econstudentcorp Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 (edited) Hi! I'm thinking about pursuing an economics PhD! I'm from a public state school, graduated with a double major in Economics and Applied Math & Stats. I know I'm missing some math courses, but I was wondering how much of a deal-breaker that was. Type of Undergrad: Public State School (top 100 overall) Undergrad GPA: 4.0, didn't list grades assume A unless otherwise noted Type of Grad: n/a Grad GPA: n/a GRE: Haven't taken yet Math Courses (Undergrad):Calculus I/II (AP placement), Calculus III, Applied Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, Finite Mathematical Structures, Data Analysis, Operations Research: Determinist Models, Operations Research: Stochastic Models (P, during COVID), Mathematical Statistics (P, during COVID) *all classes are from applied math dept., not pure Math Courses (Grad) : n/a Econ Courses: Intro Micro/Macro, Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Micro, Econometrics, Industrial Organization, Money and Banking, Corporate Finance, International Economics, International Finance, Game Theory, Economic Development Other Courses: Computer Assisted Mathematical Problem Solving (pure math dept.) Letters of Recommendation: I'm assuming I can get three. One from prof's whose class I attended/TA'd for, one from thesis advisor whose many classes I was in, one from prof who I TA'd for and worked with closely during ECs Research Experience: undergrad thesis Teaching Experience: TA for Intermediate Micro, TA for Intermediate Macro Research Interests: Economic Development and related SOP: n/a What programs should I target? Should I even apply? Thanks! Edited October 1, 2020 by econstudentcorp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startz Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 You're certainly a good candidate for some programs. One question is what programs have other students from your school gone on to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
econstudentcorp Posted October 1, 2020 Author Share Posted October 1, 2020 No clue! I don't think a lot of students go for PhDs. Do you have an idea of what ranking I should be targeting? I'd hate to shell out hundreds in application fees for no reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startz Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 You will get better feedback if you post your background following the standard template. What have the faculty you're going to ask for letters of recommendation told you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
econstudentcorp Posted October 1, 2020 Author Share Posted October 1, 2020 I'm new didn't realize there was a template! Thanks for letting me know. I just tried loosely mirror a past post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
econstudentcorp Posted October 1, 2020 Author Share Posted October 1, 2020 Edited with template! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathenomics Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 How strong are your letters? Seems like marginal returns to research experience would be very high for you. You would want your letters to attest to your research ability. I see one coming from your thesis advisor, but it'd be very very helpful to get another from your research supervisor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
econstudentcorp Posted October 10, 2020 Author Share Posted October 10, 2020 I think my letters will be strong! My thesis advisor is writing one and contacting schools’ admission he has relationships with. My other professor said she will write me a “very strong letter” — I TA’d for her and took her course. To make up for my lack of proof-based math, the head of the applied math dept is writing one to vouch for the rigor of the program and my abilities — I took a class with her and she personally nominated me for several awards. My letter writers seem very enthusiastic about me pursuing a PhD, so I think that is a good sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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