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Hi, Long time lurker, first-time poster. I want to apply for PhD Economics programs. I am open to pursuing a masters too if that may seem more appropriate. International student Undergraduate degree: Electrical Engineering Undergrad University: (university in top 20 in India- not IIT/IIM/NIT) Undergrad CGPA 60/100 (2.88/4 as per WES- helps calculates GPAs but I think its an approximation and depends on how universities calculate it) Grad program: Masters in Public Policy Grad university: Low ranked state university (+100 rank in public policy, relatively newer program in USA. Has placed students in Indiana, Cornell, UT Austin PhD Policy programs amongst a few) Grad GPA- 3.75/4 Quantitative: Engineering maths (3+ maths subjects with advanced calculus: grades are A, A-and C ) and microeconomics (A-), econometrics (B+), Quantiative methods (regression analysis) A- Recommendations: University program director (political science), professor at University (economist), boss at federal research lab (Architect & Planner- Oxford) Relevant Work Experience (6) (limited economics research, more quantiative policy research): -Research work experience in India for about 3 years in a non-profit on climate change, clean energy policy, and implementation- local, national and international (researcher) -Full time research work experience in USA for about 2 years in a national research lab on clean energy policy and implementation, looking at markets, local and state policy, utility regulation etc.. published at the lab (research assistant) -Part time research work experience at OSU on local clean energy policy issues for 2 years as a professors research assistant Research interests: Energy/ environmental economics, development economics, behavioral economics GRE: 155 v/ 157 q/ 4 analytical (will retake and aim for 165+ in quant to strengthen profile) Goals: Interested in a career in research in the policy world/government. I am not aure about academia yet. Questions: I am debating between a couple of questions and any insights would be helpful. I have read answers to similar questions on the forum and found them to improve my understanding. If I were to apply for a PhD econ now- what range of programs should I apply to? i.e 50-100 or 75-100? Is my profile suitable for PhD economics? Am I missing some key pre reqs from my coursework? Is it advisable to get a masters before applying for a PhD? If I want to apply for a higher ranked programs what are some key suggestions? With a masters degree with a low ranked university and good grades, what is the range of universities I can aim for? Thank you for reading through my profile. I look forward to receiving your comments.

Hello everyone, I am currently struggling with an important decision regarding a Postgraduate programme for next year and could use some input from the community. Current situation I have been accepted to the following programs: - MSc Economics (UCL) - MSc Economics, Two Year program (LSE) and am waiting for a response (which is very likely to be positive) from: - Master of Advanced Studies in Economics (KU Leuven, Belgium) Background I have a Bachelor degree in Engineering from a good university in in my home country but without that much international projection (PUC - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and I am currently finishing a MSc Statistics program at KU Leuven, Belgium, very likely with distinction. I have a strong quantitative background in Mathematics and Stats, but I lack formal knowledge in theoretical economics. My Economics knowledge comes from a lot of reading, 2 optional courses (Macro and Development Econ) and 2 Coursera MOOC's on (Principles of Macro and Micro). Goals For the past couple of years now, I have been doing the (surprisingly, imo) common transition from Engineering into Economics. I would like to pursue a PhD with a focus on applied econometric analysis to Development, Public Policies and Growth (if that doesn't sound too vague). I see myself working in academia, think tanks, research or policy making institutions. I have no intention of going into Finance or Consulting, or the business sector in general. Misc I applied to some PhD positions this year already, but was not accepted, in my opinion (just my opinion really, because no feedback was ever given), partly for lack of economic knowledge and training. In all three Unis, a good performance in the Master program is almost a guarantee to be accepted at the PhD program afterwards. However, this does not guarantee funding, so I would also apply to PhD's elsewhere (Oxbridge, LSE, UCL, Wawick, other places outside the UK). Due to already having a 2-year Master program (in Stats), I originally applied to 1-year programs only, both in UCL and LSE. During my application, LSE contacted me and asked whether I would also be open to be considered for the 2-year program, to which I said yes. One thing that concerns me a little was the fact that having two two-year Master programs and a switch of fields from my original Engineering degree would make me come across as somewhat indecisive and hurt my chances in the future. I have no clue whether this is indeed a thing or it's just me being an overthinker, I would also love to hear some thoughts on that if someone has any. Any advice on my situation? Thanks a million! TL;DR Engineer/Statistician seeking advice on choosing between MSc Economics at UCL, LSE (2-year) or KU Leuven as a first step to a future PhD.

Hi, Would be great if people can answer my queries after looking at my profile PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Electrical Engineering Undergrad GPA: 7.7/10 Type of Grad: MBA (Finance Major) Grad GPA: 3.1/4.33 GRE: 800Q, 710V, 4.5AW Math Courses: (Undergrad level) Calculus ©, Vector Calculus & Matrices (D), Complex Analysis (D), Probability and Stochastic Processes © Econ Courses: (Undergrad level in MBA) : Microeconomics (A+), Macroeconomics (B+), (Grad Level in MBA) : Econometrics (B), Game Theory(B+), another topical course (B+) . Other Courses: About 7-8 as Finance major in MBA Letters of Recommendation: Three economics professors who taught me in MBA. I don't expect them to be known, but they would have a good word to say. Research Experience: Undergrad thesis Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Development, IO, Game Theory, Macro Policy Queries: Terrible grades in Undergrad Math: I know I could've done much much better but I simply made no effort. Is there anything I can do now to make up for it and show I can deal with advanced math? Would a Diploma for Graduates in Mathematics offered by LSE through the external study program help? Would it be enough? Is there any other similar distance learning program for post graduate level maths from a reputed university? Diploma for Graduates in Mathematics - University of London - LSE - External System - Structure and Syllabus Weak CGPA in MBA: But this was in courses irrelevant to Economics (Strat, Marketing, HR etc.) Will it be held against me? Another full-time Masters?: I'm desperate for top 25 econ phd program. For that, I'm willing to give up to two years of full-time preparation if needed. Do you think I should go and get a full-time degree in Economics (Math?) (M.Phil from a top school in India?) There would be huge opportunity cost in monetary terms and I will do it only if it is necessary for a realistic chance at a top 25 econ phd. I'm currently working as an Analyst for a major US Bank. I use statistical tools and econometric techniques to analyze large customer databases and make business recommendations. Is this experience going to be helpful in my application? Will spending a year or two as an RA at some Economics research institution in India help? How does it compare with a full-time degree in Economics? Overall, I think my profile vastly under represents my ability as I think I was doing the wrong things (MBA) with no clear direction or motivation. Now I'm willing to do whatever is required to get where I think I should end up. Any help & advice would be greatly appreciated!