Type of Undergrad: Economics BS at 100-150 overall ranked US school (The econ dept is basically unknown)
Undergrad GPA: 3.87/4.0
Type of Grad: Economics MSc at UK university (not Oxbridge level but a prestigious uni overall. However, not sure of the econ program's reputation)
Grad GPA: Overall Distinction (3.87/4.0 equivalent)
GRE: 166 Q / 166 V / 4.5 AW
Math/Stats Courses:
- Undergrad: Calc I-III (A's), Business Stats I&II (A's), Linear Algebra (B), Differential Equations (A), Math Econ (A-)
- Grad: Math and Stats prelim course (no credit, but A+)
Econ Courses:
-Undegrad: Intro Macro (A), Intermediate Macro (A), Intermediate Micro (A-), Monetary (A), Game Theory (B+), History of Econ Thought (A), Int'l Econ (A), Intro Econometrics (A), Econ of Ed (A)
-Grad: Macro I&II (1st, 2:1), Micro I&II (both 1st), Metrics I&II (1st, 2:1), Microeconometrics (1st), Bayesian Econometrics (2:1), Labor (2:1)
Other Courses: Business minor
Research Experience:
-MSc Econometrics Project: top in class, on evaluating new methods, forwarded on to top US program faculty, but a group project (unofficially led the group)
-MSc Dissertation: very high marks, on econ of ed
Letters of Recommendation: I have a lot of options.
-A few UG professors would be happy to say I am among the best students they've ever had, but they're doubtful of how much weight their letters will pull.
-MSc Dissertation Advisor: very supportive of my research potential, younger with some good pubs
-MSc Econometrics Project Advisor: knows my input to the project and very supportive, probably the most known entity that knows me well
Other options are various pg academics that either know me well and are not known themselves or vice versa, but all would write supportive letters
Teaching Experience:
Just tutored economics in UG
Work Experience:
Nothing relevant like research work
Statement of Purpose:
Not written yet, but my MSc SoP was strong. I confidently know my interests.
Research Interests:
Applied Microeconometrics, Economics of Education
Other courses:
Currently enrolled in an online real analysis course
Concerns:
-Unsure whether to report/how to explain I have a diploma in economics from high ranked European institution, but I did not do well because of special circumstances. This was between UG and MSc.
-Unsure about math record, and I won’t have marks from online course before application decisions
-Unsure about the third recommendation letter. I was planning to choose different third recommendation letters based on the school (e.g. using an alumni where possible) or otherwise just a MSc metrics prof (not connected to US) that I did well with and likes me.
I have a list of schools to apply to based on matching interests, chances of admission, location, and connections to the school, but I am really unsure of how high I can go in rankings. I’d rather omit my list and just see what you all think?
Open to all input and advice.
