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Hi, I recently graduated from my undergrad and will start working as a pre-doctoral RA for two years at a Top 10 school. I graduated from a Top 20-25 school with Economics major, but my GPA is low (3.3-3.4) with not so good grades in math (will post a refined profile evaluation later). A lot of unexpected events happened to me during undergrad, which partially explains my grades but also I was very low in terms of my self esteem and motivation, which didn't help academically. It is mostly on me that I failed to overcome a lot of personal obstacles completely, and I am trying to do my best in the next two years to improve myself, both personally and academically. I was talking with my research advisor, under whom I have learned to do research and eventually completed my senior honors thesis. He is somewhat well-known in the field, and told me that he sees my paper as potentially publishable at a second-tier journal upon several changes and many revisions. I have been wondering if I should embark on this, as I know that this will take a lot of work and there is also no guarantee that I will get it published. Here is my question: I know it'll be hard, but If I do get it published, will this help me get into a Top 15, even Top 10 Phd program? I know my current profile isn't enough to get me into these schools, and was wondering if this will be a big factor that will help me get into these schools. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi, sorry in advance if this is the wrong place to post this. New to this forum. I'm looking for an economics tutor (someone who has gotten a masters in the UK and currently in economics PHD / graduated from PHD program). Does anyone here know anyone that might be interested? I'm in the US but willing to do Skype lessons.

My first go at academic studies was over ten years ago, and was a total disaster. I failed courses and left after a year. It took me more than 5 years to return and complete my degree in a different discipline. My second try was considerably better. Graduated summa cum laude. I directly continued to a master, which I graduated with honors as well. My questions: 1. Do I need to provide the transcripts from the first go, even though the grades had no bearing on my complete degree(s)? 2. If I do, and I can address this in my SOP (I was very ill as a teen and hardly went to school which culminated in me dropping out, having un-diagnosed learning disabilities (at the time), no learning habits..), will it be held against me? 3. If I need to address this in my SOP, how to do so without it coming across as whining? My grandfather always said - if you need to make an excuse, make one, not many, or else it just sounds like you're making excuses. Thanks!