Jump to content
Urch Forums

EustaciaVye

1st Level
  • Posts

    102
  • Joined

1 Follower

Converted

  • My Tests
    No

EustaciaVye's Achievements

Newbie

Newbie (1/14)

1

Reputation

  1. You haven't mentioned what ranking of school you are aiming at, so it's a bit difficult to offer advice. You may be able to get into an unranked PhD program with your current profile. However, if your goal is to be accepted into a top 50 school then you'll certainly need Calc 3, Linear Algebra and a semester of mathematical statistics (really introductory probability theory). Real Analysis is very helpful, but probably not as crucial as the other three if you're okay with a school ranked right around 50. If you want to aim any higher you'll need Analysis too. You'll also want to improve your quant GRE score a bit which should be doable through practice. The RA experience is definitely helpful, but it can't substitute for formal mathematics training. The real issue is that you won't make it in the first year PhD courses if you don't have these classes, I promise we're not just trying to crush your spirit! With that said, it shouldn't take too long to get these classes done. You could conceivably take Calc 3 and Linear Algebra this spring, and then take Prob/Stats and Real Analysis in the fall and have those grades in time to send with applications next year. I believe you'll need Calc 3 as a prerequisite for both Prob/Stats and Analysis. In no way should this be an insurmountable obstacle if an econ PhD is what you really want to do. If you are set against taking these additional classes, you might consider public policy PhD programs, given your research interests. I believe the math requirements are somewhat less stringent (excluding top programs which tend to require just as much math and econ departments). You could still pursue public finance research through such a degree. Best of luck.
  2. I think the point that your math background is currently insufficient to be accepted into an econ PhD has been adequately made, so I won't focus on that. However, it's also important to note that math preparation isn't just used as a signaling tool for ad coms, it's absolutely required to make it through the first year sequence. But I digress; what I wanted to mention is that there do exist funded masters programs in economics. I had no undergraduate econ background (pure math major), so I did an MA in Econ at an unprestigious state school. I was fully funded (full tuition remission and ~$20k stipend) as as an RA so this allowed me to both get research experience and take the required economics courses. Typically, universities which have masters, but no PhD program in econ will be the ones at which you might receive funding as an RA or TA. Despite the lack of prestige of both my undergraduate and masters institutions I did get offers from schools ranked around 30 when I applied last year. The MA programs others have mentioned (Duke, UT Austin, etc) are certainly the premier MAs when it comes to PhD prep, but an MA from a less prestigious university can still help you achieve your goals provided you aren't shooting for top PhDs. Like you, there was no way I could self fund a masters, so this was the best solution in my case. The conventional wisdom on this site is that an MA degree from the US which is not from one of the select universities mentioned is useless in PhD admission; I did not find this to be the case. In my first year PhD cohort, there is another student with an MA from UT Austin, and we both ended up at the same PhD program in the end! In my MA, I was required to take only 5 core economics courses and was allowed to take my electives in the economics, math and statistics departments; I used them to fill in my stats background which was also lacking. So, this could be a way to fill in your missing math classes. A caveat is that your tuition remission may not cover classes like Calc 2 and Linear Algebra (which are likely 200 level undergraduate classes), so that is something you'd have to look in to. Anyway, something to think about if you are still interested in possibly pursuing a masters.
  3. I thought I'd chime in as I had some similarities in my profile when I applied in the previous cycle. I had poor/mediocre grades in Calc, Linear Algebra and ODEs but got A's in more advanced math theory classes (the result of not being motivated during the first two years of undergrad). I didn't get a C in LA (got a B+), but your undergrad institution is ranked significantly higher than the one I attended. I'm commenting on here because when I was applying I couldn't find profiles similar to mine; so perhaps I can be of help to you! A difference in our profiles is that I had a master's degree, but it was from an unprestigious school, so your letters will likely come from loftier individuals than mine did. I got in to the schools I applied to in the 30-50 last year and I think you'll likewise be competitive in that range, (as mentioned by others you'll want to apply to some higher ranked places). I think the strength of LORs are going to be an important determinant in your case. Anyway, I just wanted to reassure you that having less than stellar grades early on in undergrad isn't the kiss of death, provided that you excelled in the later years. Definitely send your fall semester grades to the schools your applying to (assuming you continue to do well). Some schools have their deadlines prior to getting fall semester grades (I recall OSU and MSU being two of them), but you can still send an updated transcript once grades are posted for the fall.
  4. I want second chateauheart's statement about the futility of applying to the top-10. My inexpert opinion is that you're competitive for top-30, but if you want to aim a bit higher you'll need additional research experience. Are you considering applying for RA positions as well, or are you set on going to a PhD straight out of undergrad?
  5. PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BA in math, flagship state university ranked 80's in US News, no econ grad program. Undergrad GPA: 3.63 Type of Grad: MA in Econ at a flagship state university in a different state with a masters but no doctoral program Grad GPA: 4.0 GRE: 170V /168Q /5 AW Math Courses (undergrad level): Calc I/II/III (A-/B/B) Linear Algebra (B+) Fundamentals of Math (intro to proofs) (A) Ordinary Differential Equations (B+) Combinatorial Theory (A) Abstract Algebra I (A-) Applied Probability (A) Elementary Number Theory (A-) Mathematical Biology and Ecology (A) Graph Theory (A) Real Analysis I (A) Probability and Statistics I (A) Math Courses (masters level): Mathematical Statistics (A) Econ Courses (undergrad level): Intermediate micro (A) Econ Course (masters level): Micro I/II (A/A) Econometrics I/II (A/A) Macro (A) Letters of Recommendation: One from the prof I RA for, one from a micro prof and one from an econometrics prof. I think they were strong but probably not phenomenal. Research Experience: 2 years as an RA in my master’s program and master’s thesis, both completely unrelated to my stated research interests. Teaching experience: Taught high school math for a few years Research Interests: Public Economics, Health, Labor, Education … still figuring things out SOP: Decent I suppose. I'd like to believe I write well but lack of definite research interests made it difficult. Concerns: Because my husband and I were applying to PhD programs at the same time, my biggest concern was that we wouldn't receive any matching offers. I also had no idea where I'd be competitive since my masters program rarely sends anyone to pure econ PhDs. I have a bunch of math, but got B's in easy classes like Calc and Linear Algebra, and I wasn't sure how ad coms would value math classes that have nothing to do with econ (e.g. Abstract Algebra, Graph Theory). RESULTS: Acceptances: Ohio State, Michigan State, UIUC, Purdue, NC State, University of Oregon, Syracuse, Iowa State, UI Chicago, Georgia State, UConn, UMN Applied Econ Waitlists: None Rejections: Rice Pending: None Attending: Syracuse Comments: I realize it seems somewhat crazy to go with Syracuse over schools like MSU and OSU (particularly because MSU offered me a very generous fellowship), but I'm content with the decision. Things happened in my personal life this year that made staying close to my family (who are in New England) much more of a consideration. I also really liked the department at Syracuse when I visited, it seemed tight-knit and supportive, which is just what I'm looking for. It was tough to turn down MSU, as I had a great visit there and realize that I'm passing up a great opportunity. What would you have done differently? First and foremost, I wouldn't have applied to a bunch of schools outside of the top 50 and would have applied to more schools ranked around 30. I drastically underestimated my competitiveness and ended up getting in almost everywhere I applied. Additionally, several schools offered me extra fellowships indicating that they viewed me as among their stronger applicants. I thought B's in Calculus and Linear Algebra, along with my unprestigious undergrad and master's institutions were going to be the kiss of death. It was a challenge to find profiles similar to mine since people who get B's in Calculus don't typically go on to get Econ PhDs. Going back as far as undergrad, I'd try harder during the first two years. I also probably could've gone to a better undergraduate institution than the one I attended, but I'm pleased with the quality of education I got there, and I didn't have to take out any loans to do it. Beyond that, I would've realized I wanted to do econ (rather than math) while I was still in undergrad, avoiding the need to spend 2 years doing an MA in econ to get the required econ courses, research experience and LORs. However, my masters program was fully funded, so I have no real cause to complain. Maybe I wouldn't have spent 4 years teaching high school math (as it now means I'll be turning 29 as I start my PhD), but I enjoyed that experience as well. With all that said, I'm happy with the result. My husband and I both accepted offers from Syracuse, where we'll less than a 5 hour drive from each of our families. Additionally, with the fellowship offer I have, I won't have to TA in years 1 or 5, which will be nice. If you had told me going into this process that I'd end up at Syracuse I would've considered myself quite lucky, so I really have no complaints. I'm excited to get started!
  6. My reading of some of your posts is that you're hoping (perhaps somewhat subconsciously) that someone will tell you it's okay to pick Vandy over BU. I could be misinterpreting things, but if that's the case then it should tell you something about where your preferences lie. They're both great options, and I understand how much agonizing and second-guessing goes into the decision process. Good luck!
  7. Hello econ17! I'm not as knowledgeable about the application process as some others on this message board, but I can tell you about my personal experience as it relates to you. You have better profile than I did; while my GRE scores were somewhat better, I had a bunch of B's in math classes early on and did my undergrad at a university with no economics graduate program. Given these facts, I thought I'd be lucky to crack the top 50. This year I was accepted to OSU, MSU and UIUC. While UVA may be a bit more competitive than these schools, the ranking is similar. Thus, I think you have a good shot at UVA and comparable schools. Unfortunately I can't personally speak to any schools ranked much higher than 30, because I didn't apply to any (thinking there was no way I had a chance). Don't underestimate yourself the way I did! Top 20 may be pushing it a bit, but I'd think you should apply to top 30 (though definitely apply to schools ranked lower than that as well). Look at my profile in the Roll Call thread and you'll see that I had several negatives that you don't have and still managed to get in almost everywhere I applied. The only school I was rejected by was Rice, while OSU, MSU, Purdue, Syracuse, Oregon, Iowa State all gave me extra fellowships above the standard offer, indicating I was a stronger applicant that some. With all that said, your professors can probably advise you much better than we can. I just wanted to prevent someone else from underestimating their competitiveness the way I did. Good luck!
  8. Institution: Iowa State Program: Economics PhD Decision: Admitted Funding: $26k Fellowship in year 1 followed by $18k TA Notification date: 4/11 Notified through: email Comments: Apparently they sent my offer to the wrong email address the first time. Got another email from the DGS telling me he hoped I was still considering there offer (which I had never received!) Oops!
  9. It certainly wasn't my intention to draw a false equivalency between a university prohibiting the distribution of condoms and violence against LGBT people in the developing world.
  10. You guys are right that BC doesn't generally feel like a religious school (e.g. most days on campus you probably wouldn't realize it was a Jesuit school if you weren't already aware). However, it's status as a Catholic university isn't 100% innocuous. When I was living near BC there was a kerfuffle in the news about the University prohibiting a student group from distributing condoms on campus. Granted, this isn't a reflection of their support of LGBT rights, but it does demonstrate that, at least in this instance, the religious status of the university influenced a policy with the potential to directly impact student health.
  11. Congratulations on your decision! While I can't speak to the culture at BC specifically (my perception of it growing up was that is was a bit bro-tastic), I'm from the Boston area and actually lived quite close to BC for a few years. Boston is a great city; it's very liberal and my perception is that the culture around LGBT rights is great as well. Remember, Massachusetts was the first state to pass marriage equality! Boston is also just beautiful and full of history; it is very expensive, but the Chestnut Hill/ Brighton area has some *relatively* less expensive places. Congratulations again.
  12. Anecdotally, I've never taken a single econ field course; I have taken 2 semesters of Micro, 2 of Econometrics, and 1 of Macro for a grand total of 5 econ classes. I have, however taken a fair bit of math (having majored in it) and several of the math classes I took have little or nothing to do with economics (e.g. Abstract Algebra, Number Theory, Graph Theory, Combinatorics). I wasn't interested in econ or econ grad school as an undergrad, so I didn't focus my math on courses that would look good on an PhD econ application. I was a bit concerned about the lack of field courses but every professor/ ad com I've spoken to at the visit days I've attended has assured me that my econ preparation is completely fine. Additionally, an ad com has told me that the random math classes I took were a highly positive signal in the admissions decision, despite being unrelated to econ. We'll see if my lack of economics courses ends up being detrimental to me in terms of success in grad school; I'm a bit worried that my "economic intuition" isn't on par with other students who majored in it. However, with respect to being accepted to PhD programs, it wasn't a problem.
  13. I hear you on losing sleep. I just went to my last visit day so now all that's left is to make a decision. I've been waking up in the middle of the night worrying. It doesn't help that I am trying to balance what I want with what my partner wants, and our desires do not align. I'm also struggling because I know that what I want personally isn't the best thing for me professionally. Top that off with a healthy dose of self-doubt (everyone I met at the MSU visit day seemed smarter, better prepared and more dedicated than me) and you have a recipe for many sleepless nights.
  14. Institution: Syracuse University Program: Economics PhD Decision: Accepted back in Feb Funding: University Fellowship $24k in years 1 and 5 with no TA duties, $18.7k in years 2-4 with TA/RA Notification date: 03/24/2016 Notified through: Email Comments: Wanting to attend SU more and more despite being accepted to higher ranked schools. I really liked the department when I visited, and I'd be only a 4 hour drive from my parents, which is an enormous deal for me (all the other schools I'm considering are 10-13 hours from family). Institution: Rice University Program: Economics PhD Decision: Rejected Funding: Notification date: They never did notify me, I checked the website of my own accord Notified through: website Comments: My only rejection, and a not terribly surprising one since I didn't get an interview. I wonder how Rice was able to see through my charade while other schools weren't....
  15. I've only been to one visit day so far (OSU) and, among the people visiting, about 25% were women. Current graduate students said a typical incoming class would be about 40% women, but that last year's class only had one woman (which sort of horrified me). I have an idea that there might be more international women than Americans in econ PhD programs, so they likely wouldn't be at the visit day (but this is just a thought). I'm really not sure what is is about econ specifically that makes it so male dominated, even relative to other "technical" fields. Anecdotally, I was an undergrad math major and my upper level math classes were usually somewhere between 50/50 and 60/40 (men/women). The same is true of my master's institution where I've taken upper level stats classes. On a positive note, the DGS at MSU told me that they try very hard (and in the past few years have been successful) to get as close to 50/50 as they can.
×
×
  • Create New...