econ phd choices

**carolinab** · 08-11-2005, 03:08 AM

hey all. i was wondering if you could help me decide on what i should be doing. here is a little info on my self.
graduated from unc with highest distinction and honors in economics(graduated 3.8+, wrote honors thesis). phi beta kappa, omicron delta epsilon (econ honor society), 4.0 econ gpa (4 advanced courses including econometrics). got A's in calc 1,2, and linear algebra and an A- in calc 3. also took a stat method class using linear algebra and sas which i got an A- in and another stat method class focused on time series analysis that i got an A in. gre: 780, 560, 4. taught weekly review sessions for introductory economics. member of econ club. carried out large statistical study for center for developing economies at unc's b-school. i have 2 solid recommendation letters and can easily get more from fairly reputable professors. i am working at the federal reserve board of governors as a research assistant in dc right now. should i even consider applying to grad school now or wait till i can take more math (real analysis, probability theory, diff eq, etc). if so, how high in the ranking should i reach for (i am particularly interested in northwestern). if i need more math, what courses should i place the greatest emphasis on? anyone know where in dc i should be taking these classes? thanks for your help in advance.

**cliff23** · 08-11-2005, 08:37 PM

I think you have a great shot at ranked 15-20 schools right now, maybe a little bit higher. If you take a year off, do some math classes (analysis, diffeq, and definitely a formal linear algebra class) I think you'll do really well at the top10. I think your GRE is on the low side for top5, but you should only consider retaking if you are 100% sure you can do better than 780 (V and A scores are fine). I think what really makes you stand out is all your research experience - that's definitely something that most domestic applicants do not have, or at least not to the degree to which you seem to. I think I would take the year off and do the math classes (I think any DC school other than UDC would be okay.. GWU, Georgetown, AU, CUA, GMU, UMD... I would choose UMD, Georgetown or GWU to be honest), you'll do very well. If you do not take a year off, be sure to emphasize that linear algebra was included in the other courses you took - without any exposure to lin alg your application will be DOA I think. Good luck!

**Econ** · 08-11-2005, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by carolinab

hey all. i was wondering if you could help me decide on what i should be doing. here is a little info on my self.
graduated from unc with highest distinction and honors in economics(graduated 3.8+, wrote honors thesis). phi beta kappa, omicron delta epsilon (econ honor society), 4.0 econ gpa (4 advanced courses including econometrics). got A's in calc 1,2, and linear algebra and an A- in calc 3. also took a stat method class using linear algebra and sas which i got an A- in and another stat method class focused on time series analysis that i got an A in. gre: 780, 560, 4. taught weekly review sessions for introductory economics. member of econ club. carried out large statistical study for center for developing economies at unc's b-school. i have 2 solid recommendation letters and can easily get more from fairly reputable professors. i am working at the federal reserve board of governors as a research assistant in dc right now. should i even consider applying to grad school now or wait till i can take more math (real analysis, probability theory, diff eq, etc). if so, how high in the ranking should i reach for (i am particularly interested in northwestern). if i need more math, what courses should i place the greatest emphasis on? anyone know where in dc i should be taking these classes? thanks for your help in advance.

definitely apply now because:
(i) you want to see where you stand
(ii) you have excellent chances at all top10-20s and fair shots at top 5-10s including nw

start taking some math classes (emphasize on RA and DE), continue your research activity and if all turns well start graduate school in fall 06

**carolinab** · 08-11-2005, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by cliff23

I think you have a great shot at ranked 15-20 schools right now, maybe a little bit higher. If you take a year off, do some math classes (analysis, diffeq, and definitely a formal linear algebra class) I think you'll do really well at the top10. I think your GRE is on the low side for top5, but you should only consider retaking if you are 100% sure you can do better than 780 (V and A scores are fine). I think what really makes you stand out is all your research experience - that's definitely something that most domestic applicants do not have, or at least not to the degree to which you seem to. I think I would take the year off and do the math classes (I think any DC school other than UDC would be okay.. GWU, Georgetown, AU, CUA, GMU, UMD... I would choose UMD, Georgetown or GWU to be honest), you'll do very well. If you do not take a year off, be sure to emphasize that linear algebra was included in the other courses you took - without any exposure to lin alg your application will be DOA I think. Good luck!

if you look clearly it says that i got an A in linear algebra already ...thanks for the advice!

**cliff23** · 08-13-2005, 12:27 PM

d'oh! I'm sorry, you are correct. My eyes skipped over that and I saw that you only had a stat class taking advantage of linear algebra, which is essential to the 1st year.... My fault

this changes your entire profile and makes you much more attractive as an applicant IMO!