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Hello, I would really appreciate your insight on the following! Programs: I have been accepted into: MSc Economics at UCL and MSc Economics at BGSE. I am still waiting to hear about my application to the MPhil in Economics at Oxford. (I think it is unlikely I get in, given that I was rejected from LSE and Cambridge, but I guess we’ll see!) In either program (except of course Oxford, where it is not offered) I plan to switch into the Economic Policy Program because I want a more applied program. My interests: I am really interested in applied micro; especially development, behavioral econ, and health. I have a particular interest in these areas as they apply to women. About me: I have a BA in Economics from a top 10 liberal arts college in the United States. After I graduated, the plan was to work as an RA in the US for a year, and then for a year in the field, to gain research experience and really be sure that I wanted to pursue a PhD in Econ after those two years. Unfortunately, I was unable to get an Economic RA position (at places like JPAL, IPA, Urban Institute, AIR, etc, but also at smaller places) but have spent this year as a program assistant at a university research center and working as an unpaid RA for an Econ professor at that university (I have also taken multivariable calc, which I have done well in, but not totally enjoyed). This year has helped me learn that while I might still want to pursue another degree, it will probably not be a PhD in Econ. I want to take a little bit more time to think about that decision. Goals: In the future, I would like to work at an org/think tank that does research, but also more applied work in development or issues of economic justice domestically. I would still like to spend some time working in the field in either a research or more applied capacity. I applied to masters programs because I thought a master’s degree would help me towards this goal. In the short run, however, I would also like to enjoy my life. This year has not been one I have enjoyed (getting uniformly rejected from jobs will do that to you) so happiness is a slightly larger priority. Some of what I have read online has indicated that the programs at UCL and BGSE are seriously killer (read: miserable) years. However, I know there is probably a significant bias (I might not feel compelled write a blog post about my just-fine/not horrible experience at either school). Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy challenging work—but I don’t want to feel like I am being put through a meat grinder. I would like learn more about these programs to help inform my decision. Is one clearly superior (for my interests, in terms of options afterwards, or quality of training)? How might they differ in experience? Have you, or anyone you know attended? I would love to hear any and all information that might help to inform my decision (or any other career advice you want to give!). Thank you for your help!!

Hello, I've been reading up on people's opinions about various economics masters courses on the forum here but, as I'm in a slightly different position to many, I haven't found quite the perspective I'm looking for. I'm hoping there may be others out there who have been in similar situtations, or can comment on alternative aspects. I'll try not to get too specific though, as I don't want to make this (hopefully useful) thread only applicable to me. I'm also aware that reputations and experiences can change over the years so some advice and opinions, such as personal rankings, from several years ago might no longer be entirely valid. Firstly, I'm not looking to go on and do a PhD in the US. I'm perfectly happy with the UK or continental Europe for any future research opportunities. Secondly, I'm a mature student returning to university education many years after my first undergraduate degree, which means that I have different barriers to cross when getting into a Masters programme (non-standard entry course and explaining why I'm doing this now) - plus I find I care more about quality of life whilst studying (as in a supportive academic environment, good location, etc) than I did when in my early twenties. That said, I want to study somewhere at a high enough level and I know it will be hard work. Living costs aren't a huge problem, but heavy course fees could be. My interest is in development economics, but I want to make sure I'm covering a good amount of general economics with enough quantitative rigour. My relevant background is an undergraduate degree in Maths from a top-tier UK university (alas, I only got a 2(ii)) some years previously, plus I'm now taking a graduate diploma in economics (well-known in the UK as an accelerated degree 'conversion course') on track to come out with a distinction (equivalent to a first). I've been advised by both professors and a post-doc friend to go for 'straight' economics masters (as long as there is at least one development optional course), rather than a development economics masters, since this will be seen as stronger for any potential PhD. N.B. I haven't done the GRE test yet, but I will soon! At the moment, my thoughts are as follows. In the UK: - Oxford MPhil (strong econ and good dev, although two years and expensive if no course funding, also rather hard to get into!) - UCL MSc (good econ, one dev option, just one year so a little more affordable, I think I have a reasonable shot of getting a place) - Essex MSc ?? (a bit of an emergency back-up option perhaps) I've discounted Cambridge, LSE and Warwick for personal reasons, to do with cost, location, timing of dissertation/thesis, etc. In Europe: - Tinbergen Institute (seems to be a rigorous course with some dev options, inexpensive, Amsterdam nice to live, seeming guarantee of PhD place, need to commit to five years there though, quite competitive to get into) - ECARES (similar reasons to TI, although fewer dev options, Brussels nice to live, lesser commitment of two years) I'm not sure about Barcelona GSE (nice location, quite expensive unless course funding is realistic, speedy course like LSE), Stockholm SSE (free, too cold?, not many dev options), Toulouse TSE (bad reputation on the forum), Carlos 3 Madrid (mid-priced I think, but need to take relocation into account). I'd appreciate the views and input of anyone with knowledge of these economics departments so I can try to get a sense of whether I'd have particular issues as a mature student. Or, really, I'm happy to hear everyone's latest views. Many thanks for your help!

Hi all, confused European here after some advice about the mysterious world of US econ PHD applictions. EDIT: have put profile in the format eveyone here uses PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: UK BA (Oxford, PPE weighted about 70% econ) Undergrad GPA: Good first class (so 4.0 I guess) Type of Grad: Oxford Mphil econ with good scholarship Grad GPA: Came close 2nd in my year in first year exams (so I guess like a 4.0, idk) GRE: 169Q/168V/6.0A Math Courses: Mphil has one big compulsory maths course that covers a range of stuff Econ Courses (grad-level): micro, macro, metrics, advanced micro 1&2, advanced metrics 1&2, Theory based empirical analysis Econ Courses (undergrad-level): intro micro, intro macro, micro, macro, metrics, advanced metrics, micro theory Other Courses: Various politics and philosophy courses in undergrad Letters of Recommendation: thesis supervisor (top 5% on rpec), professor I'm RAing for, undegrad econ professor who I know very well Research Experience: worked in a research institute last summer (name on two papers), RAing in my department this summer Teaching Experience: none at all Research Interests: Micro theory, metrics, empirical micro, political economy. SOP: not yet written Concerns: should I retake the GRE to try and get quant up to 170? Other: Applying to: US top 5? Top 10? Top 20? Top 30? Not sure what I should be aiming for... Basically, what I want to know is: do I have a shot at a top 10 programme? And if I don't then should I apply to US top 20 or stay where I am (I have already secured good funding for the Oxford PHD if i want it)? Also should I retake the GRE and see if I can get up to 170 Q? Any comments very much appreciated.