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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!

I got an A- in Real Analysis course. I have As in all the other recommended math and stats courses (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Advanced Matrix Theory, Diff Eq, Math Stats, etc.) as well as all As in both undergrad and grad-level Economics classes (which include 3 semesters of advanced Econometrics). I also have solid research experience in social science fields (no publications yet). Do I still have a chance to get into a Top 10 PhD program with my current stats? Or should I retake Real Analysis (which I don't mind)? I can't decide if retaking Real Analysis or taking other math classes (such as Abstract Algebra) 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?

I posted earlier this year about my non-traditional profile (feel free to check for background info), and have been able to change my math situation before I apply for Econ PhD and ARE/AE PhD programs. My concentration is development, I am aiming for some Top 20s and Top 30s. Can someone weigh in on whether this is enough math for applications for 2016? I will take a couple in the Winter of 2016 for preparation, but won't have transcripts for them (obviously). I have spent lots of time reading the other forum threads on math, but I remain confused (as many on this forum still do) as to what is the minimum/standard for admission vs. in grad school. Math Grad: Intro to Stats (A+), Advanced Stats for Policy Analysis (A+) Undergrad: Cal I (A+): took this winter, Taking now, summer: Cal 2 an Intro to Analysis, and Introduction to Linear Algebra. Fall 2015: Multivariable Calculus, and Ordinary Differential Equations My plan was to take Elementary Real Analysis in the fall, but it is not offered until next winter (only the more advanced Real Analysis is offered). I am still considering putting off applying, but would rather not. Would this Cal 2 with Analysis class and ODE be enough to send a signal? I will happily take Elem Analysis before starting grad school, and will write that in my SOP. Description of my Cal 2 with analysis class: A second course in calculus emphasizing geometric and physical intuition in which attention is also given to the conceptual foundations of calculus-analysis. Review of inequalities. Sequences. Completeness axiom of the real numbers. Continuity. Proofs of some of: the intermediate and extreme value theorems, the mean value theorem. Taylor's theorem. Standard curves and surfaces in 2 and 3-space. Tangent vectors, planes and normals. Partial derivatives, directional derivatives, derivatives as linear maps. Thanks for your help!

Hi all, First time poster. I'm currently a sophomore, Econ & Stats major at a top 20 Liberal Arts College. I plan to eventually go to a top 15 Econ PhD program. Do you guys have any advice on how much more math to take? So far I've had Calc III (A-), Intro Linear Algebra (A), Undergrad Intro Analysis (A), Intro Stats (A), Econometrics (currently taking), and the standard Econ sequence (all As) To finish the Stats major, I need to take Mathematical Stats, Undergrad Probability Theory (not analysis-based), Regression, and Data Mining. I plan to also take Stochastic Processes. Are there any other classes I need to take for Top 15? I'm thinking of Ordinary Differential Equations, Real Analysis II, Time Series, or grad level Micro/Macro. Are any of those useful? I know the more Math the better. However, as much as I like Math, I still want to have a life, learn languages, study abroad, and be well-rounded. Any opinion will be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone, I'm trying to choose between group theory and adv prob and stat (which will talk about Bayesian Stat). Which one is more useful? I am planning to take real analysis and econometrics for sure and I want one more math class. Math department divides abstract algebra into 2 classes: group theory, ring and field. Both group theory and adv prob and stat won't be offered again next year and ring and field will be offered next year. My concern is if I should take ring and field, I might be better off to have some background in group theory as well. FYI, I have taken both prob and stat. did very well in stat and did not so well as I expected in prob. Please give me advice.

At the advice of this forum, I am planning to take some advanced math classes in order to improve my chances of getting into an Econ PhD program because my transcript doesn't have a strong GPA and I don't have a strong math background. The classes that I want to take are Calc III, Linear Algebra 2, probability theory, Intro to Proofs, Real Analysis, Differential Equations, Mathematical Statistics. Has anyone taken match night classes in Boston? What is the best way to find out about non degree programs at local universities in Boston? Could someone please recommend where I should look for evening courses in these subjects or suggest universities? Would really appreciate any suggestions! Liz

I took not so much MATH classes at my undegrad (Precalculus lol (A+), Intro Analysis I (A), Intro Analysis II (A))...only three, however I test-out most of it (Calc I, II, II, Ordinary Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Multivariate Calculus). So here is my questions: 1) Is it ok that I test out most of my MATH classes at my undegrad instead of taking them during semesters? Meaning I don't have a grade for this class, just credits. 2) How it will affect my university application? 3) Some universities require minimum of four semester of calculus and linear algebra, so does that mean that I needed to take them during semester? Thanks guys!

Hi, I'm a sophomore in one of the Ivy schools, majoring in physics and economics. I am getting a very good grade (3.9/4.0) so far, and I understand I have to try hard even more when I take graduate level courses. However, since I am majoring in physics, I have to take 2-3 physics courses per semester. This leaves me only 2-3 courses of econ/math per semester. I am planning to take analysis and topology (+2 other math courses if I have to) and grad level micro/macro/econometrics. Can you suggest some more courses that would be helpful in PhD admission? Any advice that would be helpful for preparing grad school would also be good.

I need a few more math classes (i.e. Real Analysis, Diff Eq, Optimization Theory, etc) before applying to grad programs next fall (2011). I'm working in DC, so there are plenty of schools to choose from, but I am having trouble finding anything that I can A) afford, and B) attend given my demanding hour-intensive work schedule. Almost all of the four-year institutions only offer classes during the daytime, when it is nearly impossible for me to leave the office. The only school that offers night/weekend courses that I can find is the GS Graduate School (formerly USDA Grad School). I know it is not really a very legitimate institution, but do you think there is a positive marginal benefit to taking classes here? If its my only option, is it better to take them there or not at all...or will ad coms just laugh while thinking "gee, those courses were a waste of her time and money." Would it be worth looking for a new job that would be more conducive to taking math classes? I'll take any advice anyone can throw my way.