katy10

Hello all- Recently I've become interested in development economics/politics and economics and thought about going for a PhD in economics with something of that nature as my research field. However, I just graduated college (Cornell University), with a decent GPA (3.6ish) and a BS in Policy Analysis and Management. I took lots of Economics courses and always found them the most interesting of all my classes, but only took minimal math courses (calculus, statistics, multivariable analysis required for my major, but nothing more) and I know that a strong math background is necessary to have a shot at any of the top PhD programs. Would it make more sense for me to look into taking math courses to strengthen my background (I live in the boston area, so there are lots of places I could potentially study), or look into a masters program in economics (I've heard there aren't too many of those now, most places require you to apply to the PhD and don't offer separate masters tracks). Also, if I'm not planning to go to school for at least another year or two, when should I take the GRE? Will schools frown upon me taking the GRE soon and then using test scores that are a year old at the time of my application?