whitenoise Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 Undergrad:Two undergrads (Stats and Econ) from the same Canadian University GPA/Grades: Statistics (top 2 Canadian program): ~ 2.00 GPA last two years (yeah its bad) Economics (top 10 Canadian program): ~ 3.70 GPA over two years (got two years worth of "transfer" credits from first degree - those did not count towards the new average) Core Micro Courses: 3.67 Core Macro Courses: 3.95 Core Econometrics: 3.9 Coursework: Calc I, Calc II, Calc III, Linear Algebra, Number Theory, Generalized Linear Models, Estimation Theory, Sampling and Survey Design, Experimental Design 4th year Micro, 4th year Macro, Econometric Theory, Time Series Econometrics, Microeconometrics (non parametric modelling), Canadian Monetary Policy, Economic Growth, GRE: 165Q / 155V / 5 Research Interests: Econometric Theory (time series econometrics in particular), Macro-modelling Letters: 2 Econ Professors, 1 Work (Central Bank with a PhD) Teaching Experience: 8 months TA for third year econometrics course, winner of teaching award (university wide) Research Experience: Currently in a 1 year RA position at a Central Bank - doing macro modelling Schools I'm applying to: U of T - MA Econ Queens - MA Econ UBC - MA Econ Columbia - PhD (dream school) Michigan - PhD Duke - PhD UC San Diego - PhD I realize that my grades from my first degree are abysmal and will likely be detrimental to my applications in the US. Im fairly confident that I can get into masters programs however, and my ultimate goal would be to pursue a PhD in the US. Just wondering if any of you have advice for me... for example should I just forget about US apps all together and apply next year (after I do my Masters in Canada)? Thanks for taking the time to read this and I appreciate any feedback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pulsars Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 I don't think your current profile is competitive for top 20 in the US. I think doing well in a top MA program (+ take a real analysis class) will help you place much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chateauheart Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 (edited) You're definitely on the right track but any top 20 econ PhD will be able to find applicants with a similar profile over the last 3 years and better grades from their first 2 years of undergrad. Honestly, I think you're ready for PhD econ work, but you'll likely need a master's degree just to reassure adcoms and move ahead of other applicants. Send in a few PhD applications anyway just to gauge your own competitiveness; and you might get an offer from a non-top-20 program that you turn out to really like after a visit. Econometric theory + macro is a niche combination and there are some tier-2 programs like OSU that might be very suitable for your particular interests. Edited November 7, 2018 by chateauheart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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