TradeTalisman

I think you should definitely send the first score,a 170Q in Math would definitely get you into top 10 school in Econ. Also, could you give me some tips how you studied for Verbal section of the GRE, being an international student. Those are some really impressive scores!! Congrats!!

If you don't mind me asking, what programs are you applying to??

I am an international student too taking the GRE in November; was the verbal really that tough??

Congrats on the aweesome score Nitesh!! Do you think shorter wordlists like Verbal grail/Manhattan ones would be enough to get 160 > on Verbal??

I got a 330/340 and thinking of retaking it to get into top 40 :dejected:

I would say taking Phd Micro and doing some Research ( independent or otherwise) would be the way to go. I have similar grades in Math classes as yours; but since you are from a top tier Canadian University, I guess you have a better shot to be at top 10-30 range schools and I won't bother about retaking the Math classes. I guess it is better if you could focus more time on research.Also don't forget, GRE scores are important as well. Best of Luck!!

It really depends on the rest of your profile. I believe posting in the PhD Economics forum would be the right way to go as you get many helpful reviews and tips. As for the GRE score, Congrats on the awesome score on the Quantitative section but I guess a little bit higher on the verbal will significantly improve your chances at Top-25. Also, if it helps, you can check out my profile for pointers as I would be applying to the Econ-Phd Program as you for the 2014- cycle ( not top 25 of course, more of the 30-50 range). Best of Luck!!

Don't worry Amanda, I believe you can improve your score significantly ( especially in Verbal).The Revised GRE is not so much about word-memorizing anymore; it has more to do about understanding and critical reasoning (especially the RC questions). Try the GRE Verbal Grail book; I believe it is an excellent preparation for RC questions and as far as I know about the GRE verbal structure , 20 out of the 40 verbal questions are from RC. As for the Math part, I guess reviewing a bit more ( I would recommend NOVA's GRE prep) and you could easily cross the 165 > mark. Best of luck for October!!

Also, I am finishing my graduate studies from the same institution I came as an undergrad ( I am an international student). I had offer from better universities while applying during my undergrad but my current institution was the one offering me a full ride for 4 years :victorious:

Thanks so much Yankeefan and Javy001; I highly appreciate your valuable insights and comments. With the intense level of competition and burgeoning amount of high profile candidates from way much better schools than mine,it is prudent to temper my expectations I guess. I would be lucky to get into top-20-30; but as you guys pointed out, 30-50 range schools would fit for me nicely along with my research interests. Any ideas which top 30-50 schools are good in trade and have nice placements? As for the GRE, I am happy with my current scores I guess; but as sulebrahim said, if u can, boost it up!! And again..really appreciate the inputs!!

Hi folks, For all the GRE connoisseurs out there, any advice on how to get a 165 and above on GRE verbal from your experience{ books to follow, study plan, etc.}. I am a non-native English speaker but do have a good grasp on the English Language ( Undergraduate from US College).I have a time-window of about say 3 months to prepare.

Thanks a lot sulebrahim; I think/hope I can get a 170Q and higher verbal because to be candid with you, my current GRE scores are from an exam given perfunctorily ( with 15 days prep).. just gave it on a hunch to see where I stand. As always, those grad Math classes are "itch factors" :sorrow:

Just wondering... if a standout GRE score, something in the range say l170Q/166V would help me break the top 30 barrier??

Congrats on the great score Leon!! Any tips on how to prepare for the verbal {books you followed, etc..}

I don't think saying a NO about able to fund your education is going to hurt your chances because most of the competitive incoming students are fully funded. If you put on YES, you might get into some schools which were not willing to fund you otherwise; but then again if you are good enough, I guess you will be funded anyways, regardless of what you put on the application. Best of Luck. I am applying to the 2014 cycle as well, keeping fingers crossed about funding.