Yet another weird international profile eval

[sohnchen]

I'm new to this forum but I guess some of you might be willing to help me address the following question:
Should I attempt to apply to top-10 programms this year?

I started studying Quantitative Methods in Economics and Information Systems in what is the best econ school in Poland. Unfortunatelly even that doesn't suffice to make it an internationally recognised institution. After two years of following mathematically inclined curriculum (getting very good marks) I went to the LSE for a "year abroad" where I did undergrad courses in Econometrics (rigorous version, A+), Game Theory(A-), Differential Eq (A+), Optimisation in Function Spaces (A+) and Development Econ (A+). I had good grades so I got an offer to finish my degree at the LSE. Hence, after taking Econometric Theory, Micro Principles II, Mathematical Economics and writing a paper for Quantitative Economics Project this year I WILL graduate with BSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics.
As far as my research experence goes, I did some work at the Bank of England this year.
I know that doesn't sound much like a top-10 candidate but my outside option is quite compelling as well - entering the LSE phd programme through MSc EME. Also, would I have much better chance of admission to the top-10 after doing the MSc EME?

[OneMoreEcon]

This is all just specuation on my part, but here goes...

If your undergrad hasn't sent students to top schools for PhD anytime in recent memory, you'll probably have a hard time getting into top 10 schools. Realistically, they just won't know what to make of your background and will instead likely select other applicants who they feel more certain about. If they've sent some graduates to top schools recently, your odds are much better.

If you're finishing your degree at LSE, my advice is different. However, it's not clear if you decided to finish at LSE or if you're back in Poland.

Entering LSE PhD through EME is a great option. And yes, the MSc EME will make you a better applicant to top 10 schools (especially if you're at the top of the class).

[sohnchen]

I will be graduating with BSc EME at LSE. So in essence, I'm wondering if it is at all realistic to be admitted this year and how do the odds change if I do the MSc EME first.

[OneMoreEcon]

If you have good LORs from LSE, then I would imagine you have just as good of a chance as most students graduating with undergrad degrees from top US PhD programs. You obviously impressed someone at LSE enough for them to invite you to finish your degree there, which I think is a great signal. And if it's been made clear to you that the MSc EME option is available if you want it, then that again means that there are economists at LSE who clearly beleive you have a lot of potential. You should work on making sure you get good LORs from your professors at LSE. I'd go for at least 2 from LSE and 1 from Polish institution, but preferably 3 from LSE if possible.

Since it's never a guarantee to get into top 10 schools, I would apply to the schools you'd like to go to. If LSE EME is a guaranteeed "safety", don't apply to schools you wouldn't attend. Wait and see what your options are in the spring, and decide from there. At worst, it sounds like your "only option" might be LSE EME, which is still an awesome option. At best, you go straight to a top 10 US PhD program.

The only issue here is the cost of applying. But spending the application money now could save you two years of time (since if you just wait and do LSE EME, then you'll have to start at the beginning of a PhD program in the US and still do the 2 years of coursework... you won't get credit for the MSc courses). I think the opportunity cost is worth spending the money.

Also, as I said on another thread, there's always a risk with doing more coursework that you might potentially weaken your profile (relative to the application pool). If you wait to apply and get a few bad grades in the MSc, it may decrease the chances of a great admit compared to your current profile. I think this is another reason to apply now and use EME as a backup.