Walnutia

Hello everyone! I just wanted to thank you all for being so incredibly helpful. This information provided by this forum has been indispensable throughout the application process. I wanted to know whether you had any suggestions about the benefits gained from attending the Msc LSE program for a year vs. working at the Fed in regards to getting into a top 10 phd program. To tell you a little about myself, the highest ranking phd program I was accepted into this application cycle was Wisconsin-Madison. However, due to a variety of factors, I have decided that the program wouldn't be a good fit. My math background is relatively basic (Calc 1, Calc 2, Multivariable Calculus, Differential Eqn and Linear Algebra, Probability Theory (all A's) and by the end of this year, I will have finished an advanced Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, and Statistics) and I have had extensive RA experience (mostly grunt work). On the one hand, I think working at the Fed would be great because it would give me a chance to take more classes and to get additional LOR from economists. On the other hand, I'm not sure whether this holds as much clout as a masters degree from LSE. It seems the effect of the LSE Msc Economics program and working at the Fed can be hit or miss. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!