Hi there!
As an undergraduate student graduating 2021 and applying in fall 2020, I am still struggling between several choices: either applying to a PhD program directly, or applying to a MA program at first, or applying to a full-time RA position to strengthen my profile. Therefore, I really appreciate any feedback from you so that I can understand better and make clearer decision.
Undergraduate Degree: BAs in Economics, Mathematics, and International Studies from a 30-40 ranked private research university
Undergraduate GPA: 3.96/4.0
GRE: Q 169 V 164 AW 4.5
Math Courses: Calculus (A), Linear Algebra (A), Differential Equation (A), Probability (A), Statistics (A), Introduction to Proof (A). Plan to take Real Analysis in my Senior year.
Econ Courses: Industrial Organization (A), Econometrics (A), Grad Antitrust Economics (A)
Related Experience: I believe this is my weakest part since I did not RA for any professor. I only TAed Econometrics.
Letter of Recommendation: Not secured yet. I believe I can get one from the chair of the Econ department who taught me Econometrics, another from the professor that I TAed for, the last one probably from a professor who taught me Chinese Economy.
Research Interest: Not sure yet. I am interested in Econometrics and Antitrust or Industrial Organization.
My biggest concern is that my research experience is not strong. I was more inclined to find a job and apply to a PhD after working for a couple of years so my summer experiences were internships rather than research. However, the current situation interrupted my plan.