southerncharm

Hi! I am interested in how to leverage AI and ML to research social issues at the system level (vs the organizational, team, or leader level). So for example, how to model poverty reduction (what has worked, hasn't, and what we should do at the system level). I have a masters in public policy, technology management, and my undergrad is in information systems. I have recently taken math and CS courses to bolster my background as well as the micromasters in data and economics at MITx. I have seen that Duke has a CS+econ masters, Chicago has computational public policy masters, and CMU has an ML+ public policy joint PhD. But given personal constraints, I prefer to stay in Atlanta and so am considering the masters CSE program at Georgia Tech, as well as the OMCS program there. Then later moving on to a PhD in either field, or even in econ or public policy or industrial engineering (econ analysis focus) or operations research. The CSE program is nice because it gives some flexibility on the electives and application areas, so I could tailor the coursework to my interdisciplinary interests (e.g., I could take the CSE core, and then take the micro and econometric PhD sequence). One constraint is that the research areas at Tech CSE/CS aren't aligned to mine, though there are econ and PP depts. A few questions based on what I shared: 1) are there programs, paths, people, or research centers that you recommend? or books? 2) if I were to create a tailored curriculum, what 10 courses would you recommend? Thanks in advance!

Hi, My goal is to pursue a PhD in economics, applying in fall '23 for fall '24 start. I've posted previously and have finally taken math thru MV Calc and Linear Algebra. I am going for direct entry into PhD programmes at Cambridge (my alma mater) or Oxford. I will also apply to a few top 20 and a few top 100 US programs. For direct entry into Cambridge or Oxford, you need a masters degree equivalent to the first year of a PhD program in the US. I live in Atlanta and am considering these four options. For all the scenarios, I would take PhD Micro 1&2 and PhD Macro 1&2 as electives. Johns Hopkins MS in Computational and Applied Mathematics (online program) Georgia Tech MS Math Georgia Tech MS Stats Georgia Tech PhD Econ core (enrolled as PhD student) I'd love thoughts on two questions: Which program is best for my goals? I am leaning towards the JHU program or Tech MS Stats. I'm curious for input on what would be the best math/stats electives to take in order to emulate the PhD Econ core, recognizing that I'd be taking Micro and Macro series as electives no matter. For example, these are the courses that look applicable at JHU: Core: Real Analysis OR Matrix Theory Statistical Methods and Data Analysis Theory of Statistics 1&2 OR Prob and Stochastic Process 1&2 Electives (some examples): Monte Carlo Methods Statistical Models and Regression Multivariate Statistics and Stochastic Analysis Bayesian Statistics Time Series Analysis Theory of probability Game theory Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

I am applying for programs in 2022 (to start in 2023) and started prepping earlier this year. My last math course was almost 20 years ago! I took two semesters of Calculus in 1998. As a refresher, I took the entire courses of Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus on Khan Academy. I thought they were great - fun, engaging, and re-learned the material. I'm now taking Linear Algebra at a local university and on track for an A. I have found the course challenging (but easier than I thought it would be!). I am taking Multivariable Calculus in the fall, and also might take an intro real analysis course online (math 23A at Harvard Extension). I'm very far from the finish line, but hopefully that's helpful for your first question.

Hi, I am applying to programs in fall '22, with a range of target options (a few in top 10, a few in top 50, a few in top 150). My math background is weak. I work full-time so am trying to come up with an efficient plan that maximizes my chances for admissions. Math that I have: Calc 1 - AP Honors Calc 2 - B Linear Algebra - currently taking at Georgia State (likely A) Business stats - A Stats in public policy grad school - B Econometrics in public policy grad school - A Options that I am considering: 1. Take courses locally (mostly Georgia State University) Fall '21: Multivariable Calculus Spr '22: Stats 1 (in Math Dept), Differential Equations Sum ' 22: Stats 2 (in Math Dept) Fall '22: Linear Algebra with Real Analysis I - 23A (online at Harvard Extension) 2. Take courses online via Harvard Extension Fall '21: Multivariable calculus - 21A Spr '22: Mathematics for computation and data science - 23C Sum ' 22: Linear Algebra with Real Analysis I - 23A Fall '22: Mathematical Statistics 156 AND Differential Equations 21C Would love any advice. And open to other ideas too! Thanks in advance.

Thanks everyone for the help! Really appreciate, in particular the Harvard extension idea is new to me. Context that I didn't share in my original post is that I'm an older applicant (41) and have a demanding job and 3 kids. So prepping for admissions is tight on time! I have an MPP from top 10 and MPhil from Cambridge, but all my math and research is old. I currently work in strategy consulting for top firm. Given what I've learned, to be competitive in even top 50, I need to: 1) get more math / stats; 2) get great recs from PhD economists (via taking a few grad econ courses and/or doing research); 3) ace the GRE quant. I'm planning on applying fall '22 - which seems far away but is actually pretty quick given all that I need to do to prepare (not to mention my work and family commitments). With all that in mind, I'm wondering if I just take all my math courses through Harvard extension. Taking analysis through local university has numerous prereqs, so it seems that Harvard extension might free up time to take some grad level econ and stats courses, GRE prep, etc.. Any feedback on these two options? OPTION A - math via Georgia State University 1. Multivariate calculus 2. Discrete math (prereq to Math bridge) 3. Linear Algebra 4. Differential Equations 5. Math bridge (prereq to Analysis) 6. Analysis OPTION B - math via Harvard Extension 1. Multivariate calculus (Math 21A) 2. Linear Algebra + Differential Equations (Math 21B) 3. Analysis (Math 23A) My instinct is that I'm not going to be able to show an exceptional academic math record (in either scenario), and that my goal is really to just show that I can still do math / have put in the work to do the prereqs. So the marginal time that Harvard might provide could be better spent on econ and stats courses (which will help with recs and personal statement) and GRE prep. All of this said, the Harvard courses might be tougher than GSU (especially without doing the prereqs, which I'm assuming are there for good reason), so I risk getting worse grades! Appreciate any feedback...thanks!

Hi, I'm taking a bunch of math courses and a few econ courses before applying in fall '22 cycle. Some schools have deadlines in early December. In these instances, will they look at the courses that I take in fall semester 2022? I'm planning on taking Analysis during that semester, and want the course grade to have posted by the time they consider my application. Are those fall courses generally taken in to account by adcoms?

What are the prereqs for the Harvard extension 23a course? Would it look bad to have my other math courses come from Georgia State (MV Calc, Lin Alg, Diff Eq, Prob, Stats) and just the one class from HE? Finally, I don't see 23a offered at HE anymore - does anyone know if it's regularly offered?

Hi, I'm planning on applying to Econ PhD programs in fall 2022 (for fall 2023 start). I am targeting top 50-150 schools, plus a few stretch schools and a few business and public policy schools with econ focus. I'm a working professional and my math is quite old, so I'm going to be taking courses over the next several semesters. My plan is MV Calc, Linear Algebra 1&2, Stats 1&2, Analysis 1. How much does it matter where I take these courses? I live in Atlanta so have Perimeter College (community college), Georgia State, and Georgia Tech. Tech is a lot more expensive (and presumably harder?) - how much would that help an applicant? My working thought is to go with Perimeter + GSU, and spend my extra hours trying to do research with an econ professor at GSU next summer. Thanks for any advice!

Context: I’m a non-traditional prospective applicant – 15+ yrs of industry experience. I’ve gone back and forth over the past 10 yrs on whether to apply for PhD programs, and which programs to apply to (Public policy, Econ, Business, Urban PlannIng). I recently decided that I would like to take the leap and transition to a career in research / academia. There are professors across various departments that fit my research interests (in public policy, business, economics, and urban planning departments). At the end of the day, I want to get into the program that fits me best AND positions me for TT roles. My strong preference is to stay in ATL, though I will likely apply to a few reaches away from here. Test Scores (GMAT/GRE): TBD – goal is 90th percentile which I think is feasible based on my past GRE score Undegrad GPA: 3.7 in top 100 public university, honors college (2002) Graduate GPA: MPP - 3.8 in top 10 public policy school (2004); MPhil from Judge at Cambridge (dissertation received high marks) (2005) Research Experience: RA in undergrad (NSF funded, primary author published in peer reviewed journal); GRA in grad (thesis was funded and published by university research center); dissertation at Cambridge was also funded Teaching Experience: NA Work Experience: 4 yrs in mngt consulting to start career (Deloitte); 10 yrs in national non-profit leadership roles (VP and C-level); now back in strategy consulting as associate partner at MBB firm (2 yrs) Schools: Business Emory (O&M macro) Georgia Tech (Strategy & Innovation) Erasmus RSM part-time (Business and Society) One from top 5 Public policy Harris UofC Oxford DPhil (part-time) Urban economics LSE Cambridge Oxford (part-time) Questions Given my educational and professional background (and very old math from undergrad and grad), I think that I’d be most competitive for B-Schools. But I’d love any feedback from the forum on what range of schools to target. I need to prioritize where to put my time against my goal of getting into these programs. My hypothesis is GRE prep, personal statement / research interests, then potentially enrolling in a course in fall (to further narrow interests and potentially get a LOR). I am also working on a white paper through work, but don’t think that would published in time. Thoughts on if this is the right prioritization? (As a side, I was originally thinking of Econ programs - but would need to take 5+ math courses over the next few years to be competitive which doesn't seem like the right prioritization.)

Thanks for your reply, Lester. That makes sense re UNC. So play out that I don't get into UNC or another top policy school. My goal is to get a TT position - my focus is economic development so I'm open to policy, Econ, and urban planning schools. My sense is that I'm competitive for... - Econ programs ranked 75-150 (or maybe Oxbridge if I wanted to go overseas) - Policy programs ranked 10-30 - urban planning programs 5-10 With that goal, any advice? My gut was that a below average Econ program (e.g. Tech) would beat out a much higher ranked policy school (e.g. Georgia State) or planning school (e.g. Maryland). Let me know any thoughts. Thanks!

Hi all, I posted about a year ago on my candidacy for a top PhD program, and got clear feedback that I'm old and am "yee of little math." I am continuing to explore PhD programs in public policy (UofC, UNC, and UGA) and urban planning (MIT and Georgia Tech). That said, I continue to be interested in the econ PhD , and have been in touch with Georgia Tech. I like the applied nature of the program as well as the focus on innovation. I am competitive for the program based on discussions. 1. Any insights on the history of this program and why it is unranked anywhere? I'm assuming it's a new program and that's part of the story. As far as I can tell, they've had very few finish the program and have no academic placements. 2. Given I'm not competitive for a top 20 econ program, and a place like Harris is a stretch - I'm curious to know how a PhD in econ from Georgia Tech would compare to a PP PhD from a place like UGA or UNC. My goal isn't to go into tenure track role - rather I'd be looking for applied research roles at think tanks, Fed, etc. in Atlanta. My gut is the Tech econ PhD would be better but would love feedback. Thanks in advance!

Hi all, Again, thanks everyone for all of the feedback. It's been very helpful. I've also been concurrently talking with people - in particular had some conversations with econ admissions folks. Consistent themes on my lack of math, age, and the alternative paths that I could take to achieve my career goals. All of this to say, I'm still in a place where I want to go for a PhD, but likely in public policy. Here are the programs that I am going to further explore. Any thoughts on competitiveness? I'm not as sure on the PP route but I'm assuming I'd be more competitive. Reach Schools 1. Harvard Kennedy PP 2. Uof C Harris PP 3. Emory and Georgia State Econ Mid 4. Duke PP 5. Oxford social policy 6. LSE social policy Safety 7. GA Tech / GSU joint PP program

Ok, to get really detailed - which courses here? https://www.math.gatech.edu/academics/undergraduate/projected-schedule And - if I were to take those courses - what do you think on my competitiveness?

Grad level or will undergrad be enough to make me competitive?

Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate it. I'm inclined to agree with both assessments - that policy schools are more in my wheelhouse. One follow - what are the top 2-5 math or econ classes you'd recommend to increase competitiveness? I have Georgia State and Georgia Tech available locally so could enroll in a few courses over the next year. Or could even do the masters program at either if that was going to help my chances significantly.