SeanNY

In regards to reputation, one could argue that Duke is equal to Penn. However, I think there are some who think that Penn has a better reputation, while almost no one would argue that Duke does. So, while some may consider the two equal, there are others who consider Penn to be better, while I doubt there are many that think of Duke as the better of the two.

Penn. Ivy league reputation, amazing academics, great location, awesome professorial access/connections, and great research opportunities. Duke is by no means a slouch, but I really think that compared to Penn, it is a slight mismatch. I guess they are probably comparable on categories other than location and reputation, but these are two very important categories.

Mainly for a better economics department and change of scenery. I also think that being closer to larger urban areas will provide a greater number of opportunities and that there may also be better sources of undergraduate research (economics at least).

As far as undergraduate economics goes, how would you rank these schools? And how big is the gap in between them?

I have a question: How big of an advantage would an undergraduate degree from The University of Minnesota be compared to The University of Iowa? Or, The University of Iowa compared to The University of Maryland? Of course, at Maryland and Minnesota, there are better professors for better LORs, but is there a huge difference after this fact?

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: The University of Minnesota (B.S. Economics) Undergrad GPA: 3.56/4.00 (Last 60 credits: 3.94/4.00) GRE: Not yet taken (Projected/Practice - 800Q, 780 V) Math Courses: Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Differential Equations, Real Analysis, Optimization, Probability and Statistics. Economics Courses: Principles of Economics, Micro Theory, Macroeconomics, Money and Banking, Economic Growth, Industrial Organization, Econometrics, Mathematical Economics. Other Courses: Business, Philosophy, Psychology. Letters of Recommendation: Should be very good (planned - 1 Nobel Laureate, 1 Stanford PhD, 1 MIT PhD). Two are well-known, the other is relatively unknown. Research Experience: 2 years - Research Assistant, Senior Thesis. Teaching Experience: 1 year - Microeconomic Theory Tutor. Research Interests: Microeconomic and Game Theory. SOP: Should be good. Generally, a very good writer and plan to have quite a few faculty members review it. Other: Misdemeanor for Underage Drinking/Unlawful Use of Driver's License. Junior Transfer from The University of Iowa. Math GPA (3.74/4.00). Economics GPA (3.88/4.00) A few questions: 1) Do you think I have a good enough profile for a Top 10 PhD program? Top 5? MIT? 2) Would attending a Master's in Math program at a prestigious institution (i.e. NYU or Yale) improve my profile - assuming I perform adequately? 3) I was thinking about possibly attempting to get published before I apply, but exactly how helpful is this? 4) What other areas do you see room for improvement?

Jeeves and ImProcrastinating: Thank you for your input. I do enjoy math, and even though I may not complete all the requirements for an undergraduate math degree (I actually might too), I would still meet the admissions requirements and more at most programs with my undergraduate coursework. Mostly, I want to go to improve my mathematics, gain research experience, (hopefully) attend a prestigious math program, and in the end, to improve my admissions profile for PhD in Economics.

In the end, I may end up applying to some of my desired Ph.Ds and some top Mathematics programs with terminal MA/MS programs (NYU, Yale, Berkeley). That way, if I am not happy with the Ph.D acceptances, I always have that secondary path, or could choose to pursue it if I think I really want to as well.

Well, like I said, I partially want to do the Math Master's for my own personal purpose. However, I am wondering how Ph.D Economics programs will look at the Math degree?

What does everyone think of getting a Master's in Math? I was thinking that after I finish my B.S. in Economics, I could possibly get a M.S. or M.A. in Math before an Econ PhD. Partly to improve my mathematics performance and for admissions purposes. It would also help to compensate for a moderately low undergrad GPA (~3.6). Opinions?

I have a simple misdemeanor on my record (actually, it is technically two from the same incident). I was charged with a 'Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age,' and at the same time, 'Unlawful Use of a Driver's License.' It was during my freshman year of college and will be approximately 6 years before my application period (first one anyway). First, does anyone know if PhD programs require you to report this information? I know most graduate programs or undergraduate do. However, I know Law and Business schools which only require you to if it was within the past 5 years (Harvard Business being one). And second, how do you see it affecting the admissions process?

I am in a similar situation (Jr. transfer). Currently, I am at a mid-tier Big Ten school ranked in the 30s for Economics. My transfer options (pending acceptances) are: The University of Minnesota The University of Rochester The University of Maryland I am leaning towards Minnesota as my #1 choice, rather than Rochester. Mostly because they are closely ranked and I seem to find more advantageous features in the school and Minneapolis area. I also am considering tuition as a slight factor, even though my parents will cover most, if not all (UM ~$14K, UR ~$30K). There are a ton of things to really weigh and maybe if you haven't, take a visit to each campus!