wwbr1508

Sorry about the double posting. This is my first time in forum - so I didn't know that it takes time to get my thread posted on the website. After noticing that my initial post wasn't uploaded for hours, I assumed that my account was the problem (the nickname was pretty conspicuous anyway) - hence I set up the new account and wrote virtually the same article with under a different ID. I asked the administrators to cancel both my initial thread and initial account to avoid the double posting, yet I guess it also takes time for them to respond to my request. Again, I really apologize for the double posting.

I am an EU-based applicant who just graduated masters and is currently taking a gap year. I already secured an offer from UCL (which I deferred to work at a private job) and was wondering whether I can apply for either LSE or top-ranked schools in the U.S in the meantime. Given UCL's high focus on labour (which is also my research interest) I will be very happy to study at UCL anyway - so unless I have a reasonable chance of entering top 10 (or 15 to be broad) - I won't bother writing the applications. The problem is, (i) my undergraduate record is bad with lack of math preparations (although I couldn't have taken more modules since UK has quite rigid course structure), and (ii) my grad record is reasonably 'solid' but not really that stellar. While my primary source of advice should be definitely my professors, I would still gladly welcome any further inputs from this forum (which I have benefited so much for the past few years) Many thanks in advance. Undergraduate Type of Undergrad: One of the top schools in UK Major: Economics and some really really irrelevant subject in Humanities GPA: High 2.1 (missed first by a margin). I will only list courses that are relevant to economics. 1: Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Econometrics, Statistics - either A to A+ 2.1: Public Micro, Mathematics (Calculus + Linear Algebra) - either B+ to A- 2.2: Intermediate Macro - roughly B Graduate Type of Grad: One of the best departments in UK (not LSE though, if that helps) Major: Economics GPA: Distinction, with Distinction in all modules except one (7 out of 8) - The only single course had abnormally low average compared to the rest of the course. - 80-Early 80s (70 is the threshold for distinction) in some advanced optional modules, but not something like a solid first or second in the class. Distinction in Macro as well. - 3rd highest score in preliminary math & stats course GRE: 168V 170Q 5.5 AWA Research Experience (aside from dissertation) : RA for 1 year at my home country's governmental research institution. Joint project with international organizations. : During the year I also took real analysis course at a local university, which may explain why math & stats results got better. (I do have a prize from the national Math Olympiads, so I wasn't initially detached from math at all) LOR: Does have some options... (i) Dissertation Supervisor - Does know me well and has an international reputation in applied metrics. Solid first option. (ii) Since I have distinction in almost all modules I can secure grade-based LORs relatively easily, but won't be really strong besides their name values. (iii) Econ department tutor from undergrad - but this again is grade-based one that anyone can write. (iv) My RA supervisor was the head of the research department for the central bank (from home country.) - he can tell something about my work ethics but he's not in the academic field. TA Experience: None Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you further information, or by any chance, the post was too much specific.