<p>I am debating on leaving CSUSM for SDSU either as a junior transfer, or as a graduate to pursue a Master's degree in Economics, as my chances of getting a Ph.D from a UC are pretty much squashed, no matter how high my GPA is at little San Marcos.</p>
<p>Why would you say that? Getting into a graduate school is less about where you went to college than what you did there. If you take advantage of research opportunities, take the most challenging curriculum and have a strong application, you can certainly get into a good program. There are lots of UCs and not all their programs are at the same level of selectivity.</p>
<p>Well, for a graduate degree in Economics, just how great can the research opportunities be at such a little known university like San Marcos? I feel like it would be wise to finish my undergrad here, and then attain my MA at SDSU (As they don’t offer Ph.D. in Econ).</p>
<p>Is a Master’s degree in Econ even worth while? Don’t people usually just go all the way and leave Master’s holders in the dust?</p>
<p>You have professors there who have Ph.D.s and they can be good mentors for you. Most universities now understand the importance of undergraduate research and have opportunities for students. In addition, there are NSF sponsored REU programs in the summer which can provide good experience. Go talk with your professors and see what they can suggest.</p>
<p>Is there any realistic chance I can get into a UC grad program with a 3.8-4.0 GPA from CSUSM?</p>
<p>Of course there is a chance. Remember though that the most selective programs always have a lot of applicants and therefore it is impossible to state for certain that you will get into any particular program. That is why you need to choose a range of programs.</p>
<p>By the way, it is not a great idea to post the same question twice. You won’t get a coherent discussion.</p>