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I decided a bit late to try to pursue an Econ PhD--it's been a major of mine for a while, and I've been taking some math courses, but I do graduate in a year, so there's not just a whole lot of adapting I can do at this point. I understand the programs are competitive, and that's okay. I'd just like some thoughts on what I can do with what little wiggle room I've got, and what rank of school (Top 20? Top 50?) I should focus on. I'll work on my applications plenty, but that's easier to change. Graduating: May 2021 Type of Undergrad: Unranked (top ~120) U.S. University. BS in Econ, BA in Political Science & Spanish, Data Science minor. Think liberal arts school for what I’m studying--some research, but teaching-oriented. Undergrad GPA: 3.9+, should remain above or maybe dip into high 3.8s GRE: 170Q/170V/5.5 Undergrad Econ Courses: AP Macro, Intro Micro, Intermediate Macro/Micro, Applied Econometrics, Theories of Economic Growth, Labor (As). Game Theory and History of Econ (the latter required, unfortunately) planned. Math Courses: Linear Algebra (A), Stats (A). Calc III (summer), Mathematical Statistics planned. I have two spots open, and I’m trying to get into Advanced Calc I, but I don’t have the prerequisites; without a waiver, ODE + PDE or ODE + some proofs course. Other (Relevant?) Courses: Intro to Data Science (A). Data Mining planned. LORs: Professor I had for Intro Micro and will have for Game Theory (Dept Head), other I had for three courses and will assist with (informal) research over the summer. Unsure on 3rd, so will be shakier--but could be related to a fall research project. Programming: R, limited Python Research Experience: None in Econ at the moment, will have limited experience after summer. Was chosen for a Canadian Fulbright for the summer, but, y'know, pandemic. Fall project and (Spring) senior thesis planned. Teaching Experience: I tutored HS students (in government and US history) this past year; TAs are basically STEM-only at my UG. Work Experience: Nothing relevant to Econ/PhD. Research Interests: Transit/Transportation is a hobby interest of mine, so I’m looking at UC Irvine. Other than that, I’m fairly open, but skew toward Labor, Development (Micro), Public, maybe Resource. Concerns: At this stage, I feel like I’m doing what I can in terms of making myself competitive--I’d just prefer not to waste my time and money applying and getting rejected from schools beyond my reach. What kind of schools (rankings, though specific ones are good, too) should I be focusing on? I’m also not really sure where ranks lie (I’ve been using thissince it has subfields). I’m hesitant about going to a “low-ranked” PhD program, even though I’m not sure where that cutoff is. Thanks for your help!
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Finished Junior studies. Planning 1.5 more years in undergrad. 2 more years in grad. I am wondering what I can do to prepare for phd right now. Type of Undergrad: Top 2 Economics program in Korea, Top 100 world wide (US News, by subject) GPA: 3.9/4.5 (3.7/4.0 where A,A+:4, B,B+:3, etc.) ; math&econ: 4.2/4.5 Type of Grad: N/A GRE: N/A, TOEFL: 110 (sp. 27, wr. 28) Math courses taken (undergrad): Calc I,II (A,A+ ; Calc II = mutivariate), Linear Algebra (A,A+) Planning to take Analysis I,II, Real Analysis, Topology I, Diff. Eq., Partial Diff. Eq., Intro to Probab., Mathematical Statistics, Stochastic Process, Topics in Applied Math Econ courses taken: Principles of Econ I,II (A+,A+), Micro (A), Macro (A; retaken), Math for Econ (A), Stat for Econ (A+), Econometrics I,II (A+,A ; metrics II = time series metrics), International Finance (A), International Trade (A+), Financial Econ (A+), Strategy and Information Econ (B+), Empirical Micro (A+) Planning to take Industrial Organization, Indus.Org. Seminar, Empirical Analysis of Econ Policies, Mathematical Economics, grad micro, grad macro Other Courses: Statistical Inquiry (B+), Formal logics (A), bunch of other philosophy & law courses Recommendation Letters: 1 from Metrics professor who knows me well. 2 others not yet decided. Research Experience: 1 paper on International Finance (exch. rate) with 5 other undergrads. Presented at an undergrad conference. 1 paper on Finance (derivatives) with another undergrad. Will be presented at undergrad conference. 1 funded independent research on Micro Theory. Ongoing. I know all three are not much of a signal. Research Interest: Primary - micro theory, secondary - finance Concern: What can I do for now to get ready for theory application? I heard a rigorous math course work is a prerequisite for theory work, so I'm planning to take a lot of math courses in the following semesters. What else can I do to improve my profile? Would taking an RA job at a Korean research institute help as a theory applicant? (most of the work will be on empirical studies). I'm confident of my mathematical potential, so I would like some advice assuming my future math scores converge to A's.