<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>Currently I'm a graduate student getting my masters degree in systems engineering with an emphasis in operations research and statistics at the university of Arizona. My under graduate degree was in mathematics probability statistics with a minor in economics. I had a GPA of 3.67 but I transferred from a community college, so if you average my GPA from there as well (3.9) my overall is more like 3.8.</p>
<p>I've taken through real analysis (B+) and topology (A) as an undergrad and I'm taking more statistics and math classes now as a grad student. Though my GRE scores weren't stellar ( I got a 161 or 770 quant.) I plan on retaking that, as well as the math subject test at some point.</p>
<p>My research focus in my masters is in machine learning techniques. Currently my research is being directed by my supervisors in the direction of applying machine learning to optical navigation techniques for deep space/NASA missions (I'm involved with NASA project now). But I am really interested in making sense of large data sets and using time series forecasting methods.</p>
<p>I have had the desire to study economics on the graduate level for a long time. What do you think of my chances of getting into a top program like Berkeley, Stanford, Columbia etc. (I want to study international trade and currency markets). Also do you think my current program if I complete it will help to make me more competitive?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>