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I am curious as to what sort of range (if any) exists in the funding offered to the admits for the top 15 programs or so. Perhaps this differs between the very top 5 or whatever and the next 10 or so. I am primarily talking about funding by the university or department itself, although perhaps it is the case that those admitted to the very top programs have a much easier chance getting external funding? Does anyone have some insight? Cheers

First time posting in this forum, though long-time lurker. I am a junior and have been wanting to do a PhD in Econ for a while now. more serious classes approaching and I want to be in top shape and ready to maximize my potential. I'm aware it's still early for a few of these things but if you could recommend me what else I should do to have a strong chance at the top 10, I will be grateful. some of these classes i haven't taken yet but are on my plan. Type of Undergrad: top 40/50 USNWR private research uni, BSc in Core Math & Economics, minor in Comp Sci Undergrad GPA: 3.82 (atm, it's stayed above 3.8 so far. trying to keep it that way) Type of Grad: n/a Grad GPA: n/a GRE: not yet taken Math Courses: Calc 1,2,3,(A,A,A) Linear Algebra(A), Intro to Stats(B), Intro Abstract Math(A), Differential Equations(A), Abstract Algebra(A), Real Analysis 1 and 2(taking now), Probability(taking now), Math Stats, Grad Linear Algebra, Topology 1 and 2, Grad Abstract Algebra 1 and 2, Statistical Analysis, Differential Geometry Econ Courses (grad-level): Micro(taking now), Mathematical Economics 1 and 2(taking now), Grad Econometrics Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Micro(A), Macro(A), Game Theory(A), Econometrics(A) Other Courses: Intro to Programming 1 and 2, Computer Org and Architecture, 2 more. Letters of Recommendation: not yet, but I'm networking. Research Experience: 2 summers, one in Game Theory and one other one. Teaching Experience: tutor for 3.5 years, lead tutor in university's tutor center Research Interests: GT, econometrics SOP: not yet. Concerns: how influential LoRs can be Other: dept honors for math, triathlon team treasurer Applying to: ? another thing I should mention is that I haven't taken gen eds since freshman year so it's been all upper-level math and econ courses...no fluff. if i had gen eds my gpa would be much higher but im honestly proud of maintaining a 3.8 with all hard math courses. haven't had many forgiving curves either. so, besides a near-perfect GRE, what are some things that I can do to distinguish myself from other PhD students applying to top schools? is my math on par with students applying to top 10, or is it above par? I've been reading research papers the entire summer on topics that I like but haven't written original content, how common is having some research done under your belt in these echelons? any advice is appreciated.