kkp318

Thanks for the help! It looks like it's between RA2 and LA2, so here are the course descriptions for both, as well as for LA1 (sorry I didn't think to post them earlier). Linear Algebra I Linear equations, matrices, inverses, and determinants. Vector spaces, rank, eigenvalues, and diagonalization. Applications to geometry and ordinary differential equations. Linear Algebra II Theory of vector spaces, linear transformations, and matrices. Quadratic and bilinear forms. Characteristic polynomials and the Cayley–Hamilton theorem. Similarity and Jordan canonical form. Real Analysis II Topics include: topology of Rn, derivatives of functions of several variables, inverse and implicit function theorems, multiple integrals, generalized Stokes’s theorem. I really appreciate the help from all of you.

I'm currently taking the first semester of Real Analysis, and have already taking a semester of Linear Algebra (as well as the obvious single and multi variable calculus). Next semester, I have the option of continuing on to the second semester of Real Analysis, taking the second semester of Linear Algebra, or taking Partial Differential Equations (I have not taken ODEs but they are not a pre-requisite and ODEs is not offered in the spring.). I'm wondering which of these classes people think would be the most helpful for getting into a top PhD Economics program, as I'm having trouble deciding, and can only take one of these courses. Thanks for the help!

I'm trying to decide between a research assistant position at the IMF and a research assistant position at the Federal Reserve Board. I'm wondering if anyone knows which of these two is supposed to be a better launching point for a PhD, or if admissions committees look at one more highly than the other. If you could explain a bit of your reasoning when giving your opinion that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm an undergrad at GW and have spoken to a few of the PhD students and taken some classes with them, they all seem to work part time. To be honest, a lot of these students seem to make quite a bit from tutoring undergrads for cash. I know one PhD student was telling me about a student who's dad offered him $1000 to make sure his son got a B in an introductory stats class. Also, GW's location makes it really easy to have a part time job and take classes, I've done this throughout my four years as an undergrad here, so it can only be easier for a PhD student. I also know the head of the PhD program at GW really advocates how much better our international economics program is compared to the other schools in the area. I don't know about other sections, but I know a lot of the professors are affiliated with the IMF/WB or the Fed, which could be beneficial in the long term.

I want to end up in the US after the PhD, so would you suggest I don't bother getting a PhD in the UK then? I've heard of people placing from the UK into US academia, but I wasn't sure how common it was. Thanks again for the help.

I'm planning to apply to PhD programs next year, and was considering some schools in the UK (Warwick, LSE, Oxford, Cambridge) along with some of the top 10 or 20 in the US. Does anyone know if there's an advantage to obtaining a PhD from the UK over the US or vice versa? I'm interested in IO and trade, and want to go into academia after I finish. Thanks for the help everyone!