MA in Econ low GPA, but I can spin it. Where do I have shot or do I at all

[Slice267]

So my cumulative GPA is a 2.75, major is BA in general econ and that GPA is 3.0 overall.

The story is my first two years I was randomly placed with people who dealt drugs, partied all the time, didn't respect me(treated me like ****), and being the first time away from home it really bothered me. On top of this my parents were going through trouble at home(crazy fights) and eventually told me at a convenient time(right before finals) that they were splitting up, which came as a huge shock. So my first two years were quite turbulent.

My last two years were somewhat better but my parents were still going through legal proceedings so I was negatively affected. My last two years I achieved a 3.2 overall and a 3.35 within my econ major(mostly upper level classes).

If I can get a great GRE score(160+) do I have a shot to atleast get in somewhere for Masters in Econ like maybe Fordham, Stony Brook or CUNY school?(I live in the NY area), Rutgers(long shot?)

Any help would be greatly appreciated, as currently I'm finding it really difficult to land a job in this economy I figured I'd take out loans, apply for an MA in econ(I have a passion for econ) and work my *** off. Hopefully that will make up for my undergrad and the job market will pick up alittle.

[ShowBizKid]

You need to consider is not just getting accepted to a program, but succeeding if you get in. Otherwise it's just going to cost you a bunch of money, and you will be looking for a job two years down the road. Obviously trying to sell a 2.75 GPA is going to be tough.

It doesn't sound like you have done your homework on alternatives, by visiting these universities web sites, calling their departments, reading this forum, etc.

Programs like Stony Brook or Fordham are not likely to accept you right now. Their web site says: "Provide proof a of 3 undergraduate grade point average overall (on a scale in which A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F (failure) =0) and a B average (that is, at least 3.0) in the undergraduate major. This requirement is waived for foreign students."

Fordham's MA program says: "Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, normally with a 3.0 [B] undergraduate index, preferably in economics or business." and their stats say the average GPA of incoming students is 3.82.

Even Hunter College says: "A student must have an undergraduate average of B in the economics courses and an average of B minus in the undergraduate record as a whole. The general aptitude GRE is required of all applicants."

The tough economy unfortunately also works against you here. There's more grad school applicants in New York.

Have you taken a practice GRE test? Do you know you can ace the quant portion?

There may be some other schools that would accept you, but I am guessing from your narrative that you do not have strong LORs, or a compelling SOP, research experience, or much advanced math. while you may have a "a passion" for econ, your econ grades don't really demonstrate that to an ad comm. You may want to go back get a second major (math?) as an UG if you really have your heart set on econ grad school. Where did you do your BA? Maybe you can go back to school there?

[Slice267]

I didn't have my heart set on any of those schools really, I'm simply try to get a measure on how competitive these programs are. Looks like I qualify for Hunter College though. Sure, you can say I didn't do my research, but then again I'm on an internet forum I'm perfectly fine with confessing I haven't done much research. That's why I'm here asking questions. This is a long term decision for next fall(2013) anyway or beyond. I'm confident I could get strong LORs having really stepped up my efforts my junior/senior year to make a personal connection with my teachers, both in econ and out. Right now I see no problem getting one really great letter of recommendation and another decent one.

Secondly, your right on me not having much Math over the general Calculus I. Couldn't I just attend a local UG and enroll in say Linear Algebra or Calc II? And don't some programs have Math bootcamps? is it common for applicants to do this to get the required math?

[GradBusinessFAU]

Slice,

I don't know if you are looking to stay in NY, but you would meet the requirements for admission into the Graduate Economics program at Florida Atlantic University.

The minimum requirements are: 3.00 in last 60 credits (last 2 years), GRE-M: 150 = 630 old scale, GRE-V: 150 = 450 old scale, no specific math requirement.

Students are accepted for Fall, Spring, or Summer terms as part-time or full-time. There are 3 different tracks (General Economics, International Economics, or Financial Economics). The entire program is 30 semester credits (10 courses). You can complete the program in 12 months.

[Slice267]

Thanks^

general question as well, for people who have earned MA/MS degrees in Economics. How likely am I get decent job offers if I graduate from a less known program like CUNY, Hunter, or FAU, with like a 3.5+, and a concentration in financial economics? Will I be able to get some sort of employment?

[infectious]

Hey are there any similar programs for people with similar profiles in economics or finance?

Slice,

I don't know if you are looking to stay in NY, but you would meet the requirements for admission into the Graduate Economics program at Florida Atlantic University.

The minimum requirements are: 3.00 in last 60 credits (last 2 years), GRE-M: 150 = 630 old scale, GRE-V: 150 = 450 old scale, no specific math requirement.

Students are accepted for Fall, Spring, or Summer terms as part-time or full-time. There are 3 different tracks (General Economics, International Economics, or Financial Economics). The entire program is 30 semester credits (10 courses). You can complete the program in 12 months.