What are my chances at a top PhD programs?

[princess49]

Hello everyone,

I'm applying to PhD programs this fall and am very uncertain about my chances. Here is my profile:

-Econ/Math double major from top 20 liberal arts school, 3.6 overall GPA, 3.7 econ GPA. Won award for best econ thesis.

-Haven't taken the GRE yet, but lets just say 800Q, 600V.

-Graduated in '06. Since graduating I worked in economic consulting (the aim was to go to b school) which was very quantitative/lots of programming.

-Decided to go back to econ and work as an RA for the World Bank, mostly doing research. By the time application will be due, will have at least one publication with my name it.

-In the meantime, I am trying to get myself on some academic/white papers with the economists I work with. Currently doing research for a book (which will not be published until a long time after I apply).

-Will probably have my grad research topic planned out by application time.

So the question is - what are my chances? It seems like most PhD grads apply straight out of undergrad, whereas I'll have a three year gap with 1.5 private econ consulting, 1.5 international finance experience - will this hurt me ? On the other hand, I do have the "real world" economic research experience and will have several publication in my name.

Please help - thanks!

[Canuckonomist]

What do your reference letter look like? (Where did they get their Ph.D, and how strong?)

[princess49]

Two recommendations so far will be from:

- My thesis adviser (PhD from Berkley) - will be strong
- Economist who is top of her field (although its a very small niche w/i economics related to development in low income countries) - strong

As for third, considering:

- Economist also specializing in developmental econ (PhD and former work experience from Australia)

Also I should add, dream school: Yale.

[ICECOLDECON]

It looks like you can get into a pretty good school.......what was you math gpa? Did you perform very well in proof-based math classes? LORs seem like theyll be strong. The real world economic research will be nice to mention in the sop and I wouldnt think the gap would hurt in terms of admissions.

[princess49]

Unfortunately my math grades arent that hot. The overall math average is 3.48:

Calculus/Multivariable: 3.7/4.0
Linear Algebra: 3.7
Abstract Algebra: 3.3
Real Analysis I/II: 3.7/3.0
Dif EQ: 3.3

Also, there was one math class that I took on which I got a 2.7, although I feel that is my only 2.7 on my entire transcript and is due to one of the poorest professors ever.

Does this ruin my chances at a top school completely?

[italos]

Are you in the research department of the World Bank in DC? Then get a strong letter from someone well published inside the World Bank( François Bourguignon former Chief Economist of the World Bank????) and try for the 5-20 and drop some application to the top 5.Everything is a question of LOR ..and make sure you stress in your SOP your World Ban history!