Can I get into BU/BC? Profile Eval Please

[db2018]

PROFILE:

Type of Undergrad: Top 50 LAC
Undergrad GPA: 3.83/4.0
Major: Mathematics, Economics
Minor: Computer Science (but does not show on my transcript)
GRE: Q: 168, V:155

Math Courses:
Multivariable Calculus (A)
Discrete Mathematics (A)
Linear Algebra (A, but taken during a summer at a CC)
Probability and Statistics 1 (A)
Real Analysis (A)

Econ Courses:
Intro Micro (A-)
Intro Macro (A)
Intermediate Micro (A)
Intermediate Macro (W, but will take it again this fall with my advisor)
Econometrics (A-)
Independent Study (A)

Computer Science Courses:
Intro to Comp Sci 1,2 (A) (A-)
Data Structures and Problem Solving (A-)
Computer Organization and Architecutre (A-)
Theoretical Foundation of Computer Science (A-)

Other Courses:
General Chemistry w/ Lab (A)
Intro to Physics (A-)

Letters of Recommendation:
2 from professors that I will be doing research with this summer (expect to be strong)
1 from professor from Comp Sci department (expect to be semi-strong)

Research Experience:
-Spending this semester doing Independent Study which is basically like a RA
-Going to do Student-Faculty Collaborative Research in the summer with two of my professors mentioned above, and it will most likely going to be under review at journals by the time of application deadlines but is feasible to be published (top 50 Journals) and, if published, I will be listed as co-author

Teaching Experience:
Tutor at the "Quantitative" center at my school (Fall 2017 to present)

Research Interests: N/A

Applying:
First Choice: BU, BC, Columbia(although this one is probably a very long shot)
Others: University of Washington ,UVA, USC, Georgetown
Safety: Don't know yet (recommendations will be appreciated )

Worries:
Even though my letters from two of my professors are expected to be strong, but they are relatively unknown and both assistant professors at a small liberal arts school. Is it better to get an okay letter from a relatively well-known professor than a strong letter from a relatively unknown professor? I always thought the former would be better but please share your opinions!

Any evaluations/input would be appreciated!

[minskymoment]

If your letters are strong, it looks to me like you'd be competitive. It's important to remember how random admissions are, though. I watched several people get rejections/waitlists from BU and BC despite getting in at higher ranked programs. You may want to consider stretching out your applications with several more schools from 15-40 range to hedge.

Another option, which I'm a big advocate of, is considering taking 2 years as an RA at the Fed/NBER. I came from a no-name state school, and an RA job out of school gave me a massive boost, whether in better known letters, grad course(s) at a top university, or whatever direct signaling that post-grad RA work gives them. I was hesitant at first to add another two years to my path, but in retrospect it's been one of the best decisions I made. At least worth some consideration.

[db2018]

Hey minskymoment, thank you for your input. Can I ask you if you did your RAship at either Fed/NBER? Taking 2 years as an RA at either one of them would also be a great option for me. If yes, would you mind evaluating my profile for those positions based on your experience?

[applicant12]

I think the chance of you getting in is >50%, and you should definitely get into one or more of the schools listed in "others".

Btw a top 50 journal publication isn't bad.

[db2018]

Thank you for your input applicant12! I think it will most likely going to be an "under-review" status by the time I submit my application. Do you think that would be helpful as well?

[startz]

Thank you for your input applicant12! I think it will most likely going to be an "under-review" status by the time I submit my application. Do you think that would be helpful as well?

Having a paper under review will be helpful. The most important part is that it will give your letter writers something to talk about.