DismalScientist

Isn't all this hard work for good (or at least decent) placements?

Again, just for laughs! I know some of you are still waiting to hear about your future, so I thought you could use the stress reliever! Isn't everyone of us just another Viktor Navorski trying to figure out the quarters just so we can get a whopper? YouTube - Finding Coins - The Terminal

Just for laughs: Economics is not a science and never will be: Song - Supply and Demand: ~DismalScientist

I think universities may look at your transcripts, but it's the size of the weight they put on your grades that makes grades of little consequence.

I took both Matrix Algebra and Calc III in one semester, and there was some overlap. I think you might be able to pull off a 3.5 or better taking those four classes (and no more) in one semester if you work extra hard. If you do feel that it will be too much work and that you will end up with really low grades, then taking fewer classes and getting As might help you more as far as graduate school admission. Personally, I wouldn't do it.

Aspencolorado, it is not as difficult to get "a good job long distance" as you might think. They usually invite you for the interview (and even sometimes pay for the interview) if they think you're a good fit for the job. I got offered a job in California when I was in the East Coast. The most important thing is that you indicate your willingness to relocate.

I love soccer - - I'm a big England fan. Haven't gotten a chance to play recently, but that's what I watch mostly.

I'm no woman, but I don't see why academic economics would be "a difficult career path for women". I generally like to think that success in the world of academia is for the most part merit-based, and I don't see why it would be any more difficult for a woman if she has what it takes.

I am going through Simon & Blume myself. You should be fine! :)

SMH, you should definitely revise you math and econ (especially math). It doesn't mean you will flunk out if you don't, but it could really make life much easier if you do.

Buckykatt, I actually agree with you. If one, however, assumes that age = "time of entrance", then not all of us enter the market at the same time and the idea of first-mover advantage can be applicable.

I would imagine so! Ceteris paribus, I think younger people would have longer careers (and thus would be more prolific in terms of research output). I also heard somehere that your creativity peaks in your 20s. Not sure how true that is :).

If you re-take the GRE, then there is a chance that you might get a lower quant (and at the worst case scenario, a lower verbal as well). The perfect quant score is more important than an improved verbal score. I honesty don't see you being rejected or being denied financial aid because of a 550 on the GRE verbal. So, if I were you, I would focus on the more important aspects of your profile (like your math background). You can also submit a very good writing sample if at all you feel that your verbal score requires mitigation.

What is the bare minimum preparation (as far as math/stat) that is required to do well in first year econometrics courses? Is there any book (for preparation) that you guys recommend? Does math camp usually include refresher on the kind of math you might need for metrics? ~DismalScientist

Golden Rule and Asquare, thanks for the advice. Yes, I just wanted to make sure S & B was good enough to get me ready for the math camp (review) and to use as a general guide as I refresh the math that I haven't used in a year or so. Thanks again for your inputs. ~DismalScientist

I am in the middle of math review before I start the econ Ph.D. program this fall and I am using Simon & Blume as a general guide and I was just wondering how reliable you guys think this book is (or have found it to be) as far as preparing for the first year courses. Are there any important topics this book does not cover that you guys feel one must cover before emarking on the phd program? ~DismalScientist

MWG, I apologize if my tone was pretentious - but what's your point? Isn't g''(x) for n = 1 in the OP's example not continuous at x = 0?

Yes. And this makes sense because in your example the second derivative is not continuous at x = 0.

Exactly! You're still going to be a Ph.D. economist and I don't think it would be desirable for you to be shaky when it comes to macro. In fact, since undergrad and grad econ are not exactly the same, I would suggest taking the core courses before even deciding what you want to specialize in. That's just my opinion! ~DismalS

OneMoreEcon - this is a really good idea and you've done a very good job!

Yeah, MWG's response was real funny. It reminded me of this http://www.jimmyr.com/blog/Funny_Student_Exam_Answers_91_2007.php.

I agree with Buckykatt. I would think that a degree in Stats is a better fall-back plan than a degree in pure math if you decide at any time not to pursue a Ph.D. in economics and join the private sector. As far as preparation for the Ph.D. in econ, you can't go wrong either way and your choice should primarily be based on your taste.

Mustafa, I think you should tell us more about your math background (which relevant math courses you took and the grades your earned in those classes). Further, evaluating your profile would be a much easier task if we knew your GRE score (if you have taken the test). I don't think that work experience would count for much when it comes to Econ Ph.D. but I don't think that it is totally useless either. In any case, if you're sure that the Ph.D. in economics serves your career aspirations, then if you remedy some of your weaknesses, then I don't see why a top 50 would be impossible. Good Luck!

Zulkfal, your profile is very impressive, but you lack the mathematical background. Take those courses you're self-studying and get good grades in them. Then you should be able to get into most of those schools you're interested in. Again, apart from the lack of math, you're profile is excellent. Good Luck!

Youngeconomist, if living in a big city and making the big bucks meant living life to the fullest to me, I really wouldn't be quitting my job to go back to school. And if I were you, I would think real hard about becoming an academic if you equate those two. For me, academia is about FREEDOM. And I am thinking that most people would agree with me. I think most people aspiring to become academicians like the flexible schedule and the idea of getting paid for something you really love to do and most are satisfied (I would imagine) with the 'decent' salary that they earn. Pursuing a Ph.D. is more of an act of self-actualization than anything else - really! If you feel the way you feel just because you sometimes find the road to the world of academia challenging, I guess it is understandable. But if you feel that way because you don't find the experience not interesting enough, then maybe you should reconsider.