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Do you think you would be able to give you opinion for my situation? (Sorry to hijack this thread, but it seems relevant enough.) I'm more interested in political and political economy. Do you think the MACRM program would be good preparation for a political science PhD? I was admitted with only a partial tuition scholarship, but admitted to the CIR program with full tuition. Do you think the MACRM program would be worth it? I'm posting here because no many people are familiar with the MACRM program on the political science forums. Thanks!

Do you think you could offer some insight on my situation? (Sorry to hijack this thread but it seems relevant enough). I'm interested in political science/political economy (I would only do econ if the professors in the program thought I should do it). I only received a 1/4 tuition scholarship, but from what I can tell it provides the best training available and the core coursework seems to be good preparation for a political science PhD (the core coursework includes a 3 part sequence in political economy). Note: I'm asking here because people in political science forums don't know a lot about the MACRM program.

I'd be curious what people thought about MACRM as well. I was also accepted (but with only 1/4 tuition). I am shooting more for political science (although conditional on me doing the program and doing well, econ may be on the table), so if people had thoughts on it in that context as well that would be helpful.

What are people's thoughts on one year masters programs in the US like Columbia and Chicago?

I'm actually starting to look into French schools. Does anyone have any thoughts on the masters of economics from Sciences Po? Or is PSE the absolute best choose in France (and Europe in general with LSE)? I noticed that these programs are taught in English. As a native English speaker with little French experience, would there be any sort of language barrier academically?

In terms of preparation for a PhD, methodological training, funding opportunities? (I.e. programs that aren't cash grabs)

As another small follow-up question: how do econ admissions weight audited grad courses? What sort of signal does it give off? Is it beneficial at all? I ask because I will end up auditing econometrics and hopefully the first half of macro (at least, I may try and take or audit the second half of the semester). Furthermore, I will not be applying the cycle in order to work for a few years probably. So I have some questions on what to do in the mean time. Generally, what would be the best thing to do in preparation? My plan right now (if I am working a "normal job") will be to try to take at least one class a semester to bulk up or at least to stay sharp. I was thinking a mix of higher math and stats and grad econ. I suppose if my job wanted to pay for a masters I would try and take as many useful classes as possible (note: I don't have a job lined up at the moment). Obviously, getting a research position at the fed or a top university would be ideal. Should I try to do research? Am I allowed to work with faculty if I'm not enrolled? Finally, if I can't get into an audit for macro, I will likely end with B or B- . Obviously not good at all in the eyes of admissions. So I suppose, the best course of action would be to take it again at some point and get an A, ideally at a higher ranked university? I know it's a lot of questions, just pick and choose if you must! Thanks!

So, I have been taking PhD Macroeconomics and we just had our midterm and, although I don't know my score, it did not go well at all. So, my last day to drop without a W is tomorrow. How bad will a W look for admissions? I might still be able to switch it to an audited course, would that be a better option? I feel that I explain the W because I am taking a lot of really hard classes (2nd semester analysis and algebra , with grad topology, and "auditing" econometrics). It would be my only W. So, the trade-off is to wait and see how I actually did and see how the professor grades (it was apparent that most of the class was also struggling with the exam and the TA had to stop and give us hints multiple times throughout the exam) and potentially take a W conditional on the grade distribution or what the teacher says; versus dropping the class soon and picking up another class. The other reason I would want to wait is to see if I can replace macro with an independent reading course (which I think would be more fruitful than just taking any class to make up the credit hours lost). So is the W worth it? Edit: Actually, just realized if I drop the class it will have to be taken as a W. So my question is now: How bad does a W look for grad admissions? Particularly if it is a grad class? (note: it can still be switched to an audit, in theory, but I would need to pick up another class)

I see. What about on the flip side? Can an economist be credibly used for political science admissions? And what about political economy programs, who do they prefer?

Once again, thanks! Another question: so would using a political science professor be completely useless? I ask specifically because one of my potential letter writers is a formal theorist and so could speak for my abilities is game theory and such.

Thanks for the advice. Does admissions care if I apply to multiple programs at the same university (i.e. applying to both the econ and poli sci programs)? Will they view my profile any different? Will it put me at a disadvantage?

Thanks for all the comments and advice. 1) Does anyone have a link to something that discusses RAships for the fed and other research universities. Experiences, pros and cons, etc. 2) the top students I personally know have gone to between 15 and 40, but I will have to ask around 3) it has been my intention to apply to both political science and economics programs, explaining why I prepared for both; I have equal interest in both subjects and have faculty in both departments who could recommend me, so I had planned on seeing where I get accepted and deciding from there. I also feel somewhat inferior if I can't get into a good econ program Stuck on my phone now, so will be back to comment later

So long time lurker that finally made an account. I'm interested in going to a top 30 program, right now shooting for between 20 and 30, but let me know if you think I can go higher. Obviously if I can crack top 10 that'd be ideal. If I cannot, do you think serving as an RA at the fed or at another university would help? Undergrad: Midwestern public flagship Major: Political Science, Economics, Mathematics GPA: 3.83 Math classes: Calculus 1-3, linear algebra, diff eq, foundations of higher math, intro analysis 1-2, abstract algebra 1-2, knot theory and general topolgy (grad level), probability, math stats PhD Econ classes: 1 semester of macro, econometrics, and math econ (metric spaces, topology, measure theory); and a masters level micro Other classes of interest: honors writing seminar in econ, a pair of PhD political science classes GRE: 159 Q, 156 V, 4.5 A Research experience: very little for a pair of professors (negligible); term papers with original research and data analysis in seminar class and PhD poli sci classes; won school wide awards for 2 other poli sci papers Letters: 1 from math econ teacher, 1 from chair of grad program (took micro class with him), 1 from undergrad econometrics teacher; could also wait and see if I can use the other PhD instructors after I take there class this fall; could make use of some polisci professors that could better support my research ability (maybe) Research interest: preferences for redistribution and other political economy; macro and possibly micro theory; econometrics So I think my main weaknesses are my GRE and my lack of "formal" research experience (I.e. not directly working under a professor and no thesis). The GRE I can retake and do better, but I may be stuck with the research experience unless I can fix up my term papers. Let me know if I overstate, but I think my strength will be a solid math record (I think it'll end a 3.8 math only GPA; calc 3 and up), taking and, hopefully, getting all A's in PhD Econ classes (got an A in math econ while concurrently taking foundations), and a generally rigorous schedule. So let me know what you guys think, be as absolutely harsh as needed.