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Hi, First of all, thanks for reading. A little bit about me: I'm applying to PhD econ programs this year. I don't have the exact list of where I would be applying yet but my grad GPA is 3.4 (applied math/social science dual degree at a Top 10 school) and my undergrad GPA is 3.1 (math major) so I'm looking at the top 30 - top 50 school like Irvine or Rice (or if you suggest otherwise, please let me know.) My interest is in political economics and development. No econ research experience, but one math paper (not published but) presented at a conference. 4+ years of work experience related to development. My main concern (beside no econ research experience) is that my math grades are all over the place. I have A+ in math for finance in grad school, some As, mostly Bs for other proof-based courses, but also a failing grade for a math phd real analysis course (it's not a required course but I took it because I was stupid: I wanted to be in the same class with my friend who I kind of dated and then we broke up ....that semester was a mess). Questions: at what level would this affect my chance of admission? Should I address it in the SOP/application or should I just leave it? And how to do it tastefully? I mean I am really not that good at math, not at my peers' level anyway. But I like to think I'm good at using it to interpret human behaviors and how society works. Thanks y'all

I am interested in a PhD in Political Economics or Political Economy. I searched the forum and a lot of the information is stale, being dated from 2004 -2009. Perhaps it is time for an update for the benefit of all. Could wise forum members share their knowledge on the various PhD programs in Political Economics or Political Economy. What are the top programs? What are the unique research interests of the various programs? Any comments comparing the programs would be very helpful. I am trying to get a sense of the research approach and philosophy of the various programs. I assume there is a great heterogeneity in the approach of the programs and would like information to help understand these differences. Who are the top professors in this area? What is the profile of the typical admitted student? Any tips for applying to these programs? What do these programs look for in applicants? Should one apply to a dedicated political economy program or apply to an economics or political science program instead. Pros and cons of applying to a dedicated political economy program versus a economics or political science program? Could a public policy PhD be an alternative to a political economy program? I apologize for all the questions, but hopefully the answers would be helpful not just to me but many others lurking on the forum. Thank you.

Hi all, I'm new to this forum. Here's my situation. Please bear with me. Background: BA (Honors) in Philosophy & Logic UGrad math courses(& grades): Calculus I (A); Set Theory (A); Adv Set Theory (A); Mathematical Logic (A); Adv Mathematical Logic (A); Probability Theory (A). MA in Economics (in progress) Math courses (& grades): Maths for Econ (A); Statistical Analysis (A); Econometrics I (A); Econometrics II (taking this semester, expect an A). I don't have any publication to date. And no math course proper. I guess some linear algebra and real analysis would have helped me a lot, but I am close to graduating and there is no time left. The profs I've talked to say they are willing to write very strong LORs. I'm hoping they will. As for GRE, I aim for close to 800 in Q and around 650 in V. Aim: I want to get a PhD International Macroeconomics/Political economics/International Political Economy. I don't know what title fits my research interests best. It should be covered by these tags, I assume. Anyway, based on some research I've done about which schools suit me best, I'm planning to apply to these, in decreasing order of preference: * New School for Social Research * Claremont Graduate University * Uni of Missouri, Kansas City * Uni of Mass, Amherst * Uni of California, Riverside. While I think it is a waste of $100, everyone says I should apply to Harvard KSG too. I'm not very hopeful. But I have time to think about it. Maybe I will. Please comment on my background and what, in your opinion, should I concentrate on, so as to prepare the best possible application. Do you have in mind any other school in the US (I don't want to move out of the states) that would be worth applying to, in addition to the ones I have listed? Your opinions greatly appreciated.

Hey all you Guru's out there... This is my first time posting anything on any form, so please be nice. :) I am currently a Junior in College, completing my undergrad in Business and Economics with a minor in French. I took some time off from high school, so I'll graduate at the age of 25. (very important.) My goal is to work for the I.M.F, or the U.N as a research specialist. The reason I'm thinking about a doctorate is: -I.M.F, along with many other large organizations, do not hire employee's after the age of 30, and at the same time, employee's need to have a PHD. -The job market is currently unstable. -I am a good student, and enjoy studying and research. -And supposedly it saves time to go straight for a phd instead of doing a masters in between. The reason I'm not so sure about it is: -Cost -Everything I've read up on dissertations tells me its the hardest thing I'll ever do. -I'm not sure if I want to continue studying for so long. Some other random questions: -Does a PHD student have to stay in the college while doing his dissertation, or can he go and get a job in another city at the same time? -How long does a dissertation take? -I'm thinking about devel. Econ. because I want to be able to help my country with its economic issues, do I have the right idea of devel. econ? Thank you very much!! :tup: you guys rock.