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Hello to all. I would like to know what chances I have of getting into a PhD programme in the US or Canada. My grades aren't suited for top 20 at all, but I'm not sure about the rest of the schools. So here goes my profile: Undergrad- economics honours in the top arts college in the country (India), got 73% aggregate (1st class score), but I have bad grades in math and stats, however, an A+ in Introductory real analysis. Rest of the eco courses- A-'s mostly. Post grad- top 3 institutions in the country, again, I got b and B- in maths, stats and econometrics. The rest are all A-'s again. Aggregate=70%(first class) I dropped a year(2016-17) to study for the civil service. This year, I will be appearing for the civil service exams. But I am also appearing for MPhil entrances, that's the intermediate course we have to take to earn a PhD in most places in India. I was hoping that while doing the MPhil, I could retake the grad math, stats and econometrics courses, and also undertake research work, apart from writing my MPhil dissertation. If I improve my grades, and also do well in MPhil, would I stand a chance to break through the top 50/70? The reason I didn't too well in undergraduate or graduate level was because I didn't put in much effort, I didn't study much, and was focussed on other things. But now I have gradually learned to like research,while writing term-papers at the grad level. I am confident I can get good GRE scores and LORs during my MPhil, but will my unimpressive 5 years of grades put it all to waste?? My school has sent people abroad in the past, but I assume they had better grades than I did. If there's anyone who is familiar with UMass Econ PhD, could you tell me if I stand a chance for that place? My graduate school professors know the faculty there, so would that boost my chances despite my grades?? Is an MA in Europe(2018), instead of MPhil, a better alternative? Thanks to everyone in advance. Eager to read your replies. I've been scouring through this forum, and i inferred that my chances are quite bleak. I will be talking to my professors in a few days, but I'd still like to hear from you guys. Also, please advice me on what I need to do more to boost my chances.