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Hello, I'm looking to apply for a Masters in Economics (hoping to enter in Fall 2013) and am a little concerned after reading all of these forums where others have posted their profiles. Let me preface it by saying that I'd never intended on studying economics at a graduate level, I was actually preparing to study political science or public policy. My interests have changed, however, and I'm very set on pursuing a career in economics. Unfortunately this means my background isn't as strong as someone who actually knew they were working towards an advanced degree in econ :torn: Undergrad: CSU with a modest reputation (one of the top 5 CSUs, so not totally unknown). BA in political science, with a minor in Economics. Overall GPA: 3.71, major GPA is closer to 4.0. GRE: Q 155, V 165, AW TBD (just took it today, planning to re-take it to try to raise the quant score to hopefully 160ish) Economics courses taken (all undergrad): Intro to Macro/Micro (B's in both), Advanced Micro Analysis (A-), Advanced Macro Analysis (B-), Developmental Economics (A-) Math: Finite Math (A), Intermediate Algebra (B), Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus Algebra (A), Intro to Stats (A) Math courses to come: Calculus I, II, III; Linear Algebra In hopes of making my application more competitive, I'm currently completing an Associate's degree in math at a community college. As part of this, I'll also be taking courses in C programming and Java (seems to be increasingly important in the field). LORs: 1 from my undergrad political science thesis advisor, 1 from the econ department chair (a PhD), and unsure of where the 3rd should come from - I didn't have close ties to any other economics professors. I could definitely get a good one from one of my political science profs though. Work/Research experience: No related work experience, but did write a 40+ page undergraduate research-based thesis about the legality and ethics of current US foreign policy Based upon my profile, I assume that I should limit my search to 3rd tier schools? Even then, do I have a chance at being admitted? Would it boost my eligibility if I got excellent (all A's) grades in my upcoming math classes, along with an improved GRE score? Does anyone know of any good schools that would fit this bill? My ultimate goal is to do very well in the master's and springboard into a PhD at a more prestigious school. Thanks in advance for your input!!

Hi everybody, I was wondering if anyone knows what the admissions requirements are like for the AAEC program at VT. Obviously I've looked at their website, but I've found by browsing these forums that it often takes much more to be admitted than what's specified on program websites. Does anyone have any knowledge of what's going on there right now? Also, any information on the overall quality of the program would be appreciated. Thanks, Michael

Hey guys, I am spanish student. Try to excuse my english, I am still not very fluent. I did the GRE test two weeks ago. In percentile, my scores equal to: Verbal 149 = 42% Quantitative 165 = 93% Analytical writing 3.5 = 29% I am disappointed about my analytical results, and worried because in many progrmas they do not only require quantitative scores. My intention is going to a good school with a good master program in Economics. As examples: Boston University, Cambridge or Barcelona GSE. What is your experience, do you think that my poor results in the analytical section would be an obstacle? Thank you so much in advance!

Hi, I got a GRE score of 320 with break up of VA -156, QUANT -164. I have been working in IT as a Software professional for the past 3 years with companies such as Accenture and Adobe (current). By 2012 my work ex level will be 4 years. I got a percentage of 76.11 in my Bachelors in Technology from GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi. Apart from this, I do not have any published papers or patents but have good extra curriculars such as programming competitions, feedbacks. My LoR will be 2 from Adobe and 1 from my college professor. What are my chances of breaking into a top 10 college ? I want to focus on: UC Berkley Caltech GaTech Uni of Austin, Texas Uni of Illinois Urbana USC Am I thinking too high ? Any help would be much appreciated!