econbs

I am trying to figure out a way to start thinking about a research topic for my senior thesis. I really have no idea where to start investigating - I haven't even decided on an area of economics, but either applied micro or game theory sound appealing. How did you come up with your first research topic in college?

So, I am a sophomore in college and I am taking a masters level statistics class. Thing is I am one of only a couple undergrads in a class of 50+, and we use the same textbook as in the PhD Econometrics course, so it's quite a difficult, proof-based class. I did not have enough time to commit to studying and I messed up really badly on the midterm, in addition to not turning in one homework assignment. The only exam left is the final, which will count for 50% of my final grade, but so far I am really behind in the class. My professor says that maybe I should drop the class, and another econ professor says I definitely should drop it and not worry about it. However, after reading up on this forum, I feel like dropping the class is a horrible signal to the adcoms, and I should avoid it at all costs. If I stay in the class, I will have to work very hard for a B (which I would be very fine with), but it's likely that I would get a C. So far, I have done rather poorly in math/stats, but I did take the hardest classes I could find. So, my question is: should I minimize the damage and drop the class, or should I stick with it and risk a bad grade? Would dropping eliminate any chance for top 10-20 programs, given that so far I have an average GPA? Thanks in advance for your advice.

it makes perfect sense now. thank you so much.

I changed the name of the variables so that it's only in y and x; I was too tired last night to pay attention. I really hope that someone can clarify this to me. I realize the problem is easy, but for some reason I just can't get the picture right, so could anyone please help?

Could anyone help me plot this utility function for goods x and y for a given level of utility u? u(x,y) = min(x,y) if y u(x,y) = y/2 if y>2x The second branch is really tripping me up. I realize it's a straight horizontal line, but at what height? Thanks in advance.

this thread might be helpful: http://www.www.urch.com/forums/phd-economics/69327-introductory-econometrics-textbook.html Edit: maybe this is slightly off topic...oh well

So, my college has a statistics prerequisite for the econometrics course. However, I really hated my stats course (both the professor and the textbook were boring), so does anyone know a textbook for introductory econometrics for which I don't really need to know statistics in advance (I am going to take another, more advanced stats course concurrently)?

I prefer www.bestwebbuys.com, as it compares prices over most of the online retailers.

I can't really recall, but doesn't University of Chicago have a ridiculously high grade deflation? Does anyone know the GPA cutoffs for latin honors there, along with the corresponding percentages of the class?

sorry if the question is trivial, but I was wondering if getting into a top master's program (especially terminal master's, like financial engineering) is as competitive as getting into a top PhD program? And does admissions to master's degrees discriminate against kids who need financial aid?

great responses! thank you so much

I know there is another page with this topic, but no one visits it....so: Does a PhD in Business have the same requirements as a PhD in Economics? Do you still need a really high GPA (are b-schools gpa whores?), take as many math courses as you can (is real analysis a "must"?), do research as an undergrad? What kind of math do you require, especially in finance and decision sciences? Do your EC's in college or work experience in ibanking/consulting count at all in admissions? thanks a bunch

Does a PhD in Business have the same requirements as a PhD in Economics? Do you still need a 4.0 GPA, take as many math courses as you can (is real analysis a must?), do research as an undergrad? What kind of math do you require, especially in finance and decision sciences? Do your EC's in college or work experience in ibanking/consulting count at all in admissions? thanks a bunch

thank you all! i was actually looking for something for next summer, so the info is great.

Does anyone know about any other summer programs in economics other than the AEA Summer program?