Do I have enough math?

[econ8989]

I plan on applying for an econ phd, but I'm having some trouble figuring out if my math background(or lack of it) will hurt me in the admissions process. I scored a 780 on the math section of the GRE, but I never took real analysis or linear algebra. These are the college classes I took: AP calc (not sure why my school called it that, but its a combination of differential and integral calc), differential vector calc/matrix theory, and intro to logic and set theory. My main concern is that my lack of higher level math classes will keep me out of the top(and even second tier?) schools. Any thoughts?

[MWG]

I am afraid your conjecture is true, if you dunt have these classes,
it wont take you so much further to anywhere, even you do get in for
some other excellent credential (ref letter e.t.c.).

If you want to get admitted into a solid program, these classes are deemed to be minimal preparation nowadays, not only for the sake of
getting in, but for the reason of doing serious research in economics.
Especially when you think of majority of the applicant has these under their belts already.

Originally Posted by econ8989

I plan on applying for an econ phd, but I'm having some trouble figuring out if my math background(or lack of it) will hurt me in the admissions process. I scored a 780 on the math section of the GRE, but I never took real analysis or linear algebra. These are the college classes I took: AP calc (not sure why my school called it that, but its a combination of differential and integral calc), differential vector calc/matrix theory, and intro to logic and set theory. My main concern is that my lack of higher level math classes will keep me out of the top(and even second tier?) schools. Any thoughts?

[PriceTheory]

Did you take any computer science, or any hard sciences like physics? What kind of statistics have you taken?

[OneMoreEcon]

Happen to go to a Harvard/Princeton/MIT/Stanford type undergrad?

[econ8989]

Unfortunately, I didn’t go to an ivy type school; I was at one of the many liberal arts schools in the northeast. I graduated in 2005, and have realized that I wish I was doing research more similar to my thesis. Since going on for a PhD isn’t very common at my school(at least in econ), I didn’t even consider it before. It wasn’t until I started looking into it a few months ago that I even realized I should have taken those math classes when I had the chance. The only reason I took classes beyond the obligatory calc was that I enjoyed them and took them as electives. Now I wish I knew….

Anyway, I took general social science statistics (probably not too useful, but I needed it for my psych minor), as well as econometrics. I took some programming in college(VB), but not enough to really matter. However, where I work, I’ve learned quite a bit of fame programming (not sure how well known fame is…) As far as the other “hard” sciences, I took a few general education type bio and chem. classes.

Someone I work with, who is finishing up his phd at one of the top schools suggested that I plan on taking real analysis this spring at one of the colleges near me and write that I plan to take it in my SOP. At the very least I figure it should help me out if I DO get in somewhere. So far I haven’t been able to find a school that’s offering it in the spring, but I’m sure there has to be one somewhere. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!

[butler blue]

If you have the cash to spend, you could always apply this time around, planning to take real analysis and linear algebra over the next few months. If you get a good offer, great. Then you'll be prepared in time to start the program. If you don't get in anywhere that you consider worthwhile, then you can reapply next year with the math under your belt and a much better chance of getting in. The decision gets a bit tougher if you're under tighter financial constraints, because then you might not consider it worthwhile to apply this time due to the lower probability of acceptance.

[econ8989]

That's sort of what I'm thinking. Of course i'd rather not waste the money on a pile of rejections....but I can afford too if that's the case(just not happily ). Also, I just discovered this website yesterday, and since posting my original questions, I've done a little more reading. i think that I gave the impression that I'm shooting a little higher than I really am. My definition of second tier included the top 40 or so, but it seems like it's more commonly used to describe the top 20ish? The list of schools I'm considering giving a shot at (give or take a few) are: Chicago, UCLA, U-Mich, UCSD, Maryland, BU, Brown, UT-Austin, UC Davis, BC, Georgetown, and Colorado. I'm well aware that Chicago(really the only reason I'm even considering giving it a try is because one of my recommenders went there and seems to think that because its easier to get in than out, they might be willing to give me a shot), UCLA, U-Mich are big reaches and my lack of real analysis will almost certainly keep me out. However, I'm concerned that it will keep me out of the rest as well. Thanks again for all your help....I only wish I found this site earlier!

[user_name]

Originally Posted by econ8989

Unfortunately, I didn’t go to an ivy type school; I was at one of the many liberal arts schools in the northeast.

If you went to Williams or Amherst and your grades are stellar, you still have a shot. Otherwise it doesn't really matter from which LAC you graduated because they're all the same, and in which case not having Real Analysis will kill your chances.