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Hello, I’ve just finished my first year of a BSc Economics degree at Warwick University. I’ve been dead set on a PhD in Economics in the US for a while, and I’m aiming for the top 5. However, I don’t feel like my undergraduate degree is helping me. Although I can take a limited number of modules from the maths department, I don’t feel like I’m getting enough maths to be competitive at the top programs. I have the option to switch to BSc MMORSE (essentially maths, stats and economics), which allows for far more mathematical/statistical/econometric modules to be taken while not sacrificing much economic theory, although it would take me two years longer. I’m struggling to come to a decision on whether to switch. I’ve performed well in my first year (estimated top 0.5-1%), but worry that even if hypothetically every other part of my application was exceptional, it would be undermined by my lack of maths. I realise how hard it is to get into a top 5 program especially with a non-top 10 undergrad, but I’m serious in my ambitions. Do you think the value placed by the top PhD programs on mathematical preparation justifies the obvious financial/social costs of switching? Thank you!

Hello everyone! I have been following the forums for a while, but this is my first post! :D I would like to apply next year to Masters in Econ. I am not sure whether I want to do a PhD nor whether I could actually enter into a good one directly (I don't think so), hence I consider that a master would be a great option to measure myself and to increase my chances for good programs in case I finally move on to a PhD. I was considering to apply to Oxford (Mphil and Ec for Dev), Cambridge, LSE, PSE, UC3M, CEMFI, BGSE and perhaps the top Canadian ones (UBC, Toronto). However, I am not sure as to where to I stand, so it would be really helpful if someone could give me a bit of advice. Type of Undergrad: BSc in Economics at Top 5 Continental Europe University. Undergrad GPA: Top 2-3% of the class. Thesis w/ Distinction Type of Grad: - Grad GPA: - GRE: Not yet. Undergrad Math Courses: Calc I/II (A/A-/), Advanced Math for Eco (A), Statistics I/II (A-, A-). Undergrad Econ Courses: Micro I/II (A-/A), Adv Micro (A-), Macro I/II/III (A+, A+, A), Econometrics I/II (A+, A+), Quant Micro (A+), Public Econ (B), Game Theory (A), Applied Econ (A-), Econ Dev I/II (A, A+), few other econ courses (As) Research Experience (undergrad): 1 semester at national central bank doing research project (open macro), will probably be published as an ocassional paper of the bank. 2 semesters at top national economics think tank, RA for and co-authored policy paper with domestically very well-known professor. Letters of Recommendation: One from thesis advisor (PhD from top 10, should be quite good), one from think tank professor (PhD from top 25, should be very good), one from university professor (A+ in his course, I expect it to be average, top 25 PhD). Interests: Macro & Development Concerns: No grad level courses, not lots of math. Other: Good use of Stata & eviews. Exchange semester in China. Internship at top management consultancy, internship at econ department of ministry of foreign affairs. Any thoughts? Some other masters I should apply to? Thanks a lot! =)