Hello,
I'm applying to graduate school in the fall of 2016. Initially, I was looking at Phd programs in the US but I realized that I wouldn't have too great of a chance because of my limited research experience so now I'm looking masters programs in the US and Canada.
I've heard great things about the masters programs at Tufts. Duke and Queens (Canada) and their Phd placements. If I get into one of these programs, I think that would be a good stepping stone towards a Phd. Bearing in mind that I want to eventually obtain a Phd, I was wondering if I should look at other masters programs such as UC denvor or Greensboro? I understand that funding opportunities for masters students are limited and I don't know if it's worth the cost to pursue a master which won't significantly impact my chances of Phd admission but I also realize that admissions to masters programs like Duke, tufts etc are pretty competitive and maybe I should look at other masters programs.
Here's my profile:
Type of Undergrad: BSc in Economics in the highest ranked school in my country
Undergrad GPA: 3.62
Type of Grad: N/A
Grad GPA: N/A
GRE: 159V 163Q 4.5AW
Math Courses: Cal 1, Cal 2, Linear Algebra, Game Theory, Operations Research, Statistics and Data Analysis, Mathematical Applications of Economics
Econ Courses (grad-level): N/A
Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Principles of Macro & Micro, Intermediate Micro & Macro, International Trade, Econometrics, Developmental Economics Theory, Issues in Economic Policy, Applied Micro, Regional Economics, Monetary Theory and Policy
Other Courses: N/A
Letters of Recommendation: strong letters from Econometrics professor and Intermediate Micro professor. Both these professors are working with me on my senior project and are very qualified (phd from Yale and Phd from Ohio state). 3rd letter of recommendation is from Sociology instructor who I've taken multiple courses from and she knows me well (I have a minor in Sociology)
Research Experience: Senior Project
Teaching Experience: N/A
Research Interests: Applied micro, Econometrics, Developmental Economics
SOP:
My question is: Should I apply to lower ranked masters programs (such as greensboro and UC denvor)? What are my chances of receiving funding? Or would I just be better of getting involved in some economic research and applying in a year or so? If anyone can suggest other masters programs with funding opportunities, that might be helpful.
Thanks in advance!