HumblyHeterodox

I really blew it in my last semester as an undergrad. I had a 3.92 GPA and now I have a 3.76 GPA (with the summer, I can get it up to a 3.78). I was going to graduate Summa Cum Laude, but now I can only graduate Cum Laude! My econ GPA is 3.91 (decent, and with honors) and my math GPA is now 3.5 (horrible). The giant drop in GPA may be attributed to the C I just received in my discrete math course. At the time of my application to Ph.D. programs, I will have this mediocre undergrad GPA, hopefully a 4.0 for my econ Master's GPA, at least a 780/620/5.0 GRE score (can retake if necessary), three publications, and will serve as a research assistant for the next two years. I'll be coming from an average state university, however. And LORs should be fine. Math: Calculus I - III, Linear Algebra (elementary and advanced), Discrete (for my math minor), Diff. Equations, adv. real analysis, probability models, stochastic processes, and regression analysis. Do I still stand a chance at a top 30 school? top 50 school?

Palikari, thanks for the advice on going over to Europe (hadn't really even considered it beforehand)... but I wouldn't even stand a chance at getting scholarships to Oxford or Cambridge. I mean, keeping financial concerns out the picture, I would definitely 100% consider it. But reality doesn't operate like that... :( I did check out the program at UBC in both economics and statistics. And I am happy with what I saw. Financially, I believe it's do-able (woot!)... whether I am good enough to get in/financial aid is another question. By the way, what do you guys think about UBC overall? This is a new and exciting option for me! Okay, let me pitch you guys this little thought experiment: Let me lower my standards from Northwestern. What schools do you think I can potentially be admitted to with (a) a MS from UBC (math or econ) versus (b) a MS from Ill. State (math or econ). I'm really looking at the micro rankings on econphd.net: Rankings: Microeconomic Theory I really like the interdisciplinary approach Caltech takes with its doctoral programs. Rochester and Cornell both appear to have good research as far as experimental and game theory is concerned -- which is a big plus in my eyes.

I can get some pretty strong LORs from some well-researched professors here at my university (Housten, Oregon, Chicago, Pitt, Berkeley). How influential they would be, however, I can't answer. From what I've been reading, it appears that Econ MS programs here in the US are more applied (designed to mold people for business rather than academia), and aren't considered a stepping stone to Ph.D. programs. I won't argue that entering econ masters programs will garner you more LORs. Additionally, it seems that the math/statistics programs I've been looking at tend to have higher tolerance with respect to electives taken from other departments. Here come the trade-offs again: Doing a MS in math will allow me to take a few economics courses as electives, while also highlighting my mathematical aptitude to the ad. coms. However, doing a MS in economics will allow me to get more LORs from economists versus mathematicians, and I would be able to do a masters thesis directly correlated to economics -- rather than a math/stats one. Even if I were able to take one, maybe two tops, at Chicago, would the professor really be able to provide me with a strong enough recommendation (note: I would only have the first semester to get to know/ask the professor for a recommendation) to not be considered "generic." My brain is getting pretzel twisted by all of these possible routes. It hurts. You all have very valid, very sound points... the advice contributions are very much appreciated!

I actually looked at the Masters program in statistics at UChicago. Given that I did get in, would it really be worth it to plunge myself in that much debt? When I could get paid $950/month to get the same degree here at my state university... Okay, here's my game plan I think: I'll apply for the MS math (stats) programs at Ill. State, UIllinois, and UChicago (and maybe WUSTL, that way I can commute). And then based on the acceptances, I can make a more sound decision. Progress feels good. :tup:

Legality really isn't the issue here. They are simply stating that because it is an administrable psychological test, it has its shortcomings. The academic institutions themselves reserve the right to determine the definition of "fair evaluations." So, technically, assuming two individuals are identical in all aspects of the application except one scored +10 higher on the math portion, the institution will (a) either accept both students or (b) accept the one who scored higher. The GRE doesn't really matter all that much anyways as long as you pass their "threshold" score.

I'm looking to do my MS in mathematics or statistics (Note: if I do statistics, I'll be sure to include real analysis additionally). My hope is that this will put to rest any leeriness regarding my mathematical capabilities. I believe that it is in my best interest to do this; however, at which university to complete this degree is the question. Funding (at the cost of name recognition) versus no-funding (in place of gaining that name recognition and maybe a good reference or two along the way) is the biggest issue. Tough decisions! :hmm:

So here's the deal: I'm planning on graduating after three years with Illinois State with a BS in economics and a minor in mathematics. Right now I'm plagued with the task of trying to find the delicate balance between money and success. Keeping in mind that I've already accrued a substantial amount of debt, should I stay at Illinois State (where funding exists)? Or should I go to U Illinois--Champaign-Urbana where funding for the MS program is nonexistent? OR should I try for an even better place? I have a 3.9 GPA, honors thesis on the way, and the GRE shouldn't be a problem. Should I really be THAT concerned with the monetary commitment of other universities? My eventual goal is a doctorate in economics. Northwestern's program (because of its micro/experimental expertise) is my aim. Actually, Dr. Jeffrey Ely's research fits my interests to a tee. Thanks a lot everyone!

By the end of this year (including the summer), I will have Calculus I - III, Linear Algebra, Discrete, Real Analysis, and another class (differential equations, Applied Prob. Models, something). Would it be worth it to get the mathematics double major? Or would I have sufficient mathematical knowledge, and the wiser move would be to get my master's degree in economics? Which would give me more research experience and exposure to graduate level econ courses... Another plaguing issue: I know the reputation of the undergraduate institution does play a large role. Coming from a non-econ-phd-granting institution, will I be forever confined to a mediocre graduate school? Or is it possible to break into a Top 20 or Top 30 school.

I'm wanting to pursue my doctorate in economics; however, at this point in time there are several roads that I can take. Any helpful opinions will be invaluable! First of all, my stats: -Going into my junior year at Illinois State University -Pretty sure I can graduate Summa Cum Laude -Graduating with honors in economics (includes an independent honor's thesis) -Will be a TAing Fall & Spring semesters. Here are a few different roads I could take. Road #1: Finish out my full 4 years with a double major in economics and mathematics (minor in political science) with a fairly hefty loan amount. Road #2: Graduate a year early with only a B.S. in economics (minor in math). But then complete my masters in economics (at the same school - one year long) with full tuition waiver and a stipend. Road #3: Graduate a year early with with only a B.S. in economics (minor in math). Then complete my MS in Mathematics (at the same school - one year old - and granted I can get in) with full tuition waiver and a stipend. Road #4: Transfer to the University of Illinois -- Urbana-Champaign in the spring semester, where I would probably end up having to go an extra year and plunge myself further into debt. Road #5: Create your own. My goal is to maximize my chances of getting into the best possible graduate school (micro/experimental concentration) with the most funding possible given my current situation. I understand there are more variables to be taken into consideration, but we can we work around that for the time being, right? I really appreciate your help. Thank-you!