dsgn09

Lol, back to attacking me. What a great way to spend the holiday. Never knew I could make someone so angry talking about something that hardly involves either one of us. :notworthy

As far as the LSE goes, I was referring to this link: EDIT: REMOVED, I WAS WRONG Sorry for the war of words, truly out of character for me, and I don't mean to cause trouble. Just trying to help. Merry Christmas.

Is it my interpretation? Or is it simple inference over the string of negativity evidenced in your posts here? The commonality of your condescension is obvious in nearly every post of yours that I come across. Regardless, I don't think that this conversation is entirely necessary. You're obviously a bull-headed individual, who is unlikely to concede when they are being obviously 'holier than thou.' It's not like I'm sitting here, scratching my butt, thinking, "oh, I'm going to lead this guy down the wrong path in life because I'm sure he is going to listen to every word I have to say and follow it like gospel." I wouldn't be that careless, nor naive. Instead, I would think that the OP would like to know EVERY option they have infront of them, the pro's and con's (which I in fact stated) of these paths, so that the OP can adequately decide for themselves which path to take. I'm really not sure what is wrong with that.

Deleted.

OP asked about breaking into top-15 schools, and how to get there with his current profile. I said one ALTERNATIVE would be to try to get a funded MSc in a difficult program. Judging by his background, and his grades, doing so might be feasible. I never suggested that he SHOULD do this, but it is a path that someone could take if they wanted to move from 15-30 to top-15. IF THEY REALLY WANTED TO. And frankly, if you have the time and the money and don't mind the opportunity cost of forgoing a PhD now, why you wouldn't want to brush up on your math skills and make sure that you are a top student, all while boosting your chances at getting into a top-notch school which you otherwise might not have been able to. Obviously, the best track for the OP is to apply to PhD programs, as everyone in this thread has suggested. Now, if the OP isn't confident with their ability in theory, then most people I know would recommend not taking a ridiculously rigorous set of PhD courses intended for those who want to have a future in academia. Obviously the high ranking jobs want the best and the brightest, but i'd assume they also don't want mediocrity. EME is a very tough program. It can be one or two years, and they will decide for you depending on your background in math. I don't know the intricacies of the selection process, so I would be lying if I told you the truth. I would suggest doing some research around the forums; some people here have been in these programs and could give you more accurate advice. I would agree that Harvard's MPA/ID is not the best prep for a PhD, but honestly, only you know what you want to do with your life. Regardless of what advice you get here, you have a good profile, and are obviously heading for success. I would just be sure that a PhD is really what you want to do before you invest not only your time, but potentially a good bit of money too.

I agree with most of what has been said here. 15-35 is the range I would suggest for you. While to most people B's in Analysis are not a bad thing, they might convey to adcom's that you are perhaps not ready for the rigors of PhD caliber theory, especially since they were in 'honors' level RA. Also, the fact that you haven't had any grad-level course work to say otherwise works against you, not for you. That said, I would pick one or two 10-15's that really match your interests, and that you think you could make a good case for, just to try; however, a majority of your choices should be within 15-35, and that's probably where your best chances are for funding. Another option for you would be to go for a top-level MSc that is super math-heavy, and then shoot for a top-10; which could be doable with your profile, it would just cost a bit more money. Ideas would be LSE EME, UToronto Doc Stream, or Yale IDE. LSE and Toronto give funding for these tracks, have solid faculty from top schools, and could boost your profile quite a bit. Not sure about Yale, but it's worth a shot.

It's hard to say, since we don't know your location. Also, from my research into non-degree classes, you're gonna pay a pretty penny regardless of where you go really, if you want to attend a top school. Personally, I would say just go to your state school as you could get in-state tuition. I'd imagine that doing really well (A's) in the classes you mentioned would help your profile, but don't be surprised if adcoms still see your community college background as a setback. In fact, I would suggest transferring to the state university if at all possible, or trying to transfer to a top school and apply for a bunch of scholarships and need-based aid. Many notable people have done this (President Obama, for example), and if you work your butt off, it could pay off. All this being said, you need to get top grades, and make some connections with some of your professors who have PhD's. Also, look into finding a RA position if at all possible. It's unfortunate, but spending so much time in a community college can really set you back despite getting largely the same education. I'm in a similar situation, only i'm from a 2nd tier state university (one or two notches above your position). Wherever you go, you FOR SURE need to do really well in your math classes, on your GRE, and possibly fit in some grad-level coursework. Hope this helps, good luck.

I'll take a look at the canadian schools. I honestly just never thought I would have a chance.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I've talked to some friends who have taken grad courses as undergrads, and have complained about how hard it was. I honestly plan on doing maybe one or two courses in econ, and a couple grad-level math courses. That's what I am more interested in doing before applying. Simply because I feel my profile in particular could use help in math specifically. I'm not too worried about my econ background; but I am wanting to get into a decent masters program, and right now I need something in my profile that says i'm up to the task.

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably look into it if I can swing it financially.

So, I am hoping to apply for the Fall 2014 cycle for either an M.A. or an M.Sc. in hopes of counteracting my low undergrad GPA. I have done well in my last two years, and am taking a lot of math to finish my undergrad. I plan on taking Diff. Eqn's, Applied Stats, and Real Analysis non-degree post-bac from a university wherever I move to. Is it possible for me to enroll in grad level econ or math courses non-degree? If so, how is this viewed by adcoms? I've noticed in some of the profile/results threads that some people seem to have taken grad-level courses but are still applying to grad programs, that's why I ask.

I'll look into the MDP program. I just wonder if looking to europe would be a better choice for me, or if I should go to a relatively safe school like UIC or Washington St.

Thanks for the comments. I will look into my options abroad and reevaluate my US schools. I would love to go to Berkeley or Yale for my MA, I just don't know if it is remotely possible to get in at this point, given my grades.

I want to pursue a PhD in Econ, with a focus in Development Economics. However, I want to use an M.A. or M.Sc. as a stepping-stone to my PhD. I plan on applying in the 2014 cycle, so that I can boost up my math credentials and gain some research experience. By time I apply, my profile will look similar to the one I have posted below (items in light grey are classes I have not taken yet). I just want some advice and thoughts on a few of the schools I am interested in. I have ten schools in mind: University of San Francisco IDEC (M.A.) University of Oregon (M.A.) American University (M.A.) George Mason (M.A.) Fordham (M.A.) Barcelona GSE (M.Sc.) Barcelona GSE (M.Sc. ITFD) Queen Mary's (M.Sc.) Toulouse School of Economics (M.Sc.) Bocconi (M.Sc.) Any thoughts on these schools? Any other programs that might be better suited for my desires to pursue development? I want to go to a school with the best PhD placement possible, although I'm sure that goes without saying.

Advice from anyone? I don't mean to bump my thread..