toshidoinwork

Yeah I realized that it won't be too useful. I didn't know Rutgers was a top 50 (i think thats what you were implying). It's way too early in the game for me to start looking for other options. I still have a year and a half before I should start considering my options. Thanks again applicant12, I will be shifting my focus towards the upcoming semester and I need to read some books on game theory.

I completely agree. I didn't think Calc 2 was difficult had an A average going into the final, just didn't review enough for the final because of other exams I needed to prepare for, still no excuse for not getting an A. The only issue I'm facing as far as RA experience is that Rutgers has a surplus of graduate students and its nearly impossible to get a research opportunity. I guess I should look to faculty at other schools.

I see what you're saying. You're right, it all depends on what you end up doing in graduate school and how productive your research is/was. Not sure how to define hardcore but I based on the fact that Calculus II for engineers has 2nd highest failure rate (second to Organic Chemistry), I would argue the course was difficult (not the material). I'll try to ease off with the planning and just do well in my classes. Thanks for the advice. I realized Masters would be a waste considering that it's more applied than theoretical. Anyone has suggestions for what I can do to get research experience?

I completely understand what you (chateauheart) and to2012 are saying. I'd say that I haven't given my 100 percent at this point because of many extracurricular activities. The reason why getting into the top 5 is my goal is the fact that I would have many more options if I get admission into the top 5 schools. I believe it's fair to say that an individual who can get into a top 5 will also get into schools in the top 5-100 (generally speaking). Just an update: Overall GPA: 3.386 Statistics/Mathematics: 3.6666666667 (Calc II was changed to a B+ but still has potential to be changed to an A because I need to look over my final exam. Might be mistakes since they rush through these exams) Economics: 3.9

Thank you Catrina for your response. I really never thought about that. I will speak to my advisor and see if that is an option. As of now, the courses I plan on taking in economics are 2 Game Theory courses (maybe I can ask to take one Game Theory undergrad course and one grad course), 2 econometrics courses (econometrics, and advanced econometrics) and this one research course which entails doing a research project and a thesis paper. I might have one or two more courses left to fill not sure. I will be taking a LOT of statistics courses along with the courses you suggested. As far as GPA goes, if it isn't sufficient by the end of junior year, would you suggest I apply to master's programs as well and improve my chances through a masters program (assuming my goal is to get into a top 5 school). Thanks again Catrina.

Oh one other question, I noticed that masters programs have quite a deal of overlap with the first year of most Phd programs. For those of you who completed a masters degree and then went on to a Phd program, were you credits/units from your masters degree transferred into the Phd program? Did you not have to take the core courses your first year?

Hello, I am an undergraduate student at Rutgers University and I just finished the fall semester of my sophomore year. I am a Statistics-Mathematics major and an Economics major. I plan on applying to a Phd program down the road and aspire to go to a top 5 school. GPA (rough numbers, error of .01 or .02) Overall - 3.30 Statistics - Mathematics: 3.5 Economics - 3.9 Mathematics Courses: Intro to Computer Science (a requirement for the major) B+ , Differential Calculus (A), Integral Calculus (B) - I need to get that grade checked because I believe there is a mistake and it has the second highest failure rate at Rutgers University as far as undergraduate courses go. Economics: Introduction to Microeconomics and Macroeconomics; Intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics - All A's. Financial Accounting (an elective outside of the major that I took) B+. I realize my GPA is sub-par so I have a few questions in regards to what I should do at this point. 1) Should I consider doing Masters in Economics so I can better represent myself? 2) Where should I look for research opportunities? Rutgers has a great research program but there are a surplus of graduate students so undergraduate students don't get the opportunity to work with the researchers. I plan on applying to the Federal Reserve and if that works out, that will be great but I don't want to count on that working out. 3) I am on a pretty tight schedule as far as what classes I should take in economics and Mathematics. I was debating over changing my Economics major to a minor so I could take a few graduate courses in economics (something related to Game Theory because that's where my research interests are). Which do you suggest? I don't remember the rest of my questions at the moment but I would appreciate any help you guys/girls have for me. Thanks again. (If there is any information that I haven't provided that would help better assess the situation, please PM me)