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Winnie_Econ · 2009 October 21st, 01:02 AM

Hi guys..

I got a big question that's been bugging me for awhile. When I screwed up my first 2 years of undegrad, I screwed up my intermediate macro. I have a "D" for inter macro and a "B+" for inter micro.

However, since last year, things have been going very well for me, with great help and advice from you guys. Thanks to my 3.9 GPA last year, I am able to take (Hon) Micro and (Hon) Macro this semester. I am expecting an "A"'s on both those courses.

Should I retake inter macro just to show that I can easily get an A in that class? I know that mark is beyond bad for a core course. Would an A in this advanced macro class cover up for the inter macro?

I can either retake inter macro or a math course such as 3rd year math stats this spring. Please advice which direction to take.

Many thanks in advance.

walt526 · 2009 October 21st, 05:22 AM

What's the difference between Intermediate and "Honors" Macro/Micro? What texts are used in the honors level courses?

Although there are some exceptions, at most undergrad institutions Intermediate Macro is a completely useless preparation for PhD Macro. The typical Intermediate Macro text focuses on static models and simple definitions--it's very boring and while it's arguably useful background information (although a good Money and Banking course is more useful, IMHO), it doesn't require a lot of very sophisticated problem solving skills.

That being said, a D in a core economic theory course sends a very bad signal. But it is offset somewhat by a solid grade in Intermediate Micro and the two honors theory courses. But if you are applying for Fall 2010 admissions, then adcoms will not see the grade from the retaken Intermediate Macro course in the spring, so I'm not sure how much utility you get from re-taking it. Unless I'm missing something and you're not applying until the Fall 2011 admissions cycle or later.

Gecko · 2009 October 21st, 12:24 PM

Explain in your statement of purpose - then send in your updated transcript as long as the scores from your honours courses are out

2009 October 21st, 01:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
Winnie_Econ Eager! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 50	Would repeating a course help? Hi guys.. I got a big question that's been bugging me for awhile. When I screwed up my first 2 years of undegrad, I screwed up my intermediate macro. I have a "D" for inter macro and a "B+" for inter micro. However, since last year, things have been going very well for me, with great help and advice from you guys. Thanks to my 3.9 GPA last year, I am able to take (Hon) Micro and (Hon) Macro this semester. I am expecting an "A"'s on both those courses. Should I retake inter macro just to show that I can easily get an A in that class? I know that mark is beyond bad for a core course. Would an A in this advanced macro class cover up for the inter macro? I can either retake inter macro or a math course such as 3rd year math stats this spring. Please advice which direction to take. Many thanks in advance.

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2009 October 21st, 05:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
walt526 TestMagic Guru Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,308	What's the difference between Intermediate and "Honors" Macro/Micro? What texts are used in the honors level courses? Although there are some exceptions, at most undergrad institutions Intermediate Macro is a completely useless preparation for PhD Macro. The typical Intermediate Macro text focuses on static models and simple definitions--it's very boring and while it's arguably useful background information (although a good Money and Banking course is more useful, IMHO), it doesn't require a lot of very sophisticated problem solving skills. That being said, a D in a core economic theory course sends a very bad signal. But it is offset somewhat by a solid grade in Intermediate Micro and the two honors theory courses. But if you are applying for Fall 2010 admissions, then adcoms will not see the grade from the retaken Intermediate Macro course in the spring, so I'm not sure how much utility you get from re-taking it. Unless I'm missing something and you're not applying until the Fall 2011 admissions cycle or later.

2009 October 21st, 12:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Gecko This user's posts are moderated. Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,081	Explain in your statement of purpose - then send in your updated transcript as long as the scores from your honours courses are out

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