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Hi everyone, I took real analysis this past semester and unfortunately got an A-. I heard that nowadays for your application to be considered competitive, getting an A in real analysis is almost a 'must'. I am aiming for T30 programs, and I wonder how much of a negative impact this A- in real analysis will have on my application. A bit more information on my math background (I'm an undergrad double majoring in Econ and Math at the U of Michigan): Calc I-III (As) Linear algebra (A-) Intro to Probability (A) ODE (A) Abstract Algebra (A-) GRE quant (170) Also, I wonder what I could do to offset the negative impact of this A- in real analysis. I am a rising senior and will be applying this fall, so I only have this spring/summer semester and the upcoming fall semester. I have thought about: Retake real analysis in the spring and get an A+ (but after second thought I feel like the marginal utility of this strategy is pretty low, considering that taking courses in the spring is expensive and time-consuming, and might affect other work I have over the summer, namely thesis and RA work) Take a more advanced analysis class and get a good grade. However, the second course in analysis is not offered in the upcoming spring/summer/fall. Would taking it online be an option? If so, where can I take it? Take grad-level micro theory. However, I couldn't get permission to enroll from the instructor due to the fact that I haven't taken game theory ( the policy to enroll in grad-level econ course here is a bit stricter) What other things can I do to demonstrate that I am mathematically prepared for grad-level coursework? Any comment/help/advice will be greatly appreciated! Many thanks in advance :) -
Hello all! I am from a public state school and got an A- in Real Analysis I course. I have As in all the other recommended math and stats courses (Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Advanced Matrix Theory, Diff Eq, Math Stats (year-long sequence)) as well as all As in both undergrad and grad-level Economics classes (which include 3 semesters of advanced Econometrics and Macroeconomic Theory). I also have solid research experience in social science fields (no publications yet). I plan on taking stochastic process sequence as well as Real Analysis II, and will do my best to get As. I am also enrolled in graduate Micro Theory and Math Econ, for which I am positive I can get As. Do I still have a chance to get into a Top 20 PhD program with my current stats? Or should I retake Real Analysis I (which I don't mind) to replace my A- grade? I can't decide if retaking Real Analysis I or taking other math/stats classes would be a better idea. Also, what other math/stats courses are recommended in addition to the classes I have taken? Can an A in Abstract Algebra weigh a lot on my application? Thanks very much in advance!
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I got an A- in Real Analysis course. I have As in all the other recommended math and stats courses (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Advanced Matrix Theory, Diff Eq, Math Stats, etc.) as well as all As in both undergrad and grad-level Economics classes (which include 3 semesters of advanced Econometrics). I also have solid research experience in social science fields (no publications yet). Do I still have a chance to get into a Top 10 PhD program with my current stats? Or should I retake Real Analysis (which I don't mind)? I can't decide if retaking Real Analysis or taking other math classes (such as Abstract Algebra) would be a better idea. Also, what other math/stats courses are recommended in addition to the classes I have taken? Can an A in Abstract Algebra weigh a lot on my application?
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Hi all, I am RA at a top university in the U.S. and have the chance to enroll in graduate courses in the coming fall. I am split between taking the graduate real analysis course (measure and integration) in the math department or taking Micro I (consumer and producer theory, choice under uncertainty MWG chap 1-6). As a prospective economics Ph.D student, the obvious choice would appear to be Micro, given that it is a direct signal for performance in the first year coursework. However, given the pervasiveness of measure theory in various fields -- from statistics and econometrics to the economics of information and Bayesian learning -- it seems like a solid real analysis course may be good for my own edification. For context, I have been studying from Papa Rudin (RCA) for the past couple weeks, albeit progress is slow since I am doing all the problems by myself and have not really put all that much time into it given my other commitments as an RA. I suspect peer effects are important with respect to outcomes while engaging with material like this. I have no experience with MWG (only baby Varian). People here tell me that getting the highest grade is crucial in Micro but to do so you need to be in the top 5% of the class. That does not seem realistic for me given I will be competing with a host of international students who have seen the material before. I do not know how the grading works in the Math department. Does anyone have any advice for me? Did you take both the courses? If so, which one was more challenging and/or edifying? Appreciate the help
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Hey all, I am an RA at a top university and have the chance to take graduate coursework this coming fall. As a prospective economics graduate student, I am torn between taking the first semester Real Analysis course (measure and integration) with the Math Ph.D students vis-a-vis taking Micro 1 (Chapters 1-6 MWG). On one hand, the micro course is probably a direct signal of ability to perform well in graduate coursework, and for most people it would be an obvious choice. However, I feel measure theory- pervasive as it is in so many areas of thought including mathematics, statistics, econometrics and the economics of information- feels fundamentally more important to know and understand. Have any of you taken both courses? Which one felt more challenging and demanding? Which one did you personally feel like you learnt more from? I am currently working through Rudin's book Real and Complex Analysis. My progress is very slow, since I do problems by myself (hardly an advisable strategy if you want to make rapid progress in learning the material; I suspect peer effects are very prominent in courses like these) and I do not spend much time on it given my other commitments as an RA. I have virtually no experience with MWG and have only done baby Varian many years ago. People also tell me that I need to be in the top 5% of my class to get the highest grade in Micro which seems unfeasible as many graduate students (almost all international students) have seen the material before in masters programs, so then I would come in with a disadvantage relative to them. I do not know how the grading works in the Math department. Given all of this, do you have any advice?
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So I’ve self-studied through an introductory real analysis text (Gaughan) and Baby Rudin Ch 1-8. I’ve not taken a formal real-analysis course in school, but have gotten As in PhD micro I & II (textbook is MWG) and complex analysis. Do you think it would be worth it to take RA 1 in the fall (RA 2 is only offered in Spring) to have it on my transcript, or should I use that time to take different course/research (or is there a way I should leverage my self-study on my SoP)? For context, I’m entering my senior year at an unranked school. EDIT: As tutonic requested, for more context, here's my profile: Type of Undergrad: BA Economics, BS Math from Medium Unranked University (ranked in other disciplines, just not econ). I’m not sure if this counts for anything but 80% of the econ faculty come from Top 30 and 30% from Top 10. Undergrad GPA: 4.0 Grad GPA/Concentration: N/A GRE: Q170 / V168 / AWA 6 Undergrad Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro & Macro, Econometrics, Economics of Networks (As) Math Courses: Honors Multivariable Calculus (A), Introduction to Advanced Math (A), Probability Theory (A), Mathematical Statistics (A), Linear Algebra (A), Differential Equations (A), Complex Analysis (A), Topology (A), [self-studied introductory analysis text & Baby Rudin] Graduate Econ Courses: Econometrics I (A), Micro Theory I & II (A), Mathematics for Economists (A) Programming: Strong working proficiency in R and Python. LORs: 1 from thesis advisor and professor, 1 from PhD class professor, 1 from PhD class professor whom I RA for. Research Experience: By time of applications, will have 2 years RA experience under two professors. Also finished proposal stage of honors undergraduate theory thesis, should take a year (end of senior year) to finish.
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I took it in the spring semester and am applying to phd prgrams in the fall. How much is this going to hurt me? I was previously targeting T30 schools and hoping for a shot at a T20 school. This fall I have the opportunity to take a graduate probability course and/or a graduate applied linear algebra course. Could a good grade in one of those classes help offset the bad real analysis grade? Thanks for your advice!
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I'm entering my final year of undergraduate studies - looking to go to a good school for a Master's program (like LSE's MSc in Econ or MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics). I have a lot of econ and a lot of math, but the 'pure, proof-based math' I have really is only a few courses in probability theory and the standard Rudin RA. I received an A- in the latter which sounds bad by American standards, although in my country there is lower grade inflation (that A- represents the top 10-15% of my class - about a third of the class failed). In my final year, I have a choice between either Real Analysis II or some more applied statistics/econometrics classes that I find really interesting. I'd prefer to take the latter, but I'd like to ask - given my background and graduate admissions aspirations, would it be necessary/helpful for me to take RA II? I'm just concerned I don't have enough pure hard math but I don't know if it's really as necessary given that I both already have a decent mark in my transcript for RA I and I am not applying for a PhD program. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
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I'm entering my final year of undergraduate studies - looking to go to a good school for a Master's program (like LSE's MSc in Econ or MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics). I have a lot of econ and a lot of math, but the 'pure, proof-based math' I have really is only a few courses in probability theory and the standard Rudin RA. I received an A- in the latter which sounds bad by American standards, although in my country there is lower grade inflation (that A- represents the top 10-15% of my class - about a third of the class failed). In my final year, I have a choice between either Real Analysis II or some more applied statistics/econometrics classes that I find really interesting. I'd prefer to take the latter, but I'd like to ask - given my background and graduate admissions aspirations, would it be necessary/helpful for me to take RA II? I'm just concerned I don't have enough pure hard math but I don't know if it's really as necessary given that I both already have a decent mark in my transcript for RA I and I am not applying for a PhD program. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
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Hi everyone, I come from a low ranked (internationally in econ, fairly high ranked otherwise) tier 2 Canadian University (just outside top 4) In my first year of undergrad, my average (in a business program) was 3.0 with an A+ in calc 1 but some Bs in intro econ courses. After switching to a Math & Econ program, my grades in years 2 & 3 (going into 4th year now) has been straight 4.0 with only 2 3.9s. This includes: -Calc & lin alg sequences (A+ except A in LA 1) -Real Analysis 1 (A+) -Topology (A+) -And assorted math courses (complex analysis, few courses in ODEs, some prob/stats, etc...) (A+) -Random econ field courses (A+) -intermediate micro & macro (all A+ except A in inter. micro 1) -econometrics (A+) -econ research course (A+) -game theory (A+) -One withdrawal (W) in some 2nd year financial math course I am currently doing an NSERC micro project and will write my GRE this summer which I should get close to 170q on. I plan on doing my econ thesis next year and should have some good letters of rec. I plan on taking (high likelihood of getting A/A+ in all of them) -Advanced micro / macro courses -Micro 1 (MA / PhD stream) -Real analysis 2 (graduate level) -econometrics 2 I am going into 4th year but I will be staying for a 5th year and will only be taking 3 or 4 courses per semester until i graduate due to having to work part time. As mentioned, I plan on taking all the standard advanced econ courses, real analysis 2, and some other upper year math/econ electives later on and should finish with a 4.0 in my last two years. However even if I get all 4.0s from now on (very likely), I can only finish with a CGPA of around 3.7. -Will my crappy 1st year marks + 1 Withdrawal resulting in a rather meh CGPA really matter especially since I have gotten high marks in upper year math / econ? -Will taking an extra year in undergrad while taking 3/4 courses instead of 5 courses a semester influence my results? -Will my relatively unranked undergraduate institution factor heavily in my chance of going to a top school? I want to and I do believe that I can do well in a top school but I am not sure where to apply to given my circumstances. Are there any chances of getting into a top 10/20 PhD right out of undergrad? Will doing a masters (think top 2 Canada or Duke) bolster my chances? Thanks guys.
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PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BA Math & Economics, at a top 30 private US university ( Top 15 Math and Econ) Undergrad GPA: 3.75 (3.7 Econ, 3.6 Math) Type of Grad: n/a Grad GPA: n/a GRE: n/a Math Courses: Calculus I-III(A,A,B+), Linear Algebra (A), ODE (A-), Theory of Probability (A), Honors Real Analysis (B), Honors Real Analysis II (IP), Mathematical Statistics (IP) Econ Courses (grad-level): (will try to take some in my last year) Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Intro micro and macro (placed out), Intermediate Macro (A), Intermediate Micro (A), Econometrics I (A-), Econometrics II (A-), Econometrics III (A-), Financial Economics (A-) Other Courses:B+ in Computer Science Letters of Recommendation: There are two professors that I have a good relationship with and could pursue RAship with. Both are well known economists. Research Experience: Will be doing a Regional Fed summer research internship Research Interests: Macroeconomics, Political Economy, Econometrics Applying to: (Amongst the top) NYU, Wisconsin, Michigan, Stanford, Chicago, UofToronto(Masters), UBC(Masters), Western Ontario, LSE(Masters), Oxford(Masters) I had a few speed bumps to put it lightly this semester. I worked exceptionally hard on my honors analysis course. It was extremely difficult and while I performed well in the midterm (getting an A) I did worse than the class average in the final. I am not sure of my actual failings but I presume that I can get a copy of my test graded before Analysis II to work out the kinks. I don't believe that B is an accurate testament to my abilities. But hopefully I can showcase that in the second course in the sequence. However, looking at the my profile and taking into consideration that I might take graduate micro next year (only if I get an A in analysis II) and still have lots of math and economics to take are any of the schools within reach. I already know that NYU, Stanford, Chicago are out of the picture as they are difficult for everyone. edit: I am a junior and previously was a business major before a change. -
Courses taken: Calc III Linear Algebra A course dealing with Diff Eqs Probability Mathematical Statistics Courses I have NOT taken: A serious proofs-oriented course, which I know is important for Real Analysis I'd like to apply to econ Ph.D programs this fall, so I'd likely take Real Analysis this summer. I'm planning to take off time from work to fully dedicate myself to the course. I'm also planning to do some proof prep in the two weeks before the class. Still, I don't know if that would be enough preparation. What do you think?
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Hi everyone, I am currently preparing applications for an Economics PhD in the US, Canada and Europe (I'm from a small European country). I have completed a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from a university in my country (not very well known abroad but arguably the best in the nation) with more than reasonable grades (top 2% of class in both degrees). However, I didn't have the opportunity to take grad-level math courses such as Real Analysis or Measure Theory - my university either didn't offer them or it didn't allow students to take it as a regular course in the bachelor's or master's. As such, I felt that my math background was lacking. I decided to take the Math course of the PhD in economics of this university, which roughly covers Real Analysis and a bit of Measure Theory. However, I'm not enrolled in the PhD (or in any other degree); I am just taking this course on its own. My questions are: Do you think I should mention this course in my applications? If so, where should I mention them? Since it won't be included in the degree transcripts that I will send, should I mention it in my CV, in my SOP, or somewhere else? Would really appreciate your help! Thanks -
I just graduated from a top 30 Liberal Arts College and am interested in applying for PhD programs this fall. However, I didn't take Real Analysis while at college and am considering taking it as a non-degree student at a nearby college. Unfortunately, the only option for me is to take the class at an unranked institution. Is there any point in taking this course from such a university? In other words, will adcoms entirely discount my analysis course at this university due to its ranking or lack thereof? Furthermore, can it have any negative impact on my application? -
I've been accepted to some fine schools in canada and the uk, canadian schools with full or 75% funding, for masters in econ programs (MA and MSc). I think i got in on the weight of my professor's letters (tenured faculty, prominent in field) but i am realizing that i am very, very ill prepared for the mathematical content of these very theory-heavy and phd-track programs. My math profile: - 1 econometrics (did poorly, a B, but that was after the class average was scaled since almost everyone failed the exam. Although there were 3 people in the 100 person class who got A+ or high As so it was possible) - 1 econ stats class (pre req for metrics, A-, but it was 4 years ago) - 2 intro calc classes (differential vs integral, high A+ in one, high A in other, but 6 years ago) - 1 multivariable calculus class (did terribly, low B-, almost a C, although some of that can be chalked up to hard life circumstances at the time including illness) and that's it. I did the GRE once and got only a 163 quant (extremely high verbal and analytical though). - No linear algebra - No real analysis - No set theory - None proofs-based I honestly don't know how these programs could have accepted me, but they did. And at first i was confident because i got in, but then i realized, looking at the course material for the core courses, that i have absolutely no preparation for even beginning to understand these. I borrowed Mas Collel for two weeks and couldn't grasp any of the material except for memorization. None of my classes were proofs based. Even my micro and macro classes were quite applied in their math. no proofs, we only had to be able to use lagrange method. I'm scared that i'm in over my head. These are all phd-feeder programs and thus rely quite heavily on the advanced theory. I knew that i was already weak given that my math classes were 4-6 years ago and that econometrics never really "clicked" for me, but i'm genuinely worried now that I cannot handle these programs. People keep telling me "oh people go in to these programs with just as little math as you" but i doubt those people stay in these programs. Do I defer for a year? or do i switch into a different field? applied math always made sense to me (just optimize something and then you're done, etc.) but the theory/sets/analysis just never really was emphasized in my education and i never had an easy time (or even doable time) with them. Do I try to learn EVERYTHING and refresh everything else in 2 months? Or do I own up to my lack of preparation and defer? -
So I cannot find anything definitive on what exactly Real Analysis entails. Going through my university course catalog, the only course with real analysis in the title or description is: [TABLE] [TR] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] Math 461 [ 4 ] Introductory Real Analysis for Engineers [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] Description: Continuity, differentiability and integrability for functions of one real variable. [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] I go to a large flagship, so I am sure the actual material that I need is in these courses somewhere. This advanced calc course looks similar to some of the descriptions for real analysis that I've seen on here: [TABLE] [TR] [TD] Math 401 [ 4 ] Advanced Calculus I [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] Description: Rigorous treatment of calculus in one variable. Definition and topology of real numbers, sequences, limits, functions, continuity, differentiation and integration. Students will learn how to read, understand and construct mathematical proofs. Please, someone give me a more thorough description of real analysis, or at least what I am expected to know when adcoms are looking through my application in regards to real analysis. [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] -
I will be applying to finance PhD programs this application season, and therefore will only have one more semester of courses completed before application season. Ceteris Paribus, between an analysis course from the math department, and the first microeconomics course from an econ PhD program, which is going to have the greater signaling power to an adcom? Cheers and thanks for the continued help!
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What is the University of Chicago's math course called that is equivalent to Real Analysis I & II (which prospective Econ Ph.D. students "must" take)? I found the sequence called "Analysis I,II,III" but it seems to be a sophomore course so I'm not really sure. Is there also a graduate version or other upper-level versions (not the Honors Analysis) of the course which students can take without taking Analysis during undergrad? Lastly, I was wondering if it is necessary to take the analysis sequence for all 3 quarters if my goal is to enter Economics Ph.D. (Some people say Real Analysis I is enough, etc. The sequence numbers get more confusing because UChicago runs a quarter system.) Thanks a lot! P.S. I want to attend UChicago's masters program and want to figure this out in advance! I've already finished undergrad from another university and unfortunately did not take Real Analysis.
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Hello-- I am preparing to apply to an Econ PhD. I have taken Calculus I, II, multivariate, differential equations, and linear algebra. (I have also taken statistics and two curses in applied econometrics.) I have time and money for an extra course. I am debating whether to take Real Analysis or Probability Theory. Which one would you recommend I take? -
I am currently a junior at college and am considering doing an independent study (one-on-one with professor) in Real Analysis. The professor has suggested that we use Royden's Real Analysis (3rd ed) for this course. I am a little concerned because I have come across numerous postings in URCH and other websites that describe Royden as a graduate text and advise against using it for a first course in analysis. In addition, the non- independent study (regular) Real Analysis classes normally offered by the math department at my college use books that are either at the level of baby Rudin or below Rudin. However, my professor thinks that I have the ability to understand this book and do fine in the class. Has anyone heard of an undergraduate analysis course that used Royden? I am willing to take on the challenge and work my a$$ off, but I would like to know what you guys think of this idea. Does it seem like a bad idea? or are there people out there who have done well in a first undergraduate analysis course that used Royden? Also, does Royden leave out any important topics that are otherwise covered in an introductory undergraduate analysis course that uses baby Rudin or other books at the level of Rudin? As compared to Rudin, how well do you think Royden would prepare me for a second course in undergraduate analysis such as Real Analysis II. I look forward to your replies.
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hello everyone, Is it more useful to take a partial diff equations course or Advanced Calculus II (which I would believe would equal to a real analysis course. it includes a continuation of a rigorous analysis of functions, multiple integrals, line and surface integrals, Green's Theorem, Stoke's Theorem, infinite series, improper integrals - according to course description)? Thank you! -
Hi Everyone! I'm almost done completing my requirements to apply to econ PhD programs, with the final remaining course being the all-important Real Analysis. I'm current working full-time and going through the available Boston-area schools to find a course that would be satisfy the requirement. I'd like to take "Introduction to Real Analysis" at UMass Boston (the class is ~$1300 whereas BU, BC, Harvard, etc are ~$4000 per class), which is the second part of a two-semester sequence (the first semester/preqrequisite is entitled "Intro to Proofs".) Aside from school prestige, I'm concerned with taking a course that does not cover the expected material of an incoming student. Here is UMass Boston's course description for "Intro to Real Analysis": Description: By comparison, here is the undergraduate real analysis sequence at BC: [h=4]MT 321 "Analysis I" [/h][h=4]MT 322 "Analysis II" I'm hoping to get into a top 20 program. Would the UMass Boston real analysis course be viewed as sufficient by admissions committees? I'd really hate to spend an extra $6000-$7000 if I don't have to. Thanks everyone![/h]
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Hello, I am a senior in economics and I am about to graduate. I'm going to work for a year and then I will apply to gradschool. Although I'm finishing my degree in the US, I am originally from Europe and I would like to get my masters there. I'm considering Mannheim, LSE, Bonn, St. Gallen, to name a few, however, I am leaning more towards a finance related degree. Anyway. I have a 3.8, and calc I-III, Linear Algebra, Econometrics and Econ related stats. I received either A and A- in all of these. However, I also quite foolishly took Real Analysis this semester. I couldn't drop it in time (I'm taking 12 credits and dropping this class would very harshly penalize me), but I am taking it pass/no pass(fail). I am most likely going to fail it. Once that happens, how will that affect my chances of admission to the above programs? I know that RA is not used at masters level econ. I would hate it to take it again though- at least not without having taken some proof-writing class beforehand (I was also thinking of doing Stanford's RA online course, although it doesn't seem to be too good). Any advice?
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Hello everyone, I want to strengthen my application for the next cycle of economics phd applications by taking math courses. My current math background: solid grades (A) in a few undergraduate courses that basically cover Chiang's textbook taken a decade ago (I am in my early 30s) and an 800 score in the math part of the GRE. This fall I will enroll in a real analysis class at a local university (I will prepare for that through self-study). This summer, given my crazy work schedule, I have two options: an online linear algebra course at EPGY or a matrix algebra class at a local university, which will cover: systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, introduction to vector spaces and linear transformations, applications. I only have time for one of the two options. Which would work best for my application? Any advice welcome!
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I am taking real analysis this semester will almost certainly receive a B/B+. This is mostly due to time constraints, I am also taking Math states (A) and working full time as an RA for a well known economist (Yale, Brookings). How will this effect my possibilities of getting into top top 30 schools in future admissions cycles? Likely applying in Fall 2011 oe 2012.
