied econ) profile evaluation

[Anthony]

Hello,

I've been out of school two years, not doing anything related to economics, since the recession began around the time I graduated and I was a bit disillusioned with the field - I was reading paecon.net and similar literature and wondered what it was all for. I was an econ major, from a comprehensive (MBA was highest degree offered) US university, with the undergrad econ department of likely limited reputation with grad schools outside the state. I applied to a few entry-level econ positions to attempt to get some experience in the field, but what with the recession and my lack of research experience and a grad degree nothing came of it.

I have kept open the option of continuing to grad school in economics, but this fall is the last time I will attempt anything toward a career in economics. Unlike many grad students I am ambivalent to the field as a whole - I can't change the things I disagree with, but I do want to avoid the things I most dislike, and there are some things I am passionate about. And yes, I'm no superstar at math. I don't want and probably couldn't get a Ph.d in econ, and don't want to work in academia.

I am most interested in development in Sub-Saharan (esp. francophone) Africa, would love to work for a government or NGO, and am thus looking for a terminal master's in econ, perhaps with further education in another field. My credentials and background are strongest in econ, so the m.a. is most likely a stepping stone to a degree in another development field. I can't self-fund at all. I've been looking at urch posts, rankings, and econ dept websites down to the level of professors' research for a couple of months now.

What do you think my chances for acceptance with full funding are at these schools (by country, in order from my most to least favorite):
Canada: U of T, McGill, UBC
US: Maryland ARE, Cornell AEM, MSU AEC, Arizona ARE, Ohio State AEDE

If you're attending or have attended any of these programs your input is most welcome.

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: comprehensive regional university
Undergrad GPA: 3.85 overall, 4.00 in economics
GRE: 750Q, 800V, 5.0A
Math Courses: Cal I (B), Cal II (A+), Cal III (A-), diff eq (B+), linear algebra (A+), mathematical stats I (A), math stats II (A+), biostats (A+), applied stats (A+), stochastic processes (A+), set theory (B)
Econ Courses: all A+ in intro micro, intro macro, intermediate macro, math for econ, international, environmental, development, resource, econometrics
Other Courses: double majored in environmental science, 3.9 overall in those courses, started the first few semesters of an engineering major, B average overall there
Letters of Recommendation: two (maybe three) from econ profs, maybe one from math prof
Research Experience: none
Teaching Experience: none
Research Interests: randomized trials in development, program evaluation, rural financial markets

[Anthony]

I don't get a good grasp of where the particulars of my situation would land me from scanning other threads, those with applicants who have been out of school for some time, or have the same interests or background. I posted this to get a tailored response to my set of circumstances. And given my research, unless you can make a convincing case for another school as a good fit it would be best to restrict the discussion to the schools listed. thank you.

[Anthony]

Since I haven't had any replies or PMs, with further research I took U of T, UBC, Maryland, Cornell, Arizona, and Ohio State off the list

[UFGator]

You sound more than qualified for those schools.

I am impressed by your verbal GRE score. Could you share any hints for those of us that are struggling?

[Anthony]

that one i didn't study for, it's just from reading a variety of progressively challenging material. your university education thus far and your personal examination of ideas outside of what the curriculum requires of you if in your effort to become an interesting person, will have been preparation enough.