whereami

While I can't vouch for reputation of either of these programs, these are the two that I've taken classes through: https://is.lsu.edu/home.asp?level=CO&online=0&nid=101 I took Calc 3 and Linear Algebra through LSU. They were 'Independent' study. There were something like 18 units, and I could submit homework for up to 3 units per week. There were two exams for each (IIRC). There were no video lessons or slides, just a booklet that was put together, but most of the learning was done via textbook. Online Degree Completion Programs - Indiana University East I've taken Diff Eq, Bridge to Abstract Math, and Real Analysis through Indiana U East. They were all good classes. Very well taught, in my opinion, although Diff Eq could have been a bit more challenging. I went with both of these mostly based on price and feasibility, but like I said, I'm not sure how AdComs would view them as opposed to the same courses at another university. PM if you want any more details.

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BS Business Admin, Minor in Econ from a decent state university, online courses from different state university Undergrad GPA: 3.72 Type of Grad: N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: 166A/164Q/5.0 Math Courses: Calc I/II/III (A/A+/A), Matrices & Linear Equations (B), Linear Algebra (A), Bridge to Abstract Math (A), Real Analysis (A), Elementary Computational Methods (A+), Differential Equations (A) Econ Courses (grad-level): N/A Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro to Micro/Macro, Intermediate Micro (A+), Inter. Macro (A+), Prices and Profits (A), Intro to Econometrics (A), International Economics (A) Other Courses: International Finance (A), Debt Securities Analysis (A), Advanced Portfolio Management (A), Financial Risk Management (A+) Letters of Recommendation: 3 Finance professors (one with Econ Ph.D), should be decent Research Experience: N/A Teaching Experience: Tutoring graduate and undergrad finance students Research Interests: Macro, Public, Development SOP: Should be pretty standard. Will be sending in 4 transcripts, so I will probably explain that. Otherwise, most of the body will be standard, and the school- and research-specific parts will vary. Concerns: No research experience, no grad-level econ courses. My math and econ classes come from 4 different undergrads (including study abroad), so a lot of noise. I'm hoping that my solid grades in math and my decent GRE score will give me a boost. Other: I'm feeling pretty unsure about where (or whether) I'll get accepted, so I'm applying all across the spectrum (T20 thru T60) Applying to: Cornell (looong shot), OSU, U Virginia, Boston College, U Pitt, U Washington, Georgetown, CU Boulder, Syracuse, U of Oregon, Stony Brook, George Washington

I just have a few questions regarding the above. 1) Is it a good idea to contact Ph.D programs with questions prior to the application season? 2) Is it looked upon favorably that you are showing interest, asking smart questions, etc... or is it not really considered in admissions decisions? 3) If you have contacted a program in the past, what are some questions you have asked (placement results, strength of subject areas, etc...) At the moment, I don't have any specific questions for any programs. There seems to be quite a bit of homogeneity amongst the programs as far as program structure, and I haven't developed my research interests enough yet to have more specific questions regarding research and whatnot. I just want to know if, like with applying for a job, it helps to show interest apart from the fact that you applied.

That actually gives me a bit of hope, hearing someone say they are doing this. I actually emailed the dept. chair of the university I mentioned, and he said he has a project I could help with. I don't know any more than that, but I'll take it. And yeah, I can't say that I'm thrilled at the thought of working for free, but I'll take it, as long as I can make it work with a full time job. How is your experience so far? Are you doing your own research, or are you more just doing some of the grunt work for that professor? Do you feel like its beneficial, or a good learning experience? Are you hoping to get a letter or rec out of it?

That's sort of what I was thinking. My biggest problem, however, is that I have literally NO research experience (haven't taken research methods class, very little statistical experience), so I'm finding it hard to get an RA job. I've applied to probably a dozen. Has anybody had any luck getting research experience outside of school? I'm thinking of emailing the dept. chair of the local university to see if they have anybody who could use an RA.

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BS Business Admin, Minor in Econ from a decent state university, online courses from different state university Undergrad GPA: 3.67 Type of Grad: N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: 166A/164Q/5.0 Math Courses: Calc I/II/III (A/A+/A), Matrices & Linear Equations (B), Linear Algebra (A), Bridge to Abstract Math (A), Real Analysis (A), Elementary Computational Methods (A+), Differential Equations (Current), Elements of Statistical Inference (Fall), Mathematical Models & Applications (Fall) Econ Courses (grad-level): N/A Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro to Micro/Macro, Intermediate Micro (A+), Inter. Macro (A+), Prices and Profits (A), Intro to Econometrics (A), International Economics (A) Other Courses: International Finance (A), Debt Securities Analysis (A), Advanced Portfolio Management (A), Financial Risk Management (A+) Letters of Recommendation: 1 Econ Prof, 2 finance with whom I had finance classes. Decent I imagine Research Experience: None Teaching Experience: Tutoring undergrad and grad finance classes Research Interests: Macro, Public, Development SOP: Should be alright, I will be sending in 4 different transcripts, so may explain that a bit. My biggest worry is not knowing what my interests are. I've been trying to start bringing myself up to speed on current research coming out, but I feel like I have a long way to go. Concerns: No research experience, no grad-level econ courses. My math and econ classes come from 4 different undergrads (including study abroad), so it looks like I've bounced around a lot. Other: Applying to: That's the $1million question I'm trying to figure out what my plan of attack should be. I am currently working on getting a few more math classes (listed above) under my belt before application time. But I'm not sure what I should be applying for. I don't need to get into a top 20 program by any means (top 50 would be nice). Do I have a shot? Should I try to get an MA first? If so, do I have a shot at any international programs (UC3M, Tulouse, Barcelona, etc...) Should I try to get some RA experience? And if so, what are my options as a non-student? Thank you in advance for the advice!