secondtime

Thanks Spectrum! That is helpful, I did not know. I have taken classes focussed on solving integrals/derivates. Id be happy to share a syllabus and understand if we mean the same thing. Thanks for suggesting political economy. I will dig deeper into that. Any school recommendations are most welcome!

Thanks Bret Hart, for your perspective. Yes, I agree the GRE Q is low so I need to improve it. By advanced Calculus I meant Calculus I,II,III which is how they do it in the U.S. too, I believe. Not sure if advanced is the right word there. I do understand a Policy PhD is better suited with my background, however, I was interested in learning more about the economics of policy making, so more on the applied side. Further, I do have a research interest in the subject and was wondering if I may have any options here. And if yes, what ranks of schools they would be. Currently, I am trying to understand my options so that I can make the right choice while selecting the programs I apply to.

Hi, Long time lurker, first-time poster. I want to apply for PhD Economics programs. I am open to pursuing a masters too if that may seem more appropriate. International student Undergraduate degree: Electrical Engineering Undergrad University: (university in top 20 in India- not IIT/IIM/NIT) Undergrad CGPA 60/100 (2.88/4 as per WES- helps calculates GPAs but I think its an approximation and depends on how universities calculate it) Grad program: Masters in Public Policy Grad university: Low ranked state university (+100 rank in public policy, relatively newer program in USA. Has placed students in Indiana, Cornell, UT Austin PhD Policy programs amongst a few) Grad GPA- 3.75/4 Quantitative: Engineering maths (3+ maths subjects with advanced calculus: grades are A, A-and C ) and microeconomics (A-), econometrics (B+), Quantiative methods (regression analysis) A- Recommendations: University program director (political science), professor at University (economist), boss at federal research lab (Architect & Planner- Oxford) Relevant Work Experience (6) (limited economics research, more quantiative policy research): -Research work experience in India for about 3 years in a non-profit on climate change, clean energy policy, and implementation- local, national and international (researcher) -Full time research work experience in USA for about 2 years in a national research lab on clean energy policy and implementation, looking at markets, local and state policy, utility regulation etc.. published at the lab (research assistant) -Part time research work experience at OSU on local clean energy policy issues for 2 years as a professors research assistant Research interests: Energy/ environmental economics, development economics, behavioral economics GRE: 155 v/ 157 q/ 4 analytical (will retake and aim for 165+ in quant to strengthen profile) Goals: Interested in a career in research in the policy world/government. I am not aure about academia yet. Questions: I am debating between a couple of questions and any insights would be helpful. I have read answers to similar questions on the forum and found them to improve my understanding. If I were to apply for a PhD econ now- what range of programs should I apply to? i.e 50-100 or 75-100? Is my profile suitable for PhD economics? Am I missing some key pre reqs from my coursework? Is it advisable to get a masters before applying for a PhD? If I want to apply for a higher ranked programs what are some key suggestions? With a masters degree with a low ranked university and good grades, what is the range of universities I can aim for? Thank you for reading through my profile. I look forward to receiving your comments.