younggirl

Hi all, I'm a sophomore from a top 20 LAC. I recently started to think about doing an Econ PhD and want to get into top 15. I have had a significant number of Econ/Math classes (including Real Analysis) with straight As. I will take graduate level classes during my semester abroad. However, I know that it's hard to get into top schools coming from a LAC because I don't have well-known recommenders; to crack top 15, I need to have an RA stint after graduation. However, I can't do RA after undergrad because I need a "real" job as a backup plan in case PhD applications doesn't work out well. I'm an international student on F-1 visa so I can only work in the US for 2 years before getting an H1B. I can't afford to waste that 2 years on a temporary RA position that won't get me an H1B. I also can't work for Fed or government agencies due to my visa status. Thus private sector jobs are my only options. Do you guys have any suggestions for someone in my situation? Should I try to get an RA position in the summer instead (I think it's harder to get than full time positions)? Are there any alternative ways to improve my profile/recommendations for PhD programs while still keep other options open? Thanks a lot!

I got an A in Real Analysis 1. Should I take one of the following courses: 1. Topology 2. Mathematical Analysis: Lebesgue measure, Banach-Tarski paradox, Axioms of Choice, Nelsons Internal Set Theory,... 3. Real Analysis 2: Topology of the euclidean space and functions of several variables. Introduction to Fourier analysis. Metric spaces and normed spaces. Which one is more useful and which is easier? Also, how to get a "prestigious" summer RA position? Should I ask profs to connect me to such places? Profs that know me are looking for RAs themselves. I don't want to ruin my chance to work with them (as a back-up plan) by telling them I want to work somewhere else.

My school doesn't even offer those classes haha. I checked the nearby school and the measure theoretic probability course requires grad level real analysis. I'm afraid I will do horribly because such classes seems to be for Math PhDs, and are not even from my school (so I can't just charm profs to be lenient with grades lol) As for RA, do you think it's better to work at the Fed/similar places or at least spend 1 summer working for profs from my school first? Because I think I should get at least 1 good rec from a prof at my school. I also plan to write honor thesis and work as an RA before applying to grad school (to avoid the GRE senior year and also make some money).

Hi all, First time poster. I'm currently a sophomore, Econ & Stats major at a top 20 Liberal Arts College. I plan to eventually go to a top 15 Econ PhD program. Do you guys have any advice on how much more math to take? So far I've had Calc III (A-), Intro Linear Algebra (A), Undergrad Intro Analysis (A), Intro Stats (A), Econometrics (currently taking), and the standard Econ sequence (all As) To finish the Stats major, I need to take Mathematical Stats, Undergrad Probability Theory (not analysis-based), Regression, and Data Mining. I plan to also take Stochastic Processes. Are there any other classes I need to take for Top 15? I'm thinking of Ordinary Differential Equations, Real Analysis II, Time Series, or grad level Micro/Macro. Are any of those useful? I know the more Math the better. However, as much as I like Math, I still want to have a life, learn languages, study abroad, and be well-rounded. Any opinion will be greatly appreciated!