Zebliss

Alright. Thanks for the reality check, I suppose. Few more questions then: In physics its often considered a bad sign if you go into a masters program before a Phd; it suggests that you just couldn't get into a Phd, for instance. Is it the same with economics? The way you're all speaking suggests I might be more suited to a masters, and I'd like to be aware of the consequences. Also, you say I assume the same would hold true for Canadian undergraduate students? I can't imagine it would be any different, but I'd like to be as informed as possible. Thanks

Thanks for the prompt reply. Just for some clarification, I'd like to ask a few more questions. Real analysis is not an option at this point if I'd like to graduate on time, and I have no intent to pay for another semester of classes. Will top schools really decline me for not having real analysis if I've gotten A's in calc I-IV, ODEs, PDE's, linalg I&II, complex analysis, and scores of physics classes using that math and beyond? Most things I've read suggest that real analysis is used to gauge the mathematical capacity of students, and that any math you need is re-taught in early graduate classes. Have I been reading the wrong sources? And the point about economics courses is well taken. I'm taking the highest level economics course I'm allowed to this coming semester, but I only have room for the one. That's likely to be a rough spot on my application, but c'est la vie. Thanks again.

Fourth year physics undergrad considering going for an econ Phd, and I have a few questions about the relevancy of courses I might take- I've been reading online that real analysis is a course economics programs pay special attention to; if one did well in it(A), is complex analysis of comparable worth? I don't have room for real analysis at this point, and I want to know how much it will hurt me come admissions season. Also, I'm trying to decide between two classes: advanced mathematics for statistics and group theory - If I've already taken a stats class and done well(A+) (engineering stats, so probably not as mathematical as it should be, though), is it beneficial to diversify my mathematics and take group theory? Or would admissions rather see a more solid background in statistics. Thanks in advance for the help.