Hi, everyone. I am an international student, and plan to apply for economics PhD 2015 application. Hoping to get some suggestions from you guys.
PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BA in international economics, minor in computer science; Shanghai Jiaotong University, top 5 in China
Undergrad GPA: 3.3/4.0
Type of Grad: MA in economics at San Francisco State U
Grad GPA: 3.96/4.0
GRE: plan to take at 9/19, expecting V:150+, Q:170, AW:4+
Math Courses:
Took in China: Calculus I (B), Probability and Statistics (A-), Complex Variable and Integral Transforms I/II (A+,B+), Linear Algebra (B+)
Took in US: Calculus II/III (both A), Probability and Statistics I (A), Probability and Statistics II GRAD level (A-), Real Analysis (this fall);
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Interm Micro, Interm Macro, Intro Econometrics (all A)
Econ Courses (grad-level): Econometric theory, Mathematical economics, Seminar Micro Theory, Seminar Macro Theory, Applied Time Series Econometrics (all A), Advanced Econometric Methods and Applications (this fall); Elective Courses: Intl Finance & Macro (A-), IO (A)
Other Courses: some computer language: C(B), C++(B), JAVA(B+), pass CFA level 1 exam
Letters of Recommendation: 3 Econ Prof. should be fine.
Research Experience: one research project from one of the econ course.
Teaching Experience: 1.5 years ta for intro micro and econometrics
Research Interests: econometrics, financial economics
SOP: doesn't exist yet
Concerns: I got my BA about 7 years ago. Since I never thought to pursue any advanced degree that time, my undergrad GPA is very low. My question is: how much does it weight when I am evaluated? I retook some econ and math courses during my graduate study. Does it help?
Other:have working experience in an insurance company in China as marketing analyst for more than 4years.
Applying to: Is is posssible for me to target at top 20 schools?
