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Hi everyone! I am currently preparing my applications for Econ PhD. I have applied three times (18 19 20 fall), and this is probably my last chance. I am quite nervous and not sure if my profile is strong enough to get in good program. I would appreciate any advice. Here is my background: Bachelor: bachelor's degree in economics (mainland of China, top 10), 3.54/4.00 GPA (about B+ or high 2-1) I didn't take any advanced courses in bachelor. One short RA and one TA during my bachelor. Master I: MSc Economics, Barcelona GSE, 7.3/10 (B- maybe?). I did really bad in the first term (and also why after BGSE I have to do another master) master thesis, 7.8. Master II: Master of Statistics and Data Science, KU Leuven, 14/20 (barely distinction), just finished first year, the grade of this semester will come out a few days later, hopefully a bit higher RA: two year part-time RA, full-time during the breaks, coauthorship, drafting. we will submit the paper this fall. LORs: 1. my RA boss (from my bacholer uni, he has good publications) 2. my thesis supervisor (ORSTAT, econometic), 3. to be decided (1) researcher from Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, helped with an environmental econ paper (2) another coauthor of my RA paper (new AP) (3) my BGSE professors GRE: in September pervious: V153+Q166 Work: 6 month trainee at the OECD in development center, half year external consultant. (mostly cleaning data using Stata) Research Interests: labor economics, applied micro (I still want to try other field, and willing to try theory, but maybe not econometric) Applying to: good mres (leading to PhD) programs in Europe, top 20-50 in US (but not quite familiar with US unis) for European uni, I am considering Zurich, Bocconi, TSE M2, KU Leuven, UC Leuven, MGSE, Mannheim, Bonn, if any chance get back to BGSE maybe, CEMFI, SSE, Berline School of Economics I am also considering ANU, Monash, McGill, UT, and UBC. Concerns: low GPA, no advanced math course. the program should provide scholarship (maybe German and American programs outstand) I failed twice applying to PSE, science po, and TSE; once bocconi, warwick, and tilburg. I really don't know where I am and where I can go. I am okay with doing mres and taking QE again if with scholarship, but I cannot afford another master or another RAship. Please tell me if I should lower my expectation (to which level) and save the application fee for any of these schools I mentioned. Many thanks to any advice or comment.

Is it wise to submit a low GRE score(310, 157Q) if the University made it optional? How does submitting it or not submitting it affect my application? If I send it anyway, can my research experience(2 years) and Econometrics degree complement my low scores?

Hi, Where would folks over here rank BU overall and especially for development and labour? I know it's classified as a MRM but where exactly would it fit? Top 25? Top 30? Top 40? Also, if you're a PhD student at a MRM, what are some helpful advice you have for improving your profile and making yourself competitive for the academic job market?

Phd Financial Economics/ Economics Evaluation ( Planning to Apply Fall 2021): GRE: Yet to Take ( Planning to take in June) TOEFL: Yet to take ( Planning to take in June) Undergrad: NIT Durgapur'2017 , India( Chemical Engineering)- 8.20/10 Grad: IIM Indore'2019 , India(Top 5 in Management as per NIRF ranking published by Ministry of Human resources India)-MBA ( 3.38/4.33, Top 35 out of 540, Don't have a proof yet but I am trying to get one from Admissions Office) Courses & Grades: 1.Mathematics I :Functions of Single Variable,Functions of several variables,Integral Calculus, Multiple Integral, Vector Calculus, A (9/10) 2.Mathematics II:Liner Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations,Fourier series,Laplace and Fourier Transforms,Probability A (9/10) 3.Mathematics III:Partial Differential Equations (PDE),Numerical Method,Complex Analysis,Optimization: Mathematical Preliminaries: Hyperplanes and Linear Varieties; Convex Sets, Polytopes and Polyhedra,Linear Programming Problem (LPP)A (9/10) 4.Advanced Numerical Analysis: Eigen Values A(9/10) 5.Probability & Statistics:Random Variables and Associated probability distribution,Sampling Distributions and Statistical Inference, Hypothesis testing,Simple Linear Regression Analysis A (3.783/4.33) 6.INTRODUCTION TO QUANTITATIVE DECISION MAKING:LINEAR PROGRAMMING,DECISION TREES,EXTENSIONS OF LINEAR PROGRAMMING: IPP AND MILP,APPLICATIONS OF LINEAR PROGRAMMING, B (3.367/4.33) 7.Microeconomics Introductory Microeconomics Course A (3.867/4.33) 8.Macroeconomics Introductory Macroeconomics Course A (3.917/4.33) 9.Economics of Strategic Interactions Market Structures and Organization,Review of Competition and Monopoly,Homogeneous Goods,Heterogenous Goods,Concentration, Mergers and Entry Barriers, R&D,Advertising, Quality, Durability and Warranties; readings from Industrial Organisations A ( 4.1/4.33) 10.Macroeconomics of Developing economies:Growth Models ( Solow etc)A ( 4.1/4.33) 11.Financial Markets & Central Banking:Stabilisation Policies in Closed and Open economy IS-LM Models,Monetary policy transmission mechanism, Credit Channel Expected Inflation and Monetary Dynamics, Optimum Policy Target,I nflation targeting B+(3.433/4.33) 12.International Finance:Balance of Payment, Exchange Rate, Drivers of Exchange Rate and,Foreign Exchange Market,International Parity Conditions: Interest Rate Parity,Foreign Exchange Risk Management,Hedging B (3.1/4.33) 13.Corporate Finance- Corporate Finance I (A) Corporate Finance II (B) 14.Investment Analysis & Portfolio Investments (B)- Portfolio Management 15.Equity Financing (B)- IPO/FPO/PE/VC 16.Practicing Corporate Valuation B- DCF/ Relative / M&A 17.Corporate & Retail Banking B- RWA calculation, CaR Ratio, Asset Liability Management, Basel Norms Research Experience: 1. IIM Indore: Microeconomics - Course of Independent Study Project- Given Presentation to Economics Department ( Awarded a credit ). Was working on the paper but it is still incomplete not sure if it is going to be completed before I apply. 2. IIM Indore: Live Project ( Cost Analysis) with Idea Cellular (before the merger of Idea & Vodafone) -Worked in a group although- Term Paper submitted 3. NIT Durgapur: Not relevant to econ research. Have a paper published (co-authored) in chemical Engineering in Springer ( impact factor 1.47) and a chapter (co-authored) in a book. 4.NIT Durgapur: Final year Thesis (Chemical Engg) (In a group) Work experience: Deutsche Bank ( almost 2yrs) - Corporate Banking Analyst Also, I am CFA L1 candidate- Hoping to pass! LORs: 1. Microeconomics Professor -IIM Indore under whose supervision I completed the Microeconomics project 2. Macroeconomics Professor- IIM Indore- Who took courses 3. Statistics Professor - IIM Indore - Who supervised the Live project Concerns: I know my profile is lacking in the following: RA ships, Not enough math/econ courses. I am planning to take up online econ/math courses ( real analysis, measure theory) and R/ Stata courses as well. Which kind of certifications will be considered by admissions committee ( any course certification from US univs?) Can someone specify some certification courses covering the above topics which can compensate for the lacking in maths/econ courses? I do know I like research , but till now most people have suggested me to go for a Masters rather than a Phd. is there any hope for me to get into a PhD econ program with this profile? Kindly suggest some schools I can apply to for both Phd & Masters in econ/ Financial economics where I might have a chance! Any suggestions are welcome! Would really like to gain some insights. Thank You!

Would applying to more than one program (say Economics and Applied Economics) at one school hurt my application?

Hi Based on advice from a previous post, I would love for a complete profile evaluation. I will try to be as descriptive as possible. Any advice is welcome. Research Interests Environmental and climate economics, with impact on health and energy sectors. Education 1. BA (Hons) Economics - No. 1 university available in my developing country for humanities. Ranked third in college with first class distinction (75 percentage). Not sure how to convert to GPA, but university toppers have marks around 85% NOTE: Took a gap year in between 2. MA in Environmental Economics - Only college to offer this course, but in terms of econ programs, top 5 institutes in my country for postgrad education 8.2 CGPA (graduated this year). Top 5% of all econ programs with around 250 students. Completed thesis with departmental and highly cited professor as advisor Math Courses 1. Bachelors (took all math courses available at university level, didn't know how important this was then) STATISTICAL METHODS IN ECONOMICS-I and II; MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR ECONOMICS-I and II; INTRODUCTORY ECONOMETRICS I; MATHEMATICS AWARENESS; LINEAR ALGEBRA AND CALCULUS; ELEMENTS OF ANALYSIS (All purely math papers have 80+ percentage, but I did screw up in stats and micro with 60-70 scores ) 2. Masters level Statistical Methods; Mathematical methods; Econometric methods; advanced econometric methods and Stochastic models (Scored A or A+ in all courses in masters which is 70-90 in percentage) Experience 1. RA with highly professor from a top 200 college in the US. 5 months (during covid lockdown) work on data cleaning and analysis, report making etc. They have put up my work on their website too, so really lucked out with the prof. 2. RA with econometric prof from my college and prof from an MBA institute. 7 months work on data cleaning and analysis report making etc. I have also rejoined as co-author recently, 3. Research Intern during summer break (2 months) at an NGO for development research. Did literature review. (4) Editor for student led blog at masters NOTE: None of the experience directly relates to my area of interest Letters Strong letters from professors I worked as an RA with (including US prof). Also expecting strong letter from my thesis advisor especially based on my active involvement (organizer, editor) in academic lectures and events at master college. Works in progress As mentioned, joined as co-author for the project I worked as RA with. I also am working with my thesis advisor and converted my thesis into a working paper. GRE- Not taken yet, targeting end of the month Other Info Good social presence on twitter and linkedin. Made my own website on advice of the US prof Expertise in STATA (codes put up on github); learnt C++ in school; learning python and GIS right now Final Remarks Currently I am looking for RA positions related to my field of interest, but they have been few and very competitive. So any other advice on strengthening my profile is welcome. Especially since my areas of interest is very specific. Also, will you suggest I apply this November/ December based on my current profile? It may be worthwhile to know a few of my alumni have went on to join programs in the US, Europe and New Zealand. I am also interested in schools in Europe, with an open mind for interdimensional research. Thank you for any input you can offer!

Hello all! I am from a public state school and got an A- in Real Analysis I course. I have As in all the other recommended math and stats courses (Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Advanced Matrix Theory, Diff Eq, Math Stats (year-long sequence)) as well as all As in both undergrad and grad-level Economics classes (which include 3 semesters of advanced Econometrics and Macroeconomic Theory). I also have solid research experience in social science fields (no publications yet). I plan on taking stochastic process sequence as well as Real Analysis II, and will do my best to get As. I am also enrolled in graduate Micro Theory and Math Econ, for which I am positive I can get As. Do I still have a chance to get into a Top 20 PhD program with my current stats? Or should I retake Real Analysis I (which I don't mind) to replace my A- grade? I can't decide if retaking Real Analysis I or taking other math/stats classes would be a better idea. Also, what other math/stats courses are recommended in addition to the classes I have taken? Can an A in Abstract Algebra weigh a lot on my application? Thanks very much in advance!

Hello, first post on here. I would like to know what is reasonable for me before I get my hopes up. Is something in the 20-30 range attainable? For context, I would rather wait another year and improve my application than attend a school ranked 50+. I am very interested in pursuing a career in academia. PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Top 20, flagship public research university. Economics Major, French Minor + lots of chemistry, biology and some physics. Undergrad GPA: 3.35 cumulative, 3.65 last 2 years, 3.60 major GRE: 168 Q/164 V/4.5 W Math Courses: Calc 1 (B-), Calc 2 (B), Calc 3 ©, Calc 4 (C-), Linear Algebra (B+), Differential Equations (A-), Real Analysis (A+) Econ Courses: Stats for Economists (C-), Intro Economics (A-), Intro Economics 2 (A), Intermediate Micro (B+), Econometrics (A+), Econometrics Lab (A+), Intermediate Macro (B-), Theories of Growth/Development (B+), Advanced Econometrics (A+), Behavioral Economics (A), Advanced Macro (A+), Advanced Macro Lab (A), Economic Forecasting in R (A-), Advanced Microeconomics (B+) Other Courses: Mechanics (C+), Thermodynamics and Waves (A), PChem1/2 (C+/B), OChem1/2 (C/B), Cells&Tissues (C-), Stem Cell Biology (A-), Cell&Molecular Bio (A), Genes&Evo&Ecology (A) Letters of Recommendation: 1) Co-signed letter from neuroscience research advisor employed by my university and the head of the lab; 2) business school professor who I know personally, we are working to publish COVID-19 survey data from a survey that we co-designed, 3) *unverified* advanced econometrics professor who is near the top of the field and has encouraged me to chase my aim of becoming a professor. We are in touch and have been communicating but I didn't feel ready to ask her for a letter until now-- asking her this week or next. Research Experience: In neuroscience lab-- adapted github python script to parametrize neural power spectra, used this to transform and analyze multiple datasets of 100+ patients. Analysis included review of related literature and basic statistical tests. This was ongoing for 18 months. Covid-19 Survey-- assessing population level outcomes and integrating accepted behavioral scales to investigate mediating factors. I designed half the survey, the prof I'm working with designed the other half and has been providing guidance. I am solo performing analysis on outcomes of my portion, the plan is to publish the results in the next few months. Teaching Experience: None-- impossible for undergrads to get RA at my institution; chose extracurriculars over tutoring. Research Interests: Complexity and macroeconomics, although also curious about neuroeconomics/behavioral and I am sure that econometrics will be a key part of my toolkit. SOP: I dealt with a combination of depression, anxiety and untreated ADHD throughout undergrad but especially in the first 2 years-- would it help to mention in SOP? Other: Python (3/5, have used professionally to automate demand planning and numerous coursera projects), R (2/5, several large statistical projects), Stata (yuck). Graduated 2019, worked 9 months as a 'Product Development Analyst' before covid layoffs. I am worried that my performance in micro courses is going to be an issue (they bored me at the time, so not in terms of my capabilities), and I have no idea how my poor early math grades will be seen. Thank you for any input you may have.

If I wanted to get a solid math background (I also enjoy it along with Econ) would it be just as beneficial to take a math major as well as grad Econ courses? Taking the honors theory sequence now and planning for first year PhD sequence in the fall of 2021. As long as I have sufficient math background and good grades in the grad courses that is the most I can do from an academic point of view correct?

Hi everyone, I am currently applying to US universities for a PhD in economics, starting fall next year, but I'm not sure which unis I should be applying to with my results. Universities in Spain don't give out many As, but I don't know whether that is known in American universities, so my GPA and grades are my biggest doubt. PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Top Spanish university GPA: 8.8/10, self calculated GPA (Scholaro) 3.7. Ranked second in my class and did an honors thesis. Math Courses: Calculus I and II (A+), Linear Algebra and Topology (B), Statistics & Probability I and II (A+ and B), econometrics (A), Time Series (A). Econ Courses: Micro and Macro I and II, growth economics, decision making theory, health economics, industrial organization... all the usual courses for an economics major. They're all As and Bs. GRE: 168 Quant, 168 Verbal, 4 AWA. TOEFL: 119/120 Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ professors, 1 statistics professor (they are PhDs from Northwestern, Columbia and Carnegie Mellon) Research Experience: honors thesis, research paper for university forum Research Interests: development, public and environmental economics I've also worked for 6 months at the European Central Bank and as a macroeconomic analyst at the Spanish Embassy in Brazil for 1 year. The list of universities for now is made of two long shots (Berkeley and Columbia) around 6 unis like U Michigan, UIUC, UC Davis, and another 6 from slightly less competitive unis like CU Boulder, UC Irvine, Arizona. Am I on the right track? Or should I aim lower? (I doubt I should be aiming higher). Thanks to anyone who'll answer! :)

I'm from an Australian top uni with first class honors in economics, my goal is top30 but now I think my math grades should be a disadvantage.

Hello Fellow Urch Users, I am new here but wanted to get objective opinion on my current stats. I am a triple major in Economics(B.S), Psychology(B.S) & Computational Mathematics (B.A) in a top 100 National & Global University. I will be graduating in the upcoming year with an estimated GPA of around 3.35-3.42 (3.35 worst case scenario). I decided to go down this route because I am heavily interested in Econometrics, International Trade and also Behavioral Economics. I love how each major is interconnected and I want to bring unique research to the table. I have not yet taken the GRE, but am aiming for 165Q and 162V scores. Research Experience: 2 years in Psychology lab doing statistics and administering experiments Currently a research assistant for my Econ Prof (data collection and organization through STATA) I have a working Paper with two professors that will be published this summer on history and economics. I also have research experience in the History department because of my knowledge of three languages Will hopefully get accepted into tutoring in the mathlab and also some Econ courses Skills: 3 Languages (fluent), Programming Skills/Software: STATA, experience in R, will have experience in C++ and phyton once done with my computer sci classes. LORs: Will have solid 3 LORs I really want to get into University of Michigan for Econ PhD. Is this a realistic goal for me given my stats? Or do you guys think my best bet is to apply for an Econ master program, get 4.0 Grad GPA then pursue even more competitive schools like: MIT, Harvard or London School of Economics. If these are not realistic goals, what should I be doing? Math courses: Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis 1 & 2, Analysis, Advanced Econometrics, Differential Equations, Abstract algebra and Number theory, Discrete Mathematics, Calc 3, and of course few Statistics classes in the upper level. Sorry for the long post. Thank you for taking your time to read this. - The unrationaleconomist :)

Hi, everyone! I'm glad to be posting for the first time in this nerdy place :). I'm from a South American country and also have Italian citizenship (bringing this up, 'cause if you think my chances are higher at an European BS -say, Bocconi or Swiss Finance Institute-, feel welcomed to say it). I'm really dubious about my possibilities of being admitted at a T20+ PhD in Finance in the US. I invite you to check out my profile: Test Scores: TOEFL 107/120 (all above 20). GRE is due on Nov 28th. Undegrad GPA:7.77/10 1st in my class among 1500+. Financial Accounting degree. Latin American Public University. Top 3 in the country. Graduate I GPA: 8.5/10. 1 year Master in Financial Accounting. Specialization: Credit Risk Modelling. Thesis about structural credit risk models compared to Altman Z-Score. Same UN than undergrad. Graduate II GPA: 8.3/10. 2 year Master in Finance. Specialization: Quantitative Methods. Thesisabout a jump difussion model for local equity futures volatility. Latin American Private University. Top 1 in Latin America in Finance. Research Experience:RA for 2 years in the Department of Statistics and Mathematics (Multi Attribute Methodology applied on Finance). RA for 2 years in the Center for Financial Research (sovereing debt curve modelling -NSS, Moench-, Consumer Economics, Inflation Expectations, extrapolating risk-neutral probability distribution for commodities futures from their options pricing, etc). Teaching Experience: more than 9 years being teaching assistant in undergrad and grad courses on Macroeconomics, Public Finance, Portfolio Theory, Derivatives. Earned a higher position by competition in Public Finance (Profesor Auxiliar, don't know the translation of this title). Work Experience: more than 3 years for an international hedge fund located in Madrid, working exclusively in quantitative/research trading of CME interest rate derivatives. Almost 2 years working on the top local hedge fund doing quantitative trading, statistical arbitrage and the automatization of these strats. Relevant Math/Programming Courses: Algebra (A), Calculus (A-), Financial Calculus -Baxter- (PhD level, A), Financial Math undergrad(A), Financial Math MsC level (B+), Operational Research (A), Stats I(A), Stats II (A), Stats for Research (PhD level, A), Probability and Statistics MsC level (A), Dynamic Optimization for Finance in Matlab (A), Derivatives Mathematics (A), Applied Econometric Models for Finance (A), Advanced Econometrics (A), VBA Programming (B-, :/), Computational Finance in R (A), Machine Learning in Octave (Stanford - Coursera, certified). The latest is the only online course, the rest of them are in-class. Relevant Econ Courses: Macro I(B-), Macro II(A), Micro (B+), Public Finance (A), Public Finance II(B), Economic Policy (A-), Economics History (B+). Concentration Applying to: PhD in Finance or Econ, Financial Economics. I thing the first is much more difficult to enter to, since they're smaller programs and much more selective. Planning to apply T20-50. Not picky geographically, but of course if it's California or the East Coast I would be grateful. Research interests: Asset Pricing (ideally, on derivatives and fixed income), focused on the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing (discovering value through non-arbitrage conditions). Also interested in market microstructure, price discovery. Econometrics, time series analysis. Number of programs planned to apply to: 10-15 Dream Schools: Anderson (UCLA) or UCLA itself, Marshall (USC), UCSD, CUNY, Urbana Champaign, Booth, Penn State, Tepper (Carnegie-Mellon), Foster (Washington- Seattle). All comments are welcome! Thanks in advance, guys!

Hi All, I wanted to understand how different is the selection process & research for Business PhD in Managerial Economics versus getting into an Econ PhD. Need a better understanding for a couple of reasons: 1. Though my core interest in Developmental Econ & Public Policy, my profile won't get me into a Top 30 in Econ program. Going through research areas of profs and PhD students at Kellogg/Ross/Harvard - it aligns pretty well with what I would like to do (A lot of interesting areas with respect to institutions, countries, political science, decision making and more).For e.g: At Northwestern, there is Phd in Developmental Economics, and the MECS program at Kellogg lists Developmental Economics as an active research area. Same for Michigan Ross 2. How/what can I do improve my profile to get an admit - I don't want this to become a profile evaluation but want tips what one should do to get into such a program, I currently have: MBA from IIMA (top B-school in India) - I was in the top 15% of the batch but no masters/bachelors in Econ A grades in Economics related courses (except in Macroeconomics - I & never took Econometrics course) A good reco from a Harvard Econ Phd - did a Developmental Econ project under her in IIMA Planning to take RAship under an Econ prof for 18 months (10 months when I apply to colleges for Fall 2020) No other significant research credentials - one paper during undergrad in a low impact journal & currently in Digital Sales for a Technology firm for last 3 years Do courses from Coursera built credibility Explaining my maths courses becomes a little tricky coz it doesn't neatly map into the US system, but let me take a hack at it. At undergrad, three math courses (6 months each) - Calculus, Engineering Mathematics - II & III; This broadly covers Calculus - I & II, Linear Algebra, Polar Coordinates & a little bit of Statistics - Top 2 grades in all of them (the equivalent of As). At postgrad, three courses of Statistics - Probability & Statistics I, II, III - A in two of them, B in one of them. And there were quite a few math-based courses such as Decision Making, Labour Markets, Business Research Methods, Impact Evaluation Thanks. Your inputs will be helpful as I'm planning to apply next year (not this season)

I'm an incoming third-year undergraduate planning to apply to start my PhD in fall of 2020. I'll be applying in 2019. Since I've only finished two years, I don't have grades information for all the classes I plan to take, but I just want to know if I'm generally on the right track so far. Profile: Gender: Female Ethnicity: Caucasian Undergraduate Major: Applied Math and Economics- top Ivy League university Undergraduate GPA (overall): 3.9 Undergraduate GPA (math): 3.92 Undergraduate GPA (econ, all mathematical/quantitative courses): 3.75 Math/Statistics Courses: Multivariable Calculus (A), Linear Algebra I (A-), Applied Math Modeling (A), Intro to Set Theory, Group Theory, and Real Analysis (A), Advanced Econometrics (forthcoming), Probability Theory (forthcoming), Real Analysis (forthcoming), Linear Algebra II or Differential Equations (forthcoming-see below) Economics Courses: Advanced Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (mathematical) (A-), Advanced Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (mathematical) (A-), Political Economics (empirical research seminar) (A), Capital Markets (mathematical finance theory) (A-), Monetary Policy (forthcoming), Economics Seminar (forthcoming) Research Experience: I've worked as an RA for a well-known professor at my university for the past year and plan to continue researching for them throughout my remaining two years of undergrad. I have done one summer of economic research work as an intern for a well-known top financial institution, I'm planning to work as an RA on campus for an entire additional summer (forthcoming), and I'm planning to write a senior thesis (forthcoming). Programming: Basic/intermediate econometrics work in R, pretty proficient in MATLAB, I will learn advanced econometrics in Stata (forthcoming) and a solid introduction to about six other languages in forthcoming computer science classes. Questions/Concerns: 1. Am I on the right track so far? Is there anything I'm missing? 2. What are my chances of being admitted to a top 5, or top 10, program? 3. Will my research experience be enough, or should I take two years after undergrad before applying? 4. I will likely only be able to take one of Linear Algebra II/Data Analysis or Differential Equations (ODE and PDE) next year. My intro to linear class was very badly taught and I got an A- in it; I'm confident I can learn linear better with another course. However, I have no experience with differential equations at all. Which of these classes should I take if I can only take one? 5. Do I need a lot more math or statistics than what I already have taken and have planned?

Hi all, I am currently attending Top 10 Econ undergraduate in the U.S. Eventually, my school allows students to take graduate level math courses if students show sufficient mastery of undergraduate mathematics and have certain grade point average. I was originally planning on taking graduate-level math courses such as Measure Theory, Functional Analysis and etc. Then, I noticed that our undergrad math department offers independent study course where students get to choose the topic and take the 1:1 course with a faculty member of their choice. here are my questions: would it be better off learning the grad-level math topics through independent study? (I believe that this can help me adjust the pace of my study and lower the risk of getting a bad grade) or would it be better off taking the actual graduate courses? Would A-s in math courses send a negative signal when I apply to Econ Ph.D?

Can anyone confirm what stipend offers they got from UChicago Econ? From discussions I've had it seems they've made differential offers to various admitted candidates.

Just want to check what you guys think about the application of data mining/machine learning/deep learning and other AI techniques in economics field. I heard that some researchers have been doing this, but haven't looked at their work yet. Also wonder if any PhD programs pay specific attention to this track? Thanks!

Hello guys! Please kindly have some quick comments on my profile. Thanks! Undergrad: BS in Applied Math in a Top 10 Chinese university. GPA 3.5, but some bad grades for Calculus (around 70) Masters: MS in Financial Math in a Top 10 (or Top 15?) U.S. university. GPA 3.9. GRE: 166 Q/ 162 V/ 3.5 A Math courses: my major was math... Econ courses: only audited Macroeconomics and Econometrics during Masters. (no letter grade) Recommendation: 1. Econ professor (I have been his RA for almost a year, and publish two working paper on his institute website) 2. applied math professor whose research field is commodity market (I did two research projects with her, not published) 3. applied math professor whose research field is machine learning (we did a deep learning project together) Research: 1. Two working papers (one macro/currency, one commodity market) with the Econ professor mentioned above. 2. One research project paper (commodity market) with the second professor mentioned above. 3. A stock prediction project using deep learning with the third professor mentioned above. Teaching: TA in two derivatives and investment related courses in the business school of our university. Concerns: 1. I have no formal experience in Econ. 2. My undergrad GPA is not top level. Applying: I have not picked my schools yet. Any advice? I really wanna go to a top tier or somewhat "good" university. How big is the possibility here... Thank you very much!

Ok, I’m pretty unorthodox: EDUCATION Undergrad (2009-2013) School: Top-5 USNWR Major: History and English GPA: 3.30 (almost entirely humanities classes) Math/stats/econ courses: AP credit: Micro, Macro, Calc I, Calc II Intro Stats (A) Non-degree class prep for grad programs (2015-2016) Linear Algebra – local community college (A) Calc III – local community college (A) Micro Theory I MA level - #50 econ university (A+) Micro Theory II Ph.D level - #50 econ university (A+) Econometrics I Ph.D level - #50 econ university (A) M.S. program (2016-2018) Program: Math and Statistics School: Top-20 USNWR GPA: 3.8 M.S. courses taken/taking: Probability Theory (B+) Mathematical Statistics (A expected) Deterministic Mathematical Models (A expected) Future courses: Real Analysis I – summer Optimization – summer* Ordinary Diff Eq (local community college) - summer Stochastic Processes – fall Numeric Methods – fall RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Data journalism for two years with publications in major media R.A. at econ think tank for 1 year for a low-level economist R.A. for econ prof at #40 econ program* Econ research at think tank for 1.5 years, but not for an economist *Currently debating the Optimization course or R.A. job for this summer MISCELLANEOUS INFO LORs: 1. Prof at top-50 econ school, Ph.D from top-5 econ program – received A+ in Ph.D course 2. Prof at top-50 econ school, Ph.D from top-20 econ program – received A in Ph.D course 3. Prof at top-40 econ school, Ph.D from top-5 econ program* – RA-ed for (assuming I take the RA job) Backup LOR: Prof at top-50 econ school, Ph.D from top-70 econ program – RA-ed for Teaching experience: Possible T.A. for math grad course this fall GRE: Taking this summer, confident I can do 167+ Other info: Hispanic (I assume this helps a bit) Applying to: #1-25 programs Research interests: Not sure, but enjoy econometrics, Micro, and IO Concerns: lack of econ undergrad courses (though I got As in two Ph.D first-year classes) low undergrad GPA (though it was 5+ years ago and hoping good M.S. GPA can make up for it) limited research experience MAIN QUESTIONS 1. Should I take the Optimization course or RA for the professor this summer? 2. If I apply this fall (to start 2018), what rank of school do you think I can expect to be admitted to? 3. I’m considering delaying another year (to start 2019) so I can supplement my resume with: Courses: Bayesian Statistics, Machine Learning, Partial Diff Eq, Measure Theory, Real Analysis II More RA experience, possibly a formal job at IMF, World Bank, or Fed What rank of school do you think I can expect to be admitted to in 2019 with this extra on my application?

More info on my background here, but relevant highlights: Undergrad: USNWR top-5 school but in History and English (almost no math or econ courses) Masters: Currently working on M.S. in math and stats, set to graduate Spring 2018 Ph.D: Planning to apply to top-20 econ Ph.D programs this fall, to start Fall 2018 My understanding is that the four broadly accepted “core” math classes for an application are: Calc III, Linear Algebra, Ordinary Diff Eq, and Real Analysis. I’ve taken Calc III and Linear Algebra. And I’ll be taking Real Analysis this summer. To “check” the ODE box on my app, though, I’m in a bit of a bind. My options: A course in my grad program I’m currently in this spring, called “Deterministic Mathematical Models,” deals heavily with ODEs and I imagine to a large extent covers a lot of the same material as typical ODE course. A $1,100 course at a local community college (not sure Ph.D programs would scoff at this) A $4,500 course at a local university (which would be difficult to manage with my job and also overlap with my Real Analysis course) I’m leaning toward Option #1 and just hoping admissions committees will not be extremely stringent about having a course literally titled “ODE” on my transcripts. (I don’t know if there’s a place on my application where I can explain this course heavily covers ODEs.) My M.S. program deals with math far more advanced than what’s covered in an ODE course, so I’m hoping this won’t be an issue. But I’m not sure, especially since I’m already such an unorthodox candidate with a B.A. in History and English. Thoughts?

Courses taken: Calc III Linear Algebra A course dealing with Diff Eqs Probability Mathematical Statistics Courses I have NOT taken: A serious proofs-oriented course, which I know is important for Real Analysis I'd like to apply to econ Ph.D programs this fall, so I'd likely take Real Analysis this summer. I'm planning to take off time from work to fully dedicate myself to the course. I'm also planning to do some proof prep in the two weeks before the class. Still, I don't know if that would be enough preparation. What do you think?

Likely applying to econ Ph.D programs this fall. Likely RA-ing starting this summer for an econ prof at a ~#50 econ program who has connections to top-5 programs. (I have no prior interaction with this professor. No classes.) Two questions: 1. If I do somewhat rigorous RA work for this professor for the summer and fall, can I expect a strong rec letter by December, or is that generally too short a time period? 2. Would it be horribly awkward to bluntly ask, prior to RA-ing, "If I do good work for this time period, is it possible to receive a strong rec letter by December?" (I assume generally yes, but this prof first offered the RA opportunity after asking me, out of the blue during our initial meeting, if I'd be requesting a rec letter from him.)

(sorry this thread posted twice!) look at the other thread.

I have applied to a bunch of econ PhD programs in the 1-35 range and a couple masters programs. I would like to be considered for need-based financial aid if that exists. Does such aid exist? Should I be submitting FAFSA or some other forms to apply for this? Or is all aid merit-based and such that I will be automatically considered given my regular application to the school?