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Hey there, looking for some advice if I should revise my list of PhD programs I'm planning to apply to. Want to know if I'm shooting too high/low or if there's some other schools I need to consider within my range. I completed undergrad in May, have been working full time to pay off student loans, delayed applying to grad schools to se if I'd be interested in the corporate world first. Decided I do want to pursue academia. Majors: Economics & Statistics (Large public, T100 Econ) GPA: 3.27 GRE:168Q, 160V, 4.5A Math: Calc I-III(A,A,C+), Linear Algebra(A), Differential Equations(A), Adv. Calc (Intro analysis, proofs)(B+), Prob theory & Stats theory (both A-), various other stats classes Econ: Intermediate micro/macro, environmental, Industrial Org, Econometrics I & II, Ag Econ, Economic Geography (mix A's and B's) Programming: R, STATA, Matlab, C++(one class) Research Experience: None LOR: 2 strong (1 from econ prof took a couple advanced courses with and did well, 1 from stats prof took mathematical stats sequence with; both have good relationships) 1 more generic deciding either dep chair, an econ prof, or math prof (neither super in depth or personal) Research Interests: Environmental/Resource Econ, Development, Labor, IO, Metrics Programs: UC Santa Cruz, CU Boulder, University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky, Georgia State, Emory, University of Arizona, University of Wyoming, NC State, University of Nevada - Reno, Colorado State, UC Davis ARE, University of Oregon I don't think any program is a safety, hoping to get into just one. I know my deficiencies are GPA and lack of research. Any of these that are moonshots and not worth the app fee? Any programs I should consider? My main criteria is being able to get funding and decent research interests match. Thanks!

I took the GRE a few days ago and got Q165, V167. Given the fact that many top schools aren't requiring GRE scores, should I submit these relatively mediocre scores to top programs? Here's further context about my profile: Undergrad from average Canadian school with 3.94 overall GPA and 3.99 GPA in Math/Stats/Econ courses. A+'s in all math and econ courses, including real analysis and advanced cal, except for A's in linear algebra and probability theory. Master's from top-2 Canadian school (top 40ish globally) with all As and A+s. Short RA-ship during my Master's with a good young prof on an AEJ paper. I've been working in the public sector for 1.5 years since finishing my Master's. LORs from my RA-ship prof and MA Econometrics prof, neither of whom know me super well, but both seemed happy to write the letters. Other one is from a PhD economist I worked with in government who got to know me very well. Applying to US top 10 schools and Toronto.

Hi Based on advice from a previous post, I would love for a complete profile evaluation. I will try to be as descriptive as possible. Any advice is welcome. Research Interests Environmental and climate economics, with impact on health and energy sectors. Education 1. BA (Hons) Economics - No. 1 university available in my developing country for humanities. Ranked third in college with first class distinction (75 percentage). Not sure how to convert to GPA, but university toppers have marks around 85% NOTE: Took a gap year in between 2. MA in Environmental Economics - Only college to offer this course, but in terms of econ programs, top 5 institutes in my country for postgrad education 8.2 CGPA (graduated this year). Top 5% of all econ programs with around 250 students. Completed thesis with departmental and highly cited professor as advisor Math Courses 1. Bachelors (took all math courses available at university level, didn't know how important this was then) STATISTICAL METHODS IN ECONOMICS-I and II; MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR ECONOMICS-I and II; INTRODUCTORY ECONOMETRICS I; MATHEMATICS AWARENESS; LINEAR ALGEBRA AND CALCULUS; ELEMENTS OF ANALYSIS (All purely math papers have 80+ percentage, but I did screw up in stats and micro with 60-70 scores ) 2. Masters level Statistical Methods; Mathematical methods; Econometric methods; advanced econometric methods and Stochastic models (Scored A or A+ in all courses in masters which is 70-90 in percentage) Experience 1. RA with highly professor from a top 200 college in the US. 5 months (during covid lockdown) work on data cleaning and analysis, report making etc. They have put up my work on their website too, so really lucked out with the prof. 2. RA with econometric prof from my college and prof from an MBA institute. 7 months work on data cleaning and analysis report making etc. I have also rejoined as co-author recently, 3. Research Intern during summer break (2 months) at an NGO for development research. Did literature review. (4) Editor for student led blog at masters NOTE: None of the experience directly relates to my area of interest Letters Strong letters from professors I worked as an RA with (including US prof). Also expecting strong letter from my thesis advisor especially based on my active involvement (organizer, editor) in academic lectures and events at master college. Works in progress As mentioned, joined as co-author for the project I worked as RA with. I also am working with my thesis advisor and converted my thesis into a working paper. GRE- Not taken yet, targeting end of the month Other Info Good social presence on twitter and linkedin. Made my own website on advice of the US prof Expertise in STATA (codes put up on github); learnt C++ in school; learning python and GIS right now Final Remarks Currently I am looking for RA positions related to my field of interest, but they have been few and very competitive. So any other advice on strengthening my profile is welcome. Especially since my areas of interest is very specific. Also, will you suggest I apply this November/ December based on my current profile? It may be worthwhile to know a few of my alumni have went on to join programs in the US, Europe and New Zealand. I am also interested in schools in Europe, with an open mind for interdimensional research. Thank you for any input you can offer!

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: T50 US News Undergrad GPA: 3.8 (BS Econ, Math/Quantitative Computing Minors) Type of Grad: n/a Grad GPA: n/a GRE: 165/161/3.5 (Q/V/AW) Math Courses: Calc I, II, Multivariate, Real Analysis I, Linear Algebra I, Transitions(intro proofs class), Probability(3.5) Comment: All 4.0 unless stated. Taking Real Analysis II and Abstract Algebra this fall Econ Courses: Intro-Advanced Micro (includes game theory)[3.5 in intermediate], Intro-Intermediate Macro[3.5 in intro], Labor, Education, International Policy, Urban, Econometrics Comment: All 4.0 unless stated Other: Internships at fortune 50 companies Interests: Labor and Education Letters of Recommendation: 1. Metrics prof, knows me well and has advised on research 2. Econ scholar advisor, lukewarm letter 3. Research advisor, knows me well, strong letter from assistant prof 4. (Expected) Thesis advisor, top ranking metrics prof Research Experience: Senior thesis on machine learning applications, independent (published) teacher union research Teaching Experience: Independent tutoring, TA for introductory econ courses Concerns: Poor GRE (retaking - didn't prepare much first time), I have less math than I'd hope, Not a great undergrad school ranking Questions: Where should I be applying assuming I get a 167 or higher on the GRE? If I stay at 165? Should I consider looking for RA work instead of applying to Phd? Thank you!

Type of Undergrad: Top 20 US News econ private university, majors in econ and philosophy Undergrad GPA: 3.76 Type of Grad: None Grad GPA: None GRE: 168V, 170Q, 4W Math Courses: Multivariable Calculus (A), Linear Algebra (A), Probability (A), Real Analysis (A) Econ Courses (grad-level): None Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro I (A-), Micro II (A+), Macro (A-), Econometrics (A) Other Courses: Letters of Recommendation: 2 econ profs (thesis advisor + thesis workshop prof) 1 philosophy prof Research Experience: 1 year at econ consulting firm, honors thesis Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: IO, Macro SOP: In progress Concerns: 1) Should I take differential equations? Would the marginal benefit be worth taking it (would have to do it online)? 2) Should I switch the last phil prof rec to someone who worked at the econ consulting firm to discuss my research abilities? 3) Applying to RA-ships right now: is it worth doing two years of RA to add to my profile? I want to do a one year RA to experience doing research in an academic environment, not just in industry. Would a rec letter from an RA-ship be worth waiting a year? Other: Working at a random analyst job in business right now Applying to: all programs from top 6 - 20, and a few in the top 5 just to have the peace of mind. I know I have somewhat of a strange background and would love any and all perspectives on whether this is a reasonable goal. Thanks so much!

I have 4 years of work experience after my MBA (from IIMB, India) and am planning to apply for a B - School PhD this December. I am confused about the kind of recommendation letters I should provide. Would love to get inputs on 3 out of the following options that I can choose for my letters: 1. An IIMB prof known for research in US circles whose course I took, did not do very well in it but he knows me personally and is very impressed with my work. I might also potentially write a short paper with him soon. 2. An IIMB prof not very well know for research, is heading a policy think tank right now. I took his course and decently well in it, also published a Working Paper with him when I was in IIMB. 3. An IIMB prof very well known for research globally whose 2 courses I took, did decently well in both the courses (received straiht As), but she does not know me very well. 4. An IIMB prof known for research outside of US circles whose course I took, did not do very well in it but he knows me personally and is very impressed with my work 5. A senior from one of the research centers at UChicago, who is neither a PhD, nor a prof, has connects in UChicago, knows me personally and will be happy to write a letter Out of the above 5, which 3 should I pick for my letters? Looking forward to inputs!

Hi guys, I know it is a bit too late for a profile evaluation at this stage. I have selected a few programs, but still not confident whether this is a reasonable school list for me. it would be really nice if any of you could share your opinions! Profile: Type of Undergraduate: top 10 in China (top 5 in Econ) Major: Agricultural Economics GPA: 3.85/4.0; rank: 1/38 Exchange student at a US school for one semester (top 40 in Econ) Exchange GPA: 4.0 Type of Graduate: N/A Math Courses: Taken in US: Introduction to Optimization (A) [upper level] Taken in China: Mathematical Analysis A II (A); Linear Algebra C (A); Probability and Statistics C (A); Calculus C II (A); Calculus C I (B+); Statistics (A-) [A,B,C in course title stands for type of math courses: A stands for high level; B is basically for engineer students; C for social science and business] Econ Courses: Taken in US: Applied Econometrics (A+); Game Theory(A+); Labor Economics(A+) Taken in China: Intermediate Micro(B+); Intermediate Macro(A); Primary Micro(A); Primary Macro (A); several field courses (A or A-) [my home university does not offer A+] GRE: 157(V)+170 (Q)+3.5(AW) TOEFL: 107 (Speaking 22) Research Experience: (1) Three months full-time RA to a prof in a Canadian university (co-author); Not the top 2 in Canada, but my prof has a phd in top 10 in US; will publish the paper next year; (2) RA to a prof in China for seven months (co-author); will publish the paper next year; (3) RA to a prof for three months in US when I was an exchange students; (4) Team leader for an undergraduate research project; For (1) and (2), I did pretty good (Ithink). I did all the empirical work and provided some useful thoughts; for(3), it was only some basic dada cleaning and analysis work. Reference letter: From the three profs I mentionedabove. They all said will write a strong letter. (hopefully...) Research Interest: Applied Micro;Labor School List: PhD: BU, BC, OSU, UBC. UNC-CH, Virginia; Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, TAMU; Rice, UCI, Notre Dame Master: Duke, Uchicago MAPSS, UBC, Toronto Concern: I feel like my math courses areweak, especially compared to other Chinese. Do you think I aim too high? Thanks!