<p>It seems like whenever I read these forum posts that the poster is either well ahead of me or doesn't have a shot. I feel like a pretty average student (at least in terms of students shooting for economic graduate schools) and I was just curious what's reasonable in terms of my profile. i.e. is it worth it to be applying to tier II schools (30-50) or is it a waste of time/money? I'd like honest input as I'm trying not to settle for anything less than what I'm capable of.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.85
GRE (Q): 158 (740)
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro (A), Intermediate Macro (A), Econometrics (enrolled), Mathematical Econ (enrolled), and a handful of electives (all A's)
Math/Stats Courses: Calc I (A-), Calc II (A-), Calc III (enrolled), Linear Algebra (A-), Mathematical Proof (enrolled), Statistical Analysis (A)
No notable research aside from a small development report. No professional experience.
I have letters of recommendation, but they aren't from stellar professors.</p>
<p>I know where my profile is lacking (GRE, not enough stats/math, etc.) and it's a bit late to remedy it, anyways. I've submitted applications to Kansas, Houston, and Florida St, all of which I think are attainable. Am I mistaken? Can I do better? Or is it even reasonable for me to think I can get into a PhD program at all? I think everyone can agree that it's a pretty stressful time and we're all just trying to do the best we can.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>