Spotter

Hey all, Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for very helpful advice I've read on the forum. A little background on my situation: I'm a junior, math and econ double major, some computer programming background. I'm thinking maybe a PhD isn't for me, as I'm not the workaholic type, and I don't think I want to spend the rest of my 20s working my *** off in graduate school, but I haven't completely eliminated the possibility. I've been looking at career options, but it seems like there's a million different things I could do with a math/econ major and some basic computer programming skills. It's really hard to differentiate between typical "business jobs." Since I'm sure many of us share similar skill sets and interests, I was curious what backup careers everyone is/was considering at some point. I'm hoping to make a good amount of money, and do work that involves economic/mathematical thinking, not just boring mindless work. I've looked at becoming an actuary, but the tests seem like too much work for what's essentially a backup option at this point. Another option I've looked at is getting a masters in statistics and then working in industry, as I've heard the job prospects and pay are very good. Anyone else have non-academic job backups?

Main concern: I go to a small liberal arts college where the econ professors don't do research. Hey all. I've been looking at general advice, but I had a few questions regarding my particular situation. I go to a LAC where the focus is on teaching to the point that literally none of my econ professors do research, so I'm not sure what the best route for me to take is. This summer I'll be doing research with one of my math professors, who is routinely publishing, and I'll be doing a senior thesis (that I will complete before admission cycle), but I'm not sure if there's anything else I can do. I'm sure my letters will strongly recommend me, but I'm not sure how much weight they will carry because (1) it's an unknown LAC and (2) only my math professor will be able to speak about my work on actual publishable research, and that's in mathematics. I'm hoping my independent research that I've started and will write my thesis on will be strong enough for my econ professors to make comments on for the LoR, but I don't know if that's enough. A few students from my school have gone to top 20 schools in the past, but they are few and far between. I was initially hoping to go to a top 30 school, but I'm not sure what my profile will look like to an admission committee. Is there anything I can do to improve my chances? I'm on a full ride and can't afford to transfer or take a 5th year. PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: LAC Undergrad GPA: 3.7 Type of Grad: None Grad GPA: - GRE: Q:170 V:163 AW: 5.0 Math Courses: Calc 2 (A) Calc 3 (A-) Linear Algebra (B+) Game Theory (A) Numerical Analysis (A) Probability (A) Will take: Real Analysis, Topology, Statistics, Abstract Algebra, Math Modeling (I'm confident I'll get strong grades in these as well) Econ Courses (grad-level): None Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intermediate Micro/Macro, assorted electives (All As, A-s) Other Courses: Some finance Letters of Recommendation: Probably my math professor I'll be doing research with this summer, my econometrics professor, and my thesis advisor Research Experience: Mentioned above Teaching Experience: none Research Interests: SOP: Concerns: Research experience, LoR Other: Applying to:??

I was wondering how important rankings are when it comes to Ph.D. programs, specifically in value-added terms. Obviously in general the best students go to the best schools, so they'll tend to get the best placements, meaning we would expect a systematic bias in placement record rankings. Have there been any studies and/or what is your perception of the value added by a higher ranked program? For example, how important is your market paper vs the institution where you studied? Once you get your initial placement and start working and doing research, does where you received your Ph.D. continue to matter, or does your working career dominate in terms of importance? This question would certainly be helpful for someone who is deciding between funding at a lower ranked school and nonfunding at a higher ranked school, but I'm also thinking more generally here about whether MB>MC when going to a lower ranked school if you're likely to go into industry, as I've heard others suggest before. On a personal note, I'd like to do research and/or teach, so I'd be OK with teaching at a lower ranked research or higher ranked liberal arts school, but if I'm not sure I would bother with a Ph.D. if I was just going to go into industry. Obviously it's difficult to judge where one will be accepted, but I'm anticipating I would be accepted at several top 50 programs, possibly some top 30, and depending on how my research goes over the next year (I'm a junior right now), I suppose it would be possible to get into a top 20 program with some luck, although I don't think that's very likely. Thanks for your thoughts!