Another evaluate me please...

**Paxi** · 09-29-2008, 07:49 PM

Alright guys, heres the deal.

I'll be graduating next May with a BA in Economics. My expected GPA is going to be around 3.0-3.1. Econ SGPA would be around 3.3. Mind you the school that i'm graduating from (top ranked university in Pakistan) has a very competitive undergraduate program. The average GPA here would be around 2.7-2.8, so my GPA isn't all that bad. I've yet to give my GRE but i expect the marks to be around Quantitative(750>) and Qualitative (500-700).

Also i've yet to start working on my senior year economics project. Given that i do well i might be able to secure letter of recommendation's from Professors who've done their PHd's from Ivy's, LSE, Oxbridge etc.

So given the above conditions would i be in with a decent chance of getting into the MA programs at these universities?

NYU
SDSU
UBC( Top priority)(
Duke
etc

Also with my credentials (or lack of) which other programs should i be targeting?

**YoungEconomist** · 09-29-2008, 10:52 PM

Seems like a good enough profile to have a shot at the US masters programs you listed. I don't really know about UBC, because I'm not really that knowledgeable about programs outside the US, but I think their masters programs is fairly competitive. What is your math background like (classes, grades)? Your math background is the only thing I could potentially see hurting your chances.

You might also want to look into Tufts, USC, and Boston.

By the way, why do you want a masters in econ (work reasons or for PhD preperation)?

**diesel** · 09-30-2008, 12:33 AM

So given the above conditions would i be in with a decent chance of getting into the MA programs at these universities?

With that GPA, you MUST ask you letter of recommendation writers to specify the difficulty of courses at your university, and the average GPA one gets there. Also request them to mention where you ranked in your respective courses with your letter of recommendation writers. I'm saying this becuase a GPA hovering over 3.0 might raise some eyebrows.

I've yet to give my GRE but i expect the marks to be around Quantitative(750>) and Qualitative (500-700).

For a US masters, a Q>750 would be a safe bet, not too sure if thats applicable to UBC. And if you get a Verbal >500 that would be great, becuase most GRE takers from non-English speaking countries screw on the Verbal (like i did). In case you underperform on your verbal (which i'm sure you wont) you should score high on your TOEFL/IELTS.

Also with my credentials (or lack of) which other programs should i be targeting?

Take a look at UofT, Queen's, UWO, Toulouse aswell. Canadian masters programs are great. LSE is a good option but they only offer a two-year Econ masters track to students with a South Asian education. Besides, i think they also want your GPA > 3.5

You can PM me, and tell me about your university. I might be able to give you more specific info, since i'm from the same country as you are and planning on an MA myself.

**Paxi** · 09-30-2008, 02:49 AM

What is your math background like (classes, grades)? Your math background is the only thing I could potentially see hurting your chances.

Well..

Cal 1 - C+
Cal 2 - B
Cal 3 - B+
Ordinary Differential Equations - A-(repeat)
Statistics - B-
Linear Algebra - B
Number Theory B
Operations Research B+

I also have the option of taking Real Analysis in the coming semester.

By the way, why do you want a masters in econ (work reasons or for PhD preperation)?

Both actually.
I really liked economics but never took studies seriously till this year(my final year). I'm aiming for a masters to see if i can keep on enjoying economics at a higher level and whether i do good, If so i'll move on towards a Phd. If not the job prospects won't be too shabby after a Msc in Econ.

**YoungEconomist** · 09-30-2008, 03:00 AM

Originally Posted by Paxi

Cal 1 - C+
Cal 2 - B
Cal 3 - B+
Ordinary Differential Equations - A-(repeat)
Statistics - B-
Linear Algebra - B
Number Theory B
Operations Research B+

Your math grades aren't great. They're not bad either, just mediocre for a grad school applicant (which is above average for the college population as a whole).

I don't know a lot about masters programs, so I hope others with more knowledge will chime in. But, I think your math grades won't be that big of an issue at the masters level, meaning I think you still have a good shot at a few admits at highly ranked US masters programs. One thing working in your favor is that you've taken more math classes then I imagine most masters applicants take. Thus your mediocre GPA will probably be balanced out by your exposure to a little more material.

Originally Posted by Paxi

I also have the option of taking Real Analysis in the coming semester.

Definitely take it. For one thing, an A in that class will over-ride most of your mediocre math grades. Getting a B (or possibly a C) probably won't hurt your chances that bad, given that most masters applicants have not taken real analysis. It will also make grad material easier, and if you ever do decide to pursue a PhD it's very helpful to have seen the material.

Originally Posted by Paxi

I really liked economics but never took studies seriously till this year(my final year). I'm aiming for a masters to see if i can keep on enjoying economics at a higher level and whether i do good, If so i'll move on towards a Phd. If not the job prospects won't be too shabby after a Msc in Econ.

That sounds like a great plan.