PhD in Econ, worried that I'm not eligible

[dvvecon]

Hi everyone, I would like to know whether I should apply to a M.A/M.Sc in Econ program and then go for a PhD or apply directly for a PhD in Econ. My stats:

Age: 24, U.S. citizen
GPA: 3.3 from George Washington University, B.S. in Econ.
GRE: 730Q 580V (expected)
LoR's: 3 solid rec's from Econ professors

The reason I want a PhD is firstly that I like economics (and the math), and secondly I want to get ahead in my field of expertise/experience for the past 3 years, economic development. There is a large need in the development world for people who understand and can do both technical research and project management. I'm not planning to make a career out of being an academic.

That being said, do I have a chance of getting accepted to any PhD programs in the United States? I'm not asking about Harvard or top-tier programs. Would it make sense to first get a Master's in Econ to make me more competitive for PhD programs? If I am competitive for any PhD programs, which schools should I be looking at? I am interested in studying development economics, international trade, and urban & regional economics.

I appreciate your feedback!

[YoungEconomist]

Originally Posted by dvvecon

Hi everyone, I would like to know whether I should apply to a M.A/M.Sc in Econ program and then go for a PhD or apply directly for a PhD in Econ. My stats:

Age: 24, U.S. citizen
GPA: 3.3 from George Washington University, B.S. in Econ.
GRE: 730Q 580V (expected)
LoR's: 3 solid rec's from Econ professors

The reason I want a PhD is firstly that I like economics (and the math), and secondly I want to get ahead in my field of expertise/experience for the past 3 years, economic development. There is a large need in the development world for people who understand and can do both technical research and project management. I'm not planning to make a career out of being an academic.

That being said, do I have a chance of getting accepted to any PhD programs in the United States? I'm not asking about Harvard or top-tier programs. Would it make sense to first get a Master's in Econ to make me more competitive for PhD programs? If I am competitive for any PhD programs, which schools should I be looking at? I am interested in studying development economics, international trade, and urban & regional economics.

I appreciate your feedback!

You should put what math classes you've taken and what grades you've gotten. Also, may want to do the same thing with some of the core econ classes. This info should help some of the more knowledgeable people on the forum give you some guidance. Also, you should really study hard for the GRE and try to get at least a 760.

That being said, there are many PhD programs which will take students without great profiles. Research programs that are not that highly ranked on econphd.net and see which ones offer the fields you're interested in. If you aren't too picky about where you will get your PhD from, then I imagine there are plenty of opportunities (assuming your math and econ grades are decent enough).

[IntEcon80]

How about applying to George Washinton itself? I am sure your professors who wrote LORs would not hesitate to admit you

[dvvecon]

Results are in:

800Q and 640V!

Does this help?

[TruDog]

Originally Posted by dvvecon

Results are in:

800Q and 640V!

Does this help?

That sure helps! Congratulations!!!!!

[reactor]

Originally Posted by dvvecon

Results are in:

800Q and 640V!

Does this help?

This is a really good score that will allow you to get into the best school you can. (as opposed to a Q730 that could create a ceeling to the schools you could get accepted.)