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I am currently in the first year studying for a 3-year undergraduate degree in economics at Cambridge University. I am aspiring to study at a top 5 Ph.D. programme in economics in the US. From my knowledge, Cambridge has admitted very few students to US Ph.D programs straight from the undergraduate degree. I feel that this is partly due to a lack of applicants though, since very few students seem to intend to pursue an academic career. The level of mathematics in the degree is mainly covered through a year-long Mathematics and Statistics course in both the first year and second year. We have year-long econometrics courses in both the second and third year. Hence, the most mathematically rigorous combination of subjects I can study throughout the three years is: Year 1 (all 5 compulsory - no optional modules) - Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Mathematics and Statistics, Political and Social Aspects, Economic History Year 2 - Microeconomics (compulsory), Macroeconomics (compulsory), Econometrics (compulsory), Mathematics and Statistics (optional) Year 3 - Microeconomics (compulsory), Macroeconomics (compulsory), 7500 word dissertation (compulsory), Econometrics (optional), Further Micro Theory (optional) The main problem about applying straight from undergraduate is that I would need to apply for Ph.D programmes by the end of the second year/beginning of third year, meaning that my grades from the more mathematical modules will not be available to Ph.D. programmes. Also, since I'd be applying between my second and third years, I would need research assistantship experience hopefully between first and second year. However, there are no official opportunities for this kind of research in my economics department. And I'm unsure as to how to go about obtaining research experience. Especially since research assistantships are the best way to demonstrate aptitude for your letters of recommendation. Any advice for my current studies, research opportunities or further study would be much appreciated.

hello ! i just joined the forum and m not sure how to reply to threads , so i followed some instructions they helped me post a 'new thread' but ... um not rply to the previous thread.. so spare with me this one time . tell me what you think about the essay . word count is 326 words. also , do we have to give our essays a title ? Exercise – a must on the daily schedule. The long started debate as to whether physical training should be a part of the daily curriculum has reached a saturation point , after going on and on in circles , a decision has not yet been made. Many people believe that knowledge , grades and studies is the backbone of success and like to put studies above everything. Others believe that for the all round development of a child erercise and other extracurricular activities are as important as studies. Though both the sides of the debate present strong arguments , I’d like to believe with the latter who think exercise must be a part of school.the baes of my views are psychological and physical . On a physical level , exercise keeps one moving and grooving. It helps the body detoxicate itself by releasing sweat and betters the functioning of the vitals organs of the body. It improves our breathing , thereby increasing oxygen supply to the brains. It refreashs the brain , thereby helping the child to concentrate better on his work better after his exercise. Infact less number of study hours with an exercise routine gives more output than long continuous , tedious hours of study. On a psychological level , exercise proves to be a stress-buster. One should get moving to get rid of stress . when one is active , his feel good hormones are released which distracts him from his anxieties .The brain produces feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins which boosts his self-confidence. Exercise is meditation in motion which will hep the student refresh himself and come out calm , clean and optimistic. In a world where the child has more critics than he has role-models , the child will surely need exercise where he re-evaluatehimself , calm his nevers and get rid of all pessimistic thought. Where he can reboot his system and start afresh. Where he’ll promise himself to face his challenges.