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Hello, I’ve just finished my first year of a BSc Economics degree at Warwick University. I’ve been dead set on a PhD in Economics in the US for a while, and I’m aiming for the top 5. However, I don’t feel like my undergraduate degree is helping me. Although I can take a limited number of modules from the maths department, I don’t feel like I’m getting enough maths to be competitive at the top programs. I have the option to switch to BSc MMORSE (essentially maths, stats and economics), which allows for far more mathematical/statistical/econometric modules to be taken while not sacrificing much economic theory, although it would take me two years longer. I’m struggling to come to a decision on whether to switch. I’ve performed well in my first year (estimated top 0.5-1%), but worry that even if hypothetically every other part of my application was exceptional, it would be undermined by my lack of maths. I realise how hard it is to get into a top 5 program especially with a non-top 10 undergrad, but I’m serious in my ambitions. Do you think the value placed by the top PhD programs on mathematical preparation justifies the obvious financial/social costs of switching? Thank you!

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?

Hi all, I am currently attending Top 10 Econ undergraduate in the U.S. Eventually, my school allows students to take graduate level math courses if students show sufficient mastery of undergraduate mathematics and have certain grade point average. I was originally planning on taking graduate-level math courses such as Measure Theory, Functional Analysis and etc. Then, I noticed that our undergrad math department offers independent study course where students get to choose the topic and take the 1:1 course with a faculty member of their choice. here are my questions: would it be better off learning the grad-level math topics through independent study? (I believe that this can help me adjust the pace of my study and lower the risk of getting a bad grade) or would it be better off taking the actual graduate courses? Would A-s in math courses send a negative signal when I apply to Econ Ph.D?

Hi all, Been following the advice shared on this forum for a while and finally decided to step in and ask for some advice myself. I am completing my final year of a BSc Economics in a mid-tier UK university (not such a bad one, students have been continuing on to some LSE courses in the past and the like). I will hopefully graduate at the top of my class and am expecting a first-class degree. My final goal is to apply for a PhD in Economics at a top US institution - say top 10 (top 5 would be my dream, like any economist's I guess). My interest is in applied micro, however given that I really enjoy theoretical proofs and the like, I am open to concentrate on more theoretical/mathematical fields depending on how I will score on (and feel about) those at masters level. How would you guys, given your experience, rank the following options for maximising chances of getting into a top US PhD: MSc Economics (LSE); MSc Economics (UCL), MSc Economics (Warwick), MSc Applicable Mathematics (LSE). I am not a maths genius, but I do enjoy myself a lot in maths and stats modules and thought gearing up on maths in preparation for an econ PhD wouldn't be too bad an idea, given how much weight is put on maths at that level. Again, references from economists are, I guess, much more important than how much maths I did at my MSc, however applied to social sciences... Looking forward to your advice!