Math stats or grad micro?

[Elliephant]

I'm a rising senior (so applying this fall) and am debating whether to do mathematical statistics or PhD micro in the first semester. There is only one section of each and they are taught at the same time, so I couldn't do both even if I wanted to.

Caveat: I've already done econometrics, for which the economics-department version of math stats was a prerequisite. I skipped math stats and went straight into metrics, finishing at the top of the class. There is a chance that I will get to do a one-on-one course in mathematical econometrics in the spring term, but this is far from certain, and in any case there will be no grade until May.

Which would send a stronger signal, mathematical statistics or graduate micro? Muchos gracias.

[dreck]

I'd vote for grad micro. You'll want to emphasize how much stats you've learned on your own, but nothing says "I'm capable of doing PhD-level theory courses" like doing a PhD-level theory course.

[_nanashi]

grad micro totally.

[backtotheUS]

Grad micro, no question.

[scienceofsleep200]

Micro.

[Elliephant]

Holy cow, 4/4 in agreement. Thanks guys. This must really be a no-brainer to everyone except me!

Time to go wading through the quagmire of special permission requests.

[backtotheUS]

Holy cow, 4/4 in agreement. Thanks guys. This must really be a no-brainer to everyone except me!

Keep in mind though that there's a "Princeton bias" in your sample

[buzios]

To try and compensate for the "Princeton bias,"

I'd also definitely vote for Grad Micro...

[asquare]

Grad micro does indeed send a very strong signal, especially if it's at a respectable school. However, it's a risky strategy in that a bad grad in grad micro also sends a strong, negative signal. It's probably harder to do well in grad micro than an undergraduate mathematical statistics class, so you should take that into account as you decide. If you're confident you can do well in grad micro, go for it!

[Elliephant]

Keep in mind though that there's a "Princeton bias" in your sample

If following Princeton-biased advice can help to land me an offer from Princeton...

However, it's a risky strategy in that a bad grad in grad micro also sends a strong, negative signal. ... If you're confident you can do well in grad micro, go for it!

It's being taught by the prof I took advanced UG micro with, so if he thinks I can handle it, I'm in. I need the instructor's permission anyway.