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evanomics · 2009 June 3rd, 01:56 AM

Hi,

I am a rising junior at a top-15 institution (JHU to give you a better chance to assess), double major in economics and applied math, and would appreciate some help to see if I am on the right track for obtaining admissions to a phD program in economics. I am mainly worried about the research aspect, and (less-so) math.

Economics: Elements of Macro (S, pass/fail first semester here), Elements of Micro (A+), Macroeconomic Theory (A), Microeconomic Theory (A), International Trade (A), Game Theory (A); I will be taking many more over the next two years to see what fields interest me most

Math / Applied Math: Calculus 1 (A), Calculus II (A), Vector Analysis (B), Discrete Math/Proofs (B), Linear Algebra (in progress as a summer course, expecting an A); other math courses I plan to take are Probability and Statistics, Probability Theory, Optimization [all three of those will be done by end of the fall semester]; Differential Equations, a class emphasizing numerical/scientific computing, maybe Analysis senior year (I know the importance of this).

Overall gpa is 3.75

I know I have a 4.0 in econ so far but probably need to really make sure I do well in the math classes. I am kind of worried about the research aspect for letter of reference. So far, I have done well in classes and am the head tutor for micro, but the professors have not been too receptive (yet) for research, in part because I need to take econometrics first and have not been able to schedule it in. I will probably get a taste of research this summer, I am planning to do work with one of two professors locally (both phD Hopkins) and go from there.

I have been lurking the boards for some time and I'm very impressed by all of you, and I realize how tough this admissions process is. I would really love some insight and suggestions on if I am faring alright so far for at least the decent programs assuming I do some research, how much research is actually needed as an undergrad to be competitive, when I should plan to sit the GRE (I think I can expect 780-800 Q). I definitely plan to do an honors thesis, but I'm worried about what happens if I don't obtain an RA position.

And I expect to begin phd level econ courses in the fall of senior year with phD micro, most likely.

Thanks so much for your time.

Evan

SlowLearner38 · 2009 June 3rd, 03:43 AM

My suggestion for research is to do what I did.... just start researching something that interests you in your free time and see where it takes you. Your friends may call you a nerd for doing it, but what aspiring or current PhD economist isn't a little nerdy?

First step would be to develop a hypothesis about some phenomenon that you are able to test. Then, make sure the data is available for answering your question and gather it. Run some regressions, and write about it. Keep your first research paper simple enough that you won't get overwhelmed. Nothing wrong with using techniques no more advanced than OLS or WLS regression for your first paper. Also, you don't have to be in a research course or registered for your thesis to be doing research. This is a great way to stand out to your professors, to show that you are active in your free time trying to answer interesting questions.

I found this book to be a great tool when writing an economic research paper. Once you find a topic you think interests you, read through other papers written in the field (this is probably the best way I've found thus far). It gives you a chance to see what other people in the field are doing. And again, don't be intimidated if the paper gets above your head really fast, but with your Stat/Math background, that shouldn't be much of a problem.

Best of luck.

SlowLearner38

evanomics · 2009 June 3rd, 07:56 PM

Thanks for the response, I'll look into that book. Anyone else?

longshot · 2009 June 4th, 10:02 PM

See if the dept will let you write your senior honors thesis as a junior. That'll give you some research experience and face time with faculty. Explain that it'll be much more beneficial to your PhD apps if you do it early, hopefully they'll play ball.

ZomgRogged · 2009 June 5th, 10:17 PM

I'm currently doing Econ research as a part of the Summer Opportunities Research Program. All of the Big Ten schools and a few others I'm aware of (Berkley for example) offer this. Consider applying for next summer. It's basically a grad school prep program, nice stipend, research with a professor at a solid school (UMich for me), free GRE prep, and overall help with the grad school application process.

The application says they are interested in underrepresented minorites as well as first generation college students but my prof told me today he pretty much ignores that when choosing students to take on.

Yodaddy379 · 2009 June 7th, 12:59 AM

Zomgrogged,
Can you link me to the summer opportunities program? It sounds awesome.
Thanks in advance,
Yodaddy

ZomgRogged · 2009 June 7th, 02:16 AM

Big Ten Berkley Duke

Don't be afraid to use the Google machine!

Note also that NW and UMich have separate applications, links can be found on the Big Ten's site. Just have yourself a look but don't worry about applications until fall they aren't even up until November or so.

2009 June 3rd, 01:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
evanomics I JUST got here. Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 23	Rising Junior Seeking Some Advice! Hi, I am a rising junior at a top-15 institution (JHU to give you a better chance to assess), double major in economics and applied math, and would appreciate some help to see if I am on the right track for obtaining admissions to a phD program in economics. I am mainly worried about the research aspect, and (less-so) math. Economics: Elements of Macro (S, pass/fail first semester here), Elements of Micro (A+), Macroeconomic Theory (A), Microeconomic Theory (A), International Trade (A), Game Theory (A); I will be taking many more over the next two years to see what fields interest me most Math / Applied Math: Calculus 1 (A), Calculus II (A), Vector Analysis (B), Discrete Math/Proofs (B), Linear Algebra (in progress as a summer course, expecting an A); other math courses I plan to take are Probability and Statistics, Probability Theory, Optimization [all three of those will be done by end of the fall semester]; Differential Equations, a class emphasizing numerical/scientific computing, maybe Analysis senior year (I know the importance of this). Overall gpa is 3.75 I know I have a 4.0 in econ so far but probably need to really make sure I do well in the math classes. I am kind of worried about the research aspect for letter of reference. So far, I have done well in classes and am the head tutor for micro, but the professors have not been too receptive (yet) for research, in part because I need to take econometrics first and have not been able to schedule it in. I will probably get a taste of research this summer, I am planning to do work with one of two professors locally (both phD Hopkins) and go from there. I have been lurking the boards for some time and I'm very impressed by all of you, and I realize how tough this admissions process is. I would really love some insight and suggestions on if I am faring alright so far for at least the decent programs assuming I do some research, how much research is actually needed as an undergrad to be competitive, when I should plan to sit the GRE (I think I can expect 780-800 Q). I definitely plan to do an honors thesis, but I'm worried about what happens if I don't obtain an RA position. And I expect to begin phd level econ courses in the fall of senior year with phD micro, most likely. Thanks so much for your time. Evan

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2009 June 3rd, 03:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
SlowLearner38 Team Zissou Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 226	My suggestion for research is to do what I did.... just start researching something that interests you in your free time and see where it takes you. Your friends may call you a nerd for doing it, but what aspiring or current PhD economist isn't a little nerdy? First step would be to develop a hypothesis about some phenomenon that you are able to test. Then, make sure the data is available for answering your question and gather it. Run some regressions, and write about it. Keep your first research paper simple enough that you won't get overwhelmed. Nothing wrong with using techniques no more advanced than OLS or WLS regression for your first paper. Also, you don't have to be in a research course or registered for your thesis to be doing research. This is a great way to stand out to your professors, to show that you are active in your free time trying to answer interesting questions. I found this book to be a great tool when writing an economic research paper. Once you find a topic you think interests you, read through other papers written in the field (this is probably the best way I've found thus far). It gives you a chance to see what other people in the field are doing. And again, don't be intimidated if the paper gets above your head really fast, but with your Stat/Math background, that shouldn't be much of a problem. Best of luck. SlowLearner38

2009 June 3rd, 07:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
evanomics I JUST got here. Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 23	Thanks for the response, I'll look into that book. Anyone else?

2009 June 4th, 10:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
longshot Within my grasp! Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 250	See if the dept will let you write your senior honors thesis as a junior. That'll give you some research experience and face time with faculty. Explain that it'll be much more beneficial to your PhD apps if you do it early, hopefully they'll play ball.

2009 June 5th, 10:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
ZomgRogged Within my grasp! Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 235	I'm currently doing Econ research as a part of the Summer Opportunities Research Program. All of the Big Ten schools and a few others I'm aware of (Berkley for example) offer this. Consider applying for next summer. It's basically a grad school prep program, nice stipend, research with a professor at a solid school (UMich for me), free GRE prep, and overall help with the grad school application process. The application says they are interested in underrepresented minorites as well as first generation college students but my prof told me today he pretty much ignores that when choosing students to take on.

2009 June 7th, 12:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
Yodaddy379 I JUST got here. Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 22	Zomgrogged, Can you link me to the summer opportunities program? It sounds awesome. Thanks in advance, Yodaddy

2009 June 7th, 02:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
ZomgRogged Within my grasp! Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 235	Big Ten Berkley Duke Don't be afraid to use the Google machine! Note also that NW and UMich have separate applications, links can be found on the Big Ten's site. Just have yourself a look but don't worry about applications until fall they aren't even up until November or so.

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