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Hello, I'm curious as to what level of phd programs to which I should apply when considering my (still developing) credentials. As for a phd in economics, I'm particularly interested in econometrics, but I enjoy the statistics and mathematics components of my undergraduate program so greatly that I may even apply for a phd program in statistics or mathematics instead--depending on which phd track will allow me to get into the best school possible. I'm only just now beginning my junior year, so not everything is finalized yet. I'm sure you all have a wealth of valuable information that could guide me on my final two years as an undergraduate. Moreover, I'm quite flexible as far as phd programs and school locations go. I'd be happy going just about anywhere (even across the pond in England, or back home anywhere in the United States) or studying any of the three disciplines that I've previously mentioned, just as long as I can go to the best school possible. Thank you for reviewing my first post! My Credentials: Undergrad School- U.S. University with average ACT at the 84th percentile (this website told me to keep it confidential…) Majors- triple majoring (through the Honors College) in BS-Mathematics, BS-Statistics, BS-Economics GPA- 3.8 Brief Grade Breakdown- 3.875 GPA in Economics, 3.9 in Statistics, 3.75 in Mathematics (Several Honors Classes [i.e. advanced & graduate level] were taken in each discipline) Mathematics Key Courses Completed- Calculus 1, Calculus 2, Calculus 3, Matrix Algebra / Advanced Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Advanced Calculus of One Real Variable, Analysis, Theoretical Proof Writing, Nonlinear Dynamics / Chaos and Fractals, Advanced Multivariable Calculus, Mathematical Statistics, Probability Theory, Statistical Inference Programming / Software Fluency- SAS, Stata, R, all Microsoft Office Research- I led my own research project at a Tier 1 AAU Research University securing sizable grant money in phd-level econometrics as a college sophomore that focused on a new way to create a hedging-optimization function of multi-legged financial option strategies through the use of autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity and general autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity errors. GRE- I have not taken the GRE yet, as I'm only about to begin my junior year in the fall. GRE Mathematics Subject Test- I have not taken this yet, but I'm nearly positive that I want to. I'd love some advice about the GRE Mathematics Subject Test. Thanks for the input! I'm new to the phd / graduate school application process, so any advice is of great help even if it's basic.

Hi, I am an Australian student at the University of Melbourne. I've been looking into graduate Economics study, and I understand that a solid background in mathematics is important. I have almost completed my B.A in Economics. My GPA (or equivalent) is strong, but irrelevant, because I have not taken any formal maths classes. Given I want to enter top US/UK graduate schools, I have two options: 1. Spend a year taking maths subjects through the B.Sc (Calc 1/2, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Vector Calculus, (calculus based) Statistics), withdraw, then take honours (equivalent of US fourth year - Advanced Micro/Macro etc.) in 2014, apply to US in 2015. 2. Complete a B.Sc (Pure Mathematics), and undertake honours in 2015, apply to US in 2016. I'm guessing these would be necessary to enter a top US graduate school. Cost isn't an issue, as fees are subsidised and deferred in Australia, but quality of life is. As you can see, the second option would set me back a further year, and I'm not sure if the material would be relevant for admission and/or the course work when I (hopefully) enter a program. What is your advice? Would completing the B.Sc afford me any real advantages over the first option? Would the top schools give me serious consideration with the maths classes listed in the first option (and a strong honours degree)? Thanks for your help.

Hey, I would like your thoughts on my profile for PhD in Finance. Here are my stats: M.S. Engineering, Top 5 (USA) 3.8/4.0 B.S. Engineering, IIT (India) 8.2/10 GRE 1500 (Q800, V700, A5.5) CFA Charterholder Work-Ex: 4+ years as Interest Rate Quant (will be 5 by the time I start PhD) Publications: 1 Journal paper (as an R.A. in M.S) Common Math courses, nothing that gives me an edge. Interested in Asset Pricing. I know the math used in banks is lot different from math needed in PhD, but it is still better than no math! Plus I can articulate that after spending 11 hours daily at work, I was still motivated enough to clear CFA :-) My main concern is my work-ex. Does it add to my application or is it inert/detrimental? Because apart from good real world experience there is hardly anything that helps me stand out. I have looked at some of the top univs and only few seem to give preference to relevant experience. For instance UCLA (going by their current student profiles). Can anyone please give me a candid answer about my chances to top 15? I guess 1-5 is a long shot, so how about 5-15? Do my chances improve if I instead apply for PhD in Econometrics (like at Booth)? I read somewhere that they give more weightage to work-ex and are comparatively easier to get in. Please feel free to ask for any info that will help you in helping me. Cheers

Posted this in wrong forum. I moved this to - http://www.www.urch.com/forums/phd-business/136075-uncommon-profile-phd-finance.html#post880028