Pookness

I just love when a post is arguable - people will come out of the woodwork and post their perspective. I want to say thank you to everyone who posted on this thread, derailing or not, it has given me insight into this world that I have only begun to explore. I already have a subject matter that I want to research, young adult unemployment. It is the main reason why I want to do my PhD - to do research. Understanding that I am still in the exploratory phase of going down this path, are there other avenues I can explore to allow me to do research? I am pretty sure my expected MBA will not give me enough cred to win any grants/research $$. Thanks again! - Pookness

[h=2][/h] I am in a MBA candidate at UCLA Anderson who just completed my first year. I have really embraced academia and would like to explore the possibility of getting my PhD in Behavioral Economics. A little bit about me and why I am here: I am interested in studying how human behavior affects economics. I am in my mid-30's a bit older for a PhD program, I realize. I am not interested in a University job or teaching. Rather, I want to work in the field as an expert on the matter. I am likely interested in European Programs as the programs are shorter (I am already in my mid-30's) and because there are strong programs that support the fields I am interested in. My question to the forum are the following: 1. On a general level, do you think I will need to take the GRE's? I am hoping I do not have to study for another standardized test as I am currently in the Anderson program, which requires GMATs. 2. Is there unofficial bias against older PhD candidates? I understand the attrition rate is higher for older applicants. I wanted to get people who are in programs feelings about this matter. 3. What are the top European PhD programs for Behavioral Economics? I have already gone through the forum and noted the schools but the posts seem to be older. I'd like to get a fresh reply on the matter. Thank you!

Hello, this is my intro post to the forum. I am in a MBA candidate at UCLA Anderson who just completed my first year. I have really embraced academia and would like to explore the possibility of getting my PhD in Behavioral Economics. A little bit about me and why I am here: I am interested in studying how human behavior affects economics. I am in my mid-30's a bit older for a PhD program, I realize. I am not interested in a University job or teaching. Rather, I want to work in the field as an expert on the matter. I am likely interested in European Programs as the programs are shorter (I am already in my mid-30's) and because there are strong programs that support the fields I am interested in. My question to the forum are the following: 1. On a general level, do you think I will need to take the GRE's? I am hoping I do not have to study for another standardized test as I am currently in the Anderson program, which requires GMATs. 2. Is there unofficial bias against older PhD candidates? I understand the attrition rate is higher for older applicants. I wanted to get people who are in programs feelings about this matter. 3. What are the top European PhD programs for Behavioral Economics? I have already gone through the forum and noted the schools but the posts seem to be older. I'd like to get a fresh reply on the matter. Thank you!