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econsgirl · 05-17-2008, 11:38 AM

so here it is.. i have finally finished my econs undergrad education and gotten an overall GPA of 3.83/4.0. I have taken some maths classes with an average of A- (calculus/linear algebra/diff equations/real analysis/maths for econs/stats). Econs probably average grade of A(intro/micro/macro/labor/econometrics.. etc). I am an international student. Haven't taken my GRE yet, but I know my recommendation letters will not be fantastic (because I don't really have any profs who really know me in school, i spend most time outside school). I don't think I stand a good chance at even top 10-30 schools since my letters will prob only be average. Plus, I am not sure what I really want at this point but I'm pretty sure I wanna go to a grad school (either a masters or a PHD).. though I think a masters will suit me better because

1) I might be able to do more math classes/ "suck up" to professors and get better rec letters which will be better for my PHD application if I want to do the PHD

2) 5 years for PHD seems a little long.. a masters will probably give me some time to think about it

I've never really thought about doing a Masters programme before because a lot of my friends have said that the states doesn't really have quality Econ masters programmes. And even if you get one, you are "kinda no different from a bachelor grad"... How true is this? (but since I'm an international applicant, I guess graduating from a US masters programme will be much better than just an overseas bachelor from some unknown university if I intend to work in US right?)

Plus, there's so many masters programme out there.. in econs/financial engineering/financial mathematics/financial economics.. what are the "hottest" econs-related masters programme? ie. better job prospects

Lastly, how competitive is it to get into a good econs-related masters programme in the states? Will it be much easier than getting into a good econs PHD programme? How good will my chances be at getting into say a top 10 programme as an international applicant? What are the elements that the adcom emphasize on (will it be the same as PHD applications?)

Thanks for the help!

asianeconomist · 05-19-2008, 04:13 AM

With an average LOR, one can almost guarantee that you'll not get into any Top 10 Econ PhD programs. The best MA programs (LSE, UBC..) are not located in US, but in Canada or Europe.

The best course of action for you should be to ensure good LORs from your current university (since you have good grades in good courses from there). Try doing a RA jig with someone good and that will substantially improve your chances for both MA & PhD.

P.S. I'm assuming that you won't be applying this year because the application deadlines for nearly all worthwhile programs are over.

05-17-2008, 11:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
econsgirl Eager! Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 30	MA help so here it is.. i have finally finished my econs undergrad education and gotten an overall GPA of 3.83/4.0. I have taken some maths classes with an average of A- (calculus/linear algebra/diff equations/real analysis/maths for econs/stats). Econs probably average grade of A(intro/micro/macro/labor/econometrics.. etc). I am an international student. Haven't taken my GRE yet, but I know my recommendation letters will not be fantastic (because I don't really have any profs who really know me in school, i spend most time outside school). I don't think I stand a good chance at even top 10-30 schools since my letters will prob only be average. Plus, I am not sure what I really want at this point but I'm pretty sure I wanna go to a grad school (either a masters or a PHD).. though I think a masters will suit me better because 1) I might be able to do more math classes/ "suck up" to professors and get better rec letters which will be better for my PHD application if I want to do the PHD 2) 5 years for PHD seems a little long.. a masters will probably give me some time to think about it I've never really thought about doing a Masters programme before because a lot of my friends have said that the states doesn't really have quality Econ masters programmes. And even if you get one, you are "kinda no different from a bachelor grad"... How true is this? (but since I'm an international applicant, I guess graduating from a US masters programme will be much better than just an overseas bachelor from some unknown university if I intend to work in US right?) Plus, there's so many masters programme out there.. in econs/financial engineering/financial mathematics/financial economics.. what are the "hottest" econs-related masters programme? ie. better job prospects Lastly, how competitive is it to get into a good econs-related masters programme in the states? Will it be much easier than getting into a good econs PHD programme? How good will my chances be at getting into say a top 10 programme as an international applicant? What are the elements that the adcom emphasize on (will it be the same as PHD applications?) Thanks for the help!

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05-19-2008, 04:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
asianeconomist Loving the game Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Where the grass is greener Posts: 849	With an average LOR, one can almost guarantee that you'll not get into any Top 10 Econ PhD programs. The best MA programs (LSE, UBC..) are not located in US, but in Canada or Europe. The best course of action for you should be to ensure good LORs from your current university (since you have good grades in good courses from there). Try doing a RA jig with someone good and that will substantially improve your chances for both MA & PhD. P.S. I'm assuming that you won't be applying this year because the application deadlines for nearly all worthwhile programs are over.

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