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yetanotherecon123 · 08-12-2008, 05:50 PM

Hello fellow TMers,

I'd like to know your opinion on my situation. Specifically, I'd like response from those that are already in Econ PhD program or even graduated already.

Long story short, I got into several top 10 US PhD programs (some with $$), but wanted to take it slow and went to MSc LSE instead.

I didn't get the distinction and since I didn't reapply I have no place to go to for PhD. I have my reasons for failing to get the distinction, but would not want to go the "extenuating circumstances" route for a number of reasons that I'd rather keep to myself.

I would like to apply for PhD programs in UK/US, but I am having two problems:

1. My LSE grades aren't that good.
2. I haven't had a chance to develop any meaningful relations with any of the LSE lecturers - hence no LORs from them.

I feel odd asking for LORs from my BA program since those professors already wrote the letter and I didn't get the distinction. Besides, now it will be almost four years that I've completed my BA and despite the fact that they do remember me, the weight of their LOR would be severely reduced.

Any advice on what would be the best strategy? Are places like Oxbridge, top 10 US (the ones that I was admitted to) out of range now?

I've contacted some of them, and those that replied said that I will need to re-apply and will be considered as a new applicant only.

Well, I hope the collective intelligence of TM's Econ PhD thread will offer some possible solutions...

andrem · 08-13-2008, 12:18 AM

I really cannot understand. You were accepted by SEVERAL top 10 schools with $$ and wanted to take it slow??

I cannot imagine refusing two(some means at least two) top 10 schools to go MSc LSE.

I would never refuse U penn or Northwestern, e.g.

I think applying again is the better option. And pray.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yetanotherecon123

Hello fellow TMers,

I'd like to know your opinion on my situation. Specifically, I'd like response from those that are already in Econ PhD program or even graduated already.

Long story short, I got into several top 10 US PhD programs (some with $$), but wanted to take it slow and went to MSc LSE instead.

I didn't get the distinction and since I didn't reapply I have no place to go to for PhD. I have my reasons for failing to get the distinction, but would not want to go the "extenuating circumstances" route for a number of reasons that I'd rather keep to myself.

I would like to apply for PhD programs in UK/US, but I am having two problems:

1. My LSE grades aren't that good.
2. I haven't had a chance to develop any meaningful relations with any of the LSE lecturers - hence no LORs from them.

I feel odd asking for LORs from my BA program since those professors already wrote the letter and I didn't get the distinction. Besides, now it will be almost four years that I've completed my BA and despite the fact that they do remember me, the weight of their LOR would be severely reduced.

Any advice on what would be the best strategy? Are places like Oxbridge, top 10 US (the ones that I was admitted to) out of range now?

I've contacted some of them, and those that replied said that I will need to re-apply and will be considered as a new applicant only.

Well, I hope the collective intelligence of TM's Econ PhD thread will offer some possible solutions...

yetanotherecon123 · 08-13-2008, 05:33 AM

Andrem, yes, I made a dumb choice. Another reason to feel awkward asking for those LORs...

However, I was hoping for some better advice... perhaps someone heard of similar cases?

unitroot · 08-13-2008, 06:21 AM

Just how low are the grades? Perhaps you could still try to obtain a set of (possibly mediocre) LoRs and apply for some of the lower ranked PhD programs? The American PhD programs ranked outside of say 25 on usnews rarely if ever have students with LSE degree, so they can't nitpick too much wrt to grades. Certainly having a good LoR from a recent professor could mitigate mediocre grades and even give you a small chance to get into say one of 20 PhD programs.

yetanotherecon123 · 08-13-2008, 08:06 AM

unitroot, 3 merits and 1 pass.

asianeconomist · 08-13-2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yetanotherecon123

unitroot, 3 merits and 1 pass.

Where does that place you w.r.t. your peers ?

oldprogrammer · 08-13-2008, 03:20 PM

Sounds like you might need to do another MS, maybe in Math. A Math MS could add a lot of value and clear up any misgivings about your potential. And while you are working on that degree, spend a lot of time working with Econ professors on research projects (which you should be well suited for at this point) so that you can get great LORs.

Tex Jansen · 08-13-2008, 05:08 PM

I think doing a second masters is a bit excessive in this case. Given your previous admits to top schools, your undergrad record is probably very strong. It seems that has been somewhat tarnished by your London experience, but that can no longer be helped. I can't imagine any way to reinstate old admissions a few years after the fact.

Your only real option is to reapply. Apply to a broad range of schools and hope for the best. It certainly seems like you will get into some decent programs, if not the top ten.

oldprogrammer · 08-13-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tex Jansen

I think doing a second masters is a bit excessive in this case. Given your previous admits to top schools, your undergrad record is probably very strong.

Unfortunately, any strengths he previously demonstrated will largely be ignored. His previous record that allowed him to get admits from top schools demonstrated his potential for graduate study. Now, he started a graduate program and didn't do very well. To judge his potential at this point, they will actually look at what he has done in graduate school. From the econphd.net admissions guide:

Quote:

Now for the unfortunate case that the bad years were the most recent ones. The typical example is a master's program, or beginning of a PhD program, gone awry. Your past achievements count for little once this has happened. Even not very selective departments will be reluctant to consider, let alone fund, you. In some cases, a current professor may be willing to recommend you and emphasize attenuating reasons for your recent performance. Short of this, the PhD may no longer be an option, unless you can study without funding (possibly even do a master's before reapplying).

yetanotherecon123 · 08-13-2008, 07:06 PM

oldprogrammer, that's something I feel is the most likely outcome - PhD is no longer an option. I am hedging my bets and looking for a job now... but of course I will reapply, a big problem remaining - LORs.

08-12-2008, 05:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
yetanotherecon123 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7	A tough case - possible solutions? Hello fellow TMers, I'd like to know your opinion on my situation. Specifically, I'd like response from those that are already in Econ PhD program or even graduated already. Long story short, I got into several top 10 US PhD programs (some with $$), but wanted to take it slow and went to MSc LSE instead. I didn't get the distinction and since I didn't reapply I have no place to go to for PhD. I have my reasons for failing to get the distinction, but would not want to go the "extenuating circumstances" route for a number of reasons that I'd rather keep to myself. I would like to apply for PhD programs in UK/US, but I am having two problems: 1. My LSE grades aren't that good. 2. I haven't had a chance to develop any meaningful relations with any of the LSE lecturers - hence no LORs from them. I feel odd asking for LORs from my BA program since those professors already wrote the letter and I didn't get the distinction. Besides, now it will be almost four years that I've completed my BA and despite the fact that they do remember me, the weight of their LOR would be severely reduced. Any advice on what would be the best strategy? Are places like Oxbridge, top 10 US (the ones that I was admitted to) out of range now? I've contacted some of them, and those that replied said that I will need to re-apply and will be considered as a new applicant only. Well, I hope the collective intelligence of TM's Econ PhD thread will offer some possible solutions...

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08-13-2008, 05:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
yetanotherecon123 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7	Andrem, yes, I made a dumb choice. Another reason to feel awkward asking for those LORs... However, I was hoping for some better advice... perhaps someone heard of similar cases?

08-13-2008, 06:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
unitroot Within my grasp! Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 188	Just how low are the grades? Perhaps you could still try to obtain a set of (possibly mediocre) LoRs and apply for some of the lower ranked PhD programs? The American PhD programs ranked outside of say 25 on usnews rarely if ever have students with LSE degree, so they can't nitpick too much wrt to grades. Certainly having a good LoR from a recent professor could mitigate mediocre grades and even give you a small chance to get into say one of 20 PhD programs.

08-13-2008, 08:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
yetanotherecon123 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7	unitroot, 3 merits and 1 pass.

08-13-2008, 03:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
oldprogrammer Within my grasp! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dallas, Texas, USA Posts: 203	Sounds like you might need to do another MS, maybe in Math. A Math MS could add a lot of value and clear up any misgivings about your potential. And while you are working on that degree, spend a lot of time working with Econ professors on research projects (which you should be well suited for at this point) so that you can get great LORs.

08-13-2008, 05:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tex Jansen Within my grasp! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 171	I think doing a second masters is a bit excessive in this case. Given your previous admits to top schools, your undergrad record is probably very strong. It seems that has been somewhat tarnished by your London experience, but that can no longer be helped. I can't imagine any way to reinstate old admissions a few years after the fact. Your only real option is to reapply. Apply to a broad range of schools and hope for the best. It certainly seems like you will get into some decent programs, if not the top ten.

08-13-2008, 07:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
yetanotherecon123 Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7	oldprogrammer, that's something I feel is the most likely outcome - PhD is no longer an option. I am hedging my bets and looking for a job now... but of course I will reapply, a big problem remaining - LORs.

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