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Hello everyone. I faced a dilemma, so I am in need of advice. I am from a Commonwealth country, taking my penultimate semester at BA in Economics. Grades: Micro B+, Macro B-, others A and A+ I am aiming to get admitted to a middle-ranked PhD in Econ in the US. But considering that I don't have such a strong background (just have several "papers" with elementary econometrics on SSRN, one conference paper on machine learning topic and 2 papers which currently are under review, but it will take an eternity for the papers to be published), I've decided to apply for MA/MSc. Hence, I do have two options: 1) MSc in mathematical modeling or MSc in Statistics in developing countries (Russia, Turkey, maybe Eastern Europe) or 2) MA/MSc in Economics or Quantitative Economics or Econometrics in Germany (can't afford other Western Europe countries :)) So, which one is more appropriate for PhD in Econ? In case of 2, Economics or Quantitative Economics? Thanks for reading :)

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.

I am from India and I have done my bachelors in Economics honors. I have been admitted to Msc Economics (2015) Sciences Po Paris. I would also be receiving reply from Bocconi ESS on 29th May (tentative). Which is better in terms of course structure, student life and job oppertunities? Any alumini over here ? I would like to ask whether the acceptance of Sciences Po offer has any legal implication and also would I need to pay something for acceptance ? Actually I am dependent upon the scholarship amount too as finances make an important decision. What if I accept Sceinces Po offer and I do not get the Emily Boutmy Scholarship ? Please answer all of my above queries.

Hi guys! I recently received some offers: - Msc Economics from UCL 1yr - Msc Economics and Social Sciences from Bocconi 2yr - MPhil Economics from Tinbergen Institute (with direct continuation to PhD) 2yr - Msc Economics from Warwick 1yr I was also considering the Msc in Economics at the University of Turin combined with Collegio Carlo Alberto allievi honours track (2 yr). My goal, enter a top US - EU PhD program. I am leaning towards UCL, but maybe a 2 yr program would suit me better. TI made me a nice offer, but it feels somehow you cannot leave for the PhD, and I do not think I want to take my PhD in the Netherlands. Any advice? Thanks

Hi, I got a really difficult choice to make and I would appreciate your help. I got into MPhil Economics at Oxford, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to attend the program (financial reasons, obviously...). Now, I'm trying to figure out what would be the best second choice. I got into LSE, but I would have to do 2-year program which is also very very expensive (+ living in London) so I'm basically left with a choice between Warwick and Barcelona GSE. I got a full tuition waiver from Barcelona and I would have to pay for Warwick, but because they are both 1-year programs finance shouldn't be an issue. At first I was leaning towards Barcelona, but I heard some terrible things about how difficult the program is (I will work hard, but I'm afraid that it will be impossible to get excellent grades). Plus I'm very micro/labour oriented so Barcelona may not be the best place for me. My goal would be to do an applied micro PhD at LSE/Oxford/UCL (maybe the US). So my question is: which school would increase my chances of getting a PhD offer? I know that Warwick is in the middle of nowhere and I would rather live in Barcelona, but I would be willing to spend a year there if that's the best decision. Thanks!

Hey guys, I am very concerned about my chances of getting admitted in one of these programs, and I would like an advice: PROFILE: Type of Undergrad:I am attending the last course of my Bachelor's degree in Economics in a top 10 spanish university. Undergrad GPA: I don't know exactly, I'm from Spain and my average is 7.7 out of 10 (I am the fifth of a class of 60 people), with honor mentions in Economic History and Advanced Macroeconomics. My macro & micro average is higher than my global average, and all of them have been increasing since I started. I think that a 7.7/10 average is close to a 3.4 GPA (or something like that, but I'm not sure at all). GRE:158Q, 159V, 4.0A Math Courses: [/b][/b][/b][/b][/b]all the mathematics subjects I could (no limitations here, even though my marks are not too high in this aspect). Letters of Recommendation: One from a top 600 world economist (don't know exactly how positive will it be) and two very positive, one from a top 9% economist (IDEAS ranking). Research Interests: Development Economics, Behavioral Economics, Macroeconomics, Economic Theory, technological change... SOP: I think that pretty good, focused in my personal abilities and trying to give a good impression. Concerns: Don't know my chances and I am worried about it Other: TOEFL 111 Applying to: -Barcelona GSE -CEMFI -Carlos III -Stockholm -Bocconi -VU Amsterdam I also know that my 158Q is going to hurt my possibilities but I was hoping to get a different point of view from you :) Do I have a real chance with them (specially CEMFI and Barcelona GSE)? What other schools would be a reasonable target? Thank you for your attention :D