jbulka22

I took Real Analysis over Summer at my university (very similar ranking to UCLA). It was certainly intense, and I definitely would not take any other classes at the same time. That being said, I studied hard and was literally one question away on any of the exams from receiving a straight up A in the class. So as long as you focus your time and energy into that, you should be fine.

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Top 10 Public (Top 35 Econ), BA Economics & Mathematics Undergrad GPA: 3.55 (3.91 Econ/Math, 3.8 since start of Junior Year) Type of Grad: N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: V: 159 Q: 164 AWA: 5.0 Math Courses: Calc III (A), Discrete Math (A), Diff Eq (A), Real Analysis I (A-), Probability (A), Linear Algebra II (A-) Econ Courses (grad-level): N/A Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro (A-), Micro (A), Macro (A-), Honors Game Theory (A), Econ Stats (A), Econometrics (A), I/O (A) Other Courses: MATLAB Programming (A) Letters of Recommendation: 2 from Economists, 1 from Mathematician. Should all be good. Research Experience: Spent a semester and a summer as an RA for 2 Finance Professors Teaching Experience: N/A Research Interests: Macro, Asset Pricing, Econometrics, Micro Theory SOP: Standard Concerns: Not much research experience, no graduate-level coursework Other: Applying to: Northwestern, UPenn, Wharton AE, Yale, UCLA, UCSD, Duke, Carnegie Mellon, Texas, Boston, Wisconsin, WUSTL, Rochester Simon Finance, UNC Kenan-Flagler Finance, Arizona State, Southern Cal

I've recently talked with some faculty about where I should be applying (Finance programs), etc. Some seemed to suggest that my 164Q on the GRE could cause me trouble during the application process. However, I have a very hard time believing this because this corresponds to a 790 on the old scoring system and I couldn't imagine someone nixing an applicant because they got a 790 on the GRE Quant. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

I've recently talked with some faculty about where I should be applying, etc. Some seemed to suggest that my 164Q on the GRE could cause me trouble during the application process. However, I have a very hard time believing this because this corresponds to a 790 on the old scoring system and I couldn't imagine someone nixing an applicant because they got a 790 on the GRE Quant. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Can anyone provide any insight as to the quality/ranking of UNC Kenan-Flagler's Finance Ph.D. program? Specifically for Asset Pricing and Market Microstructure. Thanks in advance!

I'm currently in the process of applying to Ph.D. programs in Economics and Finance, but I'm having second thoughts. I don't find Corporate Finance interesting in the least, and I know Finance Ph.D. programs require you to take a sequence in it. Especially since you can always specialize in Finance in an Economics Ph.D. program, I wanted an opinion on whether I should just apply to Economics programs in place of Finance programs. In addition, my interests are Asset Pricing, Macro (specifically Macro-Finance), and Financial Econometrics. In addition, I would rather obtain a tenure-track position at a B-School instead of an Economics department, ceteris paribus. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks imadeit, do you have any recommendations on reputable MSc Finance Programs? I'm only familiar with Econ ones such as UBC, BGSE, Bocconi, etc.

This question is mainly directed at those with exposure to graduate-level classes. I understand that empirical work relies heavily on econometric testing, but what is theoretical research rooted in? From skimming a graduate-level Micro textbook it seems like a lot of the theory is akin to mathematical analysis. I'm asking because I think I'd be more interested in theoretical work rather than empirical if it is actually more mathematical in nature as I've been led to believe. Specifically, if someone could speak to how empirical and theoretical research differ in Macro & Asset Pricing, that'd be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

So, does anyone have a general idea of what kind of schools my profile will be competitive at for Finance?

wittmic, No I haven't asked, but what kind of letter would come from doing solely data collection? I'd assume not a great one.

If you don't have anybody to write you letters now, it might be a good idea to wait a year and RA somewhere in the meantime before applying. That opens up this entire academic year to try and forge relationships with faculty. Also, try inquiring about research opportunities with professors by e-mail, you'd be surprised at how many are willing to help.

I don't think you'll have a problem going T20, but letters can make all the difference. Ask one of your letter writers where they think you'll place and where you should apply, they can give a much better estimate than anyone on here. Also, as a side note, you can still get strong letters from Professors that don't know your research capabilities, its really just a matter if they go to bat for you or not.

Thanks for your quick reply. I understand what you're saying about rankings being secondary to interests, but I really don't have too much of a clue on where I could place. And obviously, I would like to go to the best school possible. That's the reason I ask.

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Math/Econ Double Major; Econ Dept ranked ~30, Math Dept ranked ~30, B School ranked ~20 Undergrad GPA: 3.55, 3.93 GPA in major (4.0 in Math) Type of Grad: N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: Haven't taken it yet, expect to do well. Been studying a lot. Math Courses: Multivariable Calc (A), Discrete Math (A), Diff Eq (A), Real Analysis I (A), Linear Algebra (Fall), Probability (Fall) Econ Courses (grad-level): N/A Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro (A-), Intermediate Micro (A), Intermediate Macro (A-), Economic Statistics (A), Honors Game Theory (A), Econometrics (A), Industrial Organization (Fall) Other Courses: MATLAB Programming (A) Letters of Recommendation: Assoc Prof in Econ Dept (relatively well known in his field, should be strong), Full Prof in Math Dept (should be strong), Asst Prof from Econ Dept (should be strong as well) Research Experience: 1 semester RA for Kellogg Finance Ph.D. (only data collection), current RA for Wharton Finance Ph.D. (only data collection as of right now) Teaching Experience: N/A Research Interests: Asset Pricing SOP: Standard Concerns: My RA experience is very basic, only data collection really. Plus, I'm not going to have a letter from one of the Prof's i did research under (is this a red flag?). Other: Applying to: That's my question. Not to be conceited, but I'm confident I will be able to get A's in Probability, Linear Algebra, and IO in the Fall. If this is the case, what schools (as well as what range) should I target? Also, should I leave my RA experience off my CV if none of my letters speak to it? In addition, my GPA was much higher this past year (about 3.75) when I took all my Math classes since I started the major late, than it was in the previous two (about 3.4). Don't know if that carries any weight or not. Thanks in advance for any input, much appreciated.

I'm in need of some advice on what two math courses I should take in my final semester of undergrad. Specifically, I'd like to know what courses will help me in the fields of Macroeconomics, Finance, and Econometrics (my research interests are still relatively broad at this point). Already taken: Calc 3, Discrete Math, Diff Eq, Real Analysis I (1st half of Rudin's book) Taking in Fall: Linear Algebra, Probability Options for Spring: Real Analysis II (2nd half of Rudin's book), Mathematical Statistics, Numerical Analysis, Topology, Modern Algebra, Complex Analysis, Modern Algebra, 2nd Course in Diff Eq's Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Just a quick question regarding which Professor I should do research for. One thing to keep in mind is that I plan on applying to mostly Ph.D. Economics programs but also a few Ph.D. Finance programs. Prof A: Finance Prof who did their Ph.D. at The Wharton School (T20-15 B School). Seems like they are very well known, and already has me doing some work. Prof B: One of the most respected Economics Prof's at my school (~30 ranking). It was recommended that I contact them by an Assistant Prof because their letter will hold a good amount of weight, assuming I get one. Essentially, I guess I am asking if the Finance Prof's letter will hold weight when applying to Economics programs. If not, I feel like doing research for the Economics Prof will be a better bet, since you can always specialize in Finance in an Economics program but you can't specialize in something like Macro in a Finance program. Any advice is appreciated.

I would recommend two things. When you are studying your notes, make sure everything makes sense intuitively before you move on to practice problems. Then do as many problems as you can, the best way to learn how to do different types of proofs is by exposure.

I was wondering if taking an Econ course P/F will reflect poorly on a transcript. It is an honors-level Game Theory course with a professor teaching his first undergrad course. Everyone in the class is lost, the professor is awful, and the textbook is irrelevant to what we are doing. So how much would a P/F hurt my application? In addition the pass/fail date is before our first exam, so I can't wait to see how I do.

I'm currently enrolled in an Honors Game Theory class this semester. Our first exam is the day after the pass/fail deadline so I need to make a call before then. Literally everyone in the class is lost. Awful professor teaching his first undergrad course, useless textbook, and problem sets that don't match up with the notes. I was just wondering if pass/failing this class would reflect poorly on a transcript and if I should take my chances?

I also threw in applications at more schools from 15-30 (Rochester, Maryland, Texas, WUSTL), just forgot to write them down.

I guess my main question is how much do my Math grades bolster my application? My overall GPA isn't as stellar as some other applicants, but my Math GPA is very high. I would like a 2nd opinion regarding whether the schools I applied to are appropriate. Any feedback is appreciated. In addition, my GPA over my Junior and Senior years is a 3.75. Type of Undergrad: UNC-Chapel Hill Undergrad GPA:3.52 GRE: Q168 V150 AWA4.0 Math Courses: Calc III (A), Discrete Math (A-), Diff Eq (A), Complex Functions (A), Modern Algebra (A), Probability (A), Linear Algebra (A), Real Analysis (A-) Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro to Econ (A-), Intermediate Micro (A), Economic Statistics (A), Intermediate Macro (A-), Honors Game Theory (B+), Econometrics (A), Public Finance (A), International Economics (A) Letters of Recommendation: Harvard PhD, Kellogg Finance PhD, and either an Economist or Mathematician from UNC. Research Experience: Currently doing research for an MIT Finance Professor and a recent Harvard Econ Ph.D. Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Macro, Metrics SOP: Pretty standard Applying to: Harvard, Northwestern, UPenn, Columbia, Minnesota, UCLA, UCSD, Brown, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Boston, Johns Hopkins, UVA, UC-Davis, UNC

I've just started doing some RA work with two different professors (coauthors for the same paper). One is an economist at an international school who's department, ranking wise, is comparable to Penn State. The other author I am working for is a finance professor at MIT Sloan. Since I am pursuing a Ph.D. in economics, should I list that my RA work was done under the economist at a lesser school? Or a finance professor from a world-renowned institution (albeit a business school)? Any advice is appreciated.

I'm having a bit of a struggle determining what distribution of schools I should apply to. I think my profile could be competitive for the top 20, but then again I really don't have too much of an idea. Type of Undergrad: Top 5 Public University (Public Ivy), Econ+Math Double Major Undergrad GPA: 3.54 GRE: 169Q, 160V, 5.0W Math Courses (Math GPA 4.0): Calc III, Diff Eq, Discrete, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Probability, Topology, Elements of Modern Algebra Econ Courses (All Undergrad Level, Econ GPA 3.8): Intro to Econ, Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, Honors Game Theory, Econometrics, Public Finance, Economic Statistics, Health Economics Letters of Recommendation: One from the Prof I did research under, one from Econ Prof, one from Math Prof. Research Experience: One semester and summer as an RA. Economist I worked under is a recent Harvard grad, not too well known. Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Microeconomics and/or Econometrics. SOP: Probably what people would deem as your average Econ SOP. Concerns: GPA was brought down by two Gen Ed classes I didn’t do too hot in, but my in-major GPA is still relatively strong Applying to: Need help deciding, probably 7-8 from the top 20 including 1 from the top 5, another 3 from the 20-30 range Also, I have experience with both STATA and MATLAB. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!