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lj322 · 09-21-2008, 10:56 PM

Hi Everyone,

I was a unsuccessful Fall 2008 PhD applicant... I'm getting back on the horse and considering master's programs that would strengthen my profile. Any advice would be greatly helpful!

I was a double math/econ major at NYU with a 3.6 GPA in Econ and 3.0 GPA in Math. I graduated in 2006 and my GRE's were 640 V/780Q. I've had linear algebra (A-), ode (C), math modeling (A), real analysis(A), algebra 1(B), discrete, vector calc, etc. I've taken all the econ basics and more too. I did not have any research opportunities and I'm not close with famous faculty.

I heard that getting a master's in math or statistics greatly increases your chances of getting into a good ph program. I applied to about 12 schools ranging from #3-40 in national rankings and I was rejected from all of them. I also heard that getting an MSc is very respected.

Can anyone vouch for statistics ma or econ msc? And most importantly, can anyone offer suggestions for top statistics programs and economics msc programs that I can get into, within reason? I don't have a good list as of now. It is really hard to find rankings on stat programs or international econ programs.

Thanks again guys...your opinions are so valuable and appreciated!

Harry Lime · 09-21-2008, 11:31 PM

Someone here would know better than me, but I wouldn't think there would be many rankings for stat master's programs. What are you looking for exactly in the ranking: specific research that goes on at the school or a reputation that might help you down the line with applications?

Curious aside:

Did you not know you wanted to go into grad school when you were still an undergrad? I thought NYU had a dual econ BA/MA option, why didn't you go that route initially instead of econ-math?

Olm · 09-22-2008, 04:58 AM

It all depends on what you mean by "good". If your undergraduate grades are unspectacular, you should probably cross all of the top 15 schools off your list immediately. Economics is about the most competitive field out there in terms of admission requirements (if the never-ending supply of jesus profile evaluation posts on these forums haven't yet clued you in otherwise. My jaw has dropped so many times from reading these profiles that my mouth remains permanently open.

)

As I have said in past posts, the only time I would recommend an Msc in math or stats is if your background is lacking but your undergraduate grades are otherwise excellent (e.g. econ major with only cal and linear). Otherwise, you are probably much better off getting a Master's degree in economics.

Now, there are two places you can go to get a respected MA Econ degree that will boost your chances of getting into good schools: Canada and Europe. European schools are substantially tougher to get into and generally do not provide good funding (if at all), and typically only top students who want to build up their profiles even more manage to get into those schools.

First tier MA programs in Canada are the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Western Ontario, and Queen's University. Second tier programs are places like McGill University, Simon Fraser University, McMaster University... probably one or two others. I suggest applying to those schools if you want to beef up your profile to get an admit at a decent program. Canadian schools are typically far less selective, and they have reasonable placement records in good programs. Also, the top four Canadian schools ("the big 4" as it is called in Canada) are all great places to do a PhD, and their ranks range between top 20 and top 50 depending on who you ask.

Also, the next time you apply... (this goes for everyone who has a less than stellar profile... i.e. GPA < 3.7 or equivalent, bad math/stat grades, poor math background) apply to more schools. One TMer, I think his nick was LuckyKid, applied to 26 schools last year with a wide range of rankings. Also, have a few backups: people with jesus profiles usually have their backups in the top 40, but mere mortals should seriously consider applying to one or two schools ranked 100+ if they are absolutely certain they want to do a PhD.

Good luck!

EnLaPlaya · 09-22-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olm

European schools are substantially tougher to get into and generally do not provide good funding (if at all), and typically only top students who want to build up their profiles even more manage to get into those schools.

What schools in particular are you talking about? There is a bunch of them which provide you with fairly good scholarship during the MA stage (ok, this usually forms a part of PhD programme in which you are supposed to continue on that respective school, but perhaps it might be a question of prestige for them as well to send their MAs for a PhD to some of the TopXX US places) and I wouldn´t say these programmes are extra tough to get in.

mamoqilo · 09-22-2008, 08:44 PM

i read it in this forum (and actually went to their website and saw it myself) that Chicago has an excellent sort of prep masters program in statistics. you might want to consider it if you are going to take this route.

lj322 · 09-23-2008, 04:09 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

Well, I think I had an idea that I wanted to do Econ during my senior year. I had secured a full-time job already by then, so I decided to take it. By the time I applied, I figured that going the direct PhD route was financially smarter. But I realize now, us mere mortals gotta look at all the options.

Olm, you bring up a good point about statistics or mathematics MA programs. Although my math background is good (as in, it exists

), my math major GPA is weak. This is why I was thinking of applying to a smattering of MA statistics programs in the US and some MSc programs in Canada and Europe. With my grades, do I even have a shot at top 4 canandian programs? Any US programs? I heard JHU has an applied economics program...

I actually did apply to UBC for admittance to the Phd program....that didn't work out! But maybe, they will consider me for the master's. It is just so hard to find THE path to a fulfilling PhD - I don't know what's right. So, all these suggestions are great. Aren't you guys glad we're in econ? I'm sure glad I wasn't into finance/ibanking...

Olm · 09-23-2008, 05:18 AM

With a 3.0 math GPA, my intuition is that an admit at a top math program is unlikely, unless the grading at your school was particularly harsh. I don't know how selective programs are, this is a complete guess. So take that for what it's worth.

I still recommend an Econ MA in your situation.

buckykatt · 09-24-2008, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olm

With a 3.0 math GPA, my intuition is that an admit at a top math program is unlikely, unless the grading at your school was particularly harsh. I don't know how selective programs are, this is a complete guess. So take that for what it's worth.

I agree. I only applied to one math MA program, and I'm a bit of an odd case anyway, but I had all A's in Calc through multivariate, Linear Algebra, Discrete Math, and two semesters of Analysis, but that wasn't enough to get me an admit to a tier II math department. (I did get an admit to the stats program where I applied, though.)

I ended up going with an econ MA and so far I'm pretty happy with that choice. I would have enjoyed doing pure math for a year or two, but I feel like I'm getting more of a running start this way.

Weary · 09-24-2008, 08:34 PM

One years stats program will give you a proper outlook of econometric methods, a chance to waive those courses at phd level and likely improve private sector options.

Weary · 09-24-2008, 08:38 PM

As for specific programs, look further for the ranking, its there. Fairly modest unc hosts a fine dept of stats.

09-21-2008, 10:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
lj322 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 10	Statistics MA v. Econ MSc? School Suggestions? Hi Everyone, I was a unsuccessful Fall 2008 PhD applicant... I'm getting back on the horse and considering master's programs that would strengthen my profile. Any advice would be greatly helpful! I was a double math/econ major at NYU with a 3.6 GPA in Econ and 3.0 GPA in Math. I graduated in 2006 and my GRE's were 640 V/780Q. I've had linear algebra (A-), ode (C), math modeling (A), real analysis(A), algebra 1(B), discrete, vector calc, etc. I've taken all the econ basics and more too. I did not have any research opportunities and I'm not close with famous faculty. I heard that getting a master's in math or statistics greatly increases your chances of getting into a good ph program. I applied to about 12 schools ranging from #3-40 in national rankings and I was rejected from all of them. I also heard that getting an MSc is very respected. Can anyone vouch for statistics ma or econ msc? And most importantly, can anyone offer suggestions for top statistics programs and economics msc programs that I can get into, within reason? I don't have a good list as of now. It is really hard to find rankings on stat programs or international econ programs. Thanks again guys...your opinions are so valuable and appreciated!

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09-21-2008, 11:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Harry Lime THE HUMAN OUTLIER Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: n00b City. Population: Me Posts: 135	Someone here would know better than me, but I wouldn't think there would be many rankings for stat master's programs. What are you looking for exactly in the ranking: specific research that goes on at the school or a reputation that might help you down the line with applications? Curious aside: Did you not know you wanted to go into grad school when you were still an undergrad? I thought NYU had a dual econ BA/MA option, why didn't you go that route initially instead of econ-math?

09-22-2008, 04:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
Olm Requiem for a Dream Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 841	It all depends on what you mean by "good". If your undergraduate grades are unspectacular, you should probably cross all of the top 15 schools off your list immediately. Economics is about the most competitive field out there in terms of admission requirements (if the never-ending supply of jesus profile evaluation posts on these forums haven't yet clued you in otherwise. My jaw has dropped so many times from reading these profiles that my mouth remains permanently open. ) As I have said in past posts, the only time I would recommend an Msc in math or stats is if your background is lacking but your undergraduate grades are otherwise excellent (e.g. econ major with only cal and linear). Otherwise, you are probably much better off getting a Master's degree in economics. Now, there are two places you can go to get a respected MA Econ degree that will boost your chances of getting into good schools: Canada and Europe. European schools are substantially tougher to get into and generally do not provide good funding (if at all), and typically only top students who want to build up their profiles even more manage to get into those schools. First tier MA programs in Canada are the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Western Ontario, and Queen's University. Second tier programs are places like McGill University, Simon Fraser University, McMaster University... probably one or two others. I suggest applying to those schools if you want to beef up your profile to get an admit at a decent program. Canadian schools are typically far less selective, and they have reasonable placement records in good programs. Also, the top four Canadian schools ("the big 4" as it is called in Canada) are all great places to do a PhD, and their ranks range between top 20 and top 50 depending on who you ask. Also, the next time you apply... (this goes for everyone who has a less than stellar profile... i.e. GPA < 3.7 or equivalent, bad math/stat grades, poor math background) apply to more schools. One TMer, I think his nick was LuckyKid, applied to 26 schools last year with a wide range of rankings. Also, have a few backups: people with jesus profiles usually have their backups in the top 40, but mere mortals should seriously consider applying to one or two schools ranked 100+ if they are absolutely certain they want to do a PhD. Good luck!

09-22-2008, 08:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
mamoqilo Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 20	i read it in this forum (and actually went to their website and saw it myself) that Chicago has an excellent sort of prep masters program in statistics. you might want to consider it if you are going to take this route.

09-23-2008, 04:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
lj322 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 10	Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Well, I think I had an idea that I wanted to do Econ during my senior year. I had secured a full-time job already by then, so I decided to take it. By the time I applied, I figured that going the direct PhD route was financially smarter. But I realize now, us mere mortals gotta look at all the options. Olm, you bring up a good point about statistics or mathematics MA programs. Although my math background is good (as in, it exists ), my math major GPA is weak. This is why I was thinking of applying to a smattering of MA statistics programs in the US and some MSc programs in Canada and Europe. With my grades, do I even have a shot at top 4 canandian programs? Any US programs? I heard JHU has an applied economics program... I actually did apply to UBC for admittance to the Phd program....that didn't work out! But maybe, they will consider me for the master's. It is just so hard to find THE path to a fulfilling PhD - I don't know what's right. So, all these suggestions are great. Aren't you guys glad we're in econ? I'm sure glad I wasn't into finance/ibanking...

09-23-2008, 05:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
Olm Requiem for a Dream Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 841	With a 3.0 math GPA, my intuition is that an admit at a top math program is unlikely, unless the grading at your school was particularly harsh. I don't know how selective programs are, this is a complete guess. So take that for what it's worth. I still recommend an Econ MA in your situation.

09-24-2008, 08:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
Weary Within my grasp! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 156	One years stats program will give you a proper outlook of econometric methods, a chance to waive those courses at phd level and likely improve private sector options.

09-24-2008, 08:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
Weary Within my grasp! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 156	As for specific programs, look further for the ranking, its there. Fairly modest unc hosts a fine dept of stats.

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