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PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: Small, public liberal arts university Undergrad Major: Math/Economics double major Undergrad GPA: Cumulative: 2.88; Math Major GPA: 2.52; Econ Major GPA: 3.2 Undergrad Math Courses: Calculus I,II,&III (all B's) • Introductory Proof-Writing Course (B) • Linear Algebra ©, Abstract Algebra © • Advanced Calculus/Analysis © • Intro to Numerical Analysis (B) • Discrete Math © • Mathematical Statistic I&II (B, D) • Game Theory (B) Undergrad Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro (B) • Intermediate Macro © • Introductory Research Course (A) • Mathematical Statistics © • Econometrics (B) • IO (B) • Political Economy (B) • Independent Studying/Research I&II (A, A) • Senior Seminar (A) Type of Grad: Private, research university (mid-sized to large) Degree: Master's in Financial Economics Grad GPA: 3.87 GRE: 170 Quant / 156 Verbal / 4.0 AWA Gradute Econ Courses: Microeconomic Theory (A) • Econometrics I (A) • Econometrics II (B+) • Forecasting (A) • Optimization (A) Other Courses: Statistical Programming (A-) • Financial Theory (A) Letters of Recommendation: 2 Graduate Professors, 1 Undergraduate Professor 1. Graduate Professor 1: • Department Chair and director of graduate program • Worked for him as RA • Got his Ph.D. from Top 30 school - recommended I apply to his alma mater • Had him for Econometrics I&II, and Capstone Seminar (A, B+, and A respectively) • I heard second-hand that he said I was the most talented student in my cohort 2. Graduate Professor 2: • Co-authored papers with economists at a regional Federal Reserve Bank and WUSTL • Had him for two courses: Forecasting and Optimization (got A's in both) 3. Undergraduate Professor: • Department Chair • Got his Ph.D. at Top 30 program • Had him for several courses including Intermediate Micro, IO, and Senior Seminar • He was my advisor for my undergraduate research which was published in an undergraduate journal • I heard second-hand that he said it was the best one he had ever had and was cutting-edge. Research and Work Experience: • Worked as Research Assistant for professor in graduate school • Worked as Economic Development Research Intern • Published undergraduate research (Undergraduate Economics Journal at Top 30 School) • Working as an Economist in private sector

I have private loans from my undergrad. Is it a good idea to take out federal graduate loans to pay off my undergrad private loans? I feel like its better to have federal than private loans. But I don't know if this is even possible/legal or something people do. Just looking for some advice

I developed an interest in academia late in my college years, but went the CPA route following graduation as I didn't attend a prestigious program and all of my professors were industry experts. Having been in industry for several years now, I'm exploring the idea again. I attended a small private regional university in Southeastern U.S., and dual majored in Accounting and Finance with a 3.96 GPA. I developed close relationships with my prof's in undergrad, but they are not researchers. They do have their PhD's if that is of any help. I interned with a large private company for over a year; spent two years in the SF bay area with a large regional firm in tax, and have spent the last two years in industry with publicly traded companies. I currently have a manager title in a blended role with tax and financial responsibilities. My interests are in tax and managerial. I also took a lot of Psych electives in undergrad, and think I would be interested in behavioral research. I haven't sat for the GMAT, but I did well on the CPA and expect I could study well for the GMAT. I don't have much of a math background and will need coursework regardless. My question is if it's worth the time and cost of pursing a master's for research exposure and LOR's or if I should go another route? I'm mostly interested in teaching, but think I might enjoy research as well. My brother is an Econ PhD. so I have some familiarity with it, but no real exposure. I'm married now and the primary breadwinner, so cost is certainly a factor. Any advice or perspective is greatly appreciated. Thanks!