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Hi everyone, I am a junior planning to applying for graduate econ program of 2020 fall. My undergraduate school is in China, while I spend the whole junior year exchanging in Notre Dame. In China (freshman & sophomore): Overall GPA: 3.2 Main Econ Courses: Micro (A), Macro (B+), Metrics (B+), Game Theory (A), Labor Econ (A) Main Math Courses: Mathematical Analysis I-III ©, Linear Algebra ©, Prob & Stata © Exchange (junior): Overall GPA: 3.91 (last semester) Main Econ Courses: Advanced Micro (A), Public Econ (A-), IO (taking), Health Econ (taking) Main Math Courses: ODE (A), Operation Research (A), Real Analysis (taking), Stochastic Process (taking) Gre (preparing): In recent practice, I could keep Q 167+ My first two years are terrible, especially in math, and I'm sure that they'll have large negative effects. I was wondering if there is any possibility to compensate these drawbacks? (online math courses/gre math sub/undergraduate research?) Basing on my background, my expectation is top50 programs, is that too high? Or it's a better choice to apply some master programs first. Welcome to any suggestions! Thank you :)

I'm planning to apply next year, currently mulling over my best approach to the next 12 months. I just took Real Analysis/Linear Algebra combo course at the school I am a full time RA at (post-grad) and am awaiting my grade, expecting a B+ or A- Question is whether to take more advanced Real Analysis coursework this semester, or use it to focus on GRE prep, or something else. Further plans include retaking Multivariable Calculus, and/or Linear Algebra (a standalone course as opposed to the combo analysis course I just took) next summer term, and something else next fall term at the last chance before the apps. Also wondering if and how much energy should be put into editing my thesis to get published. I have one year to get whipped into shape, help! Complete other consideration is to attempt to be an RA for 3 years rather than 2, and potentially move to a different department, more rec letter options, etc.. Here is my "top school, weak grades" rundown: Type of Undergrad: B.A. Economics with Honors (Top 5 Econ research University) Undergrad GPA: 3.29 overall, 3.55 Econ Type of Grad:N/A Grad GPA: N/A GRE: N/A Math Courses: Multivariable Calculus (P - took on pass/fail for fear of bad grade), Linear Algebra and Differential Equations ©, Stats ©, Stats retake under different course name (A-) Econ Courses (undergrad-level): Macro (C+), Micro(B+), Metrics (A-), Independent Research Seminar (A), Honors Thesis (A), Case Studies in Economic Development (A-), Poverty and Impact Evaluation (A-), Intro Econ (A) Other Courses: Computing with Data (Basically an R class) Letters of Recommendation: Thesis advisor (very prominent development economist), current PI (AP at a top policy department, econ PhD from a top 20), 3rd letter TBD Research Experience: Currently a full time RA at a top policy department (working on economics research for an economist professor); Two independent development papers written, one published in an undergraduate journal and other working on getting published in a real journal; undergrad RA position with a prominent economist 1 semester; undergrad RA position with a PhD candidate in econ department 1 semester; undergrad RA position with a top Poli Sci professor 1 semester. Teaching Experience: N/A Research Interests: Development, Poverty, Inequality Concerns: Obviously my math grades. Other: Interned at a prestigious development organization on less analytical things, completed many more niche Global Poverty and Inequality courses and did very well. Coding skills: Stata, R, LaTex, ArcGIS, QGIS Applying to: Likely all top 10, bleeding selectively into top 20

Hello ! I am new at this forum and have been browsing around for a while. It has been very helpful in understanding the complexity of phd applications, thank you very much !! I am currently enrolled in an MBA program from the Welch College of Business (Sacred Heart University), based in the Luxembourg campus. Accordingly, I am working here for a major steel company in purchasing, and have been doing so for the past 6 years. Going back to school has been rather exciting and thought provoking, so I am investigating the possibility of furthering my education with a PhD in Organizational Behavior (macro) or Political Economics. My academic profile is to my opinion very average, especially in undergrad ... I am hereby kindly requesting your advice on what should I expect and how I should supplemment my current profile to be hopeful for a top 20 offer. PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: John Molson School of Business, Concordia University (Top 15 in Canada) Major in Finance, Undeclared Minor in Political Science Undergrad GPA: overall 2.6 (very weak) major GPA 3 Type of Grad: MBA Current GPA: 3.8 (16 credits completed, expect same for graduation in Dec 2017) GMAT: will take this coming summer, previous score in 2011 : 590. Took all the required algebra and calculus classes need for undergrad so got waived all calculus classes for MBA. Before my Business degre, studied Economical Sciences for one semester to get proper Math and Econ skills for Bachelor. Letters of Recommendation: None as of yet. Plan ask my current professors at MBA. Research Experience: None Teaching Experience: None Research Interests: Interested in Organizational behavior (macro) and Political Economics. I understand they are very diverse, as I said I am still investigating various fields. Plan to browse different journal articles in the next few weeks. Concerns & Questions: I lack research experience I didn’t write an undergrad thesis. Is this going to be a significant minus on my app ? What schools can I realistically aim for in the current state? Are there any other ways to improve my profile and schools I might be able to aim for after doing so? Should I just forget about a PhD ? I would appreciate an objective evaluation of my profile, harsh comments very welcome ? as I said, I am investigating... Thanks so much Urch Community!

Hi, I have recently completed a Taught MSc Economics at a top 10 UK university and was interested in continuing on a MPhil/PhD. Since I have found full time employment in an Economist role, I was looking to do the PhD on a part time basis in the UK. Unfortunately, my MSc results were not very strong. I had an average of just 59% (58% from the taught and 60% from the research component) which is just a pass. Many of the PhD programs I have checked usually require at least a good Merit (of 65%+) or a Distinction. My undergraduate degree was quite strong (First-class honours, within top 5) with very high scores (80%+) on all quantitative subjects as well as my dissertation, however, I got my undergraduate only from a top 50 UK university which is not very strong in research. My question is therefore if you guys have any idea what the chances are of getting into a PhD programme with a weak MSc? Is the master qualification usually a k.o. criteria or do they put more weight into the proposal and work experience or can one demonstrate suitability through taking the GRE?. Further, do you know if part time (self funded) programmes have the same entry requirements as for full time programmes? If chances are too low of getting into any programme, would you have any suggestions of alternative routes? I.e. doing a second master to show academic suitability? My research interests are in economic growth and development as well as financial economics. Thanks for your help!

Hey Everyone, It seems like you all have stellar back-grounds, and amazing profiles (pat yourselves on the back - yes even you, Troll), but I am sure once in a while there are people like me that trod in here (and feel out of place.) You know who I am talking about - those with the below 3.7, dare I say, even close to the 3.0 (sometimes below!! (gasp!)! So I was wondering, can we compile something for us? Schools that took in students with way less than stellar profiles (late bloomers / 40-hr week works / late careers pickers...), and where dd they go from there? Are there people on this forum who actually had a bad profile and were somehow able to turn it around? Without doing another UG? List of schools that take a more holistic approach on admissions, departments that are low ranking and offer partial funding? Departments that accept less than average profiles, but can help transfer/place students to a good PHD program? Thanks! :)