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I know the standard advice is "enjoy your last summer before grad school" but I'm definitely going to be reviewing before classes start since I've been out of undergrad for two years and my school's economics major wasn't very rigorous. I've been working through a calculus book (Kline) to sharpen up basic skills, and was planning to do the same for linear algebra. I have Simon and Blume "Mathematics for Economists" that I bought at the recommendation of a professor and want to work through as well. Is this a good plan? Anyone have other recommendations?

Hey, I am from India and I am writing TOEFL on 13th June. I have a fair knowledge in English and looking for a partner to hone my Speaking and Writing Skills. Hit me up if you are interested. Thanks!

ARGUMENT: The following appeared in the editorial section of a local newspaper: Nearly 70% of employers blamed inadequate training for the shortfall in skilled workers, yet 70% of education-providers believe they suitably prepare graduates for the jobs market. Similarly, employers complain that less than half of the young whom they hire have adequate problem-solving skills, yet nearly two-thirds of the young believe that they do have such skills. Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion. MY ESSAY: The argument provides two instances when two different parties claim and support contradictory statements. The author also provides figures which, at first glance, make the argument plausible. However, on close inspection, it is seen that their are many questions and alternatives not addressed. While the education-providers believe they suitably prepare graduates for the jobs, one possibility of why the employers still find their training inadequate is because of the pace of the job market. The markets progress and expand at a high pace and new jobs might be coming up requiring a whole new set of skills. It is possible that the education-providers are not yet aware of these advancements. If the author specifies that the employers are up to date with this information, then his argument would be strengthened. Another question that arises is that are the employers giving the newly hired youngsters adequate time to settle in before concluding that they lack problem-solving skills? As a fresher, it takes time to get used to the job and sometimes even guidance is necessary. It would be futile for the employers to expect a hundred percent performance from them on their first day. In continuation of the point above, an alternative explanation to the apparent contradictory figures and claims could be that the employers are not hiring workers with the relevant skills for the job role. For example, a well trained software engineer might not necessarily know how to work in the job role of a bank clerk. She would need some kind of training. Unless this unstated assumption is addressed, the argument falls apart. Last, even though two-thirds of the young believe that they do have problem-solving skills, their performance depends on their determination and sincerity to their current job role. Their ability of practically applying what they have been taught might also affect their performance. Hence, unless a specific mention of the source of the numbers mentioned in the argument, and a clarification of the points stated above are given, it can be concluded that the author fails to make a cogent and reasonable case. PS: I will be very grateful to whosoever takes out the time to review my essay. I have heard a lot about this forum, hoping it will help me out! Cheers!

My prior thread I was considering Masters programmes, however, this is contingent upon obtaining funding via loans. In case this doesn't turn out well, I have been thinking about applying to pre-doc and RA positions. Although these positions seem to vary quite substantially, a common theme seems to be that they are looking for good empirical skills and programming skills. I don't know how I compare with other students in terms of these skills and so I wanted to know if there was a list of resources (or equivalent) for me to look through to prepare/refresh for these positions.

Hi All, I was curious to hear from students who have completed their first year of PhD studies what they did to prepare for the quantitative courses. It has been years since I've learned calculus and linear algebra and I want to start brushing up on my old skills. So what books/methods do people suggest reviewing before I start my program in the Fall. I am preparing to start an accounting PhD with an archival focus. THANKS for the help

Hi,I am from Turkey. I have just graduated from the Northwestern University, USA. I will take a Toefl test within one month. However, I don't have any chance to practice my speaking skills in the homeland. If you are interested in, please contact me. Hamzasaracoglu2015@u.northwestern.edu

Hi,I am from Turkey. I have just graduated from the Northwestern University, USA. I will take a Toefl test within six month. However, I don't have any chance to practice my speaking skills in the homeland. If you are interested in, please contact me. Hamzasaracoglu2015@u.northwestern.edu

:question: Question : Should developing countries concentrate on improving industrial skills or should they promote education first? (question taken from “Free IELTS Writing Topics”; click here to see) :idea: Idea : Developing countries are struggling to develop and advance themselves. Having limited resources, they have to allocate wisely and make the best use of their resources so as to distribute equitable welfare to their people. In doing so, they face a critical question whether they should concentrate on improving industrial skills or promote education first. In my opinion, they should prioritize education. I see that the quality of human resources is the most important factor which determines the future, the competitiveness, and the survival of a country. And the best way to keep the quality of human resources high is education. Fact shows that many countries which succeed in keeping the quality of their human resources high emerge as developed countries though they perhaps have only limited natural resources. They have long invested in education. Well educated, their people are prepared to deal with the vicissitudes of their era and can always find ways to go through difficulties. On the other hand, many countries which rely much on industrialization but don’t pay due attention to the quality of their human resources lag behind in world competition. Believing that rapid industrialization is the fastest way to boost their economic growth and create employment, they give priority to improving industrial skills over education. As a result, they manage to provide labor supplies to their industry but fail to give proper education to their people and thus lower their competitiveness. Therefore, in order to rise from backwardness, developing countries should promote education first because it is the basic tool to increase the quality of their human resources. If they succeed in building their human resources, prosperity and welfare will follow. :)