Can I get into a top Canadian MA Economics Program?

[stupidkid]

Originally Posted by Canuckonomist

Unfortunately, the DS MA at Toronto is not particularly "easy" to get into. It's not impossible, but with those math grades, you may not exactly be a sure-bet. I'd apply for both DS and regular if you're really interested in going to Toronto. UWO seems to be moving more toward the pure math and physics kids in terms of it's Master's, so I worry that again, your math grades may not be a good signal there. I'm not trying to discourage you from applying, I'm just saying cast a wide net. Us students with shaky profiles need to. If I were you, I'd make the following applications:

If you're applying to 3-4: Take a shot at Toronto (Both streams) as well as 1-2 from: McGill, McMaster, Simon Fraser University, University of Alberta,.

If you're applying to 5-6: Take a shot at Toronto (Both streams) as well as 2 from {McGill, McMaster, University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University} and 2 from {Queen's, UBC, UWO}

If you're applying to 7-8: Take a shot at Toronto (Both streams) and Queen's, UBC and UWO (all the big ones), as well as 2 from: McGill, McMaster, University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University.

Notes:
1. There are good schools in the UK, but they can be expensive, so I wouldn't really consider them.
2. Queen's was a difficult shot this year for non-Canadians. I can't speak for this year, but if you're a Canadian, it's more likely you'll get funding from them if you get in over a place like UBC.
3. On that note, UBC is terrible with funding.
4. UWO may be much more math intensive, so think about that, given you performance in math -it may not be the easiest program to get through.
5. McGill, McMaster, Alberta and SFU are good schools, especially as a safety. If I had to pick one, it would definitely be SFU. Their students come out quite prepared. In fact, one just passed all his comps at Queen's and has advanced to candidacy, and the one in the program here at Toronto seems to be fairing well too.

Plenty to think about, I know.

Best of Luck,

Canuck

Canuckonomist, thanks a lot. I really appreciate your candid appraisal and suggestions.

I know that the applicant has to indicate his/her desire to pursue DS in the application, but I wonder if I can apply to both Regular Stream and Doctoral Stream?

[JBDonges]

Quote from UofT econ website:

" If an applicant is not admitted to the doctoral stream, they will be automatically considered for the regular M.A. program."

[walt526]

Originally Posted by Winnie_Econ

I would listen to walt526 advice. He gives great advice!

Thanks!

[Canuckonomist]

Originally Posted by JBDonges

Quote from UofT econ website:

" If an applicant is not admitted to the doctoral stream, they will be automatically considered for the regular M.A. program."

Sweet, so no need to waste an extra application on the regular stream. Adjust your applications accordingly.

[stupidkid]

By the way, I have two "Dropped" classes: one is for Intro Accounting and another one is Real Analysis. Do they matter in admission process?

[walt526]

Originally Posted by stupidkid

By the way, I have two "Dropped" classes: one is for Intro Accounting and another one is Real Analysis. Do they matter in admission process?

Accounting doesn't matter, but some adcoms might be concerned about the dropped Real Analysis in combination with your other weak math grades. It wouldn't be as much of an issue had you retaken it in a subsequent semester and gotten a solid grade, but just having a "Dropped" might create the impression that you were overwhelmed by the difficulty of the material.

When did it happen? If it was fairly recent, then it might undermine your argument that the factors that caused underperformance earlier in your undergraduate career are no longer a concern. It's probably best to mention it in your statement of purpose (hopefully you can articulate a good reason for dropping it).

[tomal1134]

Please evaluate Type of undergrad: From South-Asia

Undergrad GPA: 3.96(1st class with rank 4 in class size of 154)

GRE: 780Q/ 580V/ 3AWA (just shocked)

TOEFL: 99 (reading-24, Listening-24, Speaking-23, Writing-28)

Math courses: Multivariate calcuas, probability, statistics, linear algebra, differential equation, Intro to real analysis, Optimization. Got 4 in all math courses.

Econ courses: micro, macro, econometrics, interantional trade, public econ, applied econ

Letter of recommendation: One from Harvard phd, took Principle econ in 1st year, 2nd one is Cornell phd, took Advanced Macro in 4th year, 3rd one is Maryland phd, took Advanced Micro in 4th year. All will be nice I think.

Research experience: none

Teaching experience: none

statement of purpose: Preparing.

Interest: To be equipped with weapons for killing any PhD program. Having some time to improve my profile.

Concern: Obviously my horrible score in AWA and TOEFL.




Earlier I considered applying to some mid and low tire programs in US. But now considering to apply to some top masters program like U of T doctoral stream. Please evaluate my chance of getting into.

[walt526]

http://www.urch.com/forums/phd-econo...-evaluate.html (Please evaluate)

[tomal1134]

Ok i will post it there. :-D