Majestic

As for the work ethic, during my undergrad I simply was very arrogant and did not put in much effort at all. I know it will require very hard work to do better in the MA and whether you believe that I will or not, I will put in the effort required although I don't expect you or anyone to believe that given my GPA. I just want to know what needs to be done to be able to get into a good PhD program, not whether or not I will put in the work. If top marks in this MA, some research experience, and some level of good scores in the GRE won't do it, then I am willing to accept that. I know that currently I do not have the profile of a good PhD candidate, but I just wanted to know what is possible if I do well in the future. I guess the time to look into this further and ask about recommendations for programs will come after I have performed well. Thank you for your insights. I appreciate it.

Thanks for the responses. I think its pretty clear what I need to do now. I need to do really well next year in the MA so that I can have a chance at good programs. I will also try to get some research experience with some faculty. And yes I will look into European departments as well. Are there any in particular you know that are strong in econometrics or micro?

Hello, I am graduating from REDACTED this year, and I am likely going to a 100-150 RePEc ranking (REDACTED) Economics university for my MA degree in Canada in fall 2018. I wasn't able to get into Toronto MA and likely will not get into Western MA. Here is my undergrad profile: Math: Intro to Proofs A-, First Year Calculus B+, Linear Algebra B+, Calculus of Several Variables A, Stats I A-, Stats II C, Discrete Math B, Differential Equations C, Groups and Symmetries B+, Vector Calculus C-, Combinatorics B- Economics: Intro to Economics B+, Intermediate Micro (Credit/No Credit Basis), Intermediate Macro C-, Urban Economics A, Econometrics I A+, Advanced Macro B+, Advanced Micro A+, Public Economics A, Econometrics II A+ I am going to put in a lot of effort during my MA and am confident that I can do really well in it as well as on the GRE. If this happens along with my poor undergrad GPA (3.0 cumulative), do I have any chance at a strong PhD program in my fields of interest? I am interested in econometrics and micro theory. Experimental economics also seems interesting to me. Would I have any chance at say a top 30 program in these fields? Ranking doesn't matter too much to me but I'd like to end up in academia at a relatively strong department so it does play a part. I was thinking that if I am not able to get into a strong program I can also try to work in the government for a year or two and apply after. I am willing to do a lot if it means getting into a strong program. Any help is appreciated.

Hello, I will likely be attending a 100-150 RePEc ranked institution in Canada in fall 2018 for an MA degree. I wasn't able to get into Toronto and haven't heard back from Western, although I doubt I will get in here. I have a pretty low undergrad GPA (3.0) with grades all over the place: My Profile: Math: Calculus B+, Calculus of Several Variables A, Linear Algebra B+, Intro to Proofs A-, Stats I A-, Stats II C, Differential Equations C, Groups and Symmetries B+, Vector Calculus C-, Combinatorics B- Intro Economics B+, Intermediate Micro (No grade basis), Intermediate Macro C-, Urban Economics A, Public Economics A, Econometrics A+, Advanced Micro A+, Advanced Macro B+. My question is what should I do with the MA? Let's assume best case scenario and I get very high marks in the MA for which I am confident I can as well as high GRE scores. Do I have any chance at a top 30 Ph.D. in my field? Or even top 50 Ph.D.? I want to end up in academia somewhere that is strong in my field. My fields of interest are in econometrics, micro theory, and experimental economics. If I cannot get into such a program should I take some time off to get some research experience with professors or work in government?